I am attempting a guage bezel and dash panel repaint.  Im having a tough time getting the gauge bezel off.  I was told to pull it back, horizontally toward the rear of the bike, beginning on one end, say near the fuel gauge.  But it's not coming off!  I'm concerned about breaking it. 

 

What's the trick?

I had the same concern.  The clips are pretty stout.  I used a "helper" of a 1" nylon (so it won't scratch anything) putty knife on one side while pulling on the other.  Pops right off now.

It's easy to just use a plastic piece to get it under the lower right side.  It will pop off.  I originally used a plastic piece of the cheap extension cord hanger that you can get at wally world or K Mart.  Cut off one of the rails and tapered it with my bench grinder.  Went to Harbor Freight the other day and they sell a three piece plastic prying kit (made for autos).  Really cheap, maybe 5 bucks that will work great for all the plastic thats on these bikes.   Also, it might be difficult to paint the chrome dash pannel.  Vic sels the black out one for 33 bucks.

Too easy!  I'll give up the $33 happily!  Thanks!  SP

Well, I got the gauge bezel off, and the dash, and the grab handles (that's a chore) and did the full black out.  Even the Silver garnish below the rear tail light.

 

All blacked out makes the bike look lowered from the rear.   Love the look.  No dash glare and now it doesn't look so busy!

 

I used a plastic tire spoon (from my motox days) to lift the gauge bezel away and off. Damn are they on tight.  Best using a pry because pulling on could bust it.    Just pry it away from each end first and vouala!

 

Thanks for your help.   Also put on the AZ Victory Highway Bar Adapters and they are hot!  Very pricey but well worth it.  Not gaudy, or unsafe like the OEM.

 

Sure appreciate all the guidance here.   Next I want to take off the Silver Fairings around the engine for repaint.  Any guidance here?

 

Thanks.

Did you paint all that stuff?  Dont forget the front cowling and front faring cover.  Rule number 1, must have pictures when you post about a change!!!  Thanks

Ill say it for Andy, PICTURES PLEASE !

OK on the pics.  Need to get home to take em!  Then I will.    BTW, also did the tail light/ brake mod disconnecting the G&H wires from the plug under the seat.  Simply pulled the pins, very reversable.   Def brighter way to go.  I think I prefer the attention getting brightness in lieu of the compliance suspicion.  SP in PHX

Do you have an 08 or 09 when you did the tail lights?