Topic: 1st paint chip in my front fender...what to do now? (Read 8193 times)

+RO@D*R@GE+ · « **on:** October 14, 2012, 07:30:15 AM »

well it happened ...got my 1st paint chip in my front fender on my 2012 maple roadglide cvo...it's down to the metal. Can anyone fix this type of thing or is it a go out and buy another fender kind of deal?
is it even worth fixing because it will happen again?
just sucks almost made it to the end of the riding season

RoadGliderX70 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 14, 2012, 08:58:53 AM »

You can stop worrying now, and enjoy your scoot... it got its first "battle scar" (it's inevitable).

LC110 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 14, 2012, 09:10:29 AM »

I would find some touch up paint that is close in color and then install this over it (link below)

http://motorcyclearmor.americommerce.com/store/p/27-Front-Fender-Kit.aspx

Buy early · « **Reply #3 on:** October 14, 2012, 09:25:59 AM »

Quote from: LC110 on October 14, 2012, 09:10:29 AM

I would find some touch up paint that is close in color and then install this over it (link below)

http://motorcyclearmor.americommerce.com/store/p/27-Front-Fender-Kit.aspx

+1 on the Motorcycle Armor. Have it in several spots on my bike. No guraratees it would have stopped that chunk, looks like it took a pretty good hit but chances are good it wouldn't have ended up that bad. I would go the touch-up route as well. Use several coats to build it back up. Wife's SE Deace had a deep chip on the rear fender lip. It took a while but I got it back to where you can hardly tell.

Remember, these bikes are just our toys, not our masters.

+RO@D*R@GE+ · « **Reply #4 on:** October 14, 2012, 09:35:26 AM »

that armor...what is it like a clear tape....like the 3m stuff?

red ben59 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 14, 2012, 10:13:02 AM »

I always look at as " the first ones done and just wait for the next one " if ya ride em it's going to happen. Don't mean ya got to like it.

Fired00d · « **Reply #6 on:** October 14, 2012, 10:24:06 AM »

Sucks when you get the first one because no matter what whenever you walk by the bike your eyes go to that spot.

I would think you could get some touch up paint from the MoCo for that and has been mentioned previously you could try to touch it up yourself by slowly building it up or if you get the paint you may want to find a painter in your area that you feel comfortable with them fixing it. Either way good luck on what you decide... if you ride them they will get road scars.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

spydglide · « **Reply #7 on:** October 14, 2012, 10:27:37 AM »

Ohhhhhh, the agony of the 1st one. And some of us never get over the 1st one and ea. one after.....'touch-up', have 'repaired', or just replace....it's a on-going saga. Good luck with your OCD.

har.

spyder

cahdbiker · « **Reply #8 on:** October 14, 2012, 10:53:46 AM »

+RO@D*R@GE+, I feel your pain. A while back a guy from England made a post with a very small front chrome front fender tip that attached with its own adhesive backing. It was very unobtrusive, but looked like it would cover your chip. Could be Kuryakyn product. Also there are people who make a living fixing small dents and chips for car dealerships. If you could get the paint I bet a talented chip fixer could take care of that. Worse case scenario is put a bullet hole sticker over it and call it a day. I see them all the time on cars and bikes. If the chip protrudes from the inside out maybe the wheel weights came off caused the chip.CAHDBIKER

Porschestan · « **Reply #9 on:** October 14, 2012, 12:20:35 PM »

I know we are all different..that what makes us human, but I know me and it would kill me period..yes, if it was not totally gone I would always look at it. It happened on one of my previous cars, I parked a million miles away from anyone and found a deep sharp dent in my front fender. Not the type the a dent remover guy could fix..Long story, but after over $500 later it came back like new. I wish I was one that says "it's just a car" but neither me or my wife can live with an imperfection on our things. I guess I am lucky that she keeps me with all of my imperfections!

Good luck
Stan

+RO@D*R@GE+ · « **Reply #10 on:** October 14, 2012, 12:25:39 PM »

how much is a new fender from HD? anyone know? might be good to have an extra one on hand ...that way later down the line when it gets real bad I can just change it......just sucks if you bring it to a bike show people will focus on the chip you can't miss it right on the front fender but I'm not the trailering type, I like to ride!!!

mark · « **Reply #11 on:** October 14, 2012, 02:24:12 PM »

Order some touch up paint from HD (get ready for sticker shock). Don't use the brush that comes with the bottle. Buy a fine brush (can find these at a craft shop). Put a good light source on the spot so you can see and take your time. You'll probably be the only one that knows it is there. Having some way to magnify your vision while working on the spot will help too.

LC110 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 14, 2012, 02:42:41 PM »

Quote from: +RO@D*R@GE+ on October 14, 2012, 09:35:26 AM

that armor...what is it like a clear tape....like the 3m stuff?

Yes it is clear, like the 3m stuff. I have it on my bag lids and front fender, you have to look real close to even see it.
Life time warranty also!

Buy early · « **Reply #13 on:** October 14, 2012, 02:56:45 PM »

Quote from: +RO@D*R@GE+ on October 14, 2012, 09:35:26 AM

that armor...what is it like a clear tape....like the 3m stuff?

Similar to the 3M tape but better.

AXIL · « **Reply #14 on:** October 14, 2012, 03:33:10 PM »

r@ad r@ge, If you live in virginia i know some good painters.

+RO@D*R@GE+ · « **Reply #15 on:** October 14, 2012, 03:58:54 PM »

I live in Mass but thanks man!!!

