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View Full Version : 1984 ATC 250R Refresh... PROJECT (Darius at it again!)



Darius1502
12-07-2014, 09:58 AM
Hey guys. I've been a regular on 3WW for 10+ years. I've got an '86 R, 86 Z and 2 350X's but recently picked up this '84 R.

When I first started getting into trikes the '83 R had just been released. There is something about the raw look of that machine and the HUGE technological advancements of that trike that make it one of my favorites. I know my '86 R and Z are faster...but THIS was the jaw dropping, drooling, pinnacle of ATC's back when I picked up a magazine at age 10 in 1983.

Well my trike is coming next week...i have yet to see it in person (yeah kinda excited / nervous).

Its in pretty good shape according to the pictures...BUT I'll wait till I get her to really know.

Here are some pics. Any tips, suggestions or ideas for these gen 2 R's would be great!

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Darius1502
12-07-2014, 09:59 AM
I picked up these Pro Vector 301's for the rear tires. These are the ones that were on the 1985 to '87 ATC 250SX...they are pretty close to the Dunlops that came stock on the ATC 250 R. These tires need some work too...but its the best I could do.

I think however that there are some extra dimples on some of these knobs that the Dunlops did not have. But they are close enough. I started doing a little restore on these tires too...

BTW I used something called Aerospace 303 for the tires. Its not greasy, shiny or sticky like other plastic products...it actually repels dust and goes INTO the rubber! http://www.goldeagle.com/product/303-aerospace-protectant

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86125m
12-07-2014, 10:04 AM
dont get me wrong i love the third gen rs but I think the 1st and second gens had more attitude.

Stingray
12-07-2014, 10:39 AM
Darius,
Haven't seen you post in awhile. I remember your red and white Z. In fact I saved some of your pics and made an R following the same color scheme.

atc007
12-07-2014, 11:16 AM
This is great to see. Always a favorite of mine. Your work and that bike. Hands down the sexiest 3 wheeler to me. Thanx for the tip on the tire goo.! Cannot wait to see this pan out. She looks like a great start!!!

Darius1502
12-07-2014, 11:18 AM
This is great to see. Always a favorite of mine. Your work and that bike. Hands down the sexiest 3 wheeler to me. Thanx for the tip on the tire goo.! Cannot wait to see this pan out. She looks like a great start!!!

Thank you SIR! It's always an honor to hear kind words from you! I can't wait. I agree with everyone here...the 2nd gens had ATTITUDE!! I keep seeing your Avatar of that beautiful 2nd gen R and its getting me excited!!

Darius1502
12-07-2014, 11:24 AM
Darius,
Haven't seen you post in awhile. I remember your red and white Z. In fact I saved some of your pics and made an R following the same color scheme.

Yeah...thanks! The Z is still looking the same! That was my first trike project back in 2004 or so... I had the top end and bottom end rebuilt. I had the cylinder ported by Jason Hall. Runs great. I'll never forget buying boxes and boxes of Z parts and trusting that the whole bike was there. It was all in PIECES!!

Back then you could still buy brand new WHITE rear fenders.... Here's an update of her from the last time I took her out.

I still think its one of the prettiest color combos of any machine:

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82300R
12-07-2014, 11:39 AM
By far the favorite trike I ever owned...My then new 83 250r. New from the dealer with the 300r kit. Boost bottle and full bassani pipe... Yes I do believe more ATTITUDE than the 85\86. I have owned them all...Just my own opinion...

Darius1502
12-07-2014, 12:05 PM
Wow...that's awesome!! How is the power compared to the '86/85 R's?

I know they got a like a 40 percent increase (or so reported) in '85!! Still...I can't wait to ride her!

82300R
12-07-2014, 12:25 PM
Well. From my memory of my 83...Compared to my 86..It was much more bottom and mid range strong...Still fast though...Now. my 86 is like high strung and fast also..Just I never felt "IN" the bike... By the way. Did you ever buy the "ugly trike in texas" ? LOL..Was that you are was it someone else?LOL..
'

Darius1502
12-07-2014, 02:50 PM
Well. From my memory of my 83...Compared to my 86..It was much more bottom and mid range strong...Still fast though...Now. my 86 is like high strung and fast also..Just I never felt "IN" the bike... By the way. Did you ever buy the "ugly trike in texas" ? LOL..Was that you are was it someone else?LOL..
'

Good to know on the R....can't wait to feel her out!! No that was not me. I think that must have been another Texas triker!

