Bike engine paint

[waddycall]

My current project is a 1986 ktm which I've owned for a few years. I decided today that I need to have the frame powdercoated as it's in a bad way. I was hoping not to as I don't want the bike to look restored. Anyway once the frame is refinished the air cooled rotax engine is going to stand out like a sore thumb. I really don't want to strip the engine just to get the cases powder coated so can anyone suggest a paint that can be easily applied by brush or aerosol that will look ok and won't peel off in no time?
Thanks, pete

 

[rich the mechanic]

If it's only the cases then any rattle can you like will work so long as you prep it right. I like smoothrite it has a pretty good heat range and the prep doesn't need to be perfect.

 

[norlander]

best stuff I've used is Harley-Davidson black engine paint-yeah-its not cheap but I did the job once and its stayed done and looking good.It comes in a rattle can.
As Rich said-I have had OK results with off the shelf rattle cans as well but I buy mine for the pro paint shop although not sure if they are actually any better from those from DIY outlets but I'd go with Smoothrite too.

 

[shenion]

I've had good luck with Duplicolor VHT gloss black.

 

[waddycall]

If it's only the cases then any rattle can you like will work so long as you prep it right. I like smoothrite it has a pretty good heat range and the prep doesn't need to be perfect.

Thanks for the reply. Sorry shouldn't have said cases. Ill need to paint the head and barrel too.

 

[DanielW]

If you're going to do the cases and especially the head and barrel? you will need to have them wet sandblasted or sandblasted for any paint to adhere properly,anything less and you're waisting your time.

If you get the head and barrel wet sandblasted you will not want paint em :-)

My engine after wet sandblasting

 

[norlander]

If you get the head and barrel wet sandblasted you will not want paint em :-)

My engine after wet sandblasting

+1 on the above but -you don't want the bike to look too restored so I dunno-here is a link to a bloke who painted his engine black with the harley paint and it seems its stayed on no probs-I sprayed my primary drive cover and its still looking good after several months and loads of crap weather rides.

 

[lazybones51]

Painted some CCM parts with PJ1 Satin Black (FAST BLACK) paint came out really well with minimal prep (cleaning and keying the surfaces) and was tough after it had time to cure.

 

[rich the mechanic]

best stuff I've used is Harley-Davidson black engine paint-yeah-its not cheap but I did the job once and its stayed done and looking good.It comes in a rattle can.
As Rich said-I have had OK results with off the shelf rattle cans as well but I buy mine for the pro paint shop although not sure if they are actually any better from those from DIY outlets but I'd go with Smoothrite too.

The HD paint is good I used to work for them and tarting up part ex bikes I used to swap the nozzle over to a clean WD40 type and use the hose to do the barrels and keep the ends of the fins clean went on fine and stayed with no prep but not cheap it comes in wrinkle and texture.