Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: basmntdweller on March 16, 2015, 02:36:09 PM

Title: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: basmntdweller on March 16, 2015, 02:36:09 PM: Long story but I'll keep it short. I scuffed the hell out of the tops of my side cases. I had to carry an item that didn't really work out well. I had some padding under the item but somewhere along the way the padding worked its way out and this is what I ended up with. Short of replacing the cases, any easy and effective way to fix these scuffs?

Thanks, Matt
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: martin_14 on March 16, 2015, 02:56:12 PM: since I don't know how to help you except by telling you to get them re-painted, I will just say this: ouch :-\
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Deziner on March 16, 2015, 03:01:56 PM: Crap! That sucks! Unfortunately, that is through the paint. The only way to repair that is going to be a repaint. :(
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: basmntdweller on March 16, 2015, 03:21:35 PM: I was afraid that was what you guys would say! That good deal I got wasn't so great after transportation screw ups.

Matt
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: philipintexas on March 16, 2015, 03:23:41 PM: I'm kinda anal about appearance so I wouldn't take my own advice, BUT you could mask off an area and have it sprayed with "LINE-X" pickup bed liner. It is tough as nails, can be done with sharp lines, and would protect this area from boot damage. Almost every C-14 I've seen is scuffed in that area.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: gPink on March 16, 2015, 03:30:24 PM: Will Tech Specs' saddle bag kit cover the damage?
http://techspec-usa.com/magento/index.php/motorcycles/combo-kits/kawasaki-councours-c14/kawasaki-concours-tank-grips-saddlebox-covers-combo-snake-skin.html (http://techspec-usa.com/magento/index.php/motorcycles/combo-kits/kawasaki-councours-c14/kawasaki-concours-tank-grips-saddlebox-covers-combo-snake-skin.html)
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: JhVenezuela on March 16, 2015, 03:42:02 PM: Maybe, this can help you sir

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TechSpec-Gripster-Saddle-Box-Covers-Kawasaki-Concours-14-Snake-Skin-/251421234484?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a89df9534&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/TechSpec-Gripster-Saddle-Box-Covers-Kawasaki-Concours-14-Snake-Skin-/251421234484?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a89df9534&vxp=mtr)
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Rhino on March 16, 2015, 03:46:39 PM: Quote from: gPink on March 16, 2015, 03:30:24 PM
Will Tech Specs' saddle bag kit cover the damage?
http://techspec-usa.com/magento/index.php/motorcycles/combo-kits/kawasaki-councours-c14/kawasaki-concours-tank-grips-saddlebox-covers-combo-snake-skin.html (http://techspec-usa.com/magento/index.php/motorcycles/combo-kits/kawasaki-councours-c14/kawasaki-concours-tank-grips-saddlebox-covers-combo-snake-skin.html)

That's what I was thinking only I would cut it down to a smaller area than what they show here:

(http://techspec-usa.com/magento/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/k/a/kawasaki_concours_saddle_snake_skin_1_1.png)
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: maxtog on March 16, 2015, 04:06:34 PM: http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=4598 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=4598)
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: basmntdweller on March 16, 2015, 04:35:02 PM: Generally speaking, I'm not that picky about appearance. Not sure if either the tech stuff or the bed liner material is an improvement over the scuffs. They both definitely hide the scuffs but don't really care for their looks either.

Matt
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: maxtog on March 16, 2015, 05:12:51 PM: Quote from: basmntdweller on March 16, 2015, 04:35:02 PM
Generally speaking, I'm not that picky about appearance. Not sure if either the tech stuff or the bed liner material is an improvement over the scuffs. They both definitely hide the scuffs but don't really care for their looks either.

