So I hate to ask but here we go...
Are the stock clutch/brake levers just polished aluminum?

 

I believe so. Stick a magnet to them. No=aluminun

 

I think that like the sunglasses, they are made of Unobtainium.

 

semi-polished...if you take some good metal polish to them like Blue Magic you can really polish them up to look as good or better than chrome.

 

They're just cast aluminum with a satin finish.

 

They will polish up nice if you want to put the time in to do it. I did mine & they're mirror like.

 

Yuppers , but yo have to repeat the process because of constant manipulation. Now the cast aluminum wheels last a whole summer with on polishing.

 

I stripped the clear off my fork lowers & polished them too. As long as I keep a good coat of wax on them I have no issues...bugs & everything just wipe right off with a damp microfiber rag. Have to polish them a couple times/year, but it takes me about 10 minutes on each leg & I'm good to go.
It was worth the effort on my FXDC.

 

Yes, they are polished Aluminium.
The problem with these levers is that after some riding (1hour) your fingers will be black, don't they?
So invest some bucks for the chromed ones and ride clean.
And you will not waste time again to polish them.