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.

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[-] dunz@feddit.nu 18 points 1 year ago

Just put some stickers over the scratches 😜

[-] Late2TheParty@lemmy.world 10 points 1 year ago

They are scratches of character and lessons-learned.

I mean, we've all been there and shit happens. My Triumph dealer has small paint tubes to fix stuff like this. Is that available for you? It was an easy job in my gas tank.

[-] Mellow12@lemmy.world 7 points 1 year ago

Yeah. I can get some touch up paint, but the shell is painted plastic (the deep scratches) so it’s beyond my DIY skills to go that route and do a good job. An OEM replacement panel is like 400-500$. Since it’s a 35K bike I’m just gonna replace it this winter for peace of mind. It will only take 30 minutes to remove and replace thankfully. I already have a parts order in for a new brake lever so I can ride a little more before cold weather sets in.

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.

All I can offer is empathy. Been there, done that!

[-] Synthead@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

Could take it to a body shop 👍

[-] Destraight@lemm.ee 2 points 1 year ago

Where's your skid pegs at bro?

[-] Mellow12@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

That’s the crazy part. The gust caught it so hard that it tipped right past them and onto the saddle bag/ handle bars. You can see the black plastic rear guard in the photo.

this post was submitted on 05 Oct 2023
69 points (93.7% liked)

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