Fast Eddie
Commando silver engine finish always my first choice, gives the engine more presence and contrasts well with the polished chaincase and other alloy or stainless parts on the engine.
Paint I,ve always used was Krylon High Heat Radiator Aluminium1402 from the USA, used by Williams F1 as an effective heat shield coating on heat critical areas like inner engine panels close to exhaust headers and brake duct assemblies.
After leaving Williams my supply dried up and I,ve tried most of the UK available VHT silvers recently, none of which have the same bright aluminium look, easy application and durability of the Krylon. Most are really shades of light grey and some like e tech VHT silver are positively awful.
New paint of choice that matches the Krylon is the readily available Simoniz Matt Aluminium Engine enamel. Easily applied and left to dry overnight as per instructions, just ride away next day and it cures by engine heat to an attractive and tough finish on cylinders, head, carbs, inlet manifolds and crankcases, no primer required just clean, degrease and spray.
It,s also far superior to the original Norton silver in looks and durability.
Matt Aluminium SIMVHT31D is heat resistant to 800C - 1472 F and a 500ml aerosol costs around £6.00 delivered from companies like save and drive on ebay uk.
Riding all year, I,ve found road salt in winter and leaving the bike out in the rain can cause rust in the deeper, rear fin recesses over time where the engine tilt creates water traps, but I use thin wire brushes to remove as much as possible before painting.
If you don,t ride in these conditions a properly prepped job will last much longer.
