Put a deposit down on a Standard 23 AT....but now having second thoughts!

2303 Views 94 Replies 25 Participants Last post by Beowulf, 2 d ago

buddy13

Discussion Starter · 11 d ago

After selling my 800 Tiger earlier this year, I was really looking forward to get a Standard AT.

The problem started when I was trying to decide on the color. It may be just me, but I found the white/blue Tricolor and the Grand Prix red a bit too colorful, for the lack of a better word. The most 'colorful' they have been from 2016 up to now. So I decided on the Matte Ballistic Black.

I am now really having serious second thoughts about the color scheme. I am feeling that in a few years down the road, the black will not look so good. When I see videos of classic 90's ATs they seldom show black ones. Also the matte black, this year, has zero highlights, like at least gold forks and/or wheels and maybe the reason why it does not pop at all.

I have also read that pressure washers (my favorite way to wash a bike) and matte paint don't go well together.

Placed my order beginning this month and waiting time is around 8 months so might be still in time to change my order! I am thinking of going to the dealership and ask for 'Glint Wave Blue Metallic'.

What say you?! Also, as important is the 2023 white frame paint prone to cracking/rusting?

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Hood

· #2 · 11 d ago

Matte black for me, had a 2021 AT DCT and loved the colour, got a 2022 ATAS and at first I thought it a bit bland looking but once I got the tank pads on it broke up the massive tank sides and now I like it much better than the 2021.
There are lots of guys that have matte black 1000's and they look as good as the day they bought them, at least going by the pics.

As to the white frames on the 2023, no idea if they flake like the earlier ones.

Reactions: 1

Shilogh

· #3 · 11 d ago

I also like dark colors, especially the black and dark shades of blue but according to some statistical studies this clown like red and white combination would be particularly safer in traffic. Additionally I noticed by chance (although this was already known) that colors have a significant impact on our psychology. I had set the colors of my keyboard to red and I realized how much it bothered me when I accidentally hit the color key and turned it green, I instantly felt my brain relaxed.

Reactions: 2

DoubleThumper

· #4 · 11 d ago

In the beginning I thought I wouldn't like the Matt Black Africa Twin (mind you, it has the golden rims), but then I realized Honda's metallic flat black was extremely low maintenance - at least this is my experience. This I really like.

I never power wash my motorcycles, and in fact I got rid of the washer. A garden hose would likely work very well, but I don't even have to do that. Nature does a pretty darn good job.

My past Hondas did not clean as easily, or more correctly: They were significantly more tedious to manage. Bleck. Life is too short for that.

Reactions: 3

Lupolee

· #5 · 11 d ago

Stop talking, you WILL buy the Matt Black and be done with it!

Reactions: 5

Dado

· #6 · 11 d ago (Edited)

2

Whatever you do "Don't buy MATT and don't buy BLACK or Dark GREY with no gold rims or shocks.

You HAVE to buy this chick magnet :

Jk,jk of course...buy whatever you like, and don't listen to the AT forum members that made a mistake and bought "black primer only AT's" that look like BBQ's

Matte paint finishes are very sensitive to scratches, even paper towel at the gas station scratched my '17 FJR1300 matte silver, that was my last and only "matt finish" ...they are not terrible, but you can't use "regular" car wash, wax, polishing products.
Matt paint requires different products formulated for matt finishes.
here is some read on matt paint:

How Do You Keep Frozen Paint & Vinyl Matt Surface Finish Clean?

https://www.drbeasleys.com/blog/2012...nt-looks-flat/

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www.hyundaiusa.com

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Reactions: 5

irsh

· #7 · 11 d ago

I wanted a tricolor with a non-white frame but that wasn't available. The metallic black looks great, just wish it didn't have the gaudy gold decals and silver metal parts...

Reactions: 1

DoubleThumper

· #8 · 11 d ago

@Dado - I have no idea what you are getting at.

Matt is very low maintenance. Wax, polish, paper towels? Like, wha is dat?

Reactions: 1

Dado

· #9 · 11 d ago

DoubleThumper said:
@Dado - I have no idea what you are getting at.

Matt is very low maintenance. Wax, polish, paper towels? Like, wha is dat?

You should do a bit more research on matte paint finishes... absolutely NO wax or polish !!!

