Man that feeling I got with my first scratch. It really sucks.. I thought it would be a good idea to wash my bike. So while washing my bike I thought that my Sissy bar needed to be washed too. So like a Dumb A** I set the sissy bar on the bike but did'nt lock the clamps. So when i went to rinse the bike the sissy bar fell over and laid 2 nasty scratches on the rear fender. I am so stressed over this. am i over reacting are does everyone else feel like sh*t when they got there first.

 

You ahve the right attitude. I see most people ahving to get it repainted or whatever. The way I see it, it's gonnaget a some wear and tear. Trying to keep it absolutely perfect is enough to drive any sane person mad. Bear in mind I lost my sanity a long time ago.

 

Yeah, I've had that feeling too.....then I eventually decide that its a battle scar that adds character. After that I go completely **** and try to gently work it with the scratch removers. If they are deep, down to the metal, get some touch up paint and carefully work the area. I keep noticing the rock dings and other marks every time I wash it. Once the dust and bugs get back on I forget about it until the next cleaning. Time heals all wounds.

 

Think you have to choose, Show bike or a bike you ride. I try to wash mine once a month and ride it the rest of the time. Gets a wax job and some metal polish at the wash and some leather care but they were bought to ride not look at Oh yeah, I clean the windshield when the bugjuice gets bad.

 

I know what you mean. I have kind of a dull spot about 1/4" in diameter on my rear fender from a tie down strap that rubber for a while until I saw it at a gas stop on my 2300+ mile trip in September. Now when I see it when I'm cleaning, it reminds me of the great trip I had!!!!

 

Don't sweat it! Trying to keep the bike perfect is what will put you in the jacket with no sleeves

 

My first ding on my Fat Bob about killed me. But like your first girl friend, you soon forget about it and it just adds charactor.

 

Hey if it makes you feel any better, I laid mine right flat on it's right side on a gravel road about 2 weeks ago... at about a dead stop thank goodness. Too much front brake + loose gravel + kids about to throw rock at me, caused me to completely mess up.

...haven't see the kids walk down my street since.... Evidentally the air turned blue around me, and I was questioning their fatherhood.... something like that.....

 

Chicks Dig Body Damage, adds charter. jackyl

 

Everyone here probably has a one or two reminders that their bikes are for riding not just for show. If you ride your bike you'll eventually going to get a scratch or ding somewhere. It sucks but what you gonna do. archergodwin I laughed pretty good at "kids about to throw rock at me" so I must apologize. Hope you were ok.