F4i cosmetic/performance bike makeover (a diary)...(PICS)
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F4i cosmetic/performance bike makeover (a diary)...(PICS) - 9/6/2007 10:06:53 AM
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ffingers
Posts: 1968
Joined: 6/1/2007
From: Chicago, IL (downtown)
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Well I figured I would start this thread up for anyone dumb enough to undertake something like this (not really dumb, but it is for those of us who like to "visually mod" as well as "performance mod")...
I have an '01 Red/black F4i....I am going to be doing a lot of cosmetic work on the bike as well as performance mods...but I know since i have gotten into working on my bike, i am searching all over for different things to do, different ways to do it....wondering the in between steps, etc....so i figured i would make this a pseudo diary of what i have done, am doing, and will do...
i currently don't have my camera pictures with me as i post this, but i will post pictures of the bike before so everyone can have a reference for how i got it.....and post pictures as i go along for everything i do to it...
i will try and keep this main post as an index for all the things i have done so you can jump to things from here...
if you think this is a dumb idea, let me know, i won't bother doing it seeing as it will be some work to keep it updated and whatnot...but i know i have looked at the ROTM bikes and wondered how they started, or how much it took to get them to where they are...yeah you hear the "i did x,y, and z" but how....what order, how long it take, etc....and how many cheap mods did a lot, whereas how many expensive mods (i.e. full systems, PCIII tuned, etc.) were done.....i just thought it would be cool for one, to give ideas to those out there, and two to encourage people to mess with their bikes and make them their own....i think it will help out the newbs out there trying to figure out what's out there while at the same time being interesting for the experience guys who have done this....
so i guess without further ado....
here she is when i got her....(i'll work on a bigger pic)
Stuff i have done so far that i will post pics of....(in the order I did them)....
** Stealth garage door opener (next post)
** Hotbodies Flushmounts (with running lights mod)
** Blacked out OEM windshield
** Removed stickers
** Hotbodies Undertail
** Carbon fiber bar ends (anno red) - given to me for free
** Painted upper vent covers
** ALL DONE
** New stator cover (to replace rashed one) - powdered mirror black
** Clutch cover powdered mirror black
** Rearsets powdered mirror black
** Passenger Pegs powdered mirror black
** CNC metal chainguard powdered mirror black
** CNC metal heel guards powdered mirror black
** Bootleg Shorty CF exhaust ceramic coated gloss black
** New Grips
** Spiegler SS lines
** Powdercoated Calipers
** Painted rear master cylinder & reservoir
Stuff i have the parts for, haven't put on quite yet or are waiting on things
** APE manual CCT
** Streetglow LED lighting kit (not ghettor just in the engine bay)
** Vortex Frame Sliders
** 520 Conversion and Red EK MVXz chain
** Speedohealer
ummm...that's all i can think of for the moment....so check back on the thread and i'll be updating it as things move along
< Message edited by ffingers -- 12/10/2007 10:53:57 AM >
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RE: Cosmetic bike makeover (a diary)...(PICS c'min) - 9/6/2007 10:17:26 AM
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ffingers
Posts: 1968
Joined: 6/1/2007
From: Chicago, IL (downtown)
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Stealth Garage Door Opener
Ranking of project 1-10 (10 being worst):
Cost: 2 - very cheap
Difficulty: 4 - not very hard, should know SOME wiring, requires removing upper vent (easy)
Functionality: 1 - easily the best bang for the buck mod i have done yet
Visuals: 4 - sort of cool that it can't be seen...overall, not really a visual element at all
Time: 5 - if you know wiring, quick, if not longer...about 45 min.
Overall: 4 - ...REALLY cheap mod...and is extremely functional....
the first mod i did was integrate my garage door opener into the upper vent cover....i hated carrying around my opener and i had lost one already while riding (yeah i know, i'm stupid)....so i spent about $10 in parts and put this on my bike...it's stealthy so most people don't even notice it and it works like a charm...not a single issue since i put it in....i also didn't wire it to the battery so when i remove the upper vent cover, the whole thing comes off, making it easy to work on if i need to and without the extra hassle of running a ton of wires....
here are some pics.....sorry for the crappy pics there were on my cell at the time, i will work on putting up nicer ones
here's an "outside" view
< Message edited by ffingers -- 9/6/2007 12:23:00 PM >
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RE: Cosmetic bike makeover (a diary)...(PICS c'min) - 9/6/2007 12:08:55 PM
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Northernfirepower
Posts: 2182
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From: Central Wisconsin
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Keep it up! This could be handy for someone in the future. Bike looks damn nice man!
