Rather than trying to tone down the pink frame, the fairings were sent to Dale Brewster at Head Trip to get repainted. Jones was adamant about keeping the original character on the side of the bike for which she had become known, however. "I didn't want to get rid of the Pink Panther. I've always liked the cartoon and it resembles me--his character is smooth, slick and he always gets what he wants. His facial expression is the same one I get when pushing 140 mph on the bike."
Instead of repainting the graphics, Brewster masked off the original artwork and sprayed the entire bike with bright silver from House of Kolor. He then added several pink paw prints to extend the theme throughout. The change in body color dulled down the brightness of the frame and hardware for just the right amount of contrast.
To further tone down some of the pink, C&C Seats added silver sitters with stingray inserts. The Vortex rearsets and rear sprocket were then carefully colored pink to help break up the sides of silver and chrome.
When it was time for the shoot, Jones wasn't too impressed with the idea of having a model paw all over her bike. "Usually I have to turn away or go for a walk while there's models on the bike. I can't handle too much [pink] on the bike. The only [pink] that bike should see is mine."
After the bike finally came together Jones was ecstatic with the results. Much like the stolen diamond that Inspector Clouseau was searching for, Jones has found her jewel, without the flaw in the middle.
Buyer's Box
2004 Honda CBR1000RR
Front End: Race Tech internals
Rear End: Vortex rear sprocket and lowering links
Motor: Boz Bros Exhaust
Paint: House of Kolor by Dale Brewster of Head Trip
Polish/Chrome: Chrome calipers, magnesium covers, radiator, wheels, triple trees, Sport Chrome (www.sportchrome.com) pink chrome frame, swingarm, fork tubes and hardware by Specialized Coating (www.specializedcoating.com)
Bodywork: Shock Racing taillight integrator, flush-mount chrome turn signals
Accessories: Galfer brake lines, Vortex adjustable rearsets and mirror block-offs, stingray seats by C&C Seats, RIS Designs billet grips
Builder: Tek9 Cycles (www.tek9cycles.com)
Owner: Donna Jones