If in the past I’ve needed something, eg., front mudguard for a VFR 800, it came in the correct shade of red. Off the shelf.!
I assumed that with most modern bikes you'll be lucky to get the paint code never mind paint that matches 100%.
A brand new Ferrari went past my house this morning, Finished in British Racing Green, not sure about that.
When I bought my previous Multistrada DVT I really liked the Pikes Peak paint but didn’t want to pay the extortionate price for a few bits of carbon and the Ohlins suspension so my dealer arranged to get it painted by Dream Machine. Cost was about £800 I think. I was very happy with the results although I probably didn’t get my money back when I sold it. They used to do this on other models if they weren’t selling.
I use to own a bodyshop and classic restoration company and we carried out many custom projects along the way, when we painted something it was always a superior finish to the factory one, they will use the minimum amount of paint to save money! Back in 1998 I painted my 748SP in the original Ducati yellow, from the factory it was at least three shades due to inconsistent thickness, with Furygan logos on the side and finished with a subtle gold pearl laquer that glows in the sun but doesn't change the basic colour. I took loads of photos before, during and after to prove it was done for my own satisfaction not because it had been crashed or damaged! That paint is still as deep and shiny as it was over twenty years ago but ultimately it has devalued the retail price of the bike now, do I regret it, no, I had the pleasure of riding something unique that I had personally created! Any custom paint job is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, if you love it and would have paid for it to be done, buy it, if you aren't sure don't, this assumes it has been well applied obviously!
Miss mine sometimes, if only for the custom paintwork done. The previous owner spent over €2.5K for the paint job with those graphics hand painted on.
Remember too if you go to big bike meets or World Ducati Week, its sooo much easier to find your bike in the melee when it doesn't look like everyone else's!
I guess now that sticker kits are much better quality it makes sense to commission a vinyl solution as it can always be removed later.
I had some of the panels on my Brutale 800 painted, just because much of it was just textured black plastic and made the bike look cheap (imo)
