Hi all, the 93 f2 I recently picked up has two different color rims, one black rim (the rear) and one white rim (the front). I want to paint the front one black obviously to match the rear. My question is; how difficult is it to remove the front wheel so I can paint it? Is there a way to paint it without removing it? Any tips on how to support the bike while takeing off the front wheel (I don't have a lift)? Thanks.

 

yu can use a jack on the oil pan then two jackstands on each fork.... but thats a horrible idea. so go spend 15 bucks and get a front wheel stand

 

Do a search in the how-to and general tech forums on lifting/supporting the bike.

There are several good threads on some clever ways to do this. One of the cheapest
ways is to use cargo straps anchored to the ceiling of your work-space. Almost all
involve getting a rear-stand to stabilize the rear of the bike in a vertical position.

Ern

 

yea, i'm cheap and dangerous. i used a bottle jack on the right fork and it stayed still. but you got your calipers, rotors, speedo drive, bearings, busings, you need to torque everything when you put it back on too or you'll do damage. then getting the tire off the wheel is real fun too, which would probably ruin and paint you put on it. i'd say paint it while it's on the bike just to avoid a lot of work. tape off everything that you don't want painted. or if your rich like other people on here just pay someone for it. lol

 

Get two friends. and a cinder block unscrew the wheel and in one quick motion two of your friends hold up the bike and place it on the cinder block side ways so the cinder block is on its "long" side. that should be stable for the bike to stay still.

than grab the wheels. newspaper and paint tape around the rubber take your time no rushing it. you can even get a utensil knife (no sharp tip) and get it perfectly around the rim. than spray paint away let it sit for 6 hours. come back get your friends to lift the front end up for 3 seconds until you get the wheel mounted screw on and your money.

 

Thanks, yeah, I'm one of those DIY guys who's always looking for the alternatives. I think I'll attempt to paint it while it's on the bike. I do like the idea of cargo straps from the garage ceiling, supporting the back wheel and throwing some paint at it. Thanks again.

 

Not to be a negative nancy here but why in the heck would you paint it on the bike??

Removal is extremely easy and support is as well. You can use a car jack with a piece of plywood, your engine has legs on it that if jacked properly should sit flat. Anchor the rear to something solid and ratchet down the front.

Im sorry to tell you, but if your thinking of painting it on the bike, it will soon look like hell. Id assume if your a DIY you wont be using a spray gun, and home depots gloss black in a can is your choice. Those gloss cans with built in clear will chip and eventually flake away exposing the white or primer. Also on a painting note.

I have sprayed many parts before and want to play devils advocate on your project.

1.How do you think you are going to scuff up the rim without missing a spot on the bike? The current paint needs scuffs and primer over the top so the bad aresol can stick to it.

2.What is your plan on avoiding runs? Since you will have to be very close to the rim to get around the rotor, your spray will definately be thick and unless done very very slowly, will run and look like poop.

3. How will you avoid the paint running down the inner and getting mixed with bearings, seals ect ? Its quite hard to tape well enough t only cover the unpainted bits.

4. How will you remove ALL grease from the rim to make a solid base for the primer to stick without taking it off the bike? paint doesnt really make friends with grease and dirt


I wish you the best with this but would stongly advise against it. For 25$ or less you can get someone to remove the rubber, and take it to a DIY sandblaster which will remove all grease paint and dirt. you will only have to tape over the inners (bearings seals ect).

 

Script, well noted, thanks for your input.