Prices for powder coating motorcycle frames, tanks and parts

Motorcycle Powder Coating Prices: Making Your Bike Look Unique on a Budget

Riders see customising their motorcycles as a rite of passage. The finish you choose is important, whether you’re restoring an old Harley, building a café racer or just painting a new sportbike black. Powder coating is the best way to protect motorcycles because it can handle engine heat, petrol spills and the bumps and vibrations of the road.

But how much does it cost to powder coat a motorcycle for a whole project? Let’s look at how much you can expect to pay at a speciality store like Rusty Lions.

The Frame: The Backbone of the Project

The biggest job on a bike is the frame. Because it requires complete disassembly of the motorcycle, it is a commitment.

• ATV/Motorcycle Frame: $350.00 and up.

• Larger Frames (Cruisers/Choppers): Can go up to $700+ depending on size and complexity.

Why this price? Frames are intricate. There are a lot of welds, crevices, and threading that need to be sandblasted carefully. Masking is even more important. We need to keep the steering neck, the VIN number, and all of the threaded bolt holes safe. You won’t be able to put the bike back together if powder gets into these threads. This masking takes a lot of time and skill.

Tanks and Fenders

• Gas tanks cost $150 and up.

• Fenders: $50 to $100. Note: Powder coating tanks requires extreme care to ensure no sand or powder enters the inside of the tank, which could clog your fuel injectors later. During the process, we use special plugs to seal the tank completely.

Small Parts (The “Blackout” Kit)

A big trend is to black out chrome parts. Instead of buying new black parts, you can coat your existing ones for a fraction of the cost.

• Handlebars: $75+

• Brake/Clutch Levers: ~$20 each.

• Crash Bars/Engine Guards: $50–$100.

• Headlight Rims: $15.

• Wheels: $150 and up per wheel (Motorcycle wheels often require masking of the hub and bearing races).

High-Temperature Parts (Exhausts)

Is it possible to powder coat an exhaust? Yes, but not with regular powder.

• Exhaust pipes: $60 and up. Standard powder can handle temperatures of 300 to 400°F. Exhaust headers can get hotter than 1000°F. We use special Ceramic or High-Temp Silicone powders that can handle very high temperatures. This stops the coating from coming off or changing colour after your first ride.

Why Powder Wins in Terms of Durability

Motorcycles are more exposed to the weather than cars. If you kick rocks up with the front tyre, the frame will chip and rust. Powder coating cost gives a thick, flexible “skin” that bounces rocks off instead of chipping. It is also very resistant to oil and gas. For example, if you spill fuel on a tank that has been spray-painted, the paint will melt. You can just wipe it off of powder coat.

Tip from an expert: Check your bearings.

Keep in mind that the oven gets up to 400°F before you bring us your bike wheels or swingarm. This heat can cause the grease in sealed bearings to melt. For safety, we strongly suggest taking off the bearings before coating and putting on new ones afterward.

Get Your Bike Ready for the Show

We treat every part of a bike with the respect it deserves at Rusty Lions in Franklin, NJ. We are riders and fans who know that the little things are important.

Want a price for your build? Check out our full list of motorbike prices here: Rusty Lions Pricing.