I know what you mean... I don't like either of those options, either. Although it does have the advantage of hiding possible FUTURE damage.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: harry76 on March 16, 2015, 07:56:03 PM: You can buy the saddlebag cover without having to buy the whole saddlebag.

http://www.kawasakipartshouse.com/oemparts/a/kaw/500b82b3f8700223e47996c7/accessory (http://www.kawasakipartshouse.com/oemparts/a/kaw/500b82b3f8700223e47996c7/accessory)
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: basmntdweller on March 17, 2015, 05:29:25 AM: Quote from: harry76 on March 16, 2015, 07:56:03 PM
You can buy the saddlebag cover without having to buy the whole saddlebag.

http://www.kawasakipartshouse.com/oemparts/a/kaw/500b82b3f8700223e47996c7/accessory (http://www.kawasakipartshouse.com/oemparts/a/kaw/500b82b3f8700223e47996c7/accessory)

Ouch!
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 17, 2015, 05:32:59 AM: And if you do, remember nothing comes with it so you would have to transfer everything over to it that is either glued or screwed to the lid.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: basmntdweller on March 17, 2015, 05:36:07 AM: I can live with a whole lot of scuffing for $700 or more.

Matt
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: gPink on March 17, 2015, 05:44:43 AM: Quote from: basmntdweller on March 17, 2015, 05:36:07 AM
I can live with a whole lot of scuffing for $700 or more.

Matt
Proud of 'em aren't they. A couple of more like that and you could afford to move out of the basement.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: basmntdweller on March 17, 2015, 05:56:52 AM: But the basement is where all the good stuff is kept!
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: gPink on March 17, 2015, 06:18:55 AM: ...and not as hot as the attic. :)
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Rhino on March 17, 2015, 08:04:53 AM: Quote from: basmntdweller on March 17, 2015, 05:36:07 AM
I can live with a whole lot of scuffing for $700 or more.

Matt

:yikes: I'd rattle can it before paying that much. Would definitely look into covering it with Tech Spec or something similar.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: basmntdweller on March 17, 2015, 08:21:25 AM: Some kind of stickers is more like my price range. I've seen a few of my rattle can paint jobs. I better stay with decals.

Matt
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Rhino on March 17, 2015, 08:24:44 AM: Quote from: basmntdweller on March 17, 2015, 08:21:25 AM
Some kind of stickers is more like my price range. I've seen a few of my rattle can paint jobs. I better stay with decals.

Matt

I'm in the same boat. I once tried to rattle can an IMS plastic tank for my Suzuki DR650. I thought the Krylon "plastic" paint would work. Not so much.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Silverbullet65 on March 17, 2015, 01:11:16 PM: Go to Walmart and buy one or two cans of plasti dip matte black spray paint...$6 a can and peels off if you don't like it....trust me you will love it!
I sprayed my cases matte black with this and they look way better and my bike is silver.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Rhino on March 17, 2015, 01:20:25 PM: Quote from: Silverbullet65 on March 17, 2015, 01:11:16 PM
Go to Walmart and buy one or two cans of plasti dip matte black spray paint...$6 a can and peels off if you don't like it....trust me you will love it!
I sprayed my cases matte black with this and they look way better and my bike is silver.

Never tried plasti dip. I imagine you could mask off an area if you just wanted it on a specific place. Or maybe not. Might peel off when the mask is peeled.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on March 17, 2015, 04:48:43 PM: Quote from: maxtog on March 16, 2015, 04:06:34 PM
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=4598 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=4598)

I really like that look, and would even do it on my Neutron Silver 08...

I also agree about using the Plasti-Dip, I plan on doing my bike in total black-out this year, just for the helluvit... it's cheap, I got a gun and compressor, and the components are cheap... it allows me to do my rims in black also... I'm pretty psyched about doing it as soon as we have "warmer" weather....

as for immediate fix, I'd just go to Wally-mart, and buy a yard of gloss black Con-Tackt paper, and do a stripe on the bag along the seam, where the damage was... It is removable. Trying to spray match black paint is a guessing game, there are more "shades" of black than you would imagine... when trying to color match some minor scratches on my old Kz1000Ltd, I went thru almost 15 different bottles of "black", and still never got a perfect match...
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: basmntdweller on March 17, 2015, 05:16:10 PM: After looking over the thread Maxtog linked to, the bed liner stuff doesn't look that bad. Actually looks pretty good and will help cover my shoe scuffs as well. How is the canned bed liner stuff to spray? I pretty much suck at spray painting so need this to be as easy as possible.