Blue Viffer
12-07-2014, 03:20 PM
Had a 83 with 300 kit back in 83, was play ported by Curtis Sparks. Lot of linear power and felt more like a 4 stroke instead of the power band peakiness of a 2 stroke. Your bike looks great to start with original fenders. Just put a 85/86 front on my 83 for better suspension in front had the rear shock redone by George at Suspension 101 with a new spring to match my weight. Had the spring done in red like original. Recommend a +2 swingarm and maybe some 450x hubs to get your wheels wider in the rear. Glad to see others building the 2nd Gen.

Darius here is a link to my latest bike.. http://airfoolers.com/forum/index.php?topic=8452.0

brrcuda
12-07-2014, 04:04 PM
Always loved the look of the metal toolbox in the rear. Does it still have it?

good luck. trike builds are getting more pricey."best way to kno its ahonda is to open it up" ;))

El Camexican
12-07-2014, 04:13 PM
If that switch and hand grip are original you found a jewel. Thanks for posting it:beer

Darius1502
12-07-2014, 05:27 PM
Always loved the look of the metal toolbox in the rear. Does it still have it?

good luck. trike builds are getting more pricey."best way to kno its ahonda is to open it up" ;))''

Yes going by the pictures the seller sent me she does! And has the decal back there too!!

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Darius1502
12-07-2014, 05:28 PM
Had a 83 with 300 kit back in 83, was play ported by Curtis Sparks. Lot of linear power and felt more like a 4 stroke instead of the power band peakiness of a 2 stroke. Your bike looks great to start with original fenders. Just put a 85/86 front on my 83 for better suspension in front had the rear shock redone by George at Suspension 101 with a new spring to match my weight. Had the spring done in red like original. Recommend a +2 swingarm and maybe some 450x hubs to get your wheels wider in the rear. Glad to see others building the 2nd Gen.

Darius here is a link to my latest bike.. http://airfoolers.com/forum/index.php?topic=8452.0

Brother that R is awesome!! I've been following your build on airfoolers.com. Excellent advice and a wicked 300R you got there!

bkm
12-07-2014, 05:50 PM
That is a beautiful bike. I've always wanted an air cooler, but they are always ragged out around here. There was a 100 percent original 84 for sale on here a couple of years back up in Michigan that I wanted bad.

Darius1502
12-07-2014, 06:40 PM
That is a beautiful bike. I've always wanted an air cooler, but they are always ragged out around here. There was a 100 percent original 84 for sale on here a couple of years back up in Michigan that I wanted bad.

Thanks man!! When I got into riding it was Dean Sundahl blasting through Baja on one of those puppies:

205609

Blue Viffer
12-07-2014, 07:17 PM
Darius, Looks like you found a Diamond out there. From the pictures you are posting the whole bike looks great. Even has the decal on the shock reservoir. You have your self one very good start on a beautiful 2nd Gen.

Darius1502
12-07-2014, 09:13 PM
Darius, Looks like you found a Diamond out there. From the pictures you are posting the whole bike looks great. Even has the decal on the shock reservoir. You have your self one very good start on a beautiful 2nd Gen.

Thanks brother! I think so too! The bike has a new top end to boot and the seller is sending me the factory exhaust and some decals. Should be a fun!

bigdaddyvw185
12-08-2014, 12:46 AM
You have found yourself a real gem bro!
I wish my 84 300R was in even half as good of shape when I got it as your R is. I have not seen a second gen come up for sale in my area even remotely as nice as that. When they pop up around me they are beat to the ground and within the ball park of $1000 give or take. And that's not even a complete trike / in running condition
Here is my build thread for my 300, has a good amount of info regarding the 2nd gens.
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/163207-1984-ATC300R-Fooler-build

You certainly have yourself a good one tho man. When I saw the tool kit I was like "that lucky bast**d" lol I still have not been able to get my hands on one, they bring a pretty penny.
Will be watching the refresh bud!

