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.