Originally Posted by El Duderino

Soft luggage will rub no matter what you try mate, things have a way of conspiring against you...it's a side effect of that type of luggage. I used soft luggage on a pristine bike I've had since new, and was (at the time) horrified to learn when enquiring about a trade-in, that after 5300klm's of touring with care to this very issue, the luggage and occy-straps had done over $1k of damage to the duck-tail and passenger grab rail. Bear in mind that's on a sportsbike.

Tbh, I didn't give a damn, as the fun and experience easily outweighed the damage...I bought new, negotiated over $2k on the purchase price, and happy to wear the depreciation. It's only fair to expect blemishes on anything fresh off the showroom floor. Only the most anal of owners would care...they'd be the type to tight to stump up for new price and annoy me at sale time, and tbh most people wouldn't notice it unless pointed out. As a mechanic, I take absolute care and condition of my bike in every way (more important), but if the next owner wants to haggle over trivial stuff like that, they can sod-off and try to find better. Tyre-kickers are the anit-christ...you either want or you don't! Best of luck to them...you want perfect, buy new. My advice is to ride and use what you want, how you want, and not worry about the next owner...you didn't buy for them anyway!!!

Originally Posted by BlackDogZulu

Heh - I hear you! Would that be what is called 'masking tape' in the UK? Papery-type stuff, easily torn, used to mask off areas not painted?

If so, sounds like a plan. I have tons of the stuff.