De badged
#12
05-02-2012 | 02:16 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 390
From: Portland OR.
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I de-badge all my cars...and no they don't look wrecked..haha..showroom clean..my harley I have 100 year badges so they stay..the KLX I took that HUGE Kawasaki sticker off the side cowl..and got two smaller ones,also made a front fender insert..what can I say I'm a Engineer
#13
05-02-2012 | 02:38 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 854
From: Northern Utah
I like it too. (I still wish I could have gotten a green one rather than red.)
In my mind, knobby tires = crashed.
And I don't see that as a bad thing...unless it is (damaged hard parts).
But this should bring up another point (at least for dirtbikes): if you find a used one with mint OEM plastics and graphics...you may want to look deeper into the bike for other signs of wear. A common tactic for people who turn over bikes frequently is buy aftermarket plastic right away and save the OEM stuff for resale time. On the other hand, there a many who just put new aftermarket plastic at sale time to put a fresh look on an old bike.
A bike may look great externally, but that doesn't always mean it's OK inside. It might be powerwashed after every ride so it's nice and shiny...but also has ruined suspension and wheel bearings from water contamination. And then there are bikes that look beat to hell, even though they've been kept mechanically tip-top.
I guess bottom line, plastic condition can only hint at what lies beneath (and it can easily tell a lie).
In my mind, knobby tires = crashed.
And I don't see that as a bad thing...unless it is (damaged hard parts).But this should bring up another point (at least for dirtbikes): if you find a used one with mint OEM plastics and graphics...you may want to look deeper into the bike for other signs of wear. A common tactic for people who turn over bikes frequently is buy aftermarket plastic right away and save the OEM stuff for resale time. On the other hand, there a many who just put new aftermarket plastic at sale time to put a fresh look on an old bike.
A bike may look great externally, but that doesn't always mean it's OK inside. It might be powerwashed after every ride so it's nice and shiny...but also has ruined suspension and wheel bearings from water contamination. And then there are bikes that look beat to hell, even though they've been kept mechanically tip-top.
I guess bottom line, plastic condition can only hint at what lies beneath (and it can easily tell a lie).
Yes, I would expect a used bike to have some scuffs and scratches. No, I won't buy something that has the pipes or chain all rusted up, or the frame tubes bashed flat, bent bars, busted levers, fluid leaks, etc. I'm a "detective" when I look over a vehicle. Problem is; this detective sees missing badges as a "big red flag" that I just can't get past. I won't ever look at something that is missing badges... that's just me. Others may not have a problem with it.
Keep in mind that 99% of all SUVs on the road have NEVER seen off-road. Same is true for a lot of dual-sport bikes... never been off-road. Same with snowmobiles... never been off the trail, or ridden hard. *THOSE* are the vehicles I look for if/when I'm buying something used... (unless, of course, the price is too good to pass up).
#14
05-02-2012 | 02:40 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,538
From: Connecticut
1st Gear Member
That is my bike!! As far as looks - it appears to have gone through world war II and viet-nam.. But I keep up on everything mechanically and it runs perfect. Function over form!
#15
05-02-2012 | 03:42 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,135
From: San Francisco, CA
i just kept the kawasaki sticker and ufo sticker on the rear plastic...i like it de-badged....but, i de-badge all my cars too and just leave only the center emblems....
Last edited by ahnh666; 05-02-2012 at 03:51 PM.
#17
05-02-2012 | 06:32 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,135
From: San Francisco, CA
it's unnecessary weight and creates wind drag...slower slower slower...
...on another note..i wonder if i can get little more mileage from those tires....8,000 miles...almost at the wear indicator
...on another note..i wonder if i can get little more mileage from those tires....8,000 miles...almost at the wear indicatorLast edited by ahnh666; 05-02-2012 at 06:37 PM.
#18
05-02-2012 | 07:11 PM
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 389
Niceeee