Matt
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: maxtog on March 17, 2015, 05:17:23 PM: Quote from: MAN OF BLUES on March 17, 2015, 04:48:43 PM
Trying to spray match black paint is a guessing game, there are more "shades" of black than you would imagine... when trying to color match some minor scratches on my old Kz1000Ltd, I went thru almost 15 different bottles of "black", and still never got a perfect match...

It is amazing how difficult it is to match just about ANY paint color. The human eye is very good at spotting even slight variations. Add to that glossiness, reflectivity, metallic effects, viewing angles, etc, etc and it is a big, irritating mess.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Rhino on March 18, 2015, 07:16:50 AM: Quote from: maxtog on March 16, 2015, 04:06:34 PM
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=4598 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=4598)

That looks pretty good!
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: stevewfl on March 18, 2015, 07:21:24 AM: Quote from: Rhino on March 18, 2015, 07:16:50 AM

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=4598 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=4598)

That looks pretty good!

d*mn right, that is the ticket!
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Deziner on March 18, 2015, 08:51:24 AM: I've painted bikes with the bed liner spray. I like it. FWIW, I prefer the Rustoleum brand. It seems to be the most consistent and has a tighter "wrinkle" than some of the others.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: basmntdweller on March 18, 2015, 09:49:22 AM: Quote from: Deziner on March 18, 2015, 08:51:24 AM
I've painted bikes with the bed liner spray. I like it. FWIW, I prefer the Rustoleum brand. It seems to be the most consistent and has a tighter "wrinkle" than some of the others.

Does this stuff need all the same surface prep as regular paint? Does it want to run like regular paint? I'm thinking about doing this to cover my scuffs but would hate to end up with a fugly mess that's worse than the scuffs I have now.

Matt
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Deziner on March 18, 2015, 12:27:04 PM: It does require some prep but nothing like regular paint. I did some sanding with 220 to get the big scars out then hit it with 320, wiped it down with lacquer thinner and shot it. Pretty painless
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Rhino on March 18, 2015, 12:47:25 PM: How does it hold up to your heal hitting the right bag when throwing a leg over? Mine is permanently scuffed from my foot hitting it a 1000 times over the last 55,000 miles.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Deziner on March 18, 2015, 02:34:11 PM: I didn't do it to my C14, I did it to other bikes
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: maxtog on March 18, 2015, 04:12:13 PM: Quote from: Rhino on March 18, 2015, 12:47:25 PM
How does it hold up to your heal hitting the right bag when throwing a leg over? Mine is permanently scuffed from my foot hitting it a 1000 times over the last 55,000 miles.

This is why I always face the seat and lift my leg up and over and THEN turn to face the front. My boots never pass over the bags, and I have zero scuffs.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: stevewfl on March 18, 2015, 04:33:28 PM: Quote from: maxtog on March 18, 2015, 04:12:13 PM
This is why I always face the seat and lift my leg up and over and THEN turn to face the front. My boots never pass over the bags, and I have zero scuffs.

+1
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 18, 2015, 04:37:05 PM: I'll have to try that.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: basmntdweller on March 18, 2015, 05:02:55 PM: My leg doesn't move enough to get on like that. I usually step on the peg and swing my leg over the bags. Usually miss the bags.

Matt
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: maxtog on March 18, 2015, 06:19:33 PM: Quote from: basmntdweller on March 18, 2015, 05:02:55 PM
My leg doesn't move enough to get on like that. I usually step on the peg and swing my leg over the bags. Usually miss the bags.

I will admit that because I have short legs, I am more flexible that way than most people.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Rhino on March 19, 2015, 08:44:16 AM: Quote from: basmntdweller on March 18, 2015, 05:02:55 PM
My leg doesn't move enough to get on like that. I usually step on the peg and swing my leg over the bags. Usually miss the bags.

