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The Culture of Chrome vs Black

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BER18 100

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R18 Anniversary Edition
I bought my first street bike in 1973, a Honda 350 with chrome forks. 20 bikes later in 2024 I bought an R18 that had black forks. First time ever to have a bike with black forks. I know it is vain to be drawn to anything shiny, but when did the shift to black become the norm?
Is it a trend that drifted across the country from the west coast? Europe?

Could it be that folks born in the late 1950's are just destined to want chrome forks, chrome exhaust, chrome handle bars, chrome engine protection bars, etc? You may start laughing now when I reveal I bought the R18 anniversary bike for its chrome tank and chrome rear fender top.

Actually I have wanted a big boxer cruiser since 2005 when BMW laid an egg and discontinued the R1200C. Blessings to all who like that all black look. I'm an orphan.
 
I feel you on this somewhat, I was always wanting chrome wheels and trim, the more chrome the better. But then my wife wanted black wheels for her truck and wanted me to get rid of most of the chrome trim. After doing so I started liking the look. Buying my R18B with all its black trim made me start liking it a bit more, but still like a few touches of chrome sprinkled in there. Hate to say it but I am changing.... I have alway been to where I would not own a ALL black bike.... who knows, could be in the future.... hmmm
 
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When shopping for a new bike in order to replace my 2008 GS Adventure; I wanted a cruiser with a fairing for wind protection, navigation, music, etc...

I was basically drawn to the 2022 HD Street Glide ST or the Road Glide ST, which was basically a blacked out bike... I was instantly drawn into the First Edition Model B with all of its chrome, peppered with its black components (forks, handlebars and wheels).

I even replaced the chrome handlebars on the First Edition R18 project bike, with the black color beachbars; I like how the chrome and gloss black look when mixed together..

I guess this is why I'm also drawn to the RSD machined parts which also has that high contrast between black & chrome/polished aluminum look...

This thread is too deep for me mentally...
 
Motorcycle style is highly personal, and preferences can vary greatly from one rider to another. Whether you're drawn to chrome or black, the most important thing is that your bike resonates with you and aligns with your individual taste. For me, I have a fondness for shiny black finishes, not just on motorcycles. However, there's ample room for all styles in the motorcycle world.
 
I think the almost piano black & chrome with white hand painted pinstripe detailing looks elegant and timeless. Clearly why BMW went for this exact scheme first off and personally I really like it but as said already hardly anything on wheels has proper chrome nowadays (can’t think of any modern car off the top of my head or many other bikes either, apart from HD). Chrome is very expensive, it’s got to be done well or it looks awful, the EU bureaucrats don’t like it (like most things) and perhaps most importantly as an owner it takes a fanatical amount of care to keep nice (especially when its mostly cold, wet and the roads are plastered with salt 6 months of the year, like here ☹️).

I can definitely see the plus side of de-chroming from an ease of use perspective.
 
I like the mix of chrome and black on my 100 YE.
I've considered getting a bike that was blacked out probably more for ease of cleaning more than anything. Haha. Got caught in the rain on my R18 and I will probably have water spots on it until a warm day in the spring now.
 
I like the use of chrome and shiny parts in a restrained, tasteful manner like my TC. I think totally black bikes scream "unfinished" but I know that look is popular. That said, I am a fan of the Roctane with the black chrome exhaust. Sort of like the difference between matte and gloss paint. Matte paint reminds me of primer.
What I like most of all is options and variety! Viva la différence!
 
RhoXS said:
I like the use of chrome and shiny parts in a restrained, tasteful manner like my TC. I think totally black bikes scream "unfinished" but I know that look is popular. That said, I am a fan of the Roctane with the black chrome exhaust. Sort of like the difference between matte and gloss paint. Matte paint reminds me of primer.
What I like most of all is options and variety! Viva la différence!
Click to expand...
Love the look of the Dark Chrome on the ROCTANE..!!
 
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