Black front end vs. chrome
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: Northwest OH
Black front end vs. chrome
So I have been thinking about a black front end kit for my new bike. I have experience with the chrome but was wondering how the black paint holds up over time on the lowers, is there noticeable wear and tear from the road? The chrome just seems to be more resilient compared to a painted surface.
Mike
Mike
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
The Harley kit maybe be cheaper but if you're looking for something that will hold up then powder coat is the way to go. Just make your down time off season. Always nice to have a little project to get to know your bike that much more. I personally like the black look over the chrome.JB
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
I've had both chrome and powdercoat. They both hold up about the same but black is easy to touch up. No way to fix chrome. Very cheap to get your pieces coated. Some coaters even have exchange stuff. Have no idea what harley uses on their black parts???
Got about 20K miles on these.
Got about 20K miles on these.
Last edited by 0ldhippie; May 2, 2014 at 08:26 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 861
Likes: 3
From: trivoli illinois
I lean towards chrome. just fits the looks of my bikes. black looks good when its all a good match ( ie..all gloss, or all matte). rick9662 has nice chrome stuff on e-bay if you go that direction....snip
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Falls Church, VA
My whole front end is powder coated, came chrome had everything done in black. Very durable looks good.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,218
Likes: 7
From: Eastern NC
I had the fork lowers and triple trees painted black on my last bike. I rode it hard for 9 yrs and had no problems with it. My current bike has a chrome front end and I like it but I've thought about blacking this bike out as well. I might try plastidip as a temporary solution just to see if I like it