Matt

Me neither, I have zero flexibility. What I do now is mount it like horse. Left foot on the peg then leg over. I hit the right bag less often now but still do it now and then.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: elp_jc on March 19, 2015, 01:45:23 PM: Quote from: basmntdweller on March 18, 2015, 05:02:55 PM
My leg doesn't move enough to get on like that.
Mine neither. But I simply grab the inseam of my pants and safely cross the foot over the seat without touching anything. Zero seat or bag scuffs that way ;). Plus with a seatbag permanently on my bike, couldn't swing a leg over the seat/bags even if I was somewhat flexible (short of a dancer being able to do the full split. Ha ha ). I wouldn't stand on a peg (horse-style) unless bike is on centerstand. Giving your leg a 'hand' to cross over is the easiest and safest strategy IMO. Hope this helps somebody.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: maxtog on March 19, 2015, 03:18:46 PM: Quote from: elp_jc on March 19, 2015, 01:45:23 PM
Mine neither. But I simply grab the inseam of my pants and safely cross the foot over the seat without touching anything. Zero seat or bag scuffs that way ;).

Yes, I have also done it that way- lift my right leg by grabbing the pant leg. Sounds strange, but it works!!
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: jimmymac on March 19, 2015, 05:33:55 PM: I kick my leg over facing the bike too, but sometimes catch the seat. It's a Corbin with glove leather, and I worry about scuffing it up. I just can't win. ::)
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: sailor_chic on March 19, 2015, 06:00:18 PM: Quote from: jimmymac on March 19, 2015, 05:33:55 PM
I kick my leg over facing the bike too, but sometimes catch the seat. It's a Corbin with glove leather, and I worry about scuffing it up. I just can't win. ::)

And it sounds like a mix of shoe leather added in for effects!
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Rhino on March 20, 2015, 06:51:14 AM: Quote from: jimmymac on March 19, 2015, 05:33:55 PM
I kick my leg over facing the bike too, but sometimes catch the seat. It's a Corbin with glove leather, and I worry about scuffing it up. I just can't win. ::)

I know exactly what you mean but now after 5 years and 55,000 miles the side case is scuffed and to a lesser extent my Corbin seat. So I no longer worry about it and just ride.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: jimmymac on March 21, 2015, 08:56:33 AM: Rodger that.

Good one, Chic. 8)
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Deziner on March 21, 2015, 09:00:51 AM: Rock chips, scuffs, and dings are part of the aging process for a well used motorcycle. I didn't want the Prom Queen in high school and I don't want one now. Just sayin'...
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: AZ-ZG on March 21, 2015, 06:55:22 PM: Quote from: Deziner on March 21, 2015, 09:00:51 AM
Rock chips, scuffs, and dings are part of the aging process for a well used motorcycle. I didn't want the Prom Queen in high school and I don't want one now. Just sayin'...

I got the prom queen! Her name is Dirty Grrrl, 2009, and we've been together since I took her off the showroom floor, 11/2010 8)

Ain't ashamed of the scuffs, nicks, or the bug guts that have become part of the paint!! 8)

If I can slow her down long enough for a bath she *usually* stays and lets me soothe her scuffs and smear comforting carnauba wax all over. :)
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Jrodizzle07 on March 22, 2015, 09:07:22 PM: Someone brought up Line-x for the top of the cases, anyone try this route? I saw a few pictures of a Goldwing done up with Line-X around the bottom of the bike and front of the bags and it matched the paint pretty darn close. I don't know if they could do something that would get close enough to the Arabian Candy Red though.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Rhino on March 23, 2015, 09:25:26 AM: Welcome to the forum Jrod!
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: jimmymac on March 23, 2015, 04:10:05 PM: A newbie! 8)

I've never heard of them doing anything but bed liners.
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: DeansZG on March 23, 2015, 04:29:33 PM: Quote from: basmntdweller on March 16, 2015, 02:36:09 PM
>>>SNIP<<< Short of replacing the cases, any easy and effective way to fix these scuffs? Thanks, Matt

Might look on e-bay for replacement lids such as this one: http://goo.gl/rCAs8A (http://goo.gl/rCAs8A)
Title: Re: Modified my saddlebags, not in a good way
Post by: Jrodizzle07 on March 27, 2015, 01:17:23 PM: Thanks for the welcome guys. Line-x will do a whole lot more than just bed liners though, pretty much anything you take in they will spray if it's plausible. Check out some of the stuff online. I've personally always wanted to just have my whole truck sprayed and say screw you rocks! LOL