C5: Gouged paint on front fender during build?

[emskee]

Fine People,

I have ordered a C5.  A black one is on the way, a red is on the showroom floor.  When the black one arrives, I have my choice of either (assuming the red one is still there next week...)

The front fender and the down tubes have the paint scraped from each on the showroom model.  Dealer says that that is a consequence of assembly; the fender must be wrestled between the down tubes and this scrapes the paint.  Also, I'm told that tough compression of the front end will cause fender to further lose paint as it slides up between the tubes.

Does this sound reasonable/is this usual?  Doesn't sound right to me.  I'd rather have the red than the black, but am holding out to see how the black one goes together.

Thanks for any help.

Cheers,

Mike

[ace.cafe]

I don't know exactly about the C5 model, but it happens frequently on the older Bullets.
My Bullet has scratch lines on the inside portions of the fork covers, which was done by the movement of the suspension during riding.

[r80rt]

I haven't noticed any scuff marks on my C5. You'll love your new bike!

[Englishabroad]

My Red C5 had a mark on the front fender that was touched up with slightly different paint.    I don;t care though as i love it!

Good luck with your new C5.  I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[Marrtyn]

I do not have any paint scraped on my G5. (mind I have only done just over 600 miles)
This does not seem right.
Personally I would be inclined to check this out further.

[emskee]

People,

Thanks for the comments (to include the good wishes).

I got a call yesterday that the black one is in and I'll be tooling over to the dealer in about an hour (I will report back if anyone is interested) to have a look see at which time I will present the position that other owners have not had the paint shed during build nor through operation.  Thanks for the ammo.

Mike

[Rusty]

Doesn't sound right to me.

It's not right Dave, there's plenty of clearance between the fork shrouds and front mudguard provided it's put together with care.

My previously unmarked C5 came back recently having had the front mudguard replaced by others, first ride out it rubbed on the right fork shroud and scratched it. Easily fixed by loosening all the mudguard stay bolts attached to the fork legs, grabbing the front of the guard and centralising the recesses with the fork shrouds. There was no need on mine to undo the fasteners on the mudguard itself.

Trouble is it's a wheel out forks out job to replace the shrouds so I guess most dealers would rather slap on some touch up paint rather than fix it properly.

I've got new shrouds coming, I'll fit them myself when I change the fork oil.

[emskee]

Okay....

Just got back from dealer.

The owner called the factory on this one.  Factory replies that a few ended-up-being-painted-red  (Royal Maroon?) C5s had incorrect fender strut rivet hole locations which caused the interference problem.

A new set of tubes and a fender are IN THE MAIL and will be installed on my bike (I'm taking the red one) when they come in.  I can pick up the bike Sunday, and they'll call me.

How cool is that?  Seems like a supurb (as in great people, high morals, old style American work ethic) dealer I'm working with (insert plug for POC Scooters, Lakewood, Ohio).

Later all,

Mike

[r80rt]

The red is a great choice, I love mine. It's nice the way RE takes care of it's customers isn't it?

[JamesC5]

Got any pics of the new lamp mate?

J

[r80rt]

I just added some pic's to the gallery, pardon the weird morning light.

[Leonard]

I just added some pic's to the gallery, pardon the weird morning light.

IMHO that morning light makes for some very dynamic photos.  That new head light sure improves the looks doesn't it?

[r80rt]

I'm really happy with the way it looks, and being brighter is always a plus.