King Glide · « **Reply #16 on:** October 14, 2012, 04:47:11 PM »

Go to the dealer, get the touch up paint, use a fine brush like previously stated and dab it in slowly. Let it dry for a day or two and go to any auto parts store, get a clear coat repair kit and use according to directions. Take your time and when you are done you will be hard pressed to find it and no one will notice unless you tell'em where it is.

Buying a new fender is always an option if you don't get the results you expect but the paint is a whole lot cheaper, what do you have to loose ?

I have done a couple of fixes and the more you work at it the better you'll get at it.

grc · « **Reply #17 on:** October 14, 2012, 07:38:32 PM »

Quote from: +RO@D*R@GE+ on October 14, 2012, 12:25:39 PM

how much is a new fender from HD? anyone know? might be good to have an extra one on hand ...that way later down the line when it gets real bad I can just change it......just sucks if you bring it to a bike show people will focus on the chip you can't miss it right on the front fender but I'm not the trailering type, I like to ride!!!

Haven't seen a parts list for the 2013's yet, but you can get a good idea using the price for a 2012 SESG front fender ($995 MSRP). If I were you, I'd get the touch-up kit and learn how to do a good repair, or hire a pro to do it. If you start replacing parts every time you get a chip on the fender, fairing, lowers, etc., it won't take too long to make a good dent in the ol' checkbook. If you buy a vehicle to actually ride or drive, you have to expect little mishaps no matter how careful you are. As the bumper stickers proclaim, "Stuff Happens". If the possibility of future chips keeps you awake at night, then the protective film might be a good idea. Assuming appearance is paramount, professional application is recommended.

Jerry

+RO@D*R@GE+ · « **Reply #18 on:** October 14, 2012, 07:57:01 PM »

King roadglide think I'm going to go your route but maybe get it done by a pro...I will F*** it up!!

cyco1450 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 14, 2012, 08:22:41 PM »

Best way to fix a chip like that is to get the paint from the MoCo ( about $40) and touch up in steps using the tip of a toothpick. A brush is too broad. Do several coats. You'd be surprised how well it will come out. Dark colors, such as yours are easier than lighter colors such as I have. Blends in better.

+RO@D*R@GE+ · « **Reply #20 on:** October 31, 2012, 05:58:45 AM »

yup new fender is $995 and touch up paint from Harley is $52 bucks...think it's touch up time !!! LOL

blacktop · « **Reply #21 on:** October 31, 2012, 11:30:49 AM »

Looking closely at it, it looks like a little heart. Maybe you can learn to live with it.

D-N-D · « **Reply #22 on:** October 31, 2012, 01:02:38 PM »

Just sell it and get a new Bike problem all gone, Only Kidding OEM Touch up paint works good enough until you get the next chip.

twinotter · « **Reply #23 on:** October 31, 2012, 07:46:15 PM »

It looks to me like another case od shoddy sh..te from HD. Notice how the paint completely separated from the primer!!
A rock big enough to actually gouge out that much paint would have left a dent or crease in the metal. And I guarnatee you'd have heard it take the hit. I'd take it back to HD, tell them to fix the d..d junk. JMPO FWIW twinotter

SDCVO · « **Reply #24 on:** November 01, 2012, 12:12:12 AM »

How is that HD's fault again??? Really

+RO@D*R@GE+ · « **Reply #25 on:** November 03, 2012, 01:13:36 AM »

actually....the separation means it's good paint...crap paint would crack and flake....this was a clean chip.....if you know your paints you know what I'm talking about...by the way I did hear it take a hit

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #26 on:** November 03, 2012, 04:12:25 AM »

Quote from: twinotter on October 31, 2012, 07:46:15 PM

It looks to me like another case od shoddy sh..te from HD. Notice how the paint completely separated from the primer!!
A rock big enough to actually gouge out that much paint would have left a dent or crease in the metal. And I guarnatee you'd have heard it take the hit. I'd take it back to HD, tell them to fix the d..d junk. JMPO FWIW twinotter

First off.. CVO skins are no longer painted by HD. They are currently being painted by Gunslinger Customs for HD, and supposedly to HD's specs (thickness of clear, etc)

Secondly... I'm on my second chip on my front fender... on my 09 I never got one. So, is QC out the window?.. is the clear/paint too hard and chips too easily or is it simply too thin to absorb the shock? Either way I dont see HD being at fault unless they changed the standard for paint thickness, etc.

I'm approaching 10K on my bike, on an island.... so yes, I ride the chit out of mine. When people point out the two chips in the front fender I tell them I ride more miles in one year than they ever will for the entire time they own their bike, and IMWO, it gives the bike character... I might try touchup paint... but really.. why?.... I'll only do it again the next time. I'd much rather ride it than sit in the garage with a fine brush or toothpick.

Enjoy it... RIDE it... and smile everytime you throw a leg over.

wolverine · « **Reply #27 on:** November 07, 2012, 08:19:50 PM »

Try and fix it with touch up paint. If that don't work take the fender off and send it to Gunslinger's and have them repaint it. I bet it will be lot's cheaper than a new fender.

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #28 on:** November 08, 2012, 10:56:01 AM »

Quote from: wolverine on November 07, 2012, 08:19:50 PM

Try and fix it with touch up paint. If that don't work take the fender off and send it to Gunslinger's and have them repaint it. I bet it will be lot's cheaper than a new fender.

You would have to call them to see if they will touch-up.

My understanding is that GS cannot paint the same parts they do for HD....

Author Topic: 1st paint chip in my front fender...what to do now? (Read 8193 times)

mark