Blue Viffer
12-11-2014, 10:16 PM
Any at home pic's yet Darius? Want to keep up on this build of yours.

Darius1502
12-12-2014, 12:46 AM
Good timing!! Its coming tomorrow!! I get pics of her as she sits and then as I slowly go in an refresh her. I don't want to do anything major...but I'll need to see her first!

Thanks for keeping me in mind! I can't wait!!!!!

Darius1502
12-12-2014, 02:29 PM
Guy going to be here in like 20 minutes delivering it!! Let's see if I got a jewel or a dud!! Good times!!

he he!! Nervously waiting :)

Blue Viffer
12-12-2014, 05:14 PM
Hopefully you got the gem in the pictures you already posted.

Darius1502
12-13-2014, 12:18 AM
I got some...posting tomorrow....my dang phone is charging...it's pretty amazing to me anyway!!

Darius1502
12-13-2014, 12:02 PM
Here are some pics from yesterday...I've already started stripping her down for the restore...going to be working magic on the plastic tonight. Mr. Clean knows what I am talking about.

About the bike. The only thing non-original are the back tires and the grips. I'll be getting some Honda grips and end caps soon. I found some P/V 301's to replaces these Wolly Booger type tires. Everything down to the aluminum ties around the frame wires is still there. Many of you know what I am talking about. The seat is bright blue and supple just like a brand new 2015 bike. Its just a beauty.

Its frankly incredible. I've never seen such an unmolested bike. I see stuff on this thing that I've not seen anywhere but in brochures. There is a rubber casing on the bottom of the remote reservoir (I only see that in brochures). Shock and swing arm are mint! There is even the cadmium plating on the axle that shines!! Its crazy.

More pics in the sun coming when I am further along:

I used a Uship and it was perfect.

20598320598420598520598620598720598820598920598620 5990205992

The seller was amazing and such a gentleman. I got 2 boxes of parts including a Ritcher Privateer slilence, 2 Hondaline headlight guards (for the '85-86 R's), 2 top end gasket kits for the '83-84 R, a cooler rack (for the '84 R), headlight guard for '81-82 R, an extra carb...too much to list....

Buck Snort
12-13-2014, 12:27 PM
Holy! What a score. I bet you have spent some time just starring at it.

Darius1502
12-13-2014, 12:41 PM
Man it gives you chills. You stuff exactly how it was designed. I'll get some pictures of under the tank, etc. Everything is super clean and all the original ties are there. I just sit and stare.

Funny thing...comparing it to my '86R...I don't think they even used 1 similar bolt. Its 100% different. Honda must have been really pissed off in '84 when they re-designed the R. They are such different machines the Gen2 and Gen3's.

Blue Viffer
12-13-2014, 01:03 PM
Darius, what is there to restore on this bike? It looks fantastic. A couple of tires and grips and your done. LOL Make it how you want it and enjoy it. Glad it is the gem that you want.

Darius1502
12-13-2014, 01:13 PM
Good point...!! Really I guess 'restore' is not the right word. The main thing I am doing is polishing the plastics. Replacing some decals and other odds and ends.

The fender polishing/re-finishing takes me about 3 weeks.

With a bunch of wet standing and some time on the buffing wheel we get this. Here are the 350X fenders I did about 2 years ago:

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Blue Viffer
12-13-2014, 01:26 PM
Wow even the decal on the headlight is there. Where did you find this one and are there others out there? :):wondering

Samjp22
12-13-2014, 01:34 PM
off topic but that lt500r in the background :naughty:

Darius1502
12-13-2014, 01:46 PM
I found this one on ebay actually. But originally it was on one of those global search engines where you can search all of craigslst etc. I am sure there are more out there for sure!

Darius1502
12-13-2014, 01:47 PM
Yes Sir! Here are some pics of her: http://www.bikepics.com/members/dariusktm/90lt500/

joesouth
12-13-2014, 03:15 PM
Why is it when I think I have enough trikes, I see one like this and want one more! Nice find.

Darius1502
12-13-2014, 04:51 PM
Why is it when I think I have enough trikes, I see one like this and want one more! Nice find.

