Pin Stripes

Since late year Swings come in any color of your choice, as long as it's black (like Ford's Model T's), we black Swing owners who are thus subjected to this color choice dilemma still have options. I decided to add a little bling. I hope I did the pic upload correctly.

This vinyl pin striping comes in rolls. I can't remember what company this came from because I originally used this on another black bike that I owned, and it stays on pretty well. Also, I know that it is forgiving in that you can peel it off immediately. Although I'm not sure, but I think after a few years, you may be able to remove the tape without residual marks, unless some of the other plastic colors in early years fade over time. Maybe some finish experts can chime in with advice.

You can get vinyl striping in many colors, too.

For me, the stripes add an extra dimension and style that the plain black color lacked.

I can tell you what painted accents do on black, after I removed some from my Wing there was a " shadow " that remained for almost two years, I always garage my vehicles so it may be the reason it took so long to even out. I just had my 18 year old white truck refurnished it had side decals, no sign at all they had been there after the buffing.

oldwingguy wrote:

I can tell you what painted accents do on black, after I removed some from my Wing there was a " shadow " that remained for almost two years, I always garage my vehicles so it may be the reason it took so long to even out. I just had my 18 year old white truck refurnished it had side decals, no sign at all they had been there after the buffing.

Good to know, especially if you plan to remove stripes, etc., in the future. I kept my stripes on a previous bike because to me it was so plain w/o stripes. I feel the same about the Swing.

Nice job on the pen striping.

Almost everything on the Silverwing is designed for function over form. Your stripes add something that is unique to your bike.

I think some lettering like 600cc somewhere on the side might work for me. I have seen some samples on here and so far, I haven't found what I want.

My cup holder sets mine apart from most other bikes. It gets the most mention. I want to show them the storage under the seat and or my block long wheelie.

Well, "bikehiker"...  I, for one, think you did a beautiful job with the stripes... and, as with "Modman53" I'm still looking for some of those raised plastic stick-on numbers (600) in just the right size to put on the sides of my Wing just after the Silver Wing emblem.

Very nice job with the pin stripes!!

I would like some sort of sticker that says, " NO! This Is Not A Harley!"

Not sure what sort of reactions I'd get tho...

I'm still looking for some of those raised plastic stick-on numbers (600) in just the right size to put on the sides of my Wing just after the Silver Wing emblem. <<>> I'd like a set of 150 cc numbers just for the look one would get as one pulls away

Modernman1953 wrote:

Nice job on the pen striping.

Almost everything on the Silverwing is designed for function over form.  Your stripes add something that is unique to your bike.

I think some lettering like 600cc somewhere on the side might work for me.  I have seen some samples on here and so far, I haven't found what I want.  

My cup holder sets mine apart from most other bikes.  It gets the most mention.  I want to show them the storage under the seat and or my block long wheelie.  

I would like to show off a block long wheelie too!

How long is your block? A a wheelie of couple inches would still be a miracle for the Swing. LOL

Pin stripes look great, and aren't expensive.
I invite you to consider taking it up a notch, as follows.
You can pick up at most autoparts stores, body side moldings, aka rubrails.
It comes as a roll and you cut it to length and stick on.
You can paint or pinstripe the body side moldings and put them in the same place as the stripes.

Why would you do this?
There are certain edges to the bike that take the impact if your bike should fall over.

By installing them you protect the bike.
And the adhesive to the rub rails doesn't affect the bike paint job.

Just food for thought.

Excellent idea. I've looked at many used scooters, and a great number have the drop damage exactly where you point out. I may try some of that rub rail stuff, too. I had some left over chrome plastic edging that I put on the back fender. I don't have a pic, but it stuck on and kind of blings the rear a little more.

I tried the body molding, but couldn't get it to stick and stay around the curves. I ended up using 4 inch funiture stick-on sliders that I painted black. I positioned them where contact would be made with the ground. Not that pretty, just functional. It helps spread the pressure, saving the plastic tabs. I don't see them unless I purposely look for them.

Good functional idea. Does same job as those motorcycle axle and fairing sliders at a fraction of the cost. You may be initiating a new style trend.

dspevack how wide are the tub rails you installed?

While I no longer have the bike to go look at, I seem to recall they were half-round moldings that were 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch in diameter.
They don't need to be big to do their job.
I think the smaller the diameter the easier they are to bend to follow the contour of the bike.
Once they are firmly installed, they can be painted or taped for color if desired.
I also remember that this was done @ an automotive shop with a product they had on hand.
No special order required.

Holy Cow, Dan! I checked out some of your mods. You are the King of Custom! The King of Farkel! I especially like your photovoltaic panel. That's an achievement that few know about doing. Very advanced thinking! If you no longer have the bike, then there's a lucky Swing owner out there who I hope is still enjoying that masterpiece Swing! Show stopper! Trophy winner! Congrats on all that great work! If I had that bike, I'd ride the pi** out of it to every bike show I could find. Then, after about 250,000 miles or so, donate it to a museum.

Bikehiker,
Thank you for the kind words. I rode it a lot and had the led lighting for bike nights too. Unfortunately a skiing accident sidelined me from riding for a while and when I got back to the bike it was so rusted from being parked next to salt water for so long it no longer became useable. Had my mechanic remove everything I could transfer to my next bike and sold it for scrap. A sad end to a beautiful bike. I would have gotten another Silverwing if there hadn't been a good Automatic motorcycle available.

I took what I learned customizing the wing and applied it to my Honda NM4.
I made many mistakes and had to redo certain things many times on the wing to get it right.
With all the mistakes made on the wing, I didn't have any left to make on the NM4. Got the customs on this bike right the first time and I'm having a blast with it. Enjoy your Silverwing. Its a great bike.

Interesting that you stayed in the Honda automatic family. I had been looking at the relatively new Honda automatics--NM4, 700 DCT, Europe 750 DCT, 1300 DCT, etc., and the Africa Twin DCT--all greatly refined bikes. My recently purchased low mileage 2012 Swing got in my way, darn, so it may be a while before I look into the DCTs. I think you will really enjoy that NM4, from what I have seen of it. And I don't think this forum would be annoyed with some of your modification pics of your NM4. Hint, Hint. Also, as you may know, there's an "other bikes" posting area, on this forum that would be enhanced by your NM4 mod pics.

If I still had my wing I could justify posting more about my NM4 than I already have.
Because this is a Silverwing board I try to keep my posts focused here, and offer the fruits of my decade of experience with the wing where it is valuable. Most of my knowledge has been posted over the years but occasionally an obscure tid-bit of info is useful to a new rider.
I've sent you some links on the NM4 via PM if you are interested.

Dan

Bikehiker
Due to my fascination with Hondas and some rash decisions I now have a "leftover" 2013 Silver Wing bought still in the crate with .5 miles on it and a 2016 Vultus NM4 bought new.
I have found masses of great information on the Honda Vultus Forum.
http://www.vultusforum.com
I love both bikes for differing reasons.
Blain

Bairdb wrote:

Bikehiker
Due to my fascination with Hondas and some rash decisions I now have a "leftover" 2013 Silver Wing bought still in the crate with .5 miles on it and a 2016 Vultus NM4 bought new.
I have found masses of great information on the Honda Vultus Forum.
http://www.vultusforum.com
I love both bikes for differing reasons.
Blain

Yes, that Vultus forum has some neat info--also w/ your help.

Great to know you also have a "new" Swing, too. That might keep you on this forum. Hard choice in the morning deciding which funster to ride today. Each one giving a new refreshing experience.