What are the disadvantages of matte paint?
Cons
It's easy to mess with the matte look because matte finishes are sensitive to rubbing.

You can't remove scratches without repainting because polishing ruins the look.

You need specialized care products because many detailing products alter the matte appearance with wax.

Reactions: 1

DoubleThumper

· #10 · 11 d ago

@Dado Have you looked and touched and soiled Matt on the Africa Twin?

Dado

· #11 · 11 d ago

4

DoubleThumper said:
@Dado - I have no idea what you are getting at.

Matt is very low maintenance. Wax, polish, paper towels? Like, wha is dat?

Double... it's all explained here:

www.autoglym.com

Caring For Matt And Satin Paint Finishes – Autoglym

www.autoglym.com

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Beowulf

· #12 · 11 d ago

DoubleThumper said:
In the beginning I thought I wouldn't like the Matt Black Africa Twin (mind you, it has the golden rims), but then I realized Honda's metallic flat black was extremely low maintenance - at least this is my experience. This I really like.

I never power wash my motorcycles, and in fact I got rid of the washer. A garden hose would likely work very well, but I don't even have to do that. Nature does a pretty darn good job.

My past Hondas did not clean as easily, or more correctly: They were significantly more tedious to manage. Bleck. Life is too short for that.

What is this "cleaning" that you speak of?

Reactions: 3

DoubleThumper

· #13 · 11 d ago

... this be the precise point.

Also, Honda produced a really effective Matt.

Reactions: 1

Dado

· #14 · 11 d ago

DoubleThumper said:
... this be the precise point.

Also, Honda produced a really effective Matt.

Double I'm no expert on paint, don't know if Honda Matt is different, but based on my '17FJR my Yamaha matt paint was "very, very sensitive to scratches"

I overfilled the gas once and used the gas station paper towels, and later I could see scratches and swirls, disappointing.
All I know there is nothing better then "quality chrome and solid paint with a thick clearcoat" all minor scratches can be buffed out to restore factory finish.
No more matt vehicles for me, ever.

Reactions: 1

DoubleThumper

· #15 · 11 d ago

@Dado, @Dado, @Dado. We understand. You want one.

= = =

RE spilled gas. Yeah, an inconvenience. I did that on my last fill-up. The fuel beaded off the sun-beaten original Matt black metallic finish. It was sweet.

@Dado Don't waste more time. People like @buddy13 are scoopin' 'em up.

Reactions: 2

Sled

· #16 · 11 d ago

Dont know why they call them tri-color. There Red, white, blue, black, gold, bronze and silver! Should be called Rainbow

Anyway nice problem to have

Reactions: 2

don67

· #17 · 11 d ago

DoubleThumper said:
@Dado - I have no idea what you are getting at.

Matt is very low maintenance. Wax, polish, paper towels? Like, wha is dat?

I dunno, Dado might be onto something. I just cleaned my matt black BBQ and it almost looks worse now

Now gloss black... that's a babe magnet right there. Or at least it used to be when I was younger.

Reactions: 4

Dado

· #18 · 11 d ago

DoubleThumper said:
@Dado Don't waste more time. People like @buddy13 are scoopin' 'em up.

@buddy13 asked for our feedback, so I'm just sharing my personal experience and what I learned about "matt paint", so buddy can make an educated decision.
We all learn something new every day, no time gets wasted on this forum.

DoubleThumper

· #19 · 11 d ago

@buddy13 's path should be clear now.

... although I do like the red.

I wished Honda released a metallic green.

Dado

· #20 · 11 d ago

One more thing on matte 😁

DO NOT:
Use any type of wax, polish, detail spray, or any products made for a standard, glossy finish. Use only products specifically developed for low-gloss or matte finish paint.

Use products that are even mildly abrasive, such as rubbing compounds or glazes.

Use mechanical cleaners or polishers.

Use commercial car wash facilities and/or their finish enhancement/protection products. Facilities that use mechanical brushes or towels can damage the low-gloss finish.

Use terrycloth, cloth, or paper towels.

Rub the finish vigorously. This will burnish the finish, causing a permanent shiny spot.

Wipe vehicle in a circular motion. Lightly wipe the vehicle in a forward and backward motion.

us.ppgrefinish.com

Matte Finish Care Guide

us.ppgrefinish.com

.

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