That looks like a wear band on the fork lowers, as another poster already mentioned. If you look closely, and it really is wear, you should be able to see the circumferential grinding marks in the surrounding material disappear in that discolored band; that would be the wear from the lower fork bushing.
If you bought the bike used, it is possible that fork is dry and all the fluid leaked out during the previous owners(s) ownership. Unfortunately, it is tough to tell if there is fluid, or how much fluid there may be, in an upside down fork.
If it is wear, and there is still chrome left over the entire fork lower leg, the diameter loss will be inconsequential. But the fork will have to be re- filled with oil, the seal replaced and very probably, the fork lower bushing replaced also. This can all be done by a motorcycle suspension shop.
The great news is that there are a some C-14's out there that have been parted out and you may well find a used but [not damaged] front fork, or pair of front forks. Be careful when buying used forks though as they are the leading end in most motorcycle crashes. You can also use the first generatino ZX-14 forks, which show up from time to time as new take- offs at a very reasonable price; I have a set on my C-14 that were less than $400 and they are brand new forks. The forks are the same with a few differences; the ZX forks have a compression damping adjustment which the C-14 does not, the ZX has a much lighter spring, and the ZX forks are gold anodized. Otherwise, they are a direct fit and really quite easy to change.
Brian
I tried lacquer thinner then some Mother's Magbrite polish, no joy.
