Power Coating my Wheels

Discussion in 'General 1000RR Discussion' started by samuk, Mar 25, 2014.

  1. samuk

    samuk Well-Known Member

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    I like the orange, i have some fading on the rims, from cleaning...

    wanted to give then a new look...wanting to keep the same Repsol Orange

    anyone here got bike wheels powder coated before?
     
  2. BoroRich

    BoroRich Elite Member

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    Yeah I had mine done last year.

    Had to remove the bearings and dust seals from the wheels. Also degreased them the best I could.

    Took them to be powder coated, got them back, installed new bearings and dust seals and refitted the wheels.
     
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  3. samuk

    samuk Well-Known Member

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    how much did it cost? and who did you use?
     
  4. JonnyKilkelly

    JonnyKilkelly New Member

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    Mine were powder coated in the closest (looked almost identical to oem) but when fitted the colour didnt look right. Long story short theyre now 2 packed KTM Orange, and I no longer polish them like a bastard but care for them with fragrance free baby wipes! :D
     
  5. BoroRich

    BoroRich Elite Member

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    I think it was about £100 for the powder coating.

    I used a local company called Motorcool Services.
     
  6. thezipsteruk

    thezipsteruk Elite Member

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    Being an Essex lad it may be worth giving Renzland Forge (Colchester) a ring or visit, it was a long time ago thy did mine but they did a great job and a reasonable price.
    From memory was about £70...was a while back though. Let me browse samples of colours and were very helpful.

    Their website looks a bit more lah dee dah these days but still the same peeps.

    Renzland Powergates, for all Gates, Railings, Automation, Access Control, Bespoke Metalwork

    ill see if I can find a piccy of the ol girl (gonna make me cry though)
     
  7. Tifa

    Tifa Active Member

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    I had mine done by Central Wheels at coleshill near Birmingham.
    Amazing finish, and service.
    Highly recommended.

    Almost forgot £140 all in.
     
  8. thezipsteruk

    thezipsteruk Elite Member

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    not the best piccy in the world, but these were black wheels before Renzland Forge!
    stood up to all weathers and my Chain and lock too.
    old blade 2.jpg
     
  9. Phpbiker

    Phpbiker New Member

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    Sorry Lads .. caused a ruccass on other forums .. but I gotta chime in ..

    You should never powder motorcycle wheels, especially not these modern alloys ..

    Paint is the right finish .. and a better one .. believe it or not safer, more resilient, less likely to cause balance problems .. etc ..etc .. and there are etc'ers .. :)
     
  10. BoroRich

    BoroRich Elite Member

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    *waits for the supporting evidence*
     
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  11. sps170373

    sps170373 Moderator
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    I'd be interested to know why also not to powder coat? As in the etc's
     
  12. blade1980

    blade1980 Active Member

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    Got mine done last year from gold to white, cost me £90 all in and well worth it!
     
  13. Kentblade

    Kentblade God Like

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    Are these opinions backed by any practical knowledge?

    Most wheels these days are powder coated primer, then either powdercoated base and clear or wet sprayed.

    How powder coating would effect both the alloy, balance and safety is a new one to me, and I used to make a living out of refurbing wheels, and I can guarantee there are a lot of other things done to wheels that will potentially affect your safety and its not powder coating.
     
  14. Frost1

    Frost1 Active Member

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    I had some car alloys done and they all ended up with hairline cracks after getting airborne a few times, felt like they were out of balance :eek:
    Spoke to another company who do mine now and they said that the heat up cool down process is quite critical and must be done correctly. I have done the ring and autobahns hitting 180mph (sat nav backed up in a 500bhp Scooby) and now have no problems. The first company I used were very cheap and probably cut corners so a lesson learned for me :)
    I suppose the first companies work might be ok for "normal" people, until they hit pot holes etc, all IMHO of course.
    If the company are reputable I wouldn't have any worries.
     
  15. SIDEWAYS

    SIDEWAYS Senior Member

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    There were cases of powdercoating catching fire but this is extreme temperatures.Outdoor barbecues and patio heaters.Never heard of any other issues.
    Powder coating is used for durability and cheaper to coat big things in manufacturing.Cannot see how it would affect safety/balance etc on wheels,unless too much overlay by a incompetent person.Balancing wheels are what balance weights are for.
    Personally paint and lacquer is what I would use.Cos I sell it and get a glossier finish with lacquer.But its dearer and takes longer to do.
    So I would use powdercoating too if its saves money and looks ok on a budget.
     
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  16. Frost1

    Frost1 Active Member

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    Lacquer the powdercoat then :)
     
  17. SIDEWAYS

    SIDEWAYS Senior Member

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    Nah Laquer the paint or even hydro dipping in whatever colour you like.Powdercoat is limited in colours:p
     
  18. Mike07

    Mike07 Active Member

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    Could there be an annealing type issue?
     
  19. BoroRich

    BoroRich Elite Member

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    I wouldn't think so. From what I know powder coat is normally heated at around 200°c. I work in a factory where we anneal steel tubes after forming and this is done at around 600°c. Or over 1,000°c if you're talking about stainless steel.
     
  20. Frost1

    Frost1 Active Member

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    Apparently the molecular structure can change if not heated up to correct temp and cooled correctly. Thats what I was told about alloy wheels and as previous post they will crack :eek:
     

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