Because they are all so dang cool!!

roostin atc
12-13-2014, 06:49 PM
If you're not interested in the cooler rack let me know. 206004 Nice bike! !

dirtwheels
12-13-2014, 09:31 PM
You've got yourself a time-machine there. Really nice original bike! Best of luck with it.
…oh, and you can never have too many!

Darius1502
12-14-2014, 12:31 AM
I got to polish the front fender. This took me about 3 hours total just for the front of the fender. The rear fenders are bear always...that takes at least 1 week... Anyway she's looking pretty spiffy!!206017

Darius1502
12-14-2014, 12:15 PM
Did some more polishing this morning. The front fender is now a 9 out of 10. That's perfect enough for me. Here's a shot head to head with her cousin the '86 350x. Two very different times in 3wheeling.

In '84 everything was exploding in the 3 wheeled world. By '86 I am sure Honda was starting to see the writing on the wall. However the developments between '84 and '85 were staggering. Anyone who has seen an '84 R and a '85 R together can see what Honda put into the 3rd gen. Its astounding.

The 350x is also a techno marvel...but that's another story:

206036

(you can see the reflection of an ATC shirt in the 250R fender...that's shiny enough for me! Now for the hard part...the rear fenders!!)

Blue Viffer
12-14-2014, 01:43 PM
Fender looks great give me the details of your polishing ie sanding then rubbing compound then polish or sanding then rubbing compound then floor polish? Also where did the headlight decal go? Looks like your enjoying the new bike.

Darius1502
12-14-2014, 03:27 PM
The decal is still there. It's just at an angle that is under that bar of the headlight guard. Not sure why Honda put it there instead of on top...but I have on old headlight with the remains of one on it...plus I've seen it in old mags there. <SEE PIC in this TEST from '83>206037

Here's a thread of my plastic polishing learning experience:

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/155327-Polsihing-Fenders-what-gives/page2?highlight=polishing+plastic

nik0708
12-14-2014, 05:57 PM
Hi, very nice 84!
I have a few pairs of OEM rear Dunlops, I would be happy to give a pair to you, that bike deserves them.
They are not NOS but as good as you will find, I would say they have at least 75-80% tread left. I am restoring an 84 right now.206038

nik0708
12-14-2014, 06:04 PM
Here's a pic of a set of used tire vs a NOS one, they are worn but still look good with lots of life left!

206039206040

Darius1502
12-15-2014, 12:11 AM
I'll take em!! PM SENT!!

Darius1502
12-15-2014, 08:40 AM
For anyone who has questions on Fender Polishing (I answered one of Nick's older threads here - but it might help anyone who is interested). These steps are good if you've gotten all the scratches out). The fender is smooth but no shine. These steps done carefully will bring back the beautiful showroom shine:

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/138539-Please-help!!-Fender-polishing?p=1344464#post1344464

Darius1502
12-19-2014, 07:19 PM
Super happy... here is where she is at so far. Thanks to all who are helping! Yes, I am going to put an air filter on her before starting :)

Once I clean her up...its amazing how perfect she is. MINT really. My fender polishing will put her over the top!

206360206363206362

Darius1502
12-19-2014, 09:50 PM
Some progress today got the Honda OEM grips in and bar ends. Going to put some clear contact paper over that original 'Pro Link' decal on the rear swinger. The seat is the most supple of any ATC I have. Even my '86 R's seat is harder (due to some UV hardening) than this one.

You can see the rear fenders all sanded down in the background of one of the shots...I started out with 400 grit. I am going to see how good I can get them with that finer grit. That should hopefully ensure they are super smooth in the end. But the polishing is what really does it. More to come!206369

More:

206364206365206366206367206368

Blue Viffer
12-19-2014, 11:48 PM
Some progress today got the Honda OEM grips in and bar ends. Going to put some clear contact paper over that original 'Pro Link' decal on the rear swinger. The seat is the most supple of any ATC I have. Even my '86 R's seat is harder (due to some UV hardening) than this one.

You can see the rear fenders all sanded down in the background of one of the shots...I started out with 400 grit. I am going to see how good I can get them with that finer grit. That should hopefully ensure they are super smooth in the end. But the polishing is what really does it. More to come!206369

More:

206364206365206366206367206368

Darius, I would think that there is a pro-link decal out there somewhere. Bike is coming along. Like to see other 2nd gens being built. Looking good. Do you ride these in your collection or do you just collect? All of your bikes look great!

