It seems few of us have pre 2000 bikes these days. Who else besides me has an older bike, that thinks it o.k. to have a little chipped paint or a rust spot?

 

Like this !

 

Had a 73, 77, 84, & 91 all got too rusty and chipped. It was ok though, I should have kept the 77 I would of saved have a lot of $$. But my but would have been sacrificed
There is something to be said for the wash & wear my 77 was custom black rust-o-leum
I think its coming back with the flat...sorry denim paint they are trying to pass off
Sorry had to do it.

 

I personaly own bikes to ride. Not out there worrien about what somebody elses paint looks like. Ride it anyway you want and if someone don't like the way your paint is chipped, a few rust spots or how dirty your ride is they can go F--- themselves.

 

'97 sportster - looks like new -runs like new, i'll keep it till it dies

 

I've got an unrestored '77. However, it is far from a rat bike.

 

So when does a bike become a Rat? D'ya plan it that way, or just decide as you're too frickin lazy to wash the *****? This side of the pond, rattin' a bike usually means loads of matt black paint and an old camo scrim net, which is totally different to what I'd call 'patina' - the lovely old signs of years of fun, be they stone chips or rusty bits.

I really fancy keeping the 'Bones reasonable with a wipe down process using an oily rag. Keep the rust at bay, but not being too worried about the shine.

Trouble is, it still represents a shed load of money for me & I've got to keep it sparkly for a while yet, at least until the end of the guarantee period!!

 

'73 Ironhead, ride it,fix it,ride it again.I have to keep a pan underneath it to catch the oil. Krylon paint job, no turnsignals, mirrors, or speedometer. Sure is a fun ride!

 

Heres my bikes a 79 flh and my cross bones.

 

I have a 99 Fatboy that I bought used with 7,000 miles on it. It had been setting out in a machine shed for quite awhile, & the wheels & front forkes got quite a bit of oxidation on them, but I don't mind. I don't have the money to start replacing stuff just to impress other people. I ride it the way it is & keep it somewhat clean but don't get obsessive about how much it shines. It's a go bike, not a show bike.
Spooner, I love your 73 Ironhead.