Hello from Alabama

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Mar 14, 2015 | 10:07 AM

Jimmy Knuckles

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Joined: Mar 2015

Posts: 89

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From: Alabama

Hello from Alabama

I'm a long time rider having started with British bikes in the 1960s. Worked on a NASA contract until Obama killed the contract in 2012 and at 64 years old I was unemployed. Had to give up the toys (2002 Sportster 1200, 2005 Dyna Super Glide) so we could eat. Companies just aren't looking for old dudes like me so I took part time jobs and some consulting work as well as started social security.
In January of this year we had finally climbed out of our financial hole and got our lives stable again. Two years without a scooter was really hard but we managed. Can't really afford to load us down with car or bike payments on retirement so I saved what I could and found a fair deal on a 2000 Sportster 1200 Custom that had been sitting for a couple of years. Tires were dry rotted and it didn't run very well but it cranked pretty freely so we trailered it home.
This is where I come to the need for advice. Put on new tires and drained and the fuel tank and carb. Can of Seafoam, new plugs etc. and it starts and runs fine. Bike handles and stops like I remember my '02 Sportster so I'm looking forward to putting some serious miles on it.
The bike has this chrome plated plastic ribbing attached to the tank and fenders. I think it is glued on but I want it gone! My question is has anyone had any experience with this stuff? If I peal it off will it damage the paint?
The stuff makes the bike look "cheap" in my opinion so I want to get it down to a more basic level. I'll repaint the tank if I must, I just would like to get an idea of what I'm getting into in advance of attacking it.
Any help would be appreciated. Sorry for the long post but I'm anxious to get on the road. Two years as a cager without a scoot almost cost me my marriage - I really need to get out an ride and be proud of my ride. Don't know how many more years I've got to ride so I want to make the most of what is left.