Repair or replace?
Repair or replace?
Just moved a month ago, and I've had to park my RKC curbside until I can arrange suitable storage for her. I covered her up and thought nothing of it, since I live in a gated cul-de-sac with 24/7 security guards.
Anyway, long story short, since we got some decent riding weather today, I decided to cut work after lunch to go for a quick ride.
Got home, suited up and uncovered my baby only to find a big a$$ dent in the front fender.
Seems some dickless cager moron must have somehow backed into her over the holidays and screwed up my front fender with his bumper. The dent is deep enough to have cracked and missing paint on its edges. Although the fender does not rub against the tire, the fender trim is broken and unsalvageable.
After throwing a fit worthy of the Tasmanian Devil from looney tunes, I settled down and half heartedly took a short ride. Can't bear the sight of my injured bike.
Now what?
Security staff didn't see jack $hĄ+ and, wouldn't you know it, CCTV cam just barely misses the spot where my bike was parked and where the "accident" must've happened.
Since I ***-hattedly postponed renewing my insurance until the new riding season, looks like I'm gonna have to bite it and cover the cost of repairs out of my own pocket.
Now the question:
Do you guys think it would be more cost effective to repair the fender or just replace it? The fender trim has to be replaced for sure.
Repair sounds less expensive, but it might not match up perfectly. My bike is two tone dark/light candy root beer.
Do dealerships do decent body work?
What do you think? Has anybody gone through this before?
Any and all suggestions will be appreciated.
Anyway, long story short, since we got some decent riding weather today, I decided to cut work after lunch to go for a quick ride.
Got home, suited up and uncovered my baby only to find a big a$$ dent in the front fender.
Seems some dickless cager moron must have somehow backed into her over the holidays and screwed up my front fender with his bumper. The dent is deep enough to have cracked and missing paint on its edges. Although the fender does not rub against the tire, the fender trim is broken and unsalvageable.
After throwing a fit worthy of the Tasmanian Devil from looney tunes, I settled down and half heartedly took a short ride. Can't bear the sight of my injured bike.
Now what?
Security staff didn't see jack $hĄ+ and, wouldn't you know it, CCTV cam just barely misses the spot where my bike was parked and where the "accident" must've happened.
Since I ***-hattedly postponed renewing my insurance until the new riding season, looks like I'm gonna have to bite it and cover the cost of repairs out of my own pocket.
Now the question:
Do you guys think it would be more cost effective to repair the fender or just replace it? The fender trim has to be replaced for sure.
Repair sounds less expensive, but it might not match up perfectly. My bike is two tone dark/light candy root beer.
Do dealerships do decent body work?
What do you think? Has anybody gone through this before?
Any and all suggestions will be appreciated.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 483
Likes: 4
HD Street Stalker fender
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
Go for the HD Street Stalker fender $199 painted vivid black.
Go for the HD Street Stalker fender $199 painted vivid black.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
most dealerships use a local shop to do their repair work- go and ask for a reference, then get a quote.
be very careful at the idea of riding with reduced clearance- the tire grows when at speed...and your pressure may be lower than normal while the bike has just been sitting.
the harley street stalker or fatboy fenders could be cool depending on the look you have chosen for your bike.
trim and stuff you may find on the classifieds here from a rider who removed them if you return to a stock look
mike
be very careful at the idea of riding with reduced clearance- the tire grows when at speed...and your pressure may be lower than normal while the bike has just been sitting.
the harley street stalker or fatboy fenders could be cool depending on the look you have chosen for your bike.
trim and stuff you may find on the classifieds here from a rider who removed them if you return to a stock look
mike
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: San Diego, CA
Get a quote from the shop your dealer uses and then compare it to the cost of a new factory painted fender....
At least now you know where to park to be on the security cameras......
Good luck with the repair....
At least now you know where to park to be on the security cameras......
Good luck with the repair....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
How handy are you ? It might be a perfect time to learn body work. It is amazing how nice a paint job can look with rattle cans. I have a front fender and saddlebags that need paint and I spoke with a local bodyshop who will spray them for 100 dollars if I bring them in prepped and masked for paint. Play with your fender and and try a gloss black rattle can job to see how straight you can make it.