Ok on to the next project, repainting the front fender and side panels back to the original red. Faded pink is not so hot and with the new tank and mini fairing being bright red, it's time to match up everything.
I checked out all the repaint threads but since my repainting experience is weak, I was hoping to get some opinions on prepping the side panels and fender.
I already know I'm going to peel off the stickers with a hair dryer and clean up with goo-gone. As well, I know that the panels should be cleaned thoroughly with detergent or what not.
The next step in some opinions would be priming, wet sanding, etc before painting.
I'm wondering if after cleaning the panels, anyone has gone right to spray paint? I've got a couple cans of the type dedicated to plastics, so does that kind of make the primer redundant?

since its already painted..i would just sand the rough spots with 400-600 grit sandpaper.  wet or dry...wet 's smoother.

you don't need to prime it because you already got a layer of paint on it.  priming is more for "nekid" material.  the old layer and the primer below it will act as your primer.

just clean it real well and then spray your heart away.  leave for 48 hours then sand it again with 600 grit to get rid of any flaws. then respray....leave for 48 hrs

after that last layer, spray with clear coat, leave for 24 hours, sand it again for bubbles....respray and leave again for 24-48 hrs.

you should have a nice shiny coat after that.

Here is a nice link:  http://www.chuckhawks.com/harley_paintin.htm

One thing is for sure, your stock paint will look like crap compared to what it will look like after you follow his steps.  But I think he clear coats with laquer which is not safe with gasoline.  Best to use a hardener.

Thanks for the info guys. That one Harley repaint story is awesome and had my full attention, but I am going to hold off on that amount of effort for when I get my SV650S and the GS becomes my project bike, when I plan to paint it matte black and powderboat the rims red. Plus here in NC, apparently the weather only sucks for riding in January (Im new), so I'm going to do it quick. I think I'm also going to put some new, different stickers on the tail before the clearcoat, so I'll post pics up when it's done