Wednesday 31 August 2016

7 Angelz : Turning My Ducati Panigale Into Chrome



Yes, say hello to Singapore first ever full red chrome Ducati 899 Panigale, exclusively spray painted on by 7 ANGELZ !!! :D

PC: Pintinterest
To each it's own, I've always thought Chrome was really dope.

PC: Pintinterest

I've seen the brilliance of it displayed on supercars, not so much on bikes yet.. especially in safe little Singapore where not many dare to go that loud in this manner.

PC: Totalrevs Supercars
That's where my desire on chrome started to grow.

PC: Ducati org
But because it's style is so attention-grabbing, it has to be done really tastefully otherwise your ride will be screaming for attention in the wrong way. What's more important is to have the work done by someone who has thorough experience in Chrome application, because it is oh, such a delicate process.


PC: kevinstry

Spray Paint Chrome VS Chrome Wrap 

I went onto research about the reflective surface material, exploring and comparing the different methods of application to get my own baby chromed. After much comparison, I've derived at the pros and cons which led me to decide on Spray On Chrome Paint.


Spray On Chrome
Chrome Wrap
Permeanant
Can peel off
Normal Polish & Wax Possible with clear coat overlay
Cannot apply Normal Polish & Wax
Paint Colour Lasts Longer
Chrome wrap colour fade faster due to stretching of the wrap
Coloured Chrome not as densed as the chrome particles in the paint is controlled to ensure maximum reflective effect
Chrome Colour will appear more densed as the colour pigment in the wrap cannot be manually adjusted, hence affecting the reflective effect
Cleaner Finishing especially at the corners
Wrap Folded in at corners is visible
Any chips/scratch marks/dirt/water marks are very obvious
Any chips/scratch marks/dirt/water marks are very obvious
Both are a pain in the ass to maintain
Both are a pain in the ass to maintain






Step 1 - Getting A Set of AfterMarket Fairings

I didn't want to touch my original stock fairing, so I decided to purchase an extra set of aftermarket fairing from #YatzIndustries.

Unboxing

One thing many people fear about aftermarket fairings are the fit, which may not be good. When that happens, additional drilling of holes may be required during the fairing installation.




I've had quite a number of friends who recommended #YatzIndustries to me as they've purchased fairings of different bike make/model and have left positive feedback on the fitting. Hence, I decided to order my very first Ducati fairings from him too!

And it turned out a O.K! :)

PC: Fairing superstore

Why Not Go For Original Stock Fairings?

Yes, if you want a fairing that guarantees a 100% perfect fit, you can purchase a brand new original stock set from the Authorised Dealer (in my case, Ducati Singapore) which definitely cost alot more than aftermarket ones.



But honestly to me, the price you pay for is going to a big waste because the quality finishing of the fairing is gonna be sand down away before your personal desired paintwork can go up.



So instead of a painted fairing, I got just a bare unfinished one. The cost of it compared to a painted aftermarket fairing is cheaper too.



AfterMarket Fairing Delivery

Delivery time of the fairing took approx 2 weeks, all thanks to #YatzIndustries for the prompt shipment!


Installation Not Included

Kindly take note that the fairing purchase does not come with assembling/installation service. Therefore it's best to have a preferred workshop on hand to assist you in the installation of your fairing.

Of course, you can YouTube and try to D.I.Y.. I thought about that but figured it'll probably take me months to just unscrew the windshield or something so, forget it. Send to workshop better LOL.





Step 2 - Chrome Spray On Fairings by 7 Angelz

Why Red?

Yes, there are sleek Black Chrome, Mysterious Green Chrome, Dashing Purple Chrome and so on.. But Red is one of my favourite color, because it speaks of Boldness. Besides, I wouldn't want to rob my baby of the brand's icon color, that's why I decided to go with..




FULL RED CHROME >:)



7 Angelz 

Using high quality paint products from Aikka, 7 Angelz are one of the rare few paint specialists in Singapore who does Chrome Spray. They are experienced in applying different variations of custom paint creations and hydrographics, customized according to every individual customer's needs.




Whether you're looking for a classic paint job, glitter paintwork, chrome or even colourshift, 7 Angelz is able to meet your demand.




After thorough research on their experience and background, I entrusted my fairings into their hands.



Within two weeks, they've created my dream paintwork.
Look at it shine! Brighter than diamonds!! :D



Now, how the colour of chrome is when seen by our naked eye heavily depends on what the chrome is reflecting to us. That's why you'll notice my chrome appears in different shades of red when it is under different lighting, angle or surrounding.




