My 2004 1200 Custom has a chrome strip that goes around the gas cap and then extends along the top of the tank all the way to the seat. Is it held on only by double sided tape or is there something else holding it too? I want to remove the chrome and I don't want to damage the tank in the process. I imagine a new gas cap would be in order too as it looks like it would stick out with the chrome removed?

 

Just took a look at the one that was removed from my 2005 (it was in a box in the basement) and it looks like only tape.

 

Once removed expect to see paint fade.

 

I took mine off about a year after I got my 08 1200C. There were impression marks in the paint, and the paint was faded where the glue stripes used to be. This pass spring I replaced it with the real chrome strip. I wouldn't do it if I had it to do over again. Get some mothers alum and chrome polish and shine that baby up. My sig picture is the chrome one. Cost $125 new at the dealer.

 

Took mine off with fishing line. Let it sit in the sun on a hot day to do it. Didn't leave any marks on the tank and i like the cap sticking up so i can get a grip on the dang thing when my fingers are cold. : )

 

Thanks everyone. I will likely take mine off one day soon. I will probably repaint the bike in the future anyway because there are a lot of chips in the paint now. I need to decide what other changes I will make and do them to before I paint.

 

Does it come with the tape already attached and you just peal off the paper backing or do you have to mount the double sided tape to the strip? I'd like to get one and have it powder coated black before I install it.

 

Yes, it does come with the double sided tape already on it. But, it doesn't come with the gap cap and the little round gauge to line everything up around your fuel hole. If you are going to powder coat it just get one that's not chrome, a lot cheaper. Forgot to ad. I used masking tape to get everything lined up. Just lay the strip on the tank, and get the air vent lined up on the cap and the strip, and mark everything with masking tape. Stealer wanted $15 for a cardboard gauge. No way.

 

It does make the tank look bigger. I just didn't like the impression and dull marks it left in my paint.

 

Be careful pulling the strip off. When I took mine off and there was a white spot in the blue paint about the size of a quarter under the clear. When I went to Harley they told me since the strip would have covered the paint defect there was nothing they could do about the messed up paint. I had warped the trim piece pulling it off figuring I wasn't going to use it. I ended up getting a mustang tank pad to put back on to cover the paint blemish.