News:

This forum is run by RPM and donations from members.

It is the donations of the members that help offset the operating cost of the forum. The secondary benefit of being a contributing member is the ability to save big during RPM Holiday sales. For more information please check out this link: Membership has its privileges 

Thank you for your support of the all mighty FJ.

Main Menu

Dying/coloring bags

Started by Paul1965, May 19, 2015, 07:59:53 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

Paul1965

I have a set of Cortech Sport Bags that I really like, the only issue is that they're red. They were a great match on my 84, but not so much on the 91. Has anyone tried using any kind of dye or fabric spray paint on bags like these? I'd like to color them black, but after having the vinyl primer peel off the Corbin on the 84, I'm hesitant to waste more money.
1978 Yamaha 400 Sold
1984 Yamaha Maxim 400 Blew up
1982 Yamaha Vision Sold
1983 Kawasaki GPz1100 Sold
1984 Yamaha FJ1100 Killed it
1991 Yamaha FJ1200 Sold
2009 Triumph Sprint ST Sold
2014 Triumph Trophy SE

FJmonkey

Paul, fabric dye will work if the material is nylon. That is how most nylon fasteners are colored. Shoot them in the natural color, than split up the batch based on how many colors they need. Might want to try a small spot where it would hidden, if it goes badly you still have red bags.
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

Paul1965

Quote from: FJmonkey on May 19, 2015, 08:38:17 PM
Paul, fabric dye will work if the material is nylon. That is how most nylon fasteners are colored. Shoot them in the natural color, than split up the batch based on how many colors they need. Might want to try a small spot where it would hidden, if it goes badly you still have red bags.

Thanks. I can try a spot on the outside of a bag that faces the bike and see what happens. As far as dye goes, are you thinking I could just mix something like Rit dye in a spray bottle and have at it?
1978 Yamaha 400 Sold
1984 Yamaha Maxim 400 Blew up
1982 Yamaha Vision Sold
1983 Kawasaki GPz1100 Sold
1984 Yamaha FJ1100 Killed it
1991 Yamaha FJ1200 Sold
2009 Triumph Sprint ST Sold
2014 Triumph Trophy SE

FJmonkey

Quote from: Paul1965 on May 20, 2015, 04:05:06 PM
Quote from: FJmonkey on May 19, 2015, 08:38:17 PM
Paul, fabric dye will work if the material is nylon. That is how most nylon fasteners are colored. Shoot them in the natural color, than split up the batch based on how many colors they need. Might want to try a small spot where it would hidden, if it goes badly you still have red bags.

Thanks. I can try a spot on the outside of a bag that faces the bike and see what happens. As far as dye goes, are you thinking I could just mix something like Rit dye in a spray bottle and have at it?

Try smaller area like an eye dropper for a test. Heat is good as it helps open up the fibers to accept more dye. If the test works, then follow the instructions. I have a bottle of black Rit dye at my desk. I have had it so long that I forgot what I bought it for. 1 bottle for every 2 lbs of fabric, add 1 cup of vinegar for nylon, stove-top is recommended for dying nylon at higher temperature. If the test works and you follow through with the dye job, rinse really well, over and over again.
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

Paul1965

I found a better solution. Bought a lightly used set of saddle bags at a great price and a new tail bag to go with it. The saddle bags have a larger capacity than the Cortech's (23.68 Liters per side .vs 17 Liters per side) so I think I'll be much happier with them. I also like that I can install just the saddle bags by themselves easier than I could with the Cortech's.

1978 Yamaha 400 Sold
1984 Yamaha Maxim 400 Blew up
1982 Yamaha Vision Sold
1983 Kawasaki GPz1100 Sold
1984 Yamaha FJ1100 Killed it
1991 Yamaha FJ1200 Sold
2009 Triumph Sprint ST Sold
2014 Triumph Trophy SE

Flying Scotsman

1984 FJ1100
1985 FJ1100
1990 FJ1200
1999 GP1200 (165 + hp)

Flying Scotsman

1999 Yamaha GP1200 seat is dirty cant get it clean I was going to replace the seat cover but might dye it if it would work.
1984 FJ1100
1985 FJ1100
1990 FJ1200
1999 GP1200 (165 + hp)

Flying Scotsman

1984 FJ1100
1985 FJ1100
1990 FJ1200
1999 GP1200 (165 + hp)

Paul1965

Scott, I still have some adhesion promoter and vinyl primer you're welcome to have if you want to try painting your seat.
1978 Yamaha 400 Sold
1984 Yamaha Maxim 400 Blew up
1982 Yamaha Vision Sold
1983 Kawasaki GPz1100 Sold
1984 Yamaha FJ1100 Killed it
1991 Yamaha FJ1200 Sold
2009 Triumph Sprint ST Sold
2014 Triumph Trophy SE

Flying Scotsman

I would like to find some way to clean it got any ideas ?
Hate buying stuff that doesnt work may have to buy a new seat cover and new waverunner cover to keep it clean.
1984 FJ1100
1985 FJ1100
1990 FJ1200
1999 GP1200 (165 + hp)

FJmonkey

Quote from: Flying Scotsman on May 20, 2015, 09:41:09 PM
I would like to find some way to clean it got any ideas ?
Hate buying stuff that doesnt work may have to buy a new seat cover and new waverunner cover to keep it clean.
What needs to be cleaned off? Salt, bugs, etc... Cleaning is knowing what needs to be removed. Chemistry, it is all in the Chemistry.... :yes:
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

Flying Scotsman

Mildew.Foam is great seat cover is in great condition other than its dirty.
1984 FJ1100
1985 FJ1100
1990 FJ1200
1999 GP1200 (165 + hp)

Paul1965

Quote from: Flying Scotsman on May 20, 2015, 09:53:02 PM
Mildew.Foam is great seat cover is in great condition other than its dirty.


Get yourself a bottle of Simple Green and soak the shit out of the seat then scrub it with a brush.
1978 Yamaha 400 Sold
1984 Yamaha Maxim 400 Blew up
1982 Yamaha Vision Sold
1983 Kawasaki GPz1100 Sold
1984 Yamaha FJ1100 Killed it
1991 Yamaha FJ1200 Sold
2009 Triumph Sprint ST Sold
2014 Triumph Trophy SE

FJmonkey

Quote from: Flying Scotsman on May 20, 2015, 09:53:02 PM
Mildew.Foam is great seat cover is in great condition other than its dirty.

What? Take this to PM till we figure out what is at issue... Then we can share any solutions with the group...
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

Flying Scotsman

How about I bring over the small rear section and see how it works.If it works ill do the front section.
1984 FJ1100
1985 FJ1100
1990 FJ1200
1999 GP1200 (165 + hp)