Chrome vs. Polished

Sweetness · 01-31-2006, 12:14 AM

How much maintenence on either and what do you use to clean either?

vnsfxr · 01-31-2006, 08:16 AM

Chrome retains the heat in the engine

Chip your chrome and it's lifespan has been reduced

Chrome don't get you home

I have an '83 HD FXRT (94K miles) without any bolt on chrome goodies. The rocker covers are polished as are the primary and cam/ignition covers. A few minutes rubbing with a wad of never dull brings it back up to an almost chrome shine.

Chrome is less maintnenance but if you put miles on your bike and plan to keep it awhile it is not my choice.

For the park and show its the way to go.

Mac · 01-31-2006, 08:27 AM

I agree with Vince, Tammy. I also have an HD without an excess of chrome because, though it looks great when you first start out, over time can chip and/or rust. Keeping it as clean as possible with regular washing and waxing (don't use chrome polish unless you're trying to remove small amounts of rust) with prolong its life, but polished surfaces, IMHO look better. I too use Nevr-Dull for all polished surfaces and then a light wax over that.

Wanderlust · 01-31-2006, 08:57 AM

I agree too. Polished aluminum is the way to go. It just looks classy. Once you have spent the elbow grease to get it shiny, all you have to do is keep a coat of "Protect-All" on it after washing, and that shine will last indefinately.

For what my opinion is worth, polished aluminum looks much classier than chrome.

Scarman · 01-31-2006, 09:30 AM

Wow we all agree! I love the polished look and my hat is off to those willing to put in the work it takes. A lot of work to get it there, but a great polish job looks much better than chrome IMO. You just have to keep it clean and protected as stated above.

Mac · 01-31-2006, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarman

Wow we all agree! I love the polished look and my hat is off to those willing to put in the work it takes. A lot of work to get it there, but a great polish job looks much better than chrome IMO. You just have to keep it clean and protected as stated above.

You want to talk about a lot of work, try cleaning and polishing chrome spoke wheels! LOVE that polished aluminum!

Husker · 01-31-2006, 12:10 PM

This is the best chrome.

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vnsfxr · 01-31-2006, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Husker

This is the best chrome.

I like it

motowriter · 01-31-2006, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Husker

This is the best chrome.

As in... none?

Actually, those signal lamps and the bar on the back look chrome. Either way, it's a sweet looking bike!

Husker · 01-31-2006, 03:15 PM

I'm working on that!!!!! Bought it second hand. The new brake/clutch levers are at the powder coaters now!!

01-31-2006, 12:14 AM	#1
Sweetness Sweetness Name: Tammy Location: savannah, georgia Motorcycle: 2005 Limited Edition Hyabusa Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 4	Chrome vs. Polished How much maintenence on either and what do you use to clean either?

01-31-2006, 08:16 AM	#2
vnsfxr Gettin' Dirty Again Name: Vince Location: Lake County, CA Motorcycle: ST13, DR650, GT1000 Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,397	Re: Chrome vs. Polished Chrome retains the heat in the engine Chip your chrome and it's lifespan has been reduced Chrome don't get you home I have an '83 HD FXRT (94K miles) without any bolt on chrome goodies. The rocker covers are polished as are the primary and cam/ignition covers. A few minutes rubbing with a wad of never dull brings it back up to an almost chrome shine. Chrome is less maintnenance but if you put miles on your bike and plan to keep it awhile it is not my choice. For the park and show its the way to go. __________________ “A man with a brief case can steal more money than a man with a gun” Don Henley

01-31-2006, 08:27 AM	#3
Mac In His Service... Name: Mac Location: St Peters, MO Motorcycle: None Standard Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 571	