Let me first state that I look/listen for everything when I buy a used bike...engine noise, fork seal leaks, engine oil/coolant leaks, rotor wear, sprocket wear, chain wear, wheel stress cracks..etc. Ive found that "pretty parts" can be an indicator of wear. I disagree that it does not increase value. Cosmetic items such as worn pegs, worn frame paint, worn clutch covers, beat up plastics, etc can be an indicator of a bikes history. My 2001 XR didnt have a scratch on it...anywhere and it passed all of the mechanical tests. You dont think that bike is worth more than a bike that looks like its had the hell beat out of it for 8 years? If not, Ive got a 99 YZ400 I would like to sell you.