[T-Roy]

Ok, so I’ve had my brand new Kawa Vulcan 900 Classic for less than a month now and last night it was vandalized. I didnt notice it until later on in the day today cause I didnt ride it today as it was raining when I left for work. When I came home I noticed from inside my car that the keyhole cover on the gas cap was slid open. When I walked over to check it out I found that someone had keyed the word “bitch” into the tank. The scratches dont look super deep so I am hoping that either: 1) I can buff it out w some compound or 2)cover it w a bra. Does anyone know of a scratch remover that works particularly well? I dont have any enemies and have no clue who could have done this. I dont have insurance on it yet because I was going to wait till the paper tag from the dealer expired on the 29th of August to save some $$. I am at a loss for words why someone would want to vandalize such a nice bike. Any help on the subj would be appreciated.

[Munch]

If they are superficial one of the bike rags recommends to use ..of all things…Corn meal . Personally I don’t have that patience. Where the word located..top, side? You can look into bike leather sites and get a cover..some even have a nice lil pocket on ’em.
So who around you has just broken up with their boyfriend? Neighbor? Be my guess someone mistook the addresses…..unless like me your out on your lonesome . In which case probly some nut job 1%’er thinking they were being funny.

[T-Roy]

The word is on the top side of the tank about 4-5 inches back from the gas cap. The B is closest to the cap and the H is closer to the seat and I dont know if a tank bib will be wide enought to cover it. All of the ones I have seen are somewhat narrow. I will get some rubbing compound tommorow and give it a try. I live in a condo complex and have the only motorcycle in this particular parking area. I think it was maybe someone just some a-hole trying to be funny.

[Munch]

well if that doesn’t work … you can always de badge it and go to some “decal” sites and get you some graphics over it. I have seen plenty tastefully done.

[T-Roy]

yeah…that could be a possibility. Thanks Munch.

[zeppelinfromled]

Over the winter, someone clipped my door and left a pretty nasty scrape it in, but no defects to the door. I brought it into a body shop (it’s actually a dealership) and they buffed it out. They said it was going to be $40, but they didn’t charge me (the guy said something like “just remember us if you have any work in the future”). Might be worth looking into getting a professional to buff it out if you can’t do it yourself.

[SafetyFirst]

Man that sucks.

If it’s bored kids, an alarmed bike cover might be enough to stop them again.

[JackTrade]

Is it just in the clearcoat, or does it go down into the paint?

If shallow, try Quixx scratch remover. It’s pricey (about $15 for the kit, available at Walmart, etc.), but it is probably the best. Follow the instructions on the box, and the results are impressive. Even if it can’t totally buff all the damage out, it usually really reduces it. I’ve used it on some pretty nasty looking scratches on cars, and was really impressed with the results.

Sorry to hear about it and hope you’re able to get things fixed. While fairly minor on our society’s list of problems, vandalism is one of those crimes that really angers me…it’s so senseless…there’s no reason to do it, other than just being a jerk.

[T-Roy]

Matter of fact, I just bought some Quixx at walmart last night and tried it out this morning. The scratches were deep enough that I had to use the 3000 grit sandpaper (wet of course). I was extremely worried about sanding past the clearcoat so I didnt use much pressure. After the I used the product according to the directions I definitely noticed a difference but you can still see the scratches. I will try to post before and after pics.

[T-Roy]

Before Quixx

[T-Roy]

After Quixx

[Munch]

well for the size of the pics…looks like it turns out great.

[T-Roy]

http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=f454c78e5be4be019a16dcf07a6807f9

[T-Roy]

After.
http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=f454c78e5be4be019a16dcf07a6807f9

[T-Roy]

Sorry, pics taken w my iPhone so quality wasnt the best. Uploaded them to photoo site so u can see em better.

[Author]

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