I think some of the blackout bikes look pretty cool. If you have one, please don't think I'm talking trash about your bike. A bike is a very individual thing and I can see digging a blacked out bike. Saw a customized blacked-out Street Bob at our dealer a week ago that looked really cool.

I liked "Sons of Anarchy" as much as the next guy and Jax Teller's various blacked-out bikes were OK looking.

But you know, at the end of the day Harley Davidson does chrome and paint better than anyone else in the industry. I do not care for the trend away from chrome on their newer bikes. Chrome, correctly done, looks better than any blacked out bike can ever look.

I get it that blackout no doubt involves cheaper manufacturing costs. But we don't buy our Harleys to get cheap looking bikes.

Hope no one is offended by this; am I the only one against this current blackout style trend?

 

blk is faster than chrome, I think why it's popular

 

Seems like pretty good marketing to me. Sell the idea that flat black is what all the tough renegades rides, then sell them for a fraction less than the high dollar finishes. Pretty good way of increasing their margins. Someone there deserves a raise.

 

One of the many great things about owning a Harley Davidson is the endless number of ways there are to pursue whatever theme you like. They're all superb. I've rarely seen an effort I couldn't admire. Not surprisingly, the effort I admire most is mine.

 

lol.... Personally, I prefer spending my time riding and not worrying about shining the chrome all of the time. I had a chrome ***** once and I'm way happier with the dark side! Plus on the flat black bikes they hide the dirt and bug guts a lot better.

 

Is it cheaper? why does Vance & Hines charge me $100 bucks more for my black pipes? I think chrome can look "as good" but better? There's room in my garage for one of each!! I can go black, but can always go back!!

 

You certainly have a right to your own opinion and I can understand it. Personally, I've seen some that I thought had way too much chrome on them and that I didn't really care for either. I feel that there should be a balance between chrome and black but that is just me and to each their own, that's what makes customizing so much fun.

 

NOW we're talking !!

 

In 99, I had ordered a grey Superglide. Dealer called the next day and asked me to come down. He showed me the 00 Superglide sport in the new black on black with the 150 rear tire. Shock and awe. I was the chit for years.

I'l wash it once a year. Maybee.
Its the right color of lazy.

 

To each his own, which is what it's all about.
I like my blacked out Slim just because I can spend more time riding it that I might otherwise spend cleaning it.