I'm looking at a Whiskey Fire Road Glide. Initially wanted the chrome package as I have always been a chrome guy. After looking at the same bike with the black package, it has really grown on me (except for the $1500 price increase). I have had pieces on my bikes before that were powder coated gloss black. They all held up fairly well but did scratch. What are you guys finding that have bikes with the black option as far a scratching, holding up etc? This goes for 24's as well as earlier. I know the forks take a hit as several friends have commented on chipping. Forks for me aren't a factor as I always run chrome forks and cow bells as I like the look and contrast.

Thanks,
klammer

 

My ‘18 Deluxe is chromed out. It’s a chore keeping it shiny.

I chose the black option for my ‘24 RG. I also have another bagger with the blackout option. Aside from pitted forks and can, which Cruz Armor can remedy, the said 2 bikes are much easier to keep looking good.

 

on last bike for the first time I went black, but contrary to the old saying, I did go back..to chrome .. My Harley World feels right once more

 

Same, went with blacked out stuff on my last two bikes, and now that I'm back on a black/chrome bike it just feels RIGHT...

 

I alternate between chrome and black. My first SG was chrome, '23 ST was black, new '24 is chrome. This time I'm replacing some chrome accessories with black so it's not all one nor the other, but a mix. Might look hideous when I'm done LOL.

 

Every scratch will be a lighter color than the black coating, so it will show. Black paint is the same way.

A clean, black, vehicle is great to look at. But maintaining it is difficult for a daily driver.

 

#1 on this

A buddy has the heritage the Red / Blacked out one - was gorgeous new & as time went on the forks, rims and other parts just showed the swirl marks. the rims after a tire change really showed it right at the bead the color or coating must be thin cause I have seen others with the Black rims & they all show wear at this area. Ill stick with chrome - But I do like the blacked out look on certain colors.

 

And now for a distraction:

Powder coating vs Ceramic coating.

Does that make keeping an all black bike a little easier since Ceramic coating is alleged to be a harder surface??

 

And another:

 

Ran black chromed pips on a shovel build I did in the mid 90's, hard to keep clean and the color does fade over time, gets to be a dark sorta gun metal gray. Zero you do about it.