It's new Arai time, and so time for a new design to go with it. I used Jo Taylor for my previous job, but not sure I want to again. The paintwork was flawless and I was really happy with the design, but they insist on stripping the trims which I don't want this time - it never quite goes back the same and I feel it contributed to the premature retirement of the lid. I went all out on the design because it was a white lid (which I hate); this new one is metallic grey so I will be looking for something more simple, probably just a cartoon on the back and my nickname on the sides. Any recommendations on people to look up? I'm based in the South so would be preferable if they're not the other end of the country!
I'll give them a shout, but given that the last time I spoke to them they wanted £1500 for a plain yellow respray on the Multistroodle, I fear their prices will take the piss somewhat. That's probably why I'd forgotten about them until you reminded me!
I do a lot of airbrush work, but stripping the trims etc off helmets etc, is one reason why I don't do them......You are quite right in that they never really go back on properly. However, leaving the trim on presents a fair amount of difficulty, because masking the trim tends to leave a paint and laquer edge which is either a hard raised edge or even raggedy edge. Apart from being unsightly (not at a distance, I accept, but I'm a perfectionist) it is also an area where water and polish can get under and start deteriorating the artwork.......plus it's d*mn near impossible to slightly roughen the existing finish as a key, without either damaging the trim or leaving areas of shiny finish which the new paint won't stick to. AL.
This bloke is the best painter in the country.. not cheap, and sometimes has a long waiting list, but worth the wait.. ENTH home I've had a couple of bikes and helmets painted by Piers, never been disappointed. here's an example of the work he did for me..
Because I wanted to.. same reason the OP wanted a cartoon 916 on his lid, or someone wants a race rep paintjob on their bike. Same reason someone fits carbon bodywork and Ti bits and bobs, and no I dont think its to improve performance, you'd be better off going on a diet.. Here's another of Piers work..
I'll drop him a mail over the weekend. As a guide, can you give me some idea of what your lid cost to do (via PM if you'd prefer). My TX was a little over £600 at the time - black pearl base coat, marbelised flames with blue to purple travel, and the cartoon on the rear, so a reasonably complex job.
Interesting thread as I was just thinking how incredibly dull and unimaginative most helmet designs are. There is almost nothing I like. Arai have been tedious for years and the only interesting Shoei designs are all dark and monochrome. So one day will treat myself to a custom lid. It will have Wile E Coyote and the Roadrunner on it in a desert theme.
Indeed, they all seem to be much of a muchness compared to what I saw when I was growing up. I have an Okada rep RX7GP also but that was more a case of "Yeah it's ok" than actually wanting that design.
While the effort and skill clearly tells in the outcome, why wold anyone spend £600 on top of £500 for a helmet?! Each to their own I guess
I apply the same thinking to a mate of mine who has splashed out £16K on a K1600 BMW when most of us are content with something around half that capacity.... AL
It depends on how detailed the design is, mine was probably one of the most expensive, its got a lot going on lol..originally I'd booked a bike to be painted (6 month leadtime), but that bike wasnt ready in time, so rather than lose my spot, went a bit mad and had that helmet done instead. At a guess, I would think a design similar yours would be £500 ish. Mine was a a fair bit more. Also unlike most painters, Piers is always spot on when it comes to meeting the agreed deadline.
speak to mike at rage designs. Rage Designs, Helmet paintwork, Helmet design . Race helmets more than harley chopper dead/faded popstar portraits.
I've trashed 2 this year. For the road I can see why something special could possibly be justified, but when a small knock can mean its no good, I never use an expensive helmet on track
