Ok, first, before the dogpile, Yes, I've seen the current pinstripe version of the R1200R - of which, mine has none.
Looking at the classics on display at MAX's, I mocked this up with a different vision in mind and included the fenders. It looked pretty good so I went out to the garage with some white electrical tape and did a live mockup - and I'm not hating it.
What say you all - Does my vision draw a line back to the old R's?
If I had the white R12R, I'd for sure be looking at striping it. LIke yours below (or above?) but I would want to work a bit more on the tank. Don't know what I'd change, but I'm thinking maybe it could be even better with some more work on the tank area.
Bruce, actually, the pic is Photoshop'd. Much cleaner than what I did in the garage with tape, and much cleaner here than my garage which is not so ready for prime time viewing...
If no-one reports this as BMW heracy, I'm thinking of getting some real auto tape and taking it to the next level and with real pics to follow.
I've seen one Black/mit/White where the fender pinstripes were added - and it looked good. The original BMW pinstripes are about identical in size (width and spacing) to what BMW did on the '07-09 bikes (had mine side by side with an 1921 R32.. the similarity was really a bit startling - you could see the lineage of the boxer BMW clearly.)
One thing - the black with pinstripes have the pinstripes (which are hand painted - still..) under the clearcoat, eliminating the problem of polishing them off. I'd given thought to having a fender done (actually bought a scratched one cheap to do it) and then clearcoating it.. tape will always unfortunately look like tape (and has the problem of wax buildup on the edges..) BTDT with cars and was never real satisfied with it. Good part with tape - you can reverse it very easily. If you do it - you may want to watch for a big motorcycle event - there are often pinstripers with booths who can do it while you wait.
I did try to learn pinstriping once and bought the magic tool demo'd at a car show.. turns out the magic was the hands of the guy doing the demo. I never got close to a satisfactory result. Most pinstripers (including BMW's ladies who do it) use brushes, very very good brushes and years of experience.
1921
2007
Don Eilenberger - NJ Shore
2012 R1200R - I love this bike!
Thanks Don, I'm pretty comfortable with the tape option as an easy winter project, under $20, and mostly because it is reversable. I realize tape ain't paint, but the OEM letters are silver tape and actual painting is a bit more of a committment than I feel just now. I also want to try a loop on the luggage doors.
There was a previous post on tattoos - "a permenanent reminder of a temporary feeling".
I love my R12R OEM. Believe me, if it comes out crap, it comes off.
Your design looks like what I had in mind for my white r. The biggest problem was the design of the strips on the tank. I think you may have come up with the answer. Thanks
Ok folks, here is the Mistress all done up in 3M dual white striping (1/16in-1/8 void-1/8in) for my version of a classic/nostalgic look.
I chose the wide outside stripe and it went pretty well in the garage. Even managed to not kink-up in the turns. (Note: Yes, the carbon tank pad is about 1/4in off center - previous owner - I swear...) Pushed her out for the photos and it was starting to snow so I nudged the contrast on these. Again, I'm not hating it and we'll see how things hold up over the winter and spring roll-out.
Merry Christmas and Best Wishes to All for a Great Riding New Year!