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RE: Cosmetic bike makeover (a diary)...(PICS c'min) - 9/6/2007 12:20:09 PM
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ffingers
Posts: 1968
Joined: 6/1/2007
From: Chicago, IL (downtown)
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oh thanks....yeah i am gonna keep adding more tonight hopefully....
seriously...it doesn't look like that anymore though...with the stickers off, the blacked out windshield and the undertail...she has a slightly different look...now she is torn apart in my garage sitting with no fairings, no rearsets, no pegs, no enginge covers, and no exhaust...i have pics...i will post them tonight...
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RE: Cosmetic bike makeover (a diary)...(PICS c'min) - 9/6/2007 12:39:50 PM
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F4Isvt
Posts: 439
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Garage door opener mod is a must its frakin awesome when you get home. My buddy built his into his lap timer on his zx6r
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2005 f4i 3 years old and on its 5th paint job. No it's not a law to wear a helmet when riding, nor is it a law to have a parachute to skydive but it seems like something I would want.
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RE: Cosmetic bike makeover (a diary)...(PICS c'min) - 9/6/2007 12:40:32 PM
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ffingers
Posts: 1968
Joined: 6/1/2007
From: Chicago, IL (downtown)
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Hotbodies Flushmounts (front)
Ranking of project 1-10 (10 being worst):
Cost: 4 - about $50 (with wiring elements)
Difficulty: 6 - only because i did the running light mod
Functionality: 6 - unfortunately, they are not as visible, but are brighter
Visuals: 3 - look WAY better than the stalks IMO
Time: 6 - if you know wiring, quicker, if not longer...about 1.5 hrs
Overall: 4 - ...moderately priced, MUCH better look over stock....
I bought my flushmounts on ebay for about $40 i think....the only problem with most aftermarket LED flushmounts is that they will have only two wires running from them, a positive and ground....this is where most people get confused....
1) take off the front fairing...really, it's not that hard just a few screws and unclip the master harness and it pops right off....i took mine off, and took it inside to work on
2) the bitch part was trying to get the damn stalks off....the bolt is on the inside of the fairing and for some reason BOTH of mine were like they were seized and wouldn't turn...it took me 45 minutes to get those SOBs off...i ended up trashing both as i ripped the plastic coating around them, arghhh...i hated those things...
3) i clipped the wires close to the end of the stalk so as to retain the plug that goes from the stock signals to the wiring harness...i did this just for ease...and much easier to deal with
4) here is where it gets interesting, i am not going to go into the details as you can find it in the "How-to" sections....using two transistors per side (the extra 'wiring cost')....the two running and blinking wires from the bike go to the ONE positive lead of the LEDs and the grounds are hooked together....
5) do this to both sides, bring down your fairing...HOOK UP THE PLUGS...DO NOT INSTALL THE FAIRING.....and turn on your bike and make sure everything works....blinkers and running lights....good chance a lead may come loose so check before you take the time to reinstall the front fairing...
Note: i didn't install a resistor because i like the increased blink rate, but that's just me (if you have no idea what i am talking about and need explanation, just ask)
without further ado...some pics (once again...sorry about the crappy cel pics, i will update these)
Off
On
once again...any questions, please ask...
< Message edited by ffingers -- 9/6/2007 12:44:44 PM >
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RE: Cosmetic bike makeover (a diary)...(PICS c'min) - 9/6/2007 1:03:48 PM
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ffingers
Posts: 1968
Joined: 6/1/2007
From: Chicago, IL (downtown)
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Hotbodies Undertail
Ranking of project 1-10 (10 being worst):
Cost: 7 - about $190
Difficulty: 6 - have to take off rear fairing (sort of sucks)
Functionality: 7 - doesn't really do anything functionally
Visuals: 2 - looks WAY better than the fender, starts to look 'faster'
Time: 7 - not very hard, but time consuming...about 2 hrs
Overall: 5 - ...you can do it cheaper but an fender elminator or undertail generally is the best way to go....
sooo...undertails....you can read a TON about undertails here and everywhere else...there are fender eliminators, undertails (hotbodies, euro, pimpbikes, etc.)....really just search around and find something you like...they most all entail the same things although an FE might work slightly differently (no cutting i believe in most cases)....you can read about how to install them, but generally, it's pretty easy although time consuming...
1) take off your rear cowl....SUCKS....you might feel like you are going to break it removing it, but just be careful and you'll be fine...
2) cut down the bottom of the stock rear compartment (it is replaced by the undertail)...do it nice, but doesn't have to be "that" nice because the undertail will cover it up
3) relocate the lock (this sucks, just follow the instructions the best you can)...you will understand when you actually do it....
4) install the rear cowl again, install the undertail...
