The only crime here is one generational diversity. If this was done 20 or so years ago no one would have batted an eye. One reason for bike scarcity is the wanton modification by owners. How may bikes have you seen where the fork was modified, the decals stripped or the dreaded powder coating applied. To the collectors community this seems sacrilegious but to the owner they have one sweet ride when they are among their own.
Just think of it this way. When all the Ferrari's are crashed or otherwise mutilated, your original becomes that more valuable. That is unless the current generation could give a rats @$$ about a Ferrari.
I also think back to how many pieces of natural wood antique furniture were lathered with house paint in the 50s and 60s when it was fashionable to do so.
Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, NJ