Parking lot rash

[Fudd]

A forklift at work accidently pushed a wooden skid into my bike yesterday turning it over.  The only thing damaged appears to be the right side saddlebag and lid.  There's about a 3 x 2" abrasion on the lid and a 3 x1" abrasion on the bag near the outer middle where it contacts the lid.

Should I try to have a body shop repair this damage, or would you replace the bag?  My Company's C.E.O. said let him know whatever it costs and our insurance would take care or it.  With the abrasion areas being relatively small, I hate to hit them with the cost of replacement parts, but I'm afraid of a crack developing later, or the paint not matching perfectly.

Anybody want to share some wisdom on what they'd do? 

[Farther]

You probably can't find a new replacement, but if you can I would go with that and keep the damaged as a spare.

[lljjmm]

If insurance is covering it, why worry about the cost, have it fixed to what it was, if possible.

But that is what I would do. My 2 cents worth of advise for today

[Jess from VA]

Get a firm quote and promise (filler and paint to repair) from a reputable body shop.  Get the cash.  Get it fixed at your leisure.

[Paladin528]

Find a shop that does good Plastic welding and repair.  I had a fairing fixed and you would never know it was ever damaged.

[pago cruiser]

The plastic repair is pretty straightforward - it will look as new if done correctly.

IMO, the hardest part is matching the EXACT paint color.
Even if it matches really well (it is almost never perfect) initially, the "new" paint will fade/age differently than the "old" original paint.  I can almost guarantee that in 2 years time you will see a significant difference in color.  Try explaining that to the guy you are selling the bike to, as to why the color difference looks like crap.  And be ready to take $100's of dollars less because of it.

Hopefully you can convey this to your boss successfully; good luck.  Most non-motorcycle folks don't get it; or don't want to deal with the full ramifications of their actions.

Maybe... if he is indeed reasonable, tell him you will repair the bag/lid (and save him about $500 over a new replacement), if he will then cover the $1000-$1200 or so for new paint for everything; this will make sure the colors age the same, and you don't lose money when you go to sell the bike or trade it in down the road.  You'll prolly get stuck with removing and replacing everything yourself though.  Figure half a day to get everything apart, and a full day to put everything back together.

[Fudd]

Maybe... if he is indeed reasonable, tell him you will repair the bag/lid (and save him about $500 over a new replacement), if he will then cover the $1000-$1200 or so for new paint for everything;

This is a Jade & black bike with black saddlebags. For me, having a jade panel on the bags is just a little too green.  I would likely have them paint both bags to avoid the fade-over-time differences.

[Jess from VA]

Black is black (there are no shades).  It really doesn't fade, the paint just gets worn, nicked, rubbed and scratched (old). 

[BradValk48237]

My 2000 I/S got rear ended and I ended up with rash on the right side fairing, pod, and saddlebag...

Asking around i was recommended to a local auto paint and body shop... old school.

He repaired and painted all the parts and 3 years later no one can tell it had ever been hit......

If you have a good guy in the area, he should be able to make it like new and match the rest of the bike....

Brad
 

[Willow]

This is a Jade & black bike with black saddlebags. For me, having a jade panel on the bags is just a little too green.  I would likely have them paint both bags to avoid the fade-over-time differences.

Do this if that's what makes you comfortable.

Don't necessarily use a body shop.  Find a painter with a good history of motorcycle painting.  He will do the repair so that it won't show as ever damaged.  Be sure to mention you need repair on an ABS bag.

[da prez]

I have preached this many times. Black ABS plastic glue. Only Black ABS , not multi purpose glue.
 I have repaired many parts this way. You can build the glue up and sand the finish. Wait at least 24 hours between applications. If you are working by and edge , simply tape it off and leave the tape on until the filling is done. The bags were still in Honda's parts list a couple months ago. If I remember , the bag was $750 and the lid was 275.00 PLUS.

                              DA PREZ

[MP]

I had a painter Willow suggested do my IS tank and saddlebags on my 97 std.  6 years now, and cannot tell what is OEM, and what is repainted.

MP

[Fudd]

Thank you everyone for the input:

I spoke to a top notch motorcycle painter at a body shop.  After looking through his picture portfolio and seeing his custom chopper, I became convinced that for $350, I won't be able to find where the repair was made.  He guaranteed it.