I have a black fatboy and I'd like to add some chrome to the rear end so it breaks up the solid black area created by the tire, fender, and frame. I'd like to buy a fully chromed swingarm but the price tag is a lot more than I want to spend. Up close, I've seen the partial covers that Harley sells and it seems like they were designed to tuck in behind a saddlebag. Without the bag, they look in-complete to me. Unless someone else makes them, I think my only other option would be the complete cover set that Kuryakyn sells ? It's hard to tell how they look though without seeing them on a bike.

What do you guys think of covers ??? Do they look good up close or do the mounting brackets make them look a little chinsey ?

 

Personal opinion, aside from not liking too much chrome, is that covers look cheesy. I've seen covers for lower legs (fork skins) and they look cheesy. I've seen the Kuryakn swingarm covers and they look cheesy. A bike is real. A Harley is the realest of real. Covers are real ... covers.

Again, no offense to anyone intended. I have my own opinions and I've paid for them!

 

IMHO, the chrome swingarm covers can help break up the monotony of the boring black rear end. I know I will get some grief over this, but to me too much anything is too much... Saw an all painted bike last Saturday at the local HD open house and the absence of any chrome looked as bad as, if not worse, than someone who got carried away with too much chrome!!! I like it when a bike breaks up the paint and chrome to have a equal appearance.

 

B'lieve it or not, I actually agree with this! A little shiny here 'n' there breaks up the monotony. (Of course I'd rather it be stainless. ) I just don't care for covers. I s'pose it's cause they serve no real function, but are a "looks only" type of thing. But that's me; it's your bike, your choice, and you ain't gotta please nobody but yourself!

 

I found a chrome swingarm on e-bay plated by a company called "Chrome That Hog". (http://www.chromethathog.com They will chrome your swingarm or provide an exchange for $250. They're located in Phoenix and California. Other than a few complaints, they seem to have a good customer rating on e-bay. Has anyone on this forum bought anything from them ?

 

Chrome won't get you home!

 

funny you should ask i was looking to do the same...
here is what i was told...i have the kuralyn chrome covers over my stock black swingarm and with my bike they rattle like you wouldnt believe.
i asked if there was any other "cover" option that doesnt rattle so much and the answer was NO>

he said your best bet is either buy the entire HARLEY chrome swing arm and not the aftermarket brands as most need modifications and could cost $$. i have decided to refinish the black on the swing arms where the covers rubbed off the paint and be happy with it.

hope that helps...although the covers look nice the function and the rattling are not worth the $.

 

Thanks for the input Fatty, I never thought about noise. Instead of covers or buying an extra swingarm from Harley, I believe I'm going to have mine chromed. That should save me about half the cost plus eliminate any fit problems. I was talking to the owner of a local custom shop and he said we have a chromer coming to the area soon.