What color should I paint my XS400? (motorcycle)

[joecool85]

I'm going to be painting my XS400 and I'm thinking either:

2002 Ford Focus Mandarin Copper

or

1975 Porsche 914 Copper Metallic

My fiance insists they are the same color, but I know they are not. Which one do you guys like?


This is the bike:

It is missing side covers, but will have them when I paint it. Also the seat is getting recovered.

 

[kabunaru]

I would suggest neither. Go out of the ordinary. Do something like Turquoise or Burgundy colour.

As for out of the two choices, the Ford.

 

[voxnj]

Why would paint your motorcycle a girlee color? Before you decide to ruin a classic black ride, grab a six pack and watch some Arnold movies.

 

[kabunaru]

Why would paint your motorcycle a girlee color?

Copper is a girlie colour?

 

[KingYaba]

Go for a bare metal look on the motorcycle. Extend the handlebars upward and tack on a sissy bar.

 

[Berlepsch]

The real question is, do you want to do a complete overhaul of the bike, or just a quick paint job. In the latter case, it doesn't really matter what color you chose.

If you plan a complete restoration, I'd personnally go for a classical look. For instance a two color (black & bronze with gold stripes) design for the tank similar to the SR 500, with a matching design for the side covers.
Then you'll need some chrome on the exhaust and a front wheel that matches the back.

Edit:
Actually, get rid of the 2-in-1 exhaust and mount a 2-in-2.

 

[MacRy]

Another vote for burgundy. My Kwak Zephyr is burgundy and looks really nice.

 

[joecool85]

I would suggest neither. Go out of the ordinary. Do something like Turquoise or Burgundy colour.

As for out of the two choices, the Ford.

Those are two of the most common colors for a bike of that age....far from out of the ordinary.

Orange isn't girlie, I won't mount a sissy bar or ape hangers.

The 2-1 exhaust came on the bike (it is aftermarket though) and I hate 2-2 designs.

**edit**
And I'm not doing a total overhaul, but I have fixed almost all of the wiring issues, will be replacing the sprockets/chain, new tires, paint, re-cover the seat, new head bearings, and a few other fixes.