this ain't my first rodeo. lol. the metal raw would certainly have some corrosion if left that way--esp. considering the spirals strip it down to a fresh layer. That being said, it also provides the cleanest look to the tank. I've found that some 2k paint does the trick, adheres pretty well and does not allow for oxidation or solvent damage. Check the tank on my CL450...been that way for months, hasn't changed a bit--rain, gas, whatever, not a change. There are also other alternative coatings you can put on there to protect a bare tank, if that is your desired look. Check out Gibbs penetrant http://www.roadsters.com/gibbs/ shits pretty awesome from what i've heard. The 2k clear coat gives the tank a constant wet look and is really bulletproof stuff--just don't inhale it or you die. X-(