Just an opinion here;
I use Powder-coating contractors in my Fab shop because:
1) They coat things cheaper than I can paint them (My powder-coater blasts as well)
2) They can properly fininsh parts when it is 33F and raining
3) They do everything
4) My time is usually limited, and I loathe painting (I do not have a bay/booth set aside for this).
5) In case I did not mention this.... They do everything
An interesting consideration with powder coating is that it is not usually as hard of a finish as high quality 2-part auto/industrial paint. Its sheer thickness, and "toughness" can make it seem more durable, but it is often a misconception that has more to do with PC being several times thicker than most painted finishes, and the fact that it is the same color all the way through when scratched. Many powder coats also have poor UV resistance... Do your homework. If you do the proper prep work, I.E. blast, sand lightly (to get embedded abrasive out of the metal), wash (I use PPG wax and grease remover, or unscented Dawn), prime with something good (I use 2-part epoxy primer), and a couple coats of a good 2-part finish (Note many base-clears are 1-part base, but k2 clear), you will have great chances of having a better finish, BUT will likely spend $2-400 to paint all the parts on your bike, and that will NOT include blasting, OR your labor.
My opinion on PC'ing is that when properly prepped, and applied, it can be a good value that although not as hard, (remember that this trade-off is made up for by thickness), it is an acceptable compromise that allows me to drop off a pile-o parts, and get back to work on my project, or "paying job". I look at it as a "convenience", but know that the quality is not what even I (not a painter) can do with a $35 spray gun. Bear in mind though, that one mistake with your paint process (Mix ratios, moisture in the air lines, improper sweat-in on finishes that require it, waiting too long between base and clear w/o prepping the surface, poor weather conditions for those w/o a booth, etc...) can make you wish you had gone the PC route.
Just some food for thought!
BTW: I just bought 1 pint of base (60's Pontiac metallic seafoam green), and one of clear, AND the necessary hardeners, reducers, etc... (I already had the $90/gal. primer) in the "house-brand" (Valspar IIRC) at my local paint shop. This costed around $85, and will do the fuel tank, oil tank, and covers for one 750, and have enough left to shoot some little pcs and parts just for grins. The sandblaster charged another $40. I know you are dealing with a frame, and not a tank, but you can use the info for comparison.
Cheers,
Fabricator
Now I know why I like to fabricate things out of stainless steel!
