Cover up those nice gold forks?

[Thunderwear]

So, I'm soon to be an owner of the charcoal color 2014 ES. I can bet I am going to hear a lot of grief for this, but I really don't like the gold on the forks...to me it just seems out of place with the rest of the bike. Anyone covered theirs up? I don't have a lot of off road riding experience so I have no idea about neoprene fork covers or anything else like that. Should I have them painted? Should I simply put some black vinyl lables around them? Change them out with something else (is this cost prohibitive)? Please let me know your thoughts. I like the congruent dark colors. For those of you who LOVE the gold forks, please go easy on me! Ha ha ha! Thanks for any comments or suggestions.

 

[Karson]

3m makes black vinyl adhesive you can cut to fit. eBay should get you leftover scraps for cheap.

 

[EricV]

So, I'm soon to be an owner of the charcoal color 2014 ES. I can bet I am going to hear a lot of grief for this, but I really don't like the gold on the forks...to me it just seems out of place with the rest of the bike. Anyone covered theirs up? I don't have a lot of off road riding experience so I have no idea about neoprene fork covers or anything else like that. Should I have them painted? Should I simply put some black vinyl lables around them? Change them out with something else (is this cost prohibitive)? Please let me know your thoughts. I like the congruent dark colors. For those of you who LOVE the gold forks, please go easy on me! Ha ha ha! Thanks for any comments or suggestions.

Hmm, I can't see that much of the forks while riding...

Shock Sox will cover about 6" and the fork seals, keeping them in good shape. www.shocksox.com It's a good idea to take them off now and then and clean them.

Painting would be a bad idea. They are anodized aluminum. You could have them disassembled, stripped and re-anodized in a dark color, but yes, it would be cost prohibitive. I don't think there are other forks that you could swap them out for. Not w/o sleeves and probably not w/o ending up spending a lot to improve/modify the other forks for length and performance.

The vinyl wrap treatment is probably the cheapest, easiest and most cost effective method. You could try one of the window tint places in your area and see if they can use some left over car wrap, (if they do that service), to cover up what you want to cover. It would be easier to take off than adhesive backed material, should you or the next owner desire to. And it would protect the forks nicely from bugs and rock chips, etc. http://simcarbon.com/black-satin-vinyl-car-wrap/?gclid=CLDqyNWtkL4CFYlafgodemEAMA

Have fun personalizing your bike. ::008::

 

[p51super10bombay]

Plasti Dip

 

[Karson]

Plasti Dip

I'm asking only because I've got zero experience plasti-dipping - but, do you think it'd be up to the rigors of road debris constantly hitting it at cruising speeds?

 

[scott123007]

Vinyl Wrap is your best bet. Take the bike to a place that does wraps or do it yourself. You won't even have to remove your forks. Plasti-Dip will be a PITA. You won't be able to "dip" your forks without removing them, and then you'll have to remove the upper portion of dip to get your forks back in the clamps. If you apply it any other way, it will probably look like s&*t.

 

[p51super10bombay]

Vinyl Wrap is your best bet. Take the bike to a place that does wraps or do it yourself. You won't even have to remove your forks. Plasti-Dip will be a PITA. You won't be able to "dip" your forks without removing them, and then you'll have to remove the upper portion of dip to get your forks back in the clamps. If you apply it any other way, it will probably look like s&*t.

It comes in a spray can - I wouldn't bother with the bit between the triples as its not that visible. Peals right off if you don't like it.

 

[Gee-Tee]

Line-X, would look pretty awesome!

 

[XtreemLee]

Seriuosly??? ::021::

 

[Swagger]

I'd recommend that you don't go for a permanent or even semi permanent solution. Wrap or sleeve would be your answer. Anything else would likely devalue your machine. Gold forks are considered de rigueur by most.

 

[Sup-Ten]

Gold forks are considered de rigueur by most.

If they're Ohlins. These aren't.


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[barkingllizard]

I agree with you on this...

I really don't like the gold on the forks... to me it just seems out of place with the rest of the bike.

so either vinyl wrap, or add more gold to compliment and fill out the bike.....

 

[Thunderwear]

Thanks all, I think I will do the removable black vinyl sticker option....sounds like the best way to go.

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[cosmic]

I use this product...

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/56396/i/pro-grip-carbon-fork-protectors

 

[Thunderwear]

Thanks cosmic....those look awesome....gonna pick some up.

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[klunsford]

You know, I really haven't noticed the gold forks that much. I just ride... ::001:: Just sayn'

 

[Thunderwear]

I know, the wanting to look cool thing should wear off. Ha ha ha!

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[HoebSTer]

i installed the 3m carbon vinyl decal stuff. Wrapped most all the way around. The tubes taper outward as they go up. in the back side there is a gap because of this, but barely noticeable.

 

[RED CAT]

Yes I agree. Don't like the gold forks or the black wheels but love the bike. The 2012-13s weren't as noticible. The new one are just plain ugly.

 

[True Grip]

A co worker gave me these for 5 dollars. My tubes were already nicked up a bit when I put them on. Zip tie at top and bottom to keep them off the tubes.