I dropped the bike a few weeks ago, a slow and undramatic defeat to gravity as I was searching for the side stand after a long day’s ride.
Thanks to the panniers, the left engine cover was the only point of contact, and there’s a scuff mark to prove it.
A new engine cover isn’t completely cheap, hence my question:
Would you recommend replacing it asap (to prevent corrosion, perhaps?) or can I just keep it as a battle scar and never think about it again?
If it were mine, I’d replace the cover just so I wouldn’t have to look at it every time I rode the bike. Patina is one thing, battle scars are something different.
It might help to see a picture of what the scar actually is. It might be light enough to hand polish or rub out to a respectable appearance. If that is not the case, if it was me I would replace it, but I am picky that way. That cover will cost about $135, plus some of your time to remove and replace.
If your car was scraped or dinged, would you have it fixed? Again, if it was me I would because of the picky factor, preserving the car, and thinking of trade in or resale value down the road. The exception would be some of the cheap beaters I have had over the years that were just to get me to and from work, and in that case I didnt care if they got dinged up or not.
It's up to you of course, but I'm so anal about the appearance of my bikes that I would replace.
Pride is painful - and sometimes expensive
Go [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD2aep1ge7Y]Battlescar.
Hovmod, if it isn’t calamitous, keep it as a battle scar. These things happen.
Chicks dig scars
I wouldn't replace it until I sold the bike
There won't be any corrosion on the engine cover, if that's what you are worried about really, and if that's what you are worried about just do a bit of sanding and a touch up (if it's black), but it won't corrode, I have a nicely scuffed engine cover to prove it. Actually got a replacement some time ago but still negotiating the swap.
I'd say keep it
'14 CB1100 STD 5 speed
Light scuffs can normally be touched up. You can always try touch up and filling the scuff with a good layer of paint. Worth a shot. If you don't like how it turns out replace the cover.
(07-10-2021, 11:17 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Chicks dig scars
I wouldn't replace it until I sold the bike
But then you pay to have it new and pretty again but never get to enjoy the benefits of the money spent. A bit like remodeling a kitchen right before you sell a house.
I would replace it now just so I don’t have to put up with years of being reminded the bike dropped every time I walked up to the bike.