Metalflake factory colors

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seaguy

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I was wondering if some factory colors were metalflake. Cleaning up my fiberglass roadster tank I would swear that the original color is still on it since I can see it in the inside as well and it is a metalflake emerald green. Anyone else seen this color on a stock tank?
 
seaguy said:
I was wondering if some factory colors were metalflake.
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Yes, there were metalflakes known as "Fireflake" and were certainly used on 1971-72 models.

Standard Fireflake colours were : "Royal Blue", "Golden Bronze", "Roman Purple", "Silver" and there may have been others? I think I remember seeing photos of a Greenish Fireflake.
 
Maybe?
Metalflake factory colors

http://cfinney3.netexpress.net/gallery2 ... r_1970.jpg
 
I think that L.A.B. is correct with this illustration which also appeared in the 1970 brochure. Roy Bacon's 'Norton Twins Restration' lists a Fireflake Emerald.

I have seen NOS parts in Fireflake green, rather lighter than the brochure print, but don't recall a complete bike. I suspect not one of the most popular shades as it appeared for one year only.

Nevertheless, I'm starting to appreciate more and more these oddities which are part of Commando history and which have largely been lost under yet another Velocette paint scheme :)
 
79x100 said:
Nevertheless, I'm starting to appreciate more and more these oddities which are part of Commando history and which have largely been lost under yet another Velocette paint scheme :)
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I agree completely.
 
Actually the '69-'70 'S' models (and possibly the elusive "R") and '70 Roadster were also available in fireflake blue and red.
 
Bacon's book shows a '70 roadster in what appears to be a metalflake green. Never seen one in the flesh though.
 
The original factory flake jobs are unlike most you see today. They used BIG flake!

I liked the 2 tone red & silver flake paint scheme for the '69 Fastback the best. Striking.
 
Just thought you might like the colour of my origional late 69 fastback green fibre glass like a surfboard. We sure had good taste back then, painted my 750 Atlas metalflake purple and loved the colour.

Metalflake factory colors
 
Here is my 69/70S in its original fireflake blue.

Dave

Metalflake factory colors
 
DogT said:
Here is my 69/70S in its original fireflake blue.

Dave
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Excellent photo - the S has got to be the cutest Commando by far!

I've just taken delivery of some blue metalflake for my MkIIA 850 - its not quite as pale as the factory brochure pics of the 850s, but it looks to be an excellent match for the early 750 Fireflake, so not 100% correct for my bike, but just the thing for a self-confessed bling addict ;)
 
I havn't seen a tank in Fireflake Green but have a friend who has an "S" side cover and it looks awesome. The elusive "R" came in Fireflake Red and Saphire Blue but I believe the blue isn't metalflake as it isn't referred to as "Fireflake". I love the metalflake as it imparts the look of the era (60's - 70's) to these machines. I had a chuckle at Lake Selmak a few years ago when a kid said to his father "Hey dad, look at that one in 'dunebuggy red'". Here's a couple of photos taken in Torrey of my "R" and '71 if anyone's interested.

Regards, R Model Tony

Metalflake factory colors

Metalflake factory colors
 
Fireflake Roman Purple... Class, sheer class !
Two machines that are wonderfully evocative of the era. Do you think that I'd get away with purple on a '72 ?
 
"Do you think that I'd get away with purple on a '72 ?" Why not? People get away with "Velocette paint schemes" and nobody seems to bitch. And besides... the fairer sex seems to be attracted to the purple... :wink: Tony
 
R Model Tony said:
"Do you think that I'd get away with purple on a '72 ?" Why not? People get away with "Velocette paint schemes" and nobody seems to bitch. And besides... the fairer sex seems to be attracted to the purple... :wink: Tony
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Touché. :)

The question was a little tongue in cheek. My 850 Mk3 Roadster is tangerine at the moment, inadvertently matched to a Hi-Rider tank before I realised that Roadsters were meant to be signal orange.
 
79x100 said:
Fireflake Roman Purple... Class, sheer class !
Two machines that are wonderfully evocative of the era. Do you think that I'd get away with purple on a '72 ?
Click to expand...

I painted my brother's 72 purple and it looks great (if I do say so). He saw the color on a neighbor's hot rod coupe and decided it was what he wanted. DuPont HotHues "Purple Rhapsody". Lessee if I can find some photos of it..
 
Gentlemen, these are beautiful bikes and a credit to you. Normally, I dislike blue bikes, but I have fond memories of my mate's 850 in metallic blue with silver lining and I sigh wistfully whenever I see one (rarely). I rode a Fireflake Purple '72 Combat back in the day and I wouldn't hesitate to have a bike in that colour.
They just don't paint 'em like they used to. Frankly, the crappy graphics on anything made since the eighties all look the same to me and I don't even give them a second glance. The best looking Honda ever made was the little 400 Four with, guess what, solid colours with no graphics. Just my opinion of course.
 
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