Badges: Yay or Nay (pics)
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 718
Likes: 1
From: Downtown Chicago
I think it comes down to two choices:
1. Nothing
2. Something custom (decals or retro HD badges)
Stock badges are like reflectors, they have to come off the day you bring the bike home.
I have a goofy Chicago Blackhawks decal on mine. It was $2, it fits my Blackn'White theme, and I'm a huge fan. So it works for me. I'm eventually going to get my tanks painted/powdercoated to match my engine...so it's temp anyway.
1. Nothing
2. Something custom (decals or retro HD badges)
Stock badges are like reflectors, they have to come off the day you bring the bike home.
I have a goofy Chicago Blackhawks decal on mine. It was $2, it fits my Blackn'White theme, and I'm a huge fan. So it works for me. I'm eventually going to get my tanks painted/powdercoated to match my engine...so it's temp anyway.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,036
Likes: 8
From: Temecula, CA
I like the off look too...but with the stock flames on my WG I'm not sure if there is too much open space where the badge is. I fear if I take them off it's going to look odd...
In stock form:
Photoshopped with no badge:
In stock form:
Photoshopped with no badge:
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 459
Likes: 2
From: USA
Agreed. I like those black badges the OP has on there. But it looks nice with them off as well. Either way, it's a win win. I'd leave them on though.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
From: Lancs, England
Ok - just to be awkward 
I much prefer any bike to have some kind of logo on the tank and I kinda like "Harley" written on there, I think it adds to the ethos of owning one. But then again here in the UK most non-biking people wouldn't know a Harley if it jumped up and bit 'em on the bum unless it was written on the tank. Most folks think any cruiser / custom bike is a Harley - I remember when I had my Virago years ago, I'd pull up outside a shop or whatever and some soft booger would say to their kid "Oh look at the nice Harley son!" 
Used to drive me nuts.
I'm not so keen on the actual logo in this case though - I'd prefer it a bit more plain and as a tranfer or vinyl. The ones on my tank are the stick on and clear lacquered over variety and I do genuinely like them that way. Each to their own really at the end of the day - do whatever floats your own personal boat - that's what owning a custom bike is all about though surely?
Derv
I much prefer any bike to have some kind of logo on the tank and I kinda like "Harley" written on there, I think it adds to the ethos of owning one. But then again here in the UK most non-biking people wouldn't know a Harley if it jumped up and bit 'em on the bum unless it was written on the tank. Most folks think any cruiser / custom bike is a Harley - I remember when I had my Virago years ago, I'd pull up outside a shop or whatever and some soft booger would say to their kid "Oh look at the nice Harley son!" Used to drive me nuts. I'm not so keen on the actual logo in this case though - I'd prefer it a bit more plain and as a tranfer or vinyl. The ones on my tank are the stick on and clear lacquered over variety and I do genuinely like them that way. Each to their own really at the end of the day - do whatever floats your own personal boat - that's what owning a custom bike is all about though surely?
Derv
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
I say off. I agree with others that the polishing task will be simplified for sure. For the ones that think its too much maybe a little pin stripping would break it up a bit.
dsnoopy - I am diggin the flat burgandy/flat black look.
dsnoopy - I am diggin the flat burgandy/flat black look.