10-20-2019, 01:38 AM
To me, the size of the chip, the fact that it is down to the metal, age of the bike, and mileage would all be determining factors, if it was my bike. Trying to use touch up on a chip that large, and make it look decent would probably be difficult to accomplish. Given it is down to metal, it does need to be sealed to prevent rust. Given it is a well used and loved machine, I dont think I would invest in a custom paint job, UNLESS it had always been an eventual goal.
Here is what I would do in this situation, and something I have done from time to time in the past with various vehicles I have owned: Most car dealerships use independent mobile paint and vinyl repair services to cherry out trade in cars they intend to keep on their used car lots for sale. So, what I have done is to get a small amount of factory paint, and have one of these services apply it. Just ask car dealers in your area who they use and how to make contact. It may be a 2 appointment process, the first To apply paint, the second to apply clear coat after the paint has cured. These guys use air brushes, so the application is confined to a very small area and well controlled. The air brushes also apply the paint more smoothly than full size paint shop guns, so orange peel is not an issue. The cost compared to other options is very reasonable. You might want to wipe down the chip with alcohol and dab some clear silicone on it to prevent rust until you decide what you want to do. The silicone band aid will peel/roll off easily when you are ready.
These mobile guys also do vinyl repair and dye. I have watched them work, and it is amazing. They can repair a cut or tear in a vinyl seat cover, dye the repair the same color as the seat, and match the texture of the original vinyl. If anyone gets a tear or cut to their bikes seat, investigate one of these services before replacing the seat cover.
Whether it is a car or motorcycle chips are gonna happen, and I think it is okay to find a balance between utility and appearance when it comes to situations like this.
Here is what I would do in this situation, and something I have done from time to time in the past with various vehicles I have owned: Most car dealerships use independent mobile paint and vinyl repair services to cherry out trade in cars they intend to keep on their used car lots for sale. So, what I have done is to get a small amount of factory paint, and have one of these services apply it. Just ask car dealers in your area who they use and how to make contact. It may be a 2 appointment process, the first To apply paint, the second to apply clear coat after the paint has cured. These guys use air brushes, so the application is confined to a very small area and well controlled. The air brushes also apply the paint more smoothly than full size paint shop guns, so orange peel is not an issue. The cost compared to other options is very reasonable. You might want to wipe down the chip with alcohol and dab some clear silicone on it to prevent rust until you decide what you want to do. The silicone band aid will peel/roll off easily when you are ready.
These mobile guys also do vinyl repair and dye. I have watched them work, and it is amazing. They can repair a cut or tear in a vinyl seat cover, dye the repair the same color as the seat, and match the texture of the original vinyl. If anyone gets a tear or cut to their bikes seat, investigate one of these services before replacing the seat cover.
Whether it is a car or motorcycle chips are gonna happen, and I think it is okay to find a balance between utility and appearance when it comes to situations like this.