69
Well... Shit.
(lemmy.world)
I was headed back home 1200 miles when at the first gas stop I let my bike fall over. I tried to park it away from the gas pumps to get off and stretch my legs. The spot I chose (poorly) was unleveled and the wind caught it and pushed it over. The tip over scratched the saddle bag and broke my brake lever. At my next stop I found an auto parts store for some steel stick epoxy to temporarily ‘weld’ the lever back together. I let it cure for a few 30 minutes before setting off angain, and then a few hours before using it properly, but that only lasted a few hundred miles. Everything is an easy fix, but damn I was utterly deflated the rest of the trip with my scratches of shame.
Honestly you might try to fix it. You would be surprised what an automotive paint pen and some car wax will fill. Yeah it will never look new, but it might come out better than you expected. Just get the paint code so you can color match. Do a really good clean with wax and grease remover. Use the paint pen then give it a good polish. I have seen that work in ways you might be surprised and if you are planning on a new panel anyway the worst that happens you spend an afternoon learning a new skill.