Badges: Yay or Nay (pics)

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 25, 2011 | 03:18 PM

#51

Robotech

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 2,036

Likes: 8

From: Temecula, CA

I don't know. For me I like badges but I like them "different" or "unique" in some way. For instance, I have a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. Traditionally it had the red Arrow Head badge up front and GRAND PRIX lettering under the keyhole for the trunk. I pulled those off but replaced them with these:

That's a badge off of a 1963 Grand Prix. It was a big, 3D metal badge in brushed metal with the letters GP engraved in it then filled in with black enamal paint. In the rear I went with a simple GP badge off a 1964 that was chrome with a white face to match the white paint of the car:

I never saw another newer model Grand Prix with these badges on it and that's why I liked it...it made the car unique...of course the pearl yellow flames helped too.

Then on my 1999 Sportster I repainted the whole tank and went with a logo embedded in the paint. The black was laid down first, then vinyl graphics placed down where I wanted the logo, then the flames were painted next followed by removing the vinyl to reveal the balck lettering. Finally the whole thing was cleared.

So I'm not outright against badges overall, but if I'm going to have a "badge" on my vehicle, I want it to be something other that was on there stock. I think on the tanks, I definately favor the "Painted On" badge style but I don't plan on painting my tins ever...I'd rather get a new set of tins and do what I want to them and keep these stock tins for if I ever sell the bike or wish to go back to this look...I do dig flames and the Sedona Orange...

Last edited by Robotech; Apr 25, 2011 at 03:23 PM.

Apr 25, 2011 | 03:20 PM

#52

Fridge

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 509

Likes: 10

From: Bristol, England.

I'm not normally an indecisive person but this issue has been bugging me for the last week or so.

I always liked the 61-62 FL badges and have had them on my bike for 6 months but after fitting the tank lift I went off them.

Bought the 47-50 badges last week. They were on there for 48 hours.

Right now I have none which I don't mind but am considering two other option.

1. The stock badge from the current Wide Glide. A simple bar and shield.

2. A satin/matt black bar and shield logo cut out of vinyl to contrast against the vivid black tank.

Decisions, decisions!!

Apr 25, 2011 | 03:38 PM

#53

rdb1976

Road Master

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 861

Likes: 0

From: Cypress, TX

I've always considered somebody that removed their badges to be hiding something.

Looks better with them on.

Apr 25, 2011 | 03:53 PM

#54

Lucien

Intermediate

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 28

Likes: 0

+1 No Badges.

I kept mine on, but after seeing the before/after pic at the beginning of this thread, I'm thinking of taking mine off.

Apr 25, 2011 | 04:02 PM

#55

KSims1868

Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 152

Likes: 2

I like the badges chrome or none at all. I'd say leave them off if you aren't considering chrome.

Apr 25, 2011 | 04:02 PM

#56

Cracker1450

Road Captain

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 636

Likes: 1

From: Boise, ID.

Nay on the badges.

Apr 25, 2011 | 04:31 PM

#57

AFONE

Road Captain

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 571

Likes: 8

From: Alexandria, VA (via Northern CA)

Looks sort of pedestrian without a badge IMO. Needs something to add contrast. My vote is to badge it....either with what you have or an old school badge...