Quote from: Soloratov on May 31, 2013, 09:31:18 AM
That isn't damage...it's cosmetic individualization. The cover could be cleaned up quite a bit, so I wouldn't sweat it. Whether you sell it or not is up to you, just remember, a different bike won't make you a better rider.

IMO he'd be a better rider if he got a red GS. Everybody knows the red ones are superior.

No offense to be given here but it sounds like you need to simply be more careful when you ride. Changing to better pads certainly helped my braking. Learning how to work both brakes AND engine braking has stopped me several times when going faster than I should have and getting caught at a changing traffic light. Keeping better distance between you and everything else along with KNOWING you are going to stop on a dime gives better reaction time and preparation. The last thing you want to do is lock the rear brakes but even if you do, learning and knowing how to ride it out can't be the biggest factor of how you come out of it.

Do I think you should quit riding? No. I just think you need to ride better. When you walk out that door to get on your bike and think you have everything in control, go back inside, put the bike keys up and get the car keys.

Quote from: Soloratov on May 31, 2013, 09:31:18 AM
That isn't damage...it's cosmetic individualization. The cover could be cleaned up quite a bit, so I wouldn't sweat it. Whether you sell it or not is up to you, just remember, a different bike won't make you a better rider.

How should I go about cleaning up the cover?

Quote from: rock_rebel on June 05, 2013, 06:26:42 AM

Quote from: Soloratov on May 31, 2013, 09:31:18 AM
The cover could be cleaned up quite a bit...

How should I go about cleaning up the cover?

This bike needs at least a full day of an overhaul to make it rideable. My turn signals stopped working, and I believe the flasher to be the culprit. I also need to install a new handlebar set that I've had for a couple years and haven't gotten around to installing them.

I might get a paintless dent repair done on the tank, if I can't find one in better condition that's cheaper. Then dent fixing would cost a lot less than another used tank with the prices I'm seeing.

No idea how I'm going to arrange getting the tank and rear fairing painted. That's what I don't like about fixing up old bikes. The cost to do an overhaul is downright ridiculous.

If I had my own garage, I'd do all the work myself. But I just live in a basement apartment. No shed on the property, just a concrete jungle.

slap a couple of those band aid stickers on the tank and the fairing and ride it 

Quote from: antfwd on June 05, 2013, 04:03:10 PM
slap a couple of those band aid stickers on the tank and the fairing and ride it 

Only if they are Hello Kitty or Sponge Bob band-aids.