Yamaha 1300 Tourer - Yamaha 1300 Tourer Fansite

Hello all. I'm Jim (ride a 2007 cruiser version), a new member from Southern California, and after browsing the site for a few minutes have already found several helpful threads related to modifications and safety issues (the dreaded CLUNK).
Another thing I noticed right off the bat is the member pictures. Particularly the bikes where the owners have removed the trim stripes on the gas tanks. Does anyone know off hand how difficult they are to remove? If removed can the tank be rubbed out, or will the paint be compromised completely.
Any ideas or shared knowledge would be terrific. Great site, I look forward to getting to know it and the members better.