Vince

Darius1502
12-20-2014, 12:34 AM
Thanks Vince i ride them a couple times a year. Nothing hard, muddy or rocky. Mostly grassy fields and dirt roads where i ride. With 2 two year old twin boys i dont get out much any more. Its all good i am a big softie with these machines...so they never age really! My Triz ive not ridden in 2 years...my 86 r 2.5!!!

Darius1502
12-20-2014, 11:16 AM
Here's a shot of the '84 R next to the '86 350X. I never realized that Honda moved the chain to the other side and the front disk. 206392 Crazy how much variation there is on these two machines. Both awesome. 206393 My sanding work on the '84 fenders in coming along! I thought the 350x fenders were BIG...compared to my '86 R...but the '84 fenders are HUGE!

matgod
12-20-2014, 11:43 AM
All of your trikes look amasing Darius this one is no exception! Great work. The plastic polishing is really great, i did not no it was possible to acheive what you have done.

atc007
12-20-2014, 11:51 AM
Always SUCH a pleasure to watch your threads my friend. Is it sick I am so looking forward to someday wet sanding plastic!?? I know it is lol. And that passion will dull by the minute,then the hour,then the day, then the week lol. She is a true queen you found there bud. So happy to see it sit there in your garage :)

Darius1502
12-20-2014, 12:11 PM
All of your trikes look amasing Darius this one is no exception! Great work. The plastic polishing is really great, i did not no it was possible to acheive what you have done.


Yep its possible! Which is great hope for us all!! I'll be posted the after pics when the polishing is done. There is a whole thread on it here:

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthr...ishing+plastic

Blue Viffer
12-20-2014, 12:33 PM
Thanks Vince i ride them a couple times a year. Nothing hard, muddy or rocky. Mostly grassy fields and dirt roads where i ride. With 2 two year old twin boys i dont get out much any more. Its all good i am a big softie with these machines...so they never age really! My Triz ive not ridden in 2 years...my 86 r 2.5!!!

I am glad that you got this trike...if it were anyone else it would be beat in a year and not appreciated. When I was younger I put my boy on the front of my 250r he was 13 months old. If I left camp without him he would cry till I got back and gave him his ride. Your boys can be riding with you if you take it easy. A couple of years ago I became a Grandfather so my son went out and got a harness so that he could ride his son in front of him and it would support him and keep him attached to his father. You might look into that.

Keep up the good work.

Vince

nik0708
12-20-2014, 03:44 PM
Some progress today got the Honda OEM grips in and bar ends. Going to put some clear contact paper over that original 'Pro Link' decal on the rear swinger. The seat is the most supple of any ATC I have. Even my '86 R's seat is harder (due to some UV hardening) than this one.

You can see the rear fenders all sanded down in the background of one of the shots...I started out with 400 grit. I am going to see how good I can get them with that finer grit. That should hopefully ensure they are super smooth in the end. But the polishing is what really does it. More to come!206369

More:

206364206365206366206367206368

Hey Darius,
I noticed your swingarm decal is missing the "TM" that's sits below the lower tip of the K unlike the 83r decal, I'm looking to get the 84 and the 83 swingarm pro link decals reproduced so I'll send you one when I get round to having them done.

206398206398

Darius1502
12-20-2014, 05:42 PM
Nick,

Is that an OEM decal there? Man that would be killer!!

Darius1502
12-20-2014, 05:48 PM
Nick,

Have you ever run across this decal? A guy on airfoolers.com had a kit but he's not selling them any longer. Its the one that goes by the rider's boot on the left side I think:

206406206407206408

Not sure if it was an '83 only decal?

Blue Viffer
12-20-2014, 06:44 PM
Darius, I can put you in touch with a guy that has those if you need it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Custom-Ordered-Decals-only-By-ddrslapp-Slap-em-on-and-Get-NOTICED-/351149471726?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51c223b7ee

Tell him you got his info from me, it is called the chain tensioning decal. Just ask him in the ask a question portion he will get back to you as to how much and will give you instructions on buying. Does great work he can do any decal for you. He did my custom decals on my fenders.

