So i accidentally hit a motorcyclist today.

Sw1tchFX · Apr 13, 2009

I accidentally bumped into a motocyclist today, it was very minor, I was going about 2mph, my clutch was out and i was in neutral at a light and rolled into him. no damage on my car at all, but I chipped a little bit of paint on the bumper area of his honda and the hitch is a little loose.
We both agreed that it's too minor for insurance, and i told him that i will gladly pay it for him, but out of curiosity, how much would something like chipped paint with a little bit of a gouge (from my license plate screws) cost more or less? I had to get the bumper of my old car (2001 focus) replaced about 2 years ago and it cost about $300 to be put on and repainted, so i'm guessing this shouldn't cost more then $250. I'm not sure. Anyone here do auto body and paint?
The hitch is just matter of tightening bolts.

Thanks!

Phranquey · Apr 13, 2009

It shouldn't be that bad, but as soon as you plug motorcycle (or boat) into the equation, prices tend to go up. Cost of removal, sanding, filling, repainting, sanding, clear-coating, wet sanding, reinstalling....you are probably looking at $300-$400 at a bike shop.

samal · Apr 13, 2009

I dont' do body and paint but i sell motorcycle parts. was it a cruiser or a sport bike? was it plastic or metal part? if it's a rear fender and he decides to have a field day and asks for replacement cost, the rear fender assembly can easy run into 500-600 area. That said, any body shop should be able to fill and paint for fraction of this cost.

dl4449 · Apr 13, 2009

300/400 might be a little low
Troy

MikeBcos · Apr 13, 2009

A pro quality custom paint job can run into many thousands. However, if the bike just has the factory paint job you are probably looking at $300-400 plus labor to remove and replace the fender.

itznfb · Apr 13, 2009

without seeing it, i'd say approx $500

Sw1tchFX · Apr 14, 2009

outch...

it was a bigger bike, like this, except tan:

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2000models/2000-Honda-GL1500SEa.jpg

abraxas · Apr 14, 2009

Ouch. Looks like you hit one of them rocket ships. Only a rocket scientist will be able to assess the damage. Wait for it to come out of rocket ship surgery and be glad you didn't kill the astronaut.

samal · Apr 14, 2009

Honda Goldwing - I am not sure then because you probably hit one of the storage compartments, not the fender...wait for estimate

Paul M · Apr 14, 2009

I in no way mean to sound harsh here, but I am wondering...People on the photo forums always ask about copyright laws and photo trespass laws from other photographers. The best advice is to get those answers from a lawyer that handles cases like that. Photographers are just that photographers. Lawyers are just that, people that know and deal with the ins and outs of the law.

On the same note, I doubt the same photographers would be able to quote a repair estimate for body work or paint. It would be nice to think it would only cost 300-400, but don't be surprised if it runs much higher than that to do it right. I would suggest calling or stopping at your local Honda dealer and ask what a new fender would cost in that color and get their hourly rate for install. You would then know how much the maximum would be.
Just my 2¢

Sw1tchFX · Apr 14, 2009

I see where you're coming from paul, but alot of people have hobbies besides photography, and it was worth a shot.

nonetheless, the guy called this morning and he's going to buff it out himself and said don't sweat it, I'M OFF THE HOOK!!!!! PHEW!

samal · Apr 14, 2009

"you meet nicest people on Honda!"

Paul M · Apr 14, 2009

Sw1tchFX said:
I see where you're coming from paul, but alot of people have hobbies besides photography, and it was worth a shot.

nonetheless, the guy called this morning and he's going to buff it out himself and said don't sweat it, I'M OFF THE HOOK!!!!! PHEW!

Sw1tchFX,
That's awesome that he is going to do it himself, looks like you lucked out. Just be more careful in the future and most of all I'm happy no one got hurt. Oh and BTW, you didn't get a pic of the damage or the owner's reaction? :blushing: :mrgreen: :lol:

Phranquey · Apr 14, 2009

Sw1tchFX said:
outch...

it was a bigger bike, like this, except tan:

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2000models/2000-Honda-GL1500SEa.jpg

I kinda figured along that line when you mentioned the trailer hitch....on a bike. That hitch probably saved you some major $$ in repairs.

You definitely lucked out on that one...:thumbup: