Is It Worth It To Powder Coat a Motorcycle Frame?

[@KensWorldRestorations]

Great topic - comes up a lot with us folks in the small volume restoration business. There are times when painting is necessary when absolutely required for originality if you plan on having your project judged at any serious level of competition. But for the DIY cottage industry, the expense, time and grief/mess of painting these parts yourself starts getting old quickly. Having done both several times, powder coating is the way to go. But like you mentioned, properly covering the bolt threads, any machined surfaces and preserving the VIN are vital. I have a great resource in Calgary that will do a motorcycle frame and swingarm for $300 (sandblast and coat 1 color). That's less than the cost of materials I used for the last frame I painted.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

That’s the truth. 100%

[@perrysmith1104]

Hi Ken, where did you get your powder coating done in Calgary? I'm in Lethbridge and considering having my Yamaha RZ350 done. Thanks

[@KensWorldRestorations]

@@perrysmith1104 I get my powder coating done at Powderworks. Just did my wheels on my FZR1000 Genesis restoration and they are flawless.

[@greghamilton5461]

Great post Brian. The shop I used did not use any plugs. Now I have to sand all those connections to get good grounds. Mine is a 71CL350

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Yeah. Those details and experience are key. They really paid attention to detail. Thank goodness.

[@davidaldrich3488]

My 1970 cb350 is powder coated down to include the gas tank along with what you did....$500 total, same as you....well worth it....looking forward to the rebuild

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Totally worth it.

[@nickvandernet]

Could you do a video on how to prepare the frame for sandblasting/powdercoating? What holes need to be stopped up, and with what, etc

[@madchem184]

How is the coating holding up?

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Worth every penny. Beats paint hands down.

[@TheWolfsnack]

One bit about powder coating is the heat.....I was in touch with a powder coating outfit a few hours away from where I live (rural) and was quoted $400 for a rigid Harley frame....with the added bonus that the frame was from a bike damaged in a garage fire, and the powder coat process also acts as stress relief.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Win-win

[@x66Hawk66x]

Powder Coating is brilliant, I will be doing this with my 97 Kawasaki kle 500. Powder coat does have it's downsides however, in some cases, such as my 1963 Raleigh rm4, I may go for rattle can. The reason for this is because powder coating does not fill in pitting, so the finish you can achieve in such cases is more limited when compared to the extra work using rattle cans and wet and dry sand paper. however my KLE is a dual sport bike, that's often used off road, the durability of powder coating far outweighs looks when the bike will be dropped anyway in that case.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Makes total sense. I did notice how powder failed to fill in imperfections. Much more control with paint.

[@lescorox]

you're videos have come a long way since the early days. Great job!!

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks, man. Made a lot of tweaks to the process over the years. Getting better everyday! Thanks, man.

[@stuartberryman8896]

Brian, have been crushing your videos! I literally followed them step by step in the tear down of my ‘71 CL 350. I too want to sandblast and powder coat this frame to extend the life of this bike and I have found a great local shop with a fair price in your recommended range. 2 questions for you, 1) why did you not have them do the upper an lower triple tree? 2) how did you remove the two rubber circle grommets at the tail end of the frame that stick out on either side. I would really like to save these parts and I don’t want to damage them? Thank you Brian and Keep On Wrenching!

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Great to hear. I didn’t have those parts because I didn’t have a chance to remove races. Easy to just paint myself. Just warm them up, spray some WD on those grommets and push them out carefully with a dull flathead. They should pop right out. Good luck!

[@bigal7561]

Thanks for all the vids that have helped me with my 75 Honda CB 360t restore. Still wish you would do one on the 360. It's a different animal but close. I rattle caned mine after hand sanding. Used high temp engine paint

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Describe your issue and we will see what we can’t do.

[@bigal7561]

@@KeepOnWrenching I've picked up a ton from your videos. Thanks. I've now considering grounding the head light bolts to the frame. I've added extra grounds from the harness to the neg of battery to frame. Think I'm overdoing it? Just I can't seem to find a stray short. New harness, reg/rect/pressure brake front/rear/new upgraded bulbs...still have issue with slow blinkers. I'm redoing everything tomorrow and will have a different perspective then. I may have missed the schematic lines somewhere PS. You've been a great asset

[@jghd4997]

Thanks for the post. Been watching for awhile and inspired me to start restoring my dad’s 1976 Harley SS125. Been debating whether to sandblast and repaint (to keep close to original) or powder coat. Similar quotes here in Twin Cities area as you say. Makes me think of just having a pro do it with powder coating.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

If you don’t have the space or need to buy the tools it’s totally worth outsourcing imo. Sounds like a fun project! Go get it.

[@2ndborn186]

Anthony Zerbe. I enjoyed him most in "The Young Riders". Great show.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Yup! Great show. Message me via the chat on the website. I’ll get you something for knowing a legend!

[@Manandmachine772]

Looks good Brian, definitely gives you a great base to start your build. And unfortunately I can not recognize the actor but what a fun little game.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Lol. I’m sold on powder coat. Hire a pro. Worth it in mess, time, and energy.

[@bigal7561]

Just finished with wiring and got as many bugs as possible out of my 1974 Honda CB 360t restore. Electrical is going. Lights, turn signals, horn everything is good except the turn indicator panel light only blinks when the left flasher is on. I've tried everything to fix it but I'm done. Only thing that hasn't hit was the starter. I've crossed the solenoid to make sure the starter turned over and it did well. I haven't put the clutch cover, on yet and I'm finishing up with the front disk brakes/calipers (all new), as well as all new hoses and connections. I'm hoping that once the brake line is filled with no bubbles and clutch is hooked up, the starter will kick over from the switch. I had got to the final part with installing the front tire and brakes when I just gave out and will finish tomorrow. Do you think when I finish hooking up the remainder the starter will engage? OH well. I got this far watching your stuff.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Did you ever get it all sorted?

[@bigal7561]

@@KeepOnWrenching Thanks to you and CMC I did.

[@bhoges17]

I just restored an 87 Yamaha BW200. I ended up using zinc primer then sanded before powder coating. I was able to fill all the pitting. Too bad you didn't fill the pits.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

That’s something I can ask for next time. I don’t mind the character marks, but I love knowing that’s an option. Thanks for the info!

[@CK-Cycles]

Thanks for the review and the resource!

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Most definitely!

[@alepecchio]

Thanks for the video 👍🏼. What was the result of the serial number engraved on the frame after powder coat. Sometimes the hit the powder coat too thick

[@KeepOnWrenching]

They took care to keep it visible.

[@alwood9148]

i have painted frames hanging off the clothesline till now and off it goes to get powdercoated, as u say its clean ,and gives u time to save up to pay for it (about $350 a frame in OZ) just have to chase all the threads that get excess paint buildup...

[@KeepOnWrenching]

The company I used put rubber plugs in most threaded areas or key spots. Even blocked off the front race areas. They knew what to protect! That’s key. If you have the funds…powder coat is a win but it can be done either way!

[@nickjames205]

Dude that's awesome! Looks sooo nice

[@KeepOnWrenching]

It’s pretty nice. Better than rattle cans 100%

[@montejay3051]

Brian, would you powder coat a black fuel tank also? If you powder coat some parts and have to paint others, do you think they would they match very close or would the blacks clash.

[@davidcameron983]

I was told years ago by the person who powder coated my stuff that powder coating is affected by petrol. So if you did a tank and spilt petrol on it. that it would be ruined

[@KeepOnWrenching]

The frame parts not matching perfectly wouldn’t really bother me. I bet it could get pretty close. I read a bit about 2k clear over powder coat this weekend. Might be an option to help protect from fuel spills.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Thanks for the info. All new stuff to me.

[@montejay3051]

@@davidcameron983 Thanks David, probably be good to powder coat the frame and swing arm and paint everything else.

[@montejay3051]

@@KeepOnWrenching Thanks Brian, I was wondering about clear coating powder coat. That maybe a good option.

[@jonathanlloyd2306]

Keep On Outsourcing! 😜

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Pretty much.

[@whatever-gg2qs]

Anthony zerbe probably best known for his role in Battlestar Galactica I bet maybe am I close

[@KeepOnWrenching]

It’s Anthony Zerbe. You were #1. Send a message via the website messenger. Get you hooked up.

[@whatever-gg2qs]

@@KeepOnWrenchingwohoo, thx bro. I'll message u

[@2ndborn186]

Happy Thanksgiving.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@whatever-gg2qs]

I don't think it might be right but it's a good guess here it goes Jon voight

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Nope! But good try.

[@billbyrd9845]

Were you going for a satin finish?

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Yes. I didn’t want it to be gloss.

[@matthewcoyne7962]

Great video mate, just had a cb450 k5 frame powder coated in Australia, definitely the way to go. Loving the info on these bikes, keep it up Cheers 👍

[@HannahFortalezza]

May I ask how much it was? I’m looking at similar in Australia and not sure what our prices are like

[@KeepOnWrenching]

$500 to $700 USD SEM end to be the range around here.

[@matthewcoyne7962]

$300 AUD complete frame and bits and pieces.

[@HannahFortalezza]

@@matthewcoyne7962 Thanks! That's so cheap! I'm going to enquire at my local places now

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Definitely worth considering. Saved a TON of time plus it’s perfect!

[@whatever-gg2qs]

Hi brain, happy Thanksgiving buddy

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

[@wickedreamz8743]

Anthony Zerbe. That pic was when he was on young riders

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Yup. That’s him. You’re #2. I’m feeling giving. Send me your details via the messenger on the KOW website.

[@wickedreamz8743]

Message sent, thanks so much!

[@danheino7006]

I was quotted 1500 to just paint a 1973 HD XLCH frame...if I sand blasted it

[@danheino7006]

I meant to just prime it...not paint.Doing it for my daughter .I usually do Panheads

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Omg. Were they playing it in gold?!?!

[@alwood9148]

in australia its maybe $350 even dollar exchange it still be close but lol gold ?? riping u off mate shop around

[@chriscapobianco9763]

is it John Voit

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Close!

[@snowking55]

Is the guy in the picture Anthony Hopkins in The World's Fastest Indian? Sometimes it pays to have things outsourced. The results are better with a whole lot less work, worth the expense.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Not the guy but yes…outsourcing is a good thing sometimes.

[@daveco1270]

Is that David Carradine?

[@KeepOnWrenching]

No.

[@get6kwml]

I just had a guy quote me 650-700 for a cr500 frame

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Totally worth it in my opinion

[@danheino7006]

500 is cheap !

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Based on estimates I got it’s between 400-600 bucks usd

[@jerryhatley5004]

Yeah, I think that’s the way to go. Now I gottuh find a powder coating business in my area….

[@KeepOnWrenching]

There’s got to be one. Good luck!

[@hugobose2668]

Where you liv ?

[@KeepOnWrenching]

SE MI