Looking at getting some chrome forks for the RK, wondering if I should consider polished? Are there any disadvantages to either? Will the polished ones become tarnished?

 

chrome will only need to be cleaned and should look good for a very long time. Polished will need to be cleaned but also need to be polished and won't have that deep shine like chrome.

 

From a mechanical viewpoint, I would think that chrome would also create less friction on the seals. Might not be significant, but still something to consider. I have chrome tubes on mine and they are very easy to clean and keep clean.

 

Taken the time and proper polishing, polished aluminum can shine pretty damn close to what chrome does.

Chrome scratches, pits, and can peel if you let you guard down a little. And the only thing to fix that is getting the parts rechromed. Whereas if a polished part gets a scratch or tarnished a little you can polish them right back up for nothing more than time and elbow grease.

Personally having owned a few sets of chrome wheels, and my bike with many chrome parts and having polished parts on both of my vehicles. I'll pick polished every time from now on, because I know I can shine it up just as well and dont have to worry so much about keeping it clean.

 

Good points; I'm seriously considering polished.

 

Chrome, always chrome. It's never dull. It's like a mirror.

 

I prefer the look & shine of well polished aluminum to chrome. As 2500hdon37s said, alu's easy to touch up if nicked or scratched & requires minimal (IMO) maintenance. Rub 'em down a couple times a year with some Mother's or Blue Magic & they'll look great for years.

 

It boils down to if you have more time than money,polish them.If you don't have the time to upkeep them,open your wallet and go chrome.

 

Well put.

There is also a different luster between the two, and that comes down to personal taste. Mine are chrome and I love them.

To save some $ on chrome ones check of Wiley Shiny...he does an exchange program.