03-06-2015, 07:53 AM
(03-05-2015, 01:49 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote:(03-04-2015, 09:40 PM)Cormanus_imp Wrote: Mate, that's sad.
On the other hand, it's all easier from here on in. They're made to be used and they simply can't stay pristine for ever—unless of course you don't use them.
I agree Cormanus, the low mileage pristine bikes don't have much of a life story to tell. I treat my motors gently, and service them regularly, (and they generally return the favor with reliability and longevity) but anyone looking at one of my bikes can tell you they were ridden... a lot. Rub marks, rock chips, dead bugs, scuffs here and there, say the owner of this bike, cared more about riding than polishing. I will spray on some S100 and wash them once or twice a year, may even hit the tank and side covers with some Honda spray polish, once or twice a season but mainly I ride them. My ST 1300 is still wearing U.P. Of Michigan paint overspray from a Men's Fall Trip several years ago, California bugs from last June's trip to the Pacific Coast Highway and this winters Ohio road salt. My CB has Kentucky bugs from last years Men's Fall trip and a bit of Ohio salt as well. My bikes will never be accused of being garage queens. I buy them to ride them, and ride them I do, and if some "beauty marks" are acquired along the way, so be it.
I'm with 'ya Ferret. My bikes get a thorough scrub down about once a year and occasional swipes with some microfiber cloth for obvious smudges in between. When I first read the title of this thread, I had no idea whether or not I'd acquired my first paint chip. I probably won't find out until it's time for the annual spring bath in a few weeks.