Hi guys,
I've got a 2003 XB9S and I LOVE my bike. I'd be perfectly content driving her stock for the rest of my life. But hypothetically speaking, if one was to want to change the matte silver color of the frame/tank, what will work. I don't want to remove the frame - way too much effort and unease (fear) involved.
What can safely be done with the tank on the bike that will give good results?

It's cast aluminum - polish? I'm not sure if I'd like that unless it came out perfectly. Any issues?:frownone

Powder coat? can you do that on a gas tank? Is there an issue with the electrical current involved?

Regular paint? I'm not sure how to prep the aluminum with it on the bike.

Does anyone know if there's any kind of protective topcoat already on the frame or is it raw aluminum?

Thanks for your time,
Mike.

Believe the commercials - BUELL OWNS THE CORNERS.

I'm guessing they put some sort of clear coat on it like on the lower forks so it doesn't oxidize but I'm just guessing

I am not too sure what an 03 looks like but I can tell you it is possiable to make clear coat with a medium or satin finish.Got any pics of your bike?

There's just regualr sating-finsh paint on the frame and swingarm.

You can paint it any way you want - paint it just like steel for the most part as they both oxidize (steel does this faster in fact). You can also powdercoat, but both of these you would need to remove the frame to get good results. If you powdercoat, you HAVE to remove the frame as it needs to put into an oven.

About the only think you can do is polish it without removing it. I've seen a number done like this with good results so long as you like the look. I don't care for it.