That's what makes it so unique.



Clear Coat Overlay

Upon completing the chrome spray, a clear coat is applied over the whole chrome paint work to "protect" it from the harsh effects of regular polishing products, and also to prevent any bubble effect caused by the heat from the exhausts.

This is very important to have, otherwise the stunning delicate chrome spray paintwork will deteriorate in no time.




Step 3 - Fitting On The Fairings

Time to fit the chrome fairings at my chosen workshop, Hodaka Motoworld!




The mechanics there are experienced with big/continental bikes (including Ducatis), be it parts installation, diagnosing a problem and rectifying it. Dissembling my stock fairing and fitting on the chrome fairings was a full day job, with Ah Wei (my mechanic) working on it non-stop until my bike was fully clothed.




Step 4 - Decals by Juzz Wheelzz Graphix 

Now, the Decals are not here to steal the limelight of my beautiful chrome work, but to further enhance the whole look of my Ducati 899 Panigale.



Juzz Wheelzz Graphix is one of Singapore's most recognised Decal Specialist, Lenny and his staffs are FOREVER busy. Despite their sandwiched-packed schedule filled with never-ending amount of work load, the quality of their decal job is never compromised.

Not only do Juzz Wheelzz use quality materials, but their skilled workmanship of the decal application makes them one of the top choice in the industry. This shows how so many people trust in them.

The only downside is the waiting time.
Well.. but good things are worth the wait, isn't it?



Juzz Wheelzz Graphix are the ones behind my sporty decaled Suzuki DR200, which despite having ridden through 5 different countries and bashing through all sorts of shitty terrains, the decals still look almost as good as new, even till today! :D



Without any hesitation, I sent in my chromed baby to them for some decal work.



After discussing the designs I desire to have,




and choosing the airbrush decal material to compliment to fierce-look of my devilish red chrome Ducati,



Juzz Wheelzz Graphix proceeded to work their magic.



After one full day, my baby's all ready for a prom night party!!

Drool on....! :p



How it graces the evening..




And how it steals the limelight in the day..

PC: Aaron Ong Kai Ming

I'm SO IN LOVEEEEE.

My chrome Ducati looks delicious enough to drink! At least to me ;p



Thank you Ridwan-Ash from 7 Angelz for the superb spray on chrome job. Your work has received countless of compliments and all credit goes to you.

Thank you Lenny from Juzz Wheelzz for the tasteful decals design that totally enhanced the whole look of my chrome Ducati to the next level.

Thank you Muhd Hidayat from #YatzIndustries for the quality fairings.
Thank you Kevin from MCA who helped brainstorm on some decal design samples.

** For all cost enquiries, please contact the respective specialists directly for a more accurate quotation.


Here's to taking a step to DARE TO BE DIFFERENT :)





7 Angelz - Aikka Singapore - Hydrographics, Chrome & Custom Paint Creation
Address: 11 Yishun Industrial St 1 #02-95, Northspring Bizhub, Singapore 768089
Contact: 8490 3369
Website: www.7angelz.com/
Opening Hours: 1:00pm - 10:00pm

Juzz Wheelzz Graphix Pte Ltd
Address: 1007 Bukit Merah Lane 3 #01-07, Singapore 159721
Contact: 8125 0456
Website: www.juzzwheelzz.com.sg
Opening Hours: 9:00am - 7:00pm

Yatz Industries
Contact: 9844 4355


Wednesday 24 August 2016

The Singapore Bike Show 2016



Singapore hasn't seen a proper bike show in close to almost a decade! As highly anticipated as it was, the inaugural Singapore Bike Show 2016 held at Singapore Expo Hall 4 last weekend indeed saw an overwhelming crowd response.




As the brand ambassador, I honestly couldn't have been more honoured to be part of such an exceptional event that spoke so closely with my passion for two wheelers! I was all smiles when the day finally arrived :D




Prior to the Singapore Bike Show, I heard people were talking about it on and offline, many of which who registered their interest in heading down to check it out.



But little did I expect the turn out to be so massive! I mean, just look at the amount of bikes that flooded the entire carparks! Even cars had nowhere to find a space because they were overthrown by such a large volume of bikes!




Just... Wow. I was simply escatic at the turn up. Our biking world is very much alive!!! 

PC: SG Bike Show

From outdoors to indoors

PC: SG Bike Show

The crowd just kept pouring in non-stop over the 2 days of the Singapore Bike Show 2016. 

