Fading RX3 Paint and Plastics Color

[NoVa Rider]

There have been previous posts on this issue but I could not find the thread, so I thought I would start one to collect comments.

Just had the tank off my fast orange RX3 for minor maintenance, and I noticed the top of the tank has faded slightly towards yellow, not as orangish as the sides of the tank under the plastic side pieces. My bike has been out in the sun occasionally but I generally try to keep it in the shade and its stored inside. Color on the plastics seems to be holding up OK. So far I am inclined to to live this this.

[Huck369]

It was me that posted about my Orange Paint fading (I think it was in the main thread)
I've got about 3,000 miles on mine, I ride it to work most days, and it sets out in the sun while I am at work all day.

I don't know that I feel this will be a warranted item, as it in no way affects the usefulness of the motorcycle, but I am pretty disappointed that my 4-month old motorcycle is faded so much.....at this rate it might be a white one in a couple years

I plan to have it painted, once it gets to the point it bothers me, and I will use quality Clearcoat with UV protection when I do....will give me a chance to "Pick" what color I want on it too

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by NoVa Rider

There have been previous posts on this issue but I could not find the thread, so I thought I would start one to collect comments.

Just had the tank off my fast orange RX3 for minor maintenance, and I noticed the top of the tank has faded slightly towards yellow, not as orangish as the sides of the tank under the plastic side pieces. My bike has been out in the sun occasionally but I generally try to keep it in the shade and its stored inside. Color on the plastics seems to be holding up OK. So far I am inclined to to live this this.

Yes, I have noticed a slight fading of the paint in exactly the same area of my orange fuel tank. The color of the plastic pieces is holding up well for me, also. I am slightly disappointed, but not alarmed by the minor fading. As with Huck, I don't consider this a warranty issue.

[Riceburner]

NoVa Rider,

I have to agree with you on the "fast" fade. My bike is only three and a half months old and the orange has faded substantially, very surprised but then it is a $3,500.00 bike, not a $5,000.00 or $12,000.00 Japanese or European bike, we do get what we pay for, it's a good buy for the money.

I had some of the black plastic tank fairing painted to match the rest of the bike (fastest orange) the paint shop matched the color to an area that was not exposed to the sun and elements as much as the top of the tank and boy oh boy is the color off...

I'm having them "repaint" the entire bike now to match the original "fastest orange".

Riceburner

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Riceburner

NoVa Rider,

I have to agree with you on the "fast" fade. My bike is only three and a half months old and the orange has faded substantially, very surprised but then it is a $3,500.00 bike, not a $5,000.00 or $12,000.00 Japanese or European bike, we do get what we pay for, it's a good buy for the money...

Yes, considering the superb engine, robust frame, and standard equipment, I think the RX3 is an excellent value. Zongshen is doing a good job, but the Chinese are still behind the Japanese and European manufacturers in some areas of fit and finish. After 8 years of experience owning two Chinese motorcycles, I consider the fading paint just another aspect of the "China Riders experience." I don't consider the paint job a warranty issue, or a major disappointment. I still think I got an excellent deal on this motorcycle.

[SpudRider]

I think the following color is a close match to RX3 Orange.

http://www.66autocolor.com/House-of-...-spm-pbc31.htm

[SpudRider]

I wonder if the other colors are fading? Perhaps orange is the fastest fading color? White doesn't fade, does it?

[Huck369]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I wonder if the other colors are fading? Perhaps orange is the fastest fading color? White doesn't fade, does it?

I guess you saw my new tag line in my sig....hehe

No pigment in White, so no fading per say, but will still dry out the paint, and make it dull, so keep a good coat of wax on it to help protect it....might never notice it on the White....as it's also the "coolest" color, as it reflects more of the suns rays than anything else

[Riceburner]

Huck369, that's funny, your tag line... LMAO

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Huck369

I guess you saw my new tag line in my sig....hehe

No pigment in White, so no fading per say, but will still dry out the paint, and make it dull, so keep a good coat of wax on it to help protect it....might never notice it on the White....as it's also the "coolest" color, as it reflects more of the suns rays than anything else

No, I didn't notice the change in your tag line until you mentioned it. I guess great minds think alike.

[Jay In Milpitas]

Well, that's the price you pay for having the fastest color.

Your speed against the solar radiation (V1+V2) just increases the penetrating effect of the uv rays, thus sucking the color right out of the pigment.

I believe that you can reverse the effect by riding at night, but you must run the machine backwards while facing forward. This is easily accommodated by running your chain in a figure 8 fashion, so the countershaft sprocket pulls on the bottom of the wheel sprocket.

Science.

[SpudRider]

[Riceburner]

Jay In Milpitas, great explanation and I like the reverse idea, will have to try that this next week.

Plus it's just a well known fact (proven in scientific test in laboratories on small live animals) that orange is fast because of the Phcyodynamics of the DNA make up of the orange color neutrons plus it's the color the Sun is typically show as and we know the Sun is hot. Red has more torque, white is cooler (temperature) and blue is, well it's blue.

I think Jay and I may have too much time on our hands, LMAO...

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Riceburner

...I think Jay and I may have too much time on our hands, LMAO...

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by Jay In Milpitas

Well, that's the price you pay for having the fastest color.

Your speed against the solar radiation (V1+V2) just increases the penetrating effect of the uv rays, thus sucking the color right out of the pigment.

I believe that you can reverse the effect by riding at night, but you must run the machine backwards while facing forward. This is easily accommodated by running your chain in a figure 8 fashion, so the countershaft sprocket pulls on the bottom of the wheel sprocket.

Science.

Wouldn't that create a Mobius loop? My head hurts now...