I normally don't seek colour advice, but...

[DSM-Mark]

I'm doing a Yamaha YZF-R1. I was planning on doing it bright red, but then I had another thought... why not paint the body work flat black!? The more I think of it, the more I think it would look cool... a real dark kind of cool. I ran it by my brother, but he is TOTALLY against the idea.

Feel free to vote, but your feedback in words is also greatly appreciated.

P.S. Normally I'm really a staunch supporter of the "Do it your way" principle, but this time, I'm just looking for some other advice.

[DSM-Mark]

Just imagine it.

[mikemechanic]

I like the look of the stock bike. I think that flat black belongs on the hot rods. Maybe gloss black with no markings would be better.

[DSM-Mark]

Originally Posted by mikemechanic

I like the look of the stock bike. I think that flat black belongs on the hot rods. Maybe gloss black with no markings would be better.

My thoughts on that:
1) Gloss black does not have the same affect as flat black. It reflects light so much more than flat black, which seems to swallow it. Flat black would give the bike a menacing feel. If I were to do a gloss colour, I don't think it would be black. I would go back to red.

EDIT: To add to this, the bike would be a "custom" paint job. It would be solid red, with white/gray markings. I'd lose the white in the factory two-tone.

2) unrelated... I HATE (heehee, a strong word, i guess) flat black hot rods! Hot rods are all about showing off the lines of your very unique ride. Flat black just kills all that for me. Favourite colour for a street/hot rod... Electron Blue on a Fat Fendered ride...

Thanks for the input though!

[Bilson8tor]

flat black would definately be different, but i cant seem to picture a flat black bike. I think a nice clean gloss black would kick ass, but thats just me...

EDIT: i just seemed to have a sudden change of heart and am really liking the flat black idea

[sjelic]

I like the idea, but be carefull if you are going to apply decals, don't do it on flat colour the decal will become silver. I like that kind of bikes (like test versions of GP bikes)

[DSM-Mark]

Originally Posted by sjelic

I like the idea, but be carefull if you are going to apply decals, don't do it on flat colour the decal will become silver. I like that kind of bikes (like test versions of GP bikes)

There would be no markings decals.

[sjelic]

I am looking at the picture and trying to imagine the bike, complete black would be to much, but with shiny red wheels , I don't know, if you do it don't forget to show it . I am very interested to see it done and if you change your mind eventualy regarding colour show it anyway.

[Bas Carwash]

I think that would really kick ass. Matt black Ducati's always look awesome too. So I say, go for it.

[Tikiman]

If you are still looking at this thread and still undecided, i say paint it matt black! But paint some small details in semi gloss balck to make the matt black even more effective. that's my I was thinking of painting my next bike matt black, so if you don't i will.

[labandabonnot]

You've got an idea, and you think it may look good: just do it! Doesn't matter what others say, just give them the right to comment the result!

If you're not satisfied with the result, you'll be able to add a layer or two of clear to make it gloss black...
That will be wild! An all CF covered would be nice too!
We want to be surprised! We're now waiting for the result!

[RallyRaider]

I agree with labandabonnot. Its your idea to paint the bike flat black so do it! You'll never know what it looks like unless you try.

[willimo]

Usually I refrain from comment and voting in these polls, but there is a flat black Yamaha that I see on campus sometimes, and it looks mighty trick. I'd go with it, do what you want, and don't listen to naysayers.

[mikemechanic]

I think I might take back what I said. A guy here at work just bought a new Ducati 749. It is matte black with a few silver decals. Looks awesome, so maybe your idea might look pretty good if done right.

[Porsche Carrera]

As for me flat black would look nice on it with smoked chrome or CF rims!