5) following the wiring instructions if your tail came with integrated lights...once again, if you want to keep your stock flash rate, you will need to install resistors or a new relay....i didn't bother, i like the increased rate and i have LED fronts and backs....
that's basically it...i mean really basic overview...it is obviously much more involved, but it isn't complicated
it adds a great look to the bike in my opinion getting rid of the ugly fender....now a fender eliminator does the same but doesn't actually give you a full undertail but it is a lot cheaper....(to tell you the truth, some FE are AWESOME looking, check the board)
here is how mine turned out....(crappy pics, i know, cel, will fix...  ) NOTE: UPDATED PICS NOW...still crappy, but better
< Message edited by ffingers -- 9/10/2007 9:26:36 PM >
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RE: Cosmetic bike makeover (a diary)...(PICS c'min) - 9/6/2007 3:44:10 PM
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jmdaley
Posts: 237
Joined: 7/12/2007
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Great thread...keep us updated.
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RE: Cosmetic bike makeover (a diary)...(PICS c'min) - 9/6/2007 5:57:45 PM
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trafficsucks
Posts: 41
Joined: 9/1/2007
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Great job dude!!
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RE: Cosmetic bike makeover (a diary)...(PICS c'min) - 9/6/2007 6:46:10 PM
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EHonda
Posts: 541
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Writeup is great. Keep it coming.
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2005 CBR600f4i Gray/Silver
Yoshimura TRS Slip-On SS/Titanium
Vortex Frame Sliders
Polished rims - 6/30/07
HID 8000K Kit - 9/7/07
ZG Double Bubble - 4/16/08
Hotbodies Smoke Flushmounts - 5/2/08
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RE: Cosmetic bike makeover (a diary)...(PICS c'min) - 9/6/2007 9:23:29 PM
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ffingers
Posts: 1968
Joined: 6/1/2007
From: Chicago, IL (downtown)
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alright so it seems i have some positive response so i will keep going with it....up next...blacked out windshield and stickers
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RE: F4i cosmetic/performance bike makeover (a diary)...... - 9/6/2007 9:46:57 PM
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ffingers
Posts: 1968
Joined: 6/1/2007
From: Chicago, IL (downtown)
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Blacked out OEM Windshield AND Sticker Removal AND Carbon Fiber Bar Ends
Ranking of project 1-10 (10 being worst):
Cost: 1 - free to remove stickers, and $5 for paint
Difficulty: 1 - c'mon
Functionality: -10 - does nothing, windshield may worsen functionality
Visuals: 1 - this is just my opinion though
Time: 5 - believe it or not, this takes time
Overall: 1 - ...so easy, and makes such a huge difference IMO....
I am not going to do a project ranking for the bar ends, simply buy them ($15-50), unscrew the old ones, put the new ones in...some are better for vibration some are not, just test em out and go with it....(you can notice them in some of the pics)
so i am doing these together because it isn't really a writeup so much as an idea for people....first the stickers...
i personally think honda put WAY too many stickers on the f4i....it's amazing, if you stand back and just look at the paint job, it's pretty powerful on it's own...(granted i am repainting soon, but it will be a spin off of the stock scheme)....
the only real thing to know about doing this are a few simple suggestions
1) use a blow dryer to heat up the stickers....they are sort of vinylish so they will stretch as you peel them off, but they will come off A LOT easier....don't even think about reusing them....not unless you have the patience of a saint to not pull hard (not me)....
2) after removing them, the "backing" willl still be on the bike...it will be the black tacky stuff from the sticker....remember this....GOO-GONE IS YOUR FRIEND...buy a big bottle, i found it in a spray bottle like windex, almost 1/4 of the way through it now...(great for grease and other things too)....spray it on the goo spots from the stickers and let is sit for a bit....then start rubbing with something non-abrasive...a shammy or auto rag....just repeat until its all gone...just don't let it dry, and after you do it, clean up the area with a cleaner and polish so the goo-gone doesn't sit (i think eventually it will damage but it will take awhile)
that's it....results...very different...compare these pics with my bike before picture...notice the rear cbr and honda sticker is gone as is the front cbr sticker on the front fairing...looks a lot cleaner IMO
other side, i also took off the stickers on the chainguard and the frame...cleans it up i think too....(sorry for the dirty pics, i was riding in the rain then working on the bike, felt no need to shine her up yet)
-----------------------------------------
The blacked out windshield....
i was too cheap to buy a smoked windshield (for now)...and i wanted to spend that $70 on something else more important, so my buddy turned me on to this idea...essentially just get some black plastic bonding paint....spary the inside of the windshield and VIOLA....blacked out windshield...
1) take off the windshield, be careful to not lose the washers for the screws...you'll see what i am talking about...just don't rush...