PC: Aaron Ong Kai Ming

Apart from the exclusive showcase of my stunning Red Chrome Ducati 899 Panigale by 7 Angelz

PC: Teck Guan
and my trusty Suzuki DR200 soldier which I rode from Singapore to the Himalayas in Tibet just last June

PC: SG Bike Show

The audience were completely blown away with amazing stunt performances by Official Motul Stunt Rider Aaron Twite

PC: SG Bike Show

Official Mah Pte Ltd Stunt Rider, Hiroyuki Ogawa

PC: Speedzone

and our very own local boys Errol Yeo of Speedzone with special guest Indonesian stunt rider, Ecky!


PC: SG Bike Show

Not forgetting the very well synchronised performance by the instructors from ComfortDelGo Centre! They're the ones who coached me when I was taking my Class 2B motorcycle license like 7 years ago? Man, I feel old. Hahaha.  

PC: Ryan James Lim
Whetting our appetite with some of the Babes from The Singapore Bike Show 2016, it's always a pleasure to begin with the eye-candy of every exhibition! ;p



Steaming up the entire hall with the ladies from Monster Energy

PC: SG Bike Show

Classy girls from Aprilia of Mah Pte Ltd with ooh, that RSV4

PC: SG Bike Show

The ever bubbly girls from Pirelli with those rubbers that I trust on all my three rides

PC: SG Bike Show

This cute pair posing with the stunning chrome Scomadi in their high red-white striped socks

PC: SG Bike Show

And the lovely ladies from Motul!

PC: SG Bike Show

The first day of The Singapore Bike Show was proudly launched by the Land Transport Authority, Workplace Safety and Health Institute, Road Safety Council, Ministry of Home Affairs and Traffic Police. 

PC: SG Bike Show
Truth be known, it is actually quite rare for the various Singapore Government bodies to be involved in Singapore's motorcycling activities. There seems to be a lack of support in our two wheeler industry and the dampening COE prices hasn't been helping either. 


PC: SG Bike Show

Therefore, with their involvement in the Singapore Bike Show 2016, I feel encouraged that we are looking at a positive change in direction here for our biking community. 




Now despite a little limping leg, I hopped up on stage and was so stoked to be able to personally share about my #BeyondEverest journey to the crowd that included the young and old, riders and non-riders. 



I had my jitters on stage, but they were all calmed when I saw many familiar faces of my loved ones amidst the huge crowd. 


PC: SG Bike Show

Like many others, I thoroughly enjoyed the following sharing sessions by Hodaka Motoworld, Singapore Dream, Singapore Female Riders, ComfortDelGo Driving Centre and Love Cycling SG with the thrilling stunt shows in between to keep our adrenaline pumping.







We had MV Agusta showcasing their sickest fleet of models from the F3 800 to their Brutale


Mah Pte Ltd who almost brought half the house down with crates of different brands shipped in, from 









Speedzone sporting some orange force with some of the most popular KTM models





Scomadi Singapore had all their wide range of TL200 decked in different cute and funky designs!
No wonder they're currently UK's most sought after scooter brand! 




PT. Studio Bike Indonesia showcasing the very classic Norton


Motorparts Asia

With Motorwerkz

The Singapore Bike Show 2016 also saw multiple motorcycle accessory and gear brands participating in the event.



With Pirelli as the Official Tyre Brand for the show. 

With Hong Tsui from 9tro
Even 9tro joined us in our two wheel fun! 





It was so amazing getting to meet different bikers from all walks of life and background so upclose and personal, some who shared their very own two wheel stories which totally makes me want to plan a road trip with them!

Meet da man behind my Chrome Ducati, Ash, and his 7 Angelz!!



With stunt biker Hiroyuki Ogawa and his brave girlfriend who starred in his stunt performance!



From endless bikes galore, to the crazy stunt performances, meaningful sharing sessions by individual extraordinary bikers, educational talks on safety riding and not forgetting the special showcase of bicycles and e-bikes are just a peek into our world of motorcycling. 

Definitely hoping to see more brands like Ducati, BMW Asia, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki etc participating in the next round of the Singapore Bike Show. 

PC: Aaron Ong Kai Ming


This sums up the Singapore Bike Show 2016, and what a blast it was! 
I had hell lot of fun, and I hope you did too! 

Feel free to drop me an email at itsvaunephan@gmail.com if you have any feedback on the show, pointers or areas we could improve on :) 



Till then, see you guys on the roads soon!!