John, I find my paintwork scores very easily as well, had a few tiny scratches round the seat retaining bolt and below the pillion seat from new, they T cut out ok and polished up fine, you also have to use a very soft cloth when applying polish and buffing off. I am guessing the paint applied is all waterbased for environmental reasons. I just dont think its as hard as some of my previous bikes. takes a bit more care.
