ReTitled: My Vetter PinStriping - Applied to new paint job

04/07/11 For anyone still interested in my insanity, my pin-striping (sans the fairing) is complete. I'm 90% happy with my work and how it turned out. See page 4 and beyond for more info.

01/13/11 Still tinkering in Photoshop while parts are away for painting. Newest ideas on page 6 and beyond...

UPDATE: Picture L on page 2 is probably the winner (or very similar to it). Black on black and a thin miminalistic white design that the wife likes :lol:.

Page 3 also has that minimalistic black with the decals filled in with with and a similar pattern on the tank and trunk lid.

- - - - - - - - - -

I had another post before, but I have a full Vetter set installed now and a nearly final paint design. I intend to tear off the parts that need repainting (and my eBay tank) and bring it up to my Brother-in-law next weekend (3 hours away).

I'm open to feedback - General or specific

The one item that I've spent the least amount of time thinking about is the tank. I'd be happy with solid black but I'm also trying to find a two tone pattern I like. (I'm trying to follow the curves of the tank and use other Yamaha tank patterns as inspiration).

So other than hating my color choices what do you all think? To much two-tone? If one area doesn't look right please be specific. I've played with a 3rd color accent, but haven't had much luck finding the right one.

I've consider Silver/Black but it might clash with all the shades of Aluminum/Chrome/Stainless steel bolts. I also have a Black/White motorcycle jacket and helmet (and like the clean combo).

I have no idea when my bro would actually start painting, but I'd rather get a nearly finished printout in his hands so I can explain my desires in person. So time is somewhat of the essence. Now lets hope the weather cooperates while I take the parts off. (GRRR I already put that fairing on 3 times already....)

NOTE: The luggage plastic can not be painted so I has to be black. The inner surfaces of the fairing will remain black. My Maxim is currently a black tank/side covers. The Luggage and lowers are currently white. The Fairing is currently a poorly painted & peeling dark purple over dark blue. I have considered ALL BLACK, but kinda liked the white/black combo.


A - White Touring - Black C Swoop - White Tank with Black Tear


B - White Touring - Black C Swoop - Black Tank with White Tear


My current and nearly finalized idea. My "design" was very similar to this state even before I started staring at the famous "Vetterized" poster.


There are the original style decals used on the Winjammer 3, 4 and SS.

P.S. Since I'm using Photoshop, I might quickly change it to a black design with white "pattern" and probably a mostly black tank.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Here is the black with white pattern.
Its 2:30am and not really looked at it, so I don't know if I like it yet.
But a quick look - Its not to bad


C - Black Bike - Black Touring - White C Swoop

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

personally,of the pics you have shown,i prefer the one with the white teardrop pattern on the side of the tank....but i think it needs to b slightly smaller.and i know the panniers are a diff shape to the topbox,but if you can get the patterns to match...ie same size as each other i think it would look a little more uniform.this is just my opinion tho,im sure there will b plenty of peoples who like it just how it is.
i think the set up as a whole looks great tho.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

that mostly black one looks very nice too.are you insistant on black and white? i would like to see that scheme in black with gold instead of white.it may not work because of the alloy on engine,but i do like black and gold together.like the old john player special formula 1 cars.have seen a 350 lc done in black and gold,with a polished alloy tank.it looked the dogs dangly bits.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

I agree. Since Vetter still sells the original striping kits http://www.craigvetter.com/pages/Online ... _main.html why not paint the paintable parts to match your bike and use the original striping kit?

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Just my opinion but I think you are all over the place with to many different shapes on the graphics. The seca tank would be better suited to the shape of the cases and boxes.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

I agree with waldo. it looks like a lot going on all over the place. i like the look of just solid paint schemes (i.e one color for frame and either matching or contrasting color for tins and wheels. i'm not into graphics or accents. I like to keep it simple and clean. thats just my two cents. the choice is ultimately yours and what you want your bike to look like. your the one riding it and building it for you.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

grinder:
* My tear drop shape is not final yet. I'm still playing with masking tape on my eBay tank. That was a best guess drawing in photoshop at that angle.
* I can try to get all the swoop sizes closer together. I was just trying to get the biggest swoops to fit the curves (to be a little different than the originals).
* Since I made a black version I will play with the gold color. (White and gold wasn't gonna cut it for me). It does clash a little with the alum/chrome but it is a popular combo.

bigfitz52:
* Yeah I'm on craig's website alot. I'll play with the gold black and see how it works. But I also figured my brother could paint/pinstripe the patterns for me for FREE (or at least cost of materials). I was also trying to make the pattern "mine".

waldo:
* Other than the different sizes of the swoops, I'm basically following the indents of the panels and the original patterns with my personal flair. The tank pattern might be TOO MUCH.
* I have a Seca tank (not tried to fit it). But I want to keep my side panels and stock seat.

