Chrome trim vs Black trim resale value
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,012
Likes: 6,908
From: NC
It's very true, but some do!
The 2 worst looking parts on my bike due to abrasions, scratched, and wear are my FBI bars that I installed, and my 4 point docking inserts.
The bars inadvertently got scuffed while I had them flipped over on a piece of cardboard getting the wires for the grips, etc. fished through, and the straps from my luggage on the backrest rubbed on the docking inserts. Sucks, but chrome would have NEVER scuffed like this.
Conversely, by buddy just sold him '18 CVO RG with 82K on it, and the damn thing looked like new. He is that ****.
All this to say yes, you are correct, chrome is more durable, and requires less protection and attention.
The 2 worst looking parts on my bike due to abrasions, scratched, and wear are my FBI bars that I installed, and my 4 point docking inserts.
The bars inadvertently got scuffed while I had them flipped over on a piece of cardboard getting the wires for the grips, etc. fished through, and the straps from my luggage on the backrest rubbed on the docking inserts. Sucks, but chrome would have NEVER scuffed like this.
Conversely, by buddy just sold him '18 CVO RG with 82K on it, and the damn thing looked like new. He is that ****.
All this to say yes, you are correct, chrome is more durable, and requires less protection and attention.
I have a couple folks that I know that will ride all weekend, or 4-5 days on a trip. Then spend two days detailing their bikes. I wash my bike once a month as part of routine maintenance.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 944
From: Lincolnshire, IL
I'm sure HD will sooner or later CHARGE EXTRA for chrome. Why, because they can!!
Back in 2015 HD was charging a $1,000 premium for the Ultra Limited "Low" compared to the "standard" UL. But since the "low" fit me better in every way compared to the "standard" Ultra Limited I bit the bullet. Fortunately, I bought mine as a "demo" with only about 500 miles, two-tone and in perfect condition for a great discounted price...they even installed heated grips at no cost.
But those days are in the rear view mirror now....HD is monetizing everything they can. They probably make more profit selling HD accessories for cycles and clothing than they do selling actual motorcycles.....LOL
Back in 2015 HD was charging a $1,000 premium for the Ultra Limited "Low" compared to the "standard" UL. But since the "low" fit me better in every way compared to the "standard" Ultra Limited I bit the bullet. Fortunately, I bought mine as a "demo" with only about 500 miles, two-tone and in perfect condition for a great discounted price...they even installed heated grips at no cost.
But those days are in the rear view mirror now....HD is monetizing everything they can. They probably make more profit selling HD accessories for cycles and clothing than they do selling actual motorcycles.....LOL
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 189
Likes: 123
From: Ottawa
Starting in 2027, you get double the horsepower for the price of a cup of coffee.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 189
Likes: 123
From: Ottawa
Every scratch and imperfection is a lighter color than black. The average rider will not maintain those blacked out bikes as meticulously as needed to maintain peak appearance.
30-40 years ago, the folks with blacked out bikes were doing things cheaply rather than replacing the chrome or polishing the metal. Now people pay thousands of dollars to black out their bikes.
Look at how long some of the "customizers" keep their bikes. Also look at the mileage they ride. I know lots of folks who prefer to wrench and talk about their rides than actually riding them.
30-40 years ago, the folks with blacked out bikes were doing things cheaply rather than replacing the chrome or polishing the metal. Now people pay thousands of dollars to black out their bikes.
Look at how long some of the "customizers" keep their bikes. Also look at the mileage they ride. I know lots of folks who prefer to wrench and talk about their rides than actually riding them.
After apologizing to the neighbours for my loud F-bomb, I discovered that a black sharpie does an acceptable job of camouflaging it. And life goes on.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 4,473
Likes: 3,855
From: Florida
Blacked out is the current fad. It will run its course and then the market will be flooded with them. Its like every pawn shop you walked through in the 90s had bata tapes for sale.
Imagine going to an event parking your blacked out whatever right next to all the other blacked out whatevers If you really love the look you should go for it. Maybe you always will. If you buy it cause it looks like thats whats in style.. I dont think it will remain. Too me its like a parking lot of igloo thermoss. Or a parking lot of mini vans.. all one giant color of flat black with a bright red/blue/green strip does it even matter which one? Stick a chrome flask in the middle of the thermoss? Stick a 57 Chevy in the middle of the minivans.. I know where Im walking.
Imagine going to an event parking your blacked out whatever right next to all the other blacked out whatevers If you really love the look you should go for it. Maybe you always will. If you buy it cause it looks like thats whats in style.. I dont think it will remain. Too me its like a parking lot of igloo thermoss. Or a parking lot of mini vans.. all one giant color of flat black with a bright red/blue/green strip does it even matter which one? Stick a chrome flask in the middle of the thermoss? Stick a 57 Chevy in the middle of the minivans.. I know where Im walking.
Last edited by Rains2much; Jan 23, 2025 at 10:53 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 944
From: Lincolnshire, IL
Hey....anyone shopping for either some VERY WIDE or VERY NARROW neckties? Let me know. They were all the "stylish rage", in the 90's. I'm sure they'll come back in style eventually!.....LOL
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 4,473
Likes: 3,855
From: Florida
And just because blacked out is in style currently doesn’t mean it’s for everyone.. don’t always believe what we’re told is in fashion
Last edited by Rains2much; Jan 23, 2025 at 11:56 AM.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 640
Likes: 119
From: NC
I was just seeing what the market was like, and why HD keeps on building them. Road Kings only in black trim. These SG/RG roll over models has black trim if you want the custom paint. Only the mystic shift comes in both trims.
i do not like the blacked out bike. I have read too many threads about front nicks/chips.
I am chrome guy also. The reason I bought RKC was chrome and white walls. Every HD I have has had a chrome front end, and never a problem. I like spokes rims too.
i wish they would bring back the road king classic.
i do not like the blacked out bike. I have read too many threads about front nicks/chips.
I am chrome guy also. The reason I bought RKC was chrome and white walls. Every HD I have has had a chrome front end, and never a problem. I like spokes rims too.
i wish they would bring back the road king classic.