2) clean up the windshield good....grab your Goo-gone....then windex it.....maker sure there is nothing on the inside...make sure
< Message edited by ffingers -- 9/9/2007 7:40:40 PM >
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RE: F4i cosmetic/performance bike makeover (a diary)...... - 9/6/2007 10:08:13 PM
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ffingers
Posts: 1968
Joined: 6/1/2007
From: Chicago, IL (downtown)
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Painted Upper Vent Covers
Ranking of project 1-10 (10 being worst):
Cost: 2 - can of black paint
Difficulty: 2 - have to remove the vent covers
Functionality: 10 - does nothing
Visuals: 3 - think it makes a big difference
Time: 3 - time to let the paint dry
Overall: 3 - ...simple visual mod, once again, sort of just 'pops'....
i should have included this is the last pseudo mod post...but ehhh....that post was getting long....
basically, i was thinking about doing this mod, but was on the fence...it just so happened that while i was thinking about it, someone posted about how they wanted to try it and got a lot of good responses...so i thought 'what the hell'....the only problem with this is once you do it, you can't really 'go back' because to remove the paint would damage the plastic covers...so if you are going to do it, you are going to live with it...be forewarned.....that said....i love this mod....it's so stupid, but it is a great little trick to make your bike pop...
i used black although any color is fine....matte or gloss, or whatever will work....it's nice because it covers that faded look the plastic gets after getting old...before you start telling me that they have the black restore stuff...i know...but that is once again temporary...plus with paint, you can change colors, finishes, etc...if you just want to get the black back, then get the black renew stuff, if you want to do a custom job...read on....
it's real easy....just take off the upper vent covers...for those who don't know what those are...they are the black pieces of plastic to the left and right of the tank between the tank and the windshield....look and you'll know what i am talking about...essentially, they cover the intake ducts from the front of the bike to the airbox.....
once they are off, paint, let dry, reinstall....hard...i know 
my only suggestions....prime it....because that area is a 'high traffic' area in that you will be touching it a lot or rubbing on it, it will flake...so prime it with a good plastic primer and then paint...i didn't do that...i already flaked in an area...it's barely noticeable but i notice it...when i get the bike repainted, i am just going to have them paint them and clear them so i don't really care at this point...
it's nice, if you use gloss, it's easier to keep clean than the texturized surface originally there....and like i said, it just makes the bike pop a bit....
hear you can see each vent cover and the way it shines....it looks nice don't ya think...for a cheap mod...it stands out nicely...
and
i'll get another farther shot during the day sometime and post it....
< Message edited by ffingers -- 9/9/2007 7:37:17 PM >
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RE: F4i cosmetic/performance bike makeover (a diary)...... - 9/6/2007 10:20:46 PM
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ffingers
Posts: 1968
Joined: 6/1/2007
From: Chicago, IL (downtown)
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Alright so my next few posts are going to be a part of ONE project...sort of....let me sort of outline it here first...
I got my new Bootleg exhaust, but I am going for a black all over bike and will be attempting to paint or powder or coat anything that is metal colored or not black or red....that being said, i wanted my exhaust midpipe to be black as well as the can (got CF)...i found a place to ceramic coat GLOSS black (i know, cool)....so in doing that....i figure, hell, i have to take off the side fairings to do that, might as well just send in other things to be powdered in one shipment...
me and my bright ideas...so i decided to have my rear pegs, rearsets, rear brake line retaining hooks, stator/clutch cover, new heel guards and new chainguard all done at the same time.....soooooo....yeah....think about what that entails....it's a lot more than you think....
so the next few posts, which i will not start tonight (too late) will detail a little of what it takes to take all that off and some things i noticed....and answer some questions and reservations I had before undertaking all this...specifically, i will talk about...
- putting on a slipon exhaust (crazy easy)
- removing the rear pegs (EASY) - diassembling (daunting, but VERY EASY)
- removing the rearsets (EASY) - disassembling (has some tricks)
- chainguard, heel guards, etc....(too easy, brief run over at best)
- stator and clutch cover (oyyyy......daunting...sort of...then when done...seems easy)
- finally, reassembly, and pictures of the final product...
soooooo, stay tuned...pics to come and a write up on each thing talked about above...
btw....here was a before pic before i tore her up....
so hear are some after pics from disassembly to send things out for coating and whatnot...
other side...(sorry for the crappy pics, my camera sucks)
as you can see, no pass. pegs, no rearsets, no muffler....and of course no clutch case cover....(and the wonderful oil bin...lol)
< Message edited by ffingers -- 9/9/2007 7:34:00 PM >
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RE: F4i cosmetic/performance bike makeover (a diary)...... - 9/6/2007 11:50:46 PM
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Squarebaj
Posts: 51
Joined: 6/29/2007
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Bike is looking good so far...can't wait to see the afters with all the black. I've got a bunch of the same mods so far on my '01 Grey/Black(flushmounts w/running mod, Hotbodies undertail, windscreen, bar ends, Bootleg CF Shorty) but you're going crazy on that thing...Thanks for all the ideas!!
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