THANKS FOR THE FEED BACK SO FAR. More is welcome. I still have a week to mess with it, and probably more if I want to email a FINAL pattern to my bro.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

If you scale the radius of the swoops to the length of the straight section I think it would flow better also the bottom of the tank needs to be a straight line. What program are you using to try all this out on
I would like to give it a try myself.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

I can try a smaller swoop radius. Bigger radius was my original plan, but this is the first time I'm seeing ALL the parts in one picture on the bike. (Keep in mind the lower part of the fairing will normally be off in warm weather.

EDIT: The bottom of the tank tear drop was/is following the actual curve of the tank.

PM me an email and I can shoot over a photoshop file. (Not really sure how big it is at the moment). Do you want the black or white panel version?

- - - - - -

Here is a Black bike and Gold pattern attempt. NOTE: Color sampled form pattern picture shown above. (It doesn't look quite right but its "gold-ish").


D - Black Bike - Gold C Swoop Pattern - Black Tank

- - - - -

EDIT 2:
I'll call this my R swoop. This is the idea I transffered to the bike picture after I drew the trunk and saddle bag first. Its sort of an upside version of the Vetter design with my larger radii used. This design looks alot less BUSY. I don't know why it changed to the C swoop. But it was past midnight...


E - Black Bike - White R Swoop - Red Accent color

Sometimes Photoshop can be great or lead to TOO many ideas.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

FYI: This is a top down version of the tank tear drop idea I had. This might give you some idea why I was trying the tear drop...


Top down view of a tear drop pattern - Pink outline might be red in real life - But keep the pink ribbon

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

I like that but I am partial the the Midnight myself even though I did not care for the gold side covers on the Midnight version just seemed like to much to me. Can you black out the silver on the side cover

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

I can black out just about anything - I even considered it alot before.


F - Black Bike - Gold C Swoop - Blacked out Side Cover Alum
Is this what you wanted to see?

Early on I played with Black/Grey pattern but the white seemed to pop more - And I had gotten use to the White luggage on my black bike.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Here is a link to my Photoshop file.

http://rapidshare.com/files/436514834/M ... t_Idea.zip

Most of the "swoop radii" are their own layer. Each part has its own group. I did my best to relabel the layers for others to try to follow.

Yes at one point I did consider Graphic Design, but I'm not very "artistic" and I'm anal retentive and a bit OCD about getting "patterns" perfect. (Can't you tell?)

Rapidshare: Click on the free/slow download - Wait - Enter any necessary catcha phrase and download.

P.S. I also went back and relabeled/lettered all my picture ideas so far. I suggest to refer to a picture if you have specific comments/suggestions.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

As I consider other colors and people make color suggestions please keep this in mind: Basic Black and white requires no mixing or color matching for touch up. (In theory anyways).

Here's yet another minor tweak. * Smaller Tear Drop * White side cover with pin-striping * Properly painted the trunk lid white (it would end up with a similar pattern and/or a Yamaha logo). I will probably edit this for black version next to compare.


G - White Touring - R Swoop Black Pattern with Red Accent - White Side Panel - Smaller Tear Drop with Pin-stripe

- - - - -

Here is the black version.
* Not sure about the white tank tear drop or it's size
* The white swoops look to fat
* Not sure what the side cover would really look like - It looks a bit busy
* Red accent added to fairing as well


H - Black Touring - R Swoop White Pattern with Red Accents - Black Side Panel - Smaller Tear Drop with Pin-stripe

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

i like the bottom one,but........instead of doing a full white teardrop,how about a white teardrop outline (black centre) that matches the fairing? ie thicker at the front moving to thinner lines at the rear? the full white doesnt quite match the fairing and panniers for me.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Here's some fun with colors. NOW THIS IS MODERN ART!!

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

I have not decided if Touring will be black or white base yet. But the thicker-to-thinner tear drop outline does sound interesting white out being so "in your face".

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

kinda looks like a retired police bike lol
Tons of those cruising around here.


honestly, i think less is more. dont force custom paint just for the sake of doing it. If it were me, i'd choose something other than white. Maybe something with less of a contrast, like silver or gunmetal grey, both in metallics (in fact mercedes silver AND a dark metalic gunmetal grey instead of white and black would be BITCHIN).

