Do Black Bikes Matter?
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 90
Likes: 14
From: Prescott, AZ
Do Black Bikes Matter?
After owning one or more black touring bikes and then purchasing a newer or new bike that was not black (because you were sick of black), did you ever regret not getting yet another black bike after owning the "other" color for a few months, weeks or maybe just a few days?
I always liked the appearance of polished Vivid Black as it contrasts next to chrome widgets. However, thinking about going with a different color when it's time to upgrade in the future as I've never owned a Harley touring bike that was not black. My next bike will be a RGU and I do like them in Industrial Gray (gone in 2019 for RGU) and also Twisted Cherry, but again, I keep flipping back to the idea of just getting another black bike; although it's a PITA color to keep looking good.
Not raining on anyone's color choice here, just wondering if any former black bike owners regretted not sticking to black again when they swapped out to a different color?
I always liked the appearance of polished Vivid Black as it contrasts next to chrome widgets. However, thinking about going with a different color when it's time to upgrade in the future as I've never owned a Harley touring bike that was not black. My next bike will be a RGU and I do like them in Industrial Gray (gone in 2019 for RGU) and also Twisted Cherry, but again, I keep flipping back to the idea of just getting another black bike; although it's a PITA color to keep looking good.
Not raining on anyone's color choice here, just wondering if any former black bike owners regretted not sticking to black again when they swapped out to a different color?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 15,363
Likes: 24,232
From: NC, USA
I've had four black Harleys and two blue ones. Everytime I'm on a bike that's not black I catch myself staring at them in awe. I just can't stop looking at a black bike that almost looks wet. The contrast of chrome against the vivid black just can't be beat.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 50
From:
No, not at all. I had a black 2007 Road King and a black 2009 Ultra, then last year gave away the Road King (to a good friend) and traded the Ultra. I bought a gorgeous blue and silver 2017 Road King and a two-tone red 2017 Road Glide Ultra. Yes, the old Road King still looks outstanding with the shiny black up against the chrome. But the new bikes just seem prettier and more cheerful.
And not that it's relevant to color choice, but the new bikes with the Milwaukee Eight engines are just worlds above the old ones. No comparison, and I will never go back to a batwing fairing.
And not that it's relevant to color choice, but the new bikes with the Milwaukee Eight engines are just worlds above the old ones. No comparison, and I will never go back to a batwing fairing.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 1,651
From: Olean, NY
Ive had vivid black and now have black quartz. My next bike will not be black and Im considering adding some color to my current black quartz bike to break it up some. I dont think Ill regret it at all since theres **** tons of black bikes on the road.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 82
From: Mountain View, California
I'm sorry, I don't see "black", I see only Harley. Can't we all just stop decrying this color or that color as inferior or less desirable? Can't we all just... get along?
(couldn't resist)
But to your point, I've had one black Harley, one that was sort of purplish, and now this one. The paint on the black bike looked a mile deep when it was freshly washed and waxed, but every speck. every defect showed. I'd not select a Harley based on color (I typically by used), but I think I'd probably not select another black one, simply because I've already had one. I'd opt for another color that I found attractive.
(couldn't resist)
But to your point, I've had one black Harley, one that was sort of purplish, and now this one. The paint on the black bike looked a mile deep when it was freshly washed and waxed, but every speck. every defect showed. I'd not select a Harley based on color (I typically by used), but I think I'd probably not select another black one, simply because I've already had one. I'd opt for another color that I found attractive.
Last edited by Z; Aug 10, 2018 at 04:09 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,058
Likes: 5,316
On the other side of the coin, I've never owned a black bike. All mine were/are either one or two colors. For several different reasons, if and when I get another bike, it's going to be basic black.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 574
Likes: 156
From: Big Sky Country
I know it's sacrilege to old school HD guys, but I've never owned a black bike and never cared to... Black is so difficult to keep looking nice, and while it does look very nice with lots of chrome I prefer colors that provide some contrast to motor/trans/frame. Had a beautiful dark blue bike years back, and LOVE the sedona orange I have now and get lots of compliments.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 477
Likes: 103
From: Nashua, NH
I thought I wanted black, because I knew I liked the blackout parts on the 18 SGS. At the time my dealer was ready to deal, all they had left was Twisted Cherry and Vivid Black, so without thinking twice, I went with black. I was trading in a black denim Iron, so it was a no brainer. However, now that Ive been to some rallys and seen lots more bikes, I really like the Bonneville white and the hot rod candy flake, or whatever you call that $3,000 paint job, and I like the anniversary blue as well. All of those are not black.I cant say I regret the black. Not getting rid of it. I might get a saddle color Mustang seat to break it up a little, but if I had it to do it all over again......
Last edited by Old Iron Man; Aug 10, 2018 at 06:55 PM. Reason: Spelling
