This Yamaha motorcycle came to Killer Paint from an agency working with Progressive Insurance on a show display piece.
This design of this bike has a bit of a retro-throwback feel, which made it a great choice to do a vintage military aircraft homage theme. This motorcycle was in great condition, so very little in the way of prep work was needed, and work could start right away.
The intention for this bike was to keep it simple and elegant, so the color palette is pretty basic. Green, white and black, with splashes of red for a little bit of extra eye-catching pop. The helmet that accompanied the motorcycle was also painted to match.
While some of the parts were being prepped for paint, others were sent out to be powder coated. The wheels, rear grab bar, some of the hard lines, and a few other pieces were coated in bright red. The frame stayed black.
The seat was also removed and sent out to be re-upholstered brown, to be more in fitting with the vintage feel that was the aim of the project. Some green military patches were sewn on the sides and top of the seat too.
When it came back in, a metal bombardier pin was attached to the rear end of the seat as well. (click photos to enlarge)
After the wheels came back, the the edges of the rims were painted white to create a classic faux-whitewall tire look. If you look closely, there is a green pinstripe as well, to tie it in with the color on the rest of the bike. (click photos to enlarge)
After the emblems were painted on, many of the green parts (and the helmet) were given faux rivets and simulated panel lines. Mike also decided to invert the rearview mirrors for a retro motorcycle racing feel.
All of the paint was finished in a matte clearcoat, to make the whole bike seem more like a military vehicle than a glossy finish does.
A little something extra was finally delivered while the rest of the bike was in progress- the additional fairing that Mike had ordered just for the project. It got the paint, rivets and emblems treatment as well.
Part of the windscreen was painted green too, in order to give it the appearance of having a little more substance. A pair of faux intake vents were painted on each side, too. Once it was attached, it greatly changed the look of the whole project.
As a final extra touch, Mike went to a local Army Surplus store that had an authentic vintage dogtag stamping machine, and had a pair of Killer Paint dogtags made to serve as the keychain for the bike.
We received a few photos later of the motorcycle set up in the display at a show. The bike and helmet each got their own spaces.
The project was completed relatively painlessly, without much in the way of unexpected problems or delays, and the customer was thrilled with the result.
The customer gave us pretty much full reign on the design, which was fantastic. When a customer dictates too many specifics on a job, or micro-manages the work being done on a project, it does more to bind one’s hands creatively.
Artists usually do their best work when creativity isn’t stifled or restricted by a laundry list of requirements or details. Otherwise, they can’t do anything beyond the scope of what they are told, and the job can be no better than such a list asks.
In this case, allowing creative license made the whole project turn out that much better.
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We hope you enjoyed taking a look back at this project. Let us know if there is anything you would like to see us post here in the future!
Maybe this project gave you some ideas, or you already have an idea in mind for your own car, truck, motorcycle, refrigerator, etc?
If you would like to contact Killer Paint about working on your own project, visit our website, or contact us at info@killerpaint.com
Related Links:
The Original Killer Paint Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-Original-KILLER-PAINT-INC/297040465604
The Official Killer Paint Website: www.killerpaint.com
Killer Paint’s “True Fire™ Basics” Blog Series: https://www.killerpaint.com/true-firetrade-basics
True Fire™ Instructional DVDs:
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 1
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 2
True Fire™ Freehand Templates: Artool Freehand Airbrush Templates, True Fire Template Set
House of Kolor Official Website: www.houseofkolor.com
Progressive Insurance Website: www.progressive.com
Yamaha Motor Website: http://global.yamaha-motor.com/
Killer Paint Airbrush Studio 