Trip to Estonia is looming ahead. I need to strap the Giant Loop bags on the bike which means that the rear plastics would get scratched to s**t. On a bike like this, that should not really matter, but I decided to try to protect them anyway.
At first I tried using clear rubber paint (not PlastiDip brand) which produced horrible results. Then I tried applying vinyl wrapping, but the awkward shape (and my lack of skill) of the rear plastics again lead to ugly results.
As my final attempt, I changed the paint brand to Maston and the paint color to matte black. Success! I applied several coats, but it remains to be seen if it will actually hold up under the bags.
UPDATE
In retrospect this was a bit of a futile exercise. Scratches will be inevitable so why bother and the rubber paint wont protect the plastics against rocks etc. anyway. Also the rubber paint when removed, matted the tool box cover plastic.
Project Honda CRF 300 L 
Hi m8
A few marks will add to the bike
I have just been to Estonia and found it to be the best place on my 3 week Eastern Europe + Sweden/ Norway/ Denmark trip
If you get a chance go to Tallin, which is very nice with plenty to do
I went on a F800 GS adventure which I ditched as soon as I got back to UK
I now have a rally and despite all the crap talk that these bikes need more power, I have found that it is a pleasure to ride + 91 mpg
I am adding some bits to it and look forward to doing a big trip next year
Just be careful in Estonia and all Eastern Europe as most of the MAX speed limits are 56 mph
And they do like a speed trap
If you get a chance, go to Narva which is on the Russian Border
They is a nice little cafe called Old Trafford and dispite the reviews was a great place to eat and good prices
Good luck and enjoy
Gunner
LikeLiked by 1 person
Once you have finished protecting the panels, by applying coats of paint, is it possible to remove the paint again without damaging the underlying plastic (as would be the case with vinyl sheets)? If it is not possible to get the paint off without damaging the underlying plastic, how does the paint protect them?
Thanks,
Tomas.
LikeLike
The rubber paint peels cleanly off by hand. Google “plastidip rims”
LikeLike
Hi,
So, you’ve done the Estonia trip: how did the panels stand up to the luggage? Scuffed?
Scratched? Ruined?
(Personally, I’m not a fan of the colour/decals on the Rally. I would change to something far less ‘RED!’ as soon as different coloured panels and fenders become available. Until then, and if they don’t scratch too much, I’d even consider painting all the plastics… really don’t like that RED!)
LikeLike
I ended up just strapping a smaller bag on the rack so the panels didn’t get scuffed at all.
LikeLike
Hi former 690 enduro r owner! I’m about to pull the trigger on a 2017 690 enduro but before ibdonthat, I’d like to hear your thoughts about how the Honda and the ktm compare in terms of your experience with them. I was also considering a Honda, hence the question.
LikeLike
Hi former 690 enduro r owner! I’m about to pull the trigger on a 2017 690 enduro but before ibdonthat, I’d like to hear your thoughts about how the Honda and the ktm compare in terms of your experience with them. I was also considering a Honda, hence the question.
LikeLike
Hard to describe in short. The Honda is a friendlier laid back version of the 690. Specs wise it loses in everything, but it has a likeable character and is cabable of much more than the specs would suggest.
LikeLike
Ended up buying the 690, Honda does not have as much coverage in my current city -Bogota, Colombia- and decided to give the 690 a chance. I’ll keep reading your blog posts about the Honda though, they’re quite interesting. Cheers, fellow rider!
LikeLike
690 is an awesome bike. Congrats!
LikeLike