Undertray....Cheaper alternative??

Has anyone tried to spray the original black plastic undertray on the SV? Had a look at it and it doesnt seem to be much different from the aftermarket options. Just wondered if someone had already tried it

[TSM]

I will hazard a guess that the undertray is made of the same plastic as the chain guard. I tried to paint the guard but the paint started to flake off a couple of months later. I was advised by Squid or Rictus that the plastic of the guard would not take the paint well. Not sure of the technical reson but they were right.

The undertray and chain guard are a soft plastic compound designed to flex and absorb stones flung off the rear wheel.

The first thing to do before painting is achieve a smooth surface which is pretty much impossible with that stuff. I'd be very surprised if it hasn't been shot-blasted by stonechips already anyway.

There is a way around this, though you won't like it.......
Just spray your bike satin black to match the undertray.

[northwind]

You could paint it... Flat it off as far as you can (it'll never be smooth but it can be smooth-ish) and spray it with plastic primer, then proceed as usual. But it won't last at all well, it'll chip around the edges very quickly just from the abuse those bits get- there's a reason they're made from that soft plastic, it doesn't mark easily.

[Viney]

...and if you colour match it, the paint will cost you more than buying a painted undertray from Suzuki or suchlike

Originally Posted by Viney

...and if you colour match it, the paint will cost you more than buying a painted undertray from Suzuki or suchlike

aye you're probably right there

[northwind]

Originally Posted by Viney

...and if you colour match it, the paint will cost you more than buying a painted undertray from Suzuki or suchlike

Ah, the rare valid point...

Originally Posted by northwind

it won't last at all well, it'll chip around the edges very quickly just from the abuse those bits get- there's a reason they're made from that soft plastic, it doesn't mark easily.

So with that in mind, an aftermarket undertray will probably get a little shabby too unless a hugger is there to help or it's made of coloured fibreglass???

Garry

[northwind]

Nah, paint on hard plastic isn't the same, it'll stick better and not be so vulnerable to damage. Squashy plastic under hard paint doesn't mix, if it gets hit the plastic deforms but the paint can't, it'll crack. Also even with plastic primer the adhesion on that stuff's terrible.