Dont mean to knock your design, and to hell what anyone says, go with it if you like it. It's just the stigma of white and black bikes kinda kills it for me, since there's cops on bikes all over here.

Everytime i see a white and black touring bike on the road, i want to throw something at them for making me think they're a cop and having to slow down lol
Just kidding, i wouldnt do that, but it gets annoying lol

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Grinder this may not be exactly what you had in mind, but here's my first attempt.


I - Black Touring - White R Swoop - White Swoop Tank Outline - Red Accent

I may stick with this color scheme/pattern and try to shrink the swoop thickness some. (To make it more minimal). [It's relatively ease to swap black/white colors in photoshop].

vanimal:
* I hear your feelings on the black/white police feeling :twisted: FYI: I did love the Blue's Brothers and their "Retired COP Car" errr Blue's Mobile!
* "Less is More" would have me painting the parts black with a relatively small R swoop thickness. I'm starting to lean towards this.
* I'm not so much doing custom to be custom. My Touring parts need to be repainted (eventually) anyways. If I can get FAMILY to do it for free (or cost of paint) AT A BODYSHOP I'm all over that!'
* This maybe a "custom design" but its really just redo the striping that is already on the parts (sans the tank/side cover) and putting my flair on it.


EDIT:


J - Black Touring - MINIMAL Smaller Radii White R Swoop - White Swoop Tank Outline - Tank Tweaked - Red Accent

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

I'd just paint it black and shine up the chrome.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Depending on how much "work" my Bro-In-Law wants to do... That just might happen :roll:

I could do simple white tape pin-stripping if wanted to then. SHRUG

EDIT:
Talk about a minimal look that could work. Additionally I'd have full control of the pin-stripping (bonus). If I did this I'd buy 3M Reflective White Pin Striping Tape. HMMMMM *Wheels start turning in my brain* FYI: The tank definately needs some work or plain black in this version. Probably polished and plain black side covers as well.


K - Black Touring - Black Tank & Side Panel - White Pin striping outline ONLY

Note: I had this idea a long time ago, but never fleshed it out on paper or photoshop. Interesting...

Thanks Orange-n-Black and everyone else (so far). :wink:

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

My last one for a while - Got a few things to do

Put the tank back to solid black and original colors for side panel. (Well shinier and blacker).

Other than the cost/time of the pin striping tape, this would be the fastest/cheapest to paint (for anyone).


L - Black - White Pin Striped Pattern - Black Tank - Polished and Black Side Panels

How about instead of white a nice cyan (ala TRON) and some blue accent LEDs

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

+1 on the black with white pin stripe and polished/black side pieces.
Have the the stripes painted on, I used tape on mine only to come home from work and see that it had peeled off into the floor! @#$%$#@&*!

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Just to show the White minimalistic version:
(Not for everyone, but would be more visible to cages and in a sea of HDs at an event LOL).


M - White Touring - Black minimal R Swoop outlines - Black Tank - OEM Side Panels


ZERO - My actual bike and current paint/striping

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

My wife finally gave me a solid opinion. (I ask often and get "I don't know" or "It's yours").

She likes the black with thin lines pattern. (Picture L).

I'm so use to the white luggage, but I can definitely dig the black touring pieces.

Thanks all for the help as I worked out the kinks in the overall look.

Opinions and nitpicking still welcome though. 8)

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Well you know you should've just asked her first. :lol:

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

I did. I always got non committal type answers. :roll:

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Here are some detailed views of the touring panels and their patterns.

Actual patterns would have equal pin-stripping gaps and as-equal-as-possible swoop radii.

The red accent color is not final, but it does give it a little extra something.

I also worked on a pattern on the tank again. It is very similar some of my original pattern ideas I have tried prior to making this post (and the other one).

Read comments on the pictures for more details/info.

My main concern with the pattern on the tank is that is is very "busy" at the tank-to-seat line.

I may stick with a plain black tank, but I'm still trying to make a pattern work.





Cool Note: The thumbnails of the 3 panels are almost to relative scale to each other. 8)

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

This slight tweaking of the tank pattern just might work. It might be overkill, but alot of "touring bikes" have the patterns/paint matching all all pieces including side panels.



Keep in mind the striping scale is not perfect. The fairing, lowers and tank striping looks a bit to thick and the trunk and saddle back striping looks to small. Oh well.

