| A theory - am I nuts?
If you drop your bike there is likely to be some damage to some bodywork. Even through normal use, you will likely get stonechips, scratches, fading, etc.
The cost of new original panels is usually very expensive. Pre-crashed bodywork is very cheap but if you already have damaged panels then you don't really need another set.
But if you swap out your pristine (or new) panels for damaged ones straight away then you'll end up with one set of each for a fraction of the cost. Even if they never get used, you will likely get your money back if you sell them once the bike is gone.
In a way, this is what a lot of people do with trackday bodywork - I'm just applying this to the road.
As far as I can see, the advantages are:
price, don't have to worry about stonechips/vandalism/etc, and don't have to worry about washing it (the panels at least).
The disadvantage is that it will look like you ride a rusty old nail (although even that has the advantage of being less likely to be targetted by thieves).
Thoughts and comments?  | 
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