Vince

nik0708
12-20-2014, 07:13 PM
Nick,

Is that an OEM decal there? Man that would be killer!!

Hi Darius,
Yeh it's NOS OEM. The tire/chain info decal is available from the guy Vince gave you the link to.
I have seen some mint 84r's that don't have that particular decal fitted and others tha206416206417t do, I have a mint original 84r fender that has all original decals attached and that particular decal is present.
The tank decals were different between 83 & 84 too, the wing on the 84 tank has a more orange colour where the 83 is yellow. All repro decals are yellow, even some of the high $$$ restored 84r's I have seen have the incorrect tank decals.206415

nik0708
12-20-2014, 07:17 PM
Hi Darius,
Yeh it's NOS OEM. The tire/chain info decal is available from the guy Vince gave you the link to.
I have seen some mint 84r's that don't have that particular decal fitted and others tha206416206417t do, I have a mint original 84r fender that has all original decals attached and that particular decal is present.
The tank decals were different between 83 & 84 too, the wing on the 84 tank has a more orange colour where the 83 is yellow. All repro decals are yellow, even some of the high $$$ restored 84r's I have seen have the incorrect tank decals.206415

Sorry about the jumbled up pics, it's a bit awkward downloading pics from my phone! :rolleyes:

Darius1502
12-20-2014, 10:32 PM
Darius, I can put you in touch with a guy that has those if you need it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Custom-Ordered-Decals-only-By-ddrslapp-Slap-em-on-and-Get-NOTICED-/351149471726?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51c223b7ee

Tell him you got his info from me, it is called the chain tensioning decal. Just ask him in the ask a question portion he will get back to you as to how much and will give you instructions on buying. Does great work he can do any decal for you. He did my custom decals on my fenders.

Vince

Vince thanks man...I'll check him out!! I really, really appreciate it! :)

Darius1502
12-20-2014, 10:34 PM
Sorry about the jumbled up pics, it's a bit awkward downloading pics from my phone! :rolleyes:

You are totally right Nick. I've seem some horrible positioning. Even on the fenders with the warning decal and the 'pro link' decals. Funny how that happens. Yes Sir..mine is an '84 and has the more orange colored wings. Crazy the distinctions.

I also noticed the numbers/lettering "250R" on the rear fender is fatter and heavier on the '84's.

Darius1502
12-20-2014, 10:38 PM
Darius, I can put you in touch with a guy that has those if you need it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Custom-Ordered-Decals-only-By-ddrslapp-Slap-em-on-and-Get-NOTICED-/351149471726?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51c223b7ee

Tell him you got his info from me, it is called the chain tensioning decal. Just ask him in the ask a question portion he will get back to you as to how much and will give you instructions on buying. Does great work he can do any decal for you. He did my custom decals on my fenders.

Vince


Vince there is no way for me to contact him. HIs ebay does not allow questions (only the pre-selected ones). do you have a email for him?

Blue Viffer
12-21-2014, 01:50 AM
Darius,
Sent you a pm with his address. For those of you following the link if you scroll down to ask a question then go through the questions they ask you first and tell e-bay no that was not the answer you wanted they will let you contact the seller through e-bay. Then you can ask him hey can you make this decal or can you make a custom decal or I would like my custom decal like this. Scott is a stand up guy and made these fender decals for me in both the maier fender size and the original fender size.
206420206421

And the cat teeth marks in the seat were not of Scott's doing.

Vince

Darius1502
12-21-2014, 02:21 AM
Darius,
Sent you a pm with his address. For those of you following the link if you scroll down to ask a question then go through the questions they ask you first and tell e-bay no that was not the answer you wanted they will let you contact the seller through e-bay. Then you can ask him hey can you make this decal or can you make a custom decal or I would like my custom decal like this. Scott is a stand up guy and made these fender decals for me in both the maier fender size and the original fender size.
206420206421



And the cat teeth marks in the seat were not of Scott's doing.

Vince

Man that is just too cool!! Super nice work... Thanks for sharing!!

Blue Viffer
12-21-2014, 03:03 AM
Darius,

Thanks like I said he did two sets for me and the decal you want also the 300r for the tool box. Here are a couple more pics.206422206423206424

And he even did the WestCoast for the swing arm.

Vince

Darius1502
12-21-2014, 11:56 PM
Super nice!! I even see that 'chain tension' decal!! Right on!!

Darius1502
12-29-2014, 11:17 AM
A little update. I've been getting odds and ends like levers, decals, chain slider (for swingarm), etc. Plus polishing up the back fenders. I am actually getting very good at this. The last set I did was my 350X and while I did a good job I started with too course a grit paper and had a very hard time getting the lines out. This time the coursest grain I went was 400 and I got to the pics below.

For those wondering here is the protocol:

I basically start wet sanding them (by hand) 400 grit sand paper. Then go to 600, 1000, 2000, then 3000. You keep sanding till scratches are gone. All the way up to 3000 grit by hand.

Really deep scratches you can get out, but it just takes time. This part is easy BUT it just a patience game. Getting the showroom shine is the harder part for most. Here's the secret sauce this pad: http://www.autopia-carcare.com/meguiars-w9000.html#.VKBu6P-sc Meguiars Soft Buff W-9000 Foam Finishing Pad 8 inch with Novus polish: http://www.amazon.com/Novus-Plastic-Scratch-Remover-bottles/dp/B000J41VDM
www.autopia-carcare.com

Don't use an orbital buffer. Those suck for this purpose. You need something like this **THIS IS THE EXACT UNIT I HAVE** http://www.amazon.com/Tradespro-836788-7-Inch-Variable-Polisher/dp/B00FFD4THM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419866922&sr=8-1&keywords=ALL+TRADE+TRADES+PRO+BUFFER

The orbitals will go all over the place and you won't be able to do this correctly. You want a straight polisher that only rotates the pad and let's you select different speeds.

Once you get it smooth but dull it will look kind of like the old Maier fenders did. Then start with the pad and Novus 3. Keep going slowly. After 10 passes apply more Novus 3. Do about 3 sets of passes. WASH THE PAD AND LET IT DRY. CLEAN OFF THE FENDERS OF ANY RESIDUE. Then do the same thing but this time do it with Novus 2. The more you go the shiner it gets. Honestly even for NOS plastic...that gets dull or gets rash marks from sitting on a shelf or just little nicks...the 9000 pad with Novus 2 will make it look like it just came off the plastic press!

I've also got a video that I'll be making for Nick and everyone else.

The first pic where I am measuring gives you an idea of where I was at RIGHT after all 3000 wet sanding was done.

206857206855206856

NOTE: These pictures were only after the first day. I've been at this for a 3 more days...and they look even BETTER!! NOTE: THIS IS A DRY SHINE. NO ARMOR ALL OR OTHER SILICONE ON THESE FENDERS WHATSOEVER!!

atc007
12-29-2014, 11:29 AM
What a pleasure Darius,what a pleasure. Thanx again.

Darius1502
12-29-2014, 11:37 AM
Just think of me as the fender polish FETISH guy....

Honestly if I could get NOS for the '83 '84 R I would but...many of us have had to learn this because of necessity. So I am glad to keep learning and sharing this stuff. Hopefully its helped quite a bit of people.

I'll also say that even when you find NOS stuff...it many times has shelf 'rash' or is dulled out by handling or has slight scuffs from being moved around for 30 years. I've even had stuff scuff up my NOS fenders in the garage! This protocol BUT using only the NOVUS 3 and NOVUS 2 with the 9000 pad will bring back the smooth glossy finish.

Its a great thing to be able to do. :)

Darius1502
12-29-2014, 04:39 PM
quick updates as of yesterday...206874206875206876206877

nik0708
12-29-2014, 05:42 PM
quick updates as of yesterday...206874206875206876206877

Stunning job Darius!! The rest is easy if you can get fenders to look like that.

Blue Viffer
12-29-2014, 10:55 PM
Looking fantastic Darius...top notch and thanks for doing the hard work in figuring out what works best in what order. That bike is going to be showroom quality quick.

Darius1502
12-29-2014, 11:22 PM
Stunning job Darius!! The rest is easy if you can get fenders to look like that.

Exactly...the rest is just paint...(mostly anyway!)