Comment: The swoop on the tank is not perfect/final. I'll have to play with some masking tape to see what it really will/should look like. (Maybe later today).

Note to self: Next time you start a project like this - Use a ruler like on CSI so you can make everything to the same scale in photoshop.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

i think it gives it a more "era correct" look, which IMHO, looks alot better than trying to force a modern look onto an old bike. That gets tacky, quickly.

Looks alot better.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Hey which part are you refering to? The matching pattern everywhere? The red stripe? Or the fact that it is VERY similar to the original vettern pattern? Or all of the above?

And yes it does look "era correct" without modern styling. At the same time I don't think it distract from the Maxim's look (not that it had a lot of color surface to begin with). That's my $0.02 anyways.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

dont know the original pattern, but i was refering to the whole thing. I kinda like the red stripes, it gives it a little something, without being too much.
cant go wrong with red,white, and black. One of my favorite looking bikes is the yamaha r7.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

FYI: The original / popular style for the Touring pieces in on page one in the original post. They are the gold colored decals.

*goes to look for R7 pictures* --- VERY Cool

EDIT:

I can't stop my self... Though I think I've "perfected" the tank pattern to go with the touring pattern.


Black Minimalistic and tank pattern.


Half and Half Cow-tastic (Could have WHITE painted aluminum part of side panels with black centers).


Inverted Half and Half Cow-tastic (WHITE painted aluminum part of side panels with black centers shown).


White Minimalistic with Inverted (but Black) tank. (Could have WHITE painted aluminum part of side panels with black centers).


Half and Half Version of Trunk lid that also shows what the tank pattern looks like flat.

*EDIT: I'm insane in the membrane!!!*

More EDITS:


Black Base Filled - Pattern filled in to match the style of the tank's pattern.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Other than the black with ONLY white pin-stripped shape this design below is the closest to what I've been trying to do for a while.

It would also be relatively easy to do from a paint/masking point of view as well. (Bonus for my bro-in-law).



I didn't touch the side cover yet. That's a minor detail but I'd have to iron it out so I could drop them off with the rest of the parts.

Any thoughts on the side cover if I went with the above design?


All Parts in view. Remember tank swoop shape just a guess.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

I'm digging it, I like the stripes on the tank in the first pic because they flow with the shape.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

i like the pinstripping idea up top.but,just to give u something to do....lol.instead of running 2 stripes at the bottom of the tank and 1 up top,how about the other way round and a little more space inbetween them so they look similar to the boxes?

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

EDIT: Despite what I typed below earlier. I am actually working on a different (but similar) tank design. I'm not sure if it is what grinder meant. However its is a version similar to one I had a few months ago (but never did it with tape and this current pinstriped design). Pics to follow.

I hear what you are saying. The tank's pinstripping scale & position from the side view is a GUESS. The location of the swoop/curve is far from final. Time permitting I still need to play with some masking tape.

I hope to make all the pinstriping gaps equal and the big corner radii as close to equal as possible. (The tank curve will probably be bigger and follow the tank in some manner).

Regardless here are some pictures (not sure if I posted all of them to better show the final pinstripe design.


Take two of these patterns smoosh them together to make a single center strip and you get my trunk lid design.



Take my trunk lid pattern and lay it on the top of the tank and stretched it and you get my tank pattern. From the side or the top the tank WILL match the other patterns (or nearly).

FYI: I just reread your post - The 2nd strip on the top (near the gas cap) is not currently draw in photo shop. That might be why the pattern does not look correct. That line MAY not be visible while riding and will most likely be near the very front edge of the tank. I'll know better once I play with some masking tape.

After looking at about 200 white police bikes on google pictures, I'm definatity going with a black base color. For simplicity, I'm also 95% sure I'm going with the hollow pattern made by the pinstriping alone. I may still tweak the accent color. I'm also gonna try to make the pattern RED on a black base to see how that looks.

Although Craig Vetter didn't exactly say he liked my pattern, he did say:

Of course any non-HD stands out in ILL. 8)

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Well tonight I laid out some masking tape and drew on some lines with a sharpie. My initial attempt was OK looking. So I went hunting for an older Photoshop file that had a very similar filled version.


This is that basic pattern converted to a left and right pin-striped-outline "decal". It was OK, but there are lot of vertical lines that make it very busy looking.

To simplify the look and make it more like the trunk lid pattern I squeezed the patterns together to make a hollow Y shape. At 2am I have these 3 patterns. Which one do you like the best?


