Chrome is making a comeback.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 756
Likes: 344
From: florida
While I prefer more Chrome than not, I had to settle for some chrome and some black when I bought my 2018 Heritage since the all chrome version did not appear until 2019. This bike has some chrome trim accents but I added a few, like the chrome highway pegs, chrome sissy bar and luggage rack and a chrome derby cover. Did this to give it some balance. Works for me.
Not the best pics.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,984
Likes: 5,222
From: Michigan
"Back in the day" the saying used to be "chrome don't get you home"!
In those days H-D didn't offer as much chrome as they started doing in the late '80's.
The FIRST H-D that I started "accessorizing" in chrome was my '92 Heritage Softail Classic and that has been the norm with every bike (and now trike) that I (we) have owned since.
When my wife started riding and got her own Heritage Softail Classic she would she a chrome part in the parts department (or in a parts book) and ask "where does this go"?
Since '92, and with doing this to the '92. '95, '99. '08 Heritage Softail Classics, one '98 Heritage Softail Springer, a '00 Ultra Classic, an '03 Road King, a '13 CVO Ultra and now my '18 Tri-Glide I (we) have probably bought enough chrome to cover the cost of at least ONE motorcycle and including "other" accessories perhaps TWO motorcycles!
In those days H-D didn't offer as much chrome as they started doing in the late '80's.
The FIRST H-D that I started "accessorizing" in chrome was my '92 Heritage Softail Classic and that has been the norm with every bike (and now trike) that I (we) have owned since.
When my wife started riding and got her own Heritage Softail Classic she would she a chrome part in the parts department (or in a parts book) and ask "where does this go"?
Since '92, and with doing this to the '92. '95, '99. '08 Heritage Softail Classics, one '98 Heritage Softail Springer, a '00 Ultra Classic, an '03 Road King, a '13 CVO Ultra and now my '18 Tri-Glide I (we) have probably bought enough chrome to cover the cost of at least ONE motorcycle and including "other" accessories perhaps TWO motorcycles!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,163
Likes: 9,573
From: central NC
My first HD (not my first bike) was a new ’85 FXRS. Paid $7400. That was just the price. MSRP was $8400 as I recall. Aluminum cases and covers. They were coated in some kind of clear finish. We’d polish that stuff off and polish that aluminum. I love the look of polished aluminum, but man what a pain in the a$$.
Finally took those cases and covers off and sent them all to Browns.
But here’s what I always regretted. A month after I bought the bike, I rode 30 miles to a dealer to buy some slip-ons they had in stock, and I had not shopped that dealer when looking at new bikes. They had a BEAUTIFUL two tone, all chromed out from the factory, new 1985 FXRS.
For only $400 more. I have been sad about missing that one since 1985.
Finally took those cases and covers off and sent them all to Browns.
But here’s what I always regretted. A month after I bought the bike, I rode 30 miles to a dealer to buy some slip-ons they had in stock, and I had not shopped that dealer when looking at new bikes. They had a BEAUTIFUL two tone, all chromed out from the factory, new 1985 FXRS.
For only $400 more. I have been sad about missing that one since 1985.
Last edited by gonemad; Jun 2, 2024 at 05:11 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 279
Likes: 315
From: Southern Vancouver Island
I never understood the attraction or popularity of the whole "murdered out" look. Whether a four wheeler or motorcycle, it ends up looking like a black blob in my humble opinion...
I've always liked chrome, especially when it is tastefully done and helps accent some beautiful paint. Too much chrome ruins a motorcycle for me, and all blacked out does absolutely nothing for me.
I'm sure the Motor Company loves the blacked out look as its much cheaper to produce than chrome (and then of course they charge a premium for blacked out....) I for one am glad that chrome is making a comeback.
I've always liked chrome, especially when it is tastefully done and helps accent some beautiful paint. Too much chrome ruins a motorcycle for me, and all blacked out does absolutely nothing for me.
I'm sure the Motor Company loves the blacked out look as its much cheaper to produce than chrome (and then of course they charge a premium for blacked out....) I for one am glad that chrome is making a comeback.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,984
Likes: 5,222
From: Michigan
Beauty, as they say "is in the eye of the beholder".
My summer car has chrome wheels and my wife's has black---I much prefer mine over hers.
I have many more firearms than I have motorcycles but I only have three, nickel-plated revolvers.
That by no means make them any more functional but they do require less finish maintenance and are just more admiral to look at and pleasing to the eye!
My summer car has chrome wheels and my wife's has black---I much prefer mine over hers.
I have many more firearms than I have motorcycles but I only have three, nickel-plated revolvers.
That by no means make them any more functional but they do require less finish maintenance and are just more admiral to look at and pleasing to the eye!
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,136
Likes: 51,475
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
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