Darius1502
12-29-2014, 11:23 PM
Looking fantastic Darius...top notch and thanks for doing the hard work in figuring out what works best in what order. That bike is going to be showroom quality quick.

Thank you brother...you motivated me to do my best just like you did with your R...so thank you!!!!

Darius1502
12-29-2014, 11:27 PM
Hi Darius,
Yeh it's NOS OEM. The tire/chain info decal is available from the guy Vince gave you the link to.
I have seen some mint 84r's that don't have that particular decal fitted and others tha206416206417t do, I have a mint original 84r fender that has all original decals attached and that particular decal is present.
The tank decals were different between 83 & 84 too, the wing on the 84 tank has a more orange colour where the 83 is yellow. All repro decals are yellow, even some of the high $$$ restored 84r's I have seen have the incorrect tank decals.206415

Nick that picture of both those R tanks is stunning!!! Those are probably the only two perfect 83 and 84 r tanks and decals in the world. You are a master.....and I've never heard about the color change even in the magazines!!!!

Astounding!!!!

Darius1502
01-03-2015, 10:52 AM
I completed the final polish of my fenders. I got some great numberplate decals and that super rare warning decal for the '84 R from this great ebay seller:

http://www.ebay.com/usr/ddrslapp?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

The quality is top notch and he's got stuff for all R's (including a ton for the '85/86 and the others like mine 2nd gen).

Here are some pics!

207100207101

Blue Viffer
01-03-2015, 01:13 PM
Looking great!!

Darius1502
01-03-2015, 11:06 PM
I put the two R's together in the messy garage tonight. The 86 looks low and mean. The '84 though really is a sweet looking ride. I can't believe how good she is turning out. I think she's going to be the nicest one in the stable!

Once I am 100% done I'll get some pics of these girls in the sun...so they can be seen clearly!

207134207135

Blue Viffer
01-30-2015, 01:42 PM
I put the two R's together in the messy garage tonight. The 86 looks low and mean. The '84 though really is a sweet looking ride. I can't believe how good she is turning out. I think she's going to be the nicest one in the stable!

Once I am 100% done I'll get some pics of these girls in the sun...so they can be seen clearly!

207134207135

Darius any new picks out in the sun? Have been patiently waiting to see what the finished bike looks like.

vince

Darius1502
02-01-2015, 02:51 PM
'84 R is pretty much done. More pictures coming. Here's one or two from the other day on the trailer.

An upclose of the fender polished: 209495209496

nik0708
02-01-2015, 05:33 PM
Looking good Darius, very nice work!!

If the red T3 fenders turn out half as nice as that I'll be delighted!

Nick.

Darius1502
02-06-2015, 09:59 PM
Ok..I know I've posted these in a few places..but I might as well finish out this thread:

209862209863209864209865

Darius1502
02-06-2015, 10:04 PM
209866209867209868209869209870

Darius1502
02-06-2015, 10:10 PM
Kind of excited just to have her running...


View My Video (http://tinypic.com/r/33crb5i/8)

Blue Viffer
02-08-2015, 01:57 PM
Kind of excited just to have her running...


View My Video (http://tinypic.com/r/33crb5i/8)

That is as close to new as anybody is ever going to get. That looks awesome. Hope you get to enjoy it. I see cow's do you also have horses? Sorry to get off track used to team pen.

vince

Dirtweed
02-08-2015, 02:28 PM
Excellent job! Looks perfect.

Darius1502
02-08-2015, 02:49 PM
No horses...a few donkeys! Yes she's in a great condition. I can put around on her...roost up and down grassy hills and still keep her looking the same for decades. That's who most of my trikes and bike are....they are ridden...but don't really age or lose condition. Plus I am 42 now and thrashing them just isn't as appealing as it was in my 30's or 20's.

Thanks guys! A few more...2100102100112100122100132100142100152100102 10016

jays375
02-08-2015, 03:51 PM
Wow very nice!

ATCT
11-24-2015, 06:55 PM
Super nice!! Love it.

Darius1502
02-10-2016, 01:26 AM
Thanks guys...can you believe its been over 1 year since I started her?

onformula1
02-10-2016, 03:00 AM
Incredible work!, keep it up.