At the moment the 3rd one is my favorite. I even went and make a new avatar out of it. :wink:



Here is the taped up version of the pattern. I'll make a Photoshop version tomorrow night. (I need to tear the Touring parts off my ride tomorrow, so I can take them with me this weekend).

I may not actually put the fork tips onto the tank but the triple curved Y center is a definite possibility. (But then again its 2am again).


*Joke time*
You know you're a red neck when you repaint your tank and tins with colored duct tape.
Damn I need sleep.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Though this would not easily be done with striping tape, I have messed around with versions of this design for months as well.

OR OR

The 3rd one with the red tips could be done. I'd do the white stripes first. And either paint or cut tape for 3 fork spikes.

I think I need to go eat and start disassembling all the Touring parts and side panels I took off the bike a few hours ago. They should be warm enough now to not have to worry about frozen plastic snapping.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

#3 gets my vote.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

instead of having the stripes going to the top of the tank,would it look better keeping them on the side of the tank? hope you dont mind,ive had a little play with one of yr pics on paint to show what i mean.ive also deleted the square part of the pattern and think it makes the lines match more.see what you think......bear in mind it is a bit of a crude job....lol....

hopefully this works and u can see the pic.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

but front stripe on tank needs to cut back at bottom to follow line of tank and hopefully the lines of the boxes.this would also leave top of tank plain which would make your tuning forks logo easier to see?

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

I can play with what you've got here. I might try just double thin white lines (everyday common pin striping tape sold everywhere).

The top of the tank could be plain and try to make the pattern follow the tank curves.

Looking at what you did. I'd still have the "shapes" I wanted but an even cleaner look. Thanks I'll try that out (mentally and in photoshop).

I'm about 80% done disassembling the 3 luggage pieces. I'm even taking off the aluminum trim that holds the weather stripping. (The need cleaning/polishing and I'm gonna try to find new weather stripping).

FYI: The forks are not necessary - I was just having fun in photoshop.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

You're committing an error of aesthetics on the Rear of the Tank and on the Side Boxes.

When the Object is curved ... do not introduce an angle.
Let the Stripe follow the curvature of the Tank.
Don't "Force" the Right Angle. Let the LINE flow with the design.

On the Cases ...
You have BOTH a Angle and a Curve.

The "Outside Lines" can match the Design Angle and Curve.

The Inside Line is the "Decorative" stripe.

Where the (Top-front) Angle of the Design Line comes up and runs back, ...
The Decorative Line must "Compliment" the Angle in some fashion.
Not just bend and have "Opposite sight lines".

A "Teardrop Loop" substitutes for making the curve and going back.
Diamonds and Small Box will soften where a Inside stripe meets a curve.

(( Cut a long length of Vinyl Electrical Tape to lengthwise to lay-down and Mask the Curves. Apply Masking tape to the Vinyl where you need to paper.
The Vinyl makes a sharper line without "Masking Tape Bleed" ))

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

I'm still trying to get my head around your comments... So I'm not sure how to respond or tweak my pattern at this point.

Rear of Tank: I get don't force a straight line - follow the natural tank curves.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Still working... Is this "better" as far as aesthetics ???


I removed the large radii; smoothed out the corners of inner pinstripping. However I did keep the thicker two sides for each panel. On the lowers I mixed sharp corners and curves because that is more true the actual part. On the fairing I made it all corners to follow the space. The trunk lid is still a T version of the pattern.

I have not touched the tank yet with this "version". Who know I may keep it black...

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea



That's all I mean.

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

Thanks for the visual feedback rick.

I did fix the inside stripe corner radii already.

A previous version of the tank stripe (one of the original in this post actually), looked similar to the orange lines you drew.

I kinda wish the seat didn't cover so much of the rear end of the tank. I could easily make the patterns work with out the seat installed, but then it gets lost once you put the seat on. Oh well...

- - - - - - -
Edit so I don't have to make a new post.

My eyes are going buggy at 1:30 am and I'm losing track of what I have and haven't already tried drawing.

Regardless here is:
All smooth corners. Inner corner radii trying to follow outer ones. Two sides still thicker but lower left inner radii trying to follow outer ones.

I like the smoothness of this one. It has all the angular shapes but has soft curved corners.


Comments from the back seat driver included. :lol:

 

Re: Wanted Feedback on my newest repaint design idea

thats loads better.its amazing the effect such a small tweak can have. it has made such a big impact on the overall look of the bike.