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I know it's all personal opinion but I am just wondering if a person can go too far blacking out stuff on a bike? I have a 2014 Breakout that I
am working on this winter. The tins were Hard Candy Silver, which is not really a color I would have ordered. I purchased a tank and a set of fenders, sent them off to Brandon Osufsen for a coat of black with air brushed Bar & Shield Logo's on the tank. He did a absolutely beautiful job painting the set and I highly recommend his work to anybody that is thinking about using him.
So far, I have done some black powder coat including the triple trees, risers, gauge cup and a shorty belt guard. I was also thinking about doing the rocker box covers (just the top piece), the rear signal lights, rear fender struts and the belt pulley. Just can't decide if it is too much or not.
It would be great to see some bikes that had some chrome changed to black (especially Breakout's), and any comments to see if you have regrets on either taking it too far or not far enough. I know you can search and see bikes done like this on the forums but it would be nice if they were all together in one thread. Anyway, if you have something to input, let us know or see what you have to help some of us decide how far to take it. Thanks..........
Never really too much. Sometimes it depends on the colors if painted. And personal preference. Some bikes I want all black where chrome exists. Others lots of chrome. One bike I had transitioned where there was always some chrome on a black. For instance black bars, chrome risers, black trees, chrome tubes, black fork legs. Just find a theme you like to look at.
The all murdered out bike phase has been on the wane as was the big front wheel fad. Once, it used to be a unique change to the standard HD look and design but as time has progressed and almost every other bike in the lot during a Bike Night was either blacked out or had a Hoop in front or even both together it has become less of a sensation. Plus, when a Corporation finally sits up and takes notice of the wants and wishes of their buying public, it's almost too late and the next trend, whatever that may be, will be looming on the horizon.
It would be great to see some bikes that had some chrome changed to black (especially Breakout's), and any comments to see if you have regrets on either taking it too far or not far enough.
Yep, all personal opinion, if you like it... its not too much.
Here's my Breakout, just the way I like it!! No regrets.
The minute you start to change things from stock you are treading a fine line. It's all subjective anyways but how many times have you looked at a tricked out scooter only to think if he hadn't added the one more thing (whatever it might be) that bike would be perfect. There's a lot of Harley's out there with a bunch of accessories piled on and then there's some with a nice balance of custom touches
I'm a less is more guy when it comes to my bikes and also lean more to black than chrome but a few chrome bits will set the dominate black off nicely. There's no right or wrong way, just whatever fires your rocket.
Last edited by Carl Childers; Feb 13, 2020 at 06:38 PM.
I definitely agree. Its all about what you like. Thats what makes these bikes all our own. I have always loved the Blacked out look. I was planning on blacking out the motor on my Slim but I sometimes feel it looks good the way it is. Then again sometimes I want to pull the trees and send them out to powder coating and order the blackout motor kit.
Heck my bicycle was even blacked out
I blacked my Fatboy out a couple years ago and love the way it turned out. Like riding a completely new bike! I have seen a few bikes that EVERYTHING is blacked out, and it was a little too much for my taste - actually, it was just that the bike blended together so much and you could not see any details. I like a few contrasts - chrome or stainless bolts or even different shades of black. The ones I did not like that much were solid same tone black. Just my opinion and I am sure others dont care for my bike. I dont have any current pics, but will post a few in a couple days when I get home.
Seems like every time this topic comes up, somebody says the trend is dying. I disagree - you dont see as many guys changing their bikes to all black, as they have already done it or you can buy them already done, but there will always be the guys that prefer blacked out, just like those that prefer chrome.
I blacked my Fatboy out a couple years ago and love the way it turned out. Like riding a completely new bike! I have seen a few bikes that EVERYTHING is blacked out, and it was a little too much for my taste - actually, it was just that the bike blended together so much and you could not see any details. I like a few contrasts - chrome or stainless bolts or even different shades of black. The ones I did not like that much were solid same tone black. Just my opinion and I am sure others dont care for my bike. I dont have any current pics, but will post a few in a couple days when I get home.
Seems like every time this topic comes up, somebody says the trend is dying. I disagree - you dont see as many guys changing their bikes to all black, as they have already done it or you can buy them already done, but there will always be the guys that prefer blacked out, just like those that prefer chrome.
I agree the blacked out look has gone too far imo. I'm a chrome guy but like some black contrast. Of course it helps when it's painted black.
Previous to my recent softail I had 1200C. I put black bars on so I chromed the switch covers. A good example of balance imo.
My FLTSC is too. Even the studs look good in this case and I normally don't care for them. But they break up a lot of black back there. Probably too gawdy tho. Debating removing the 3 rows in the bags.
On the flip side, I do think some bikes look good blacked out.
Last edited by 60Gunner; Feb 14, 2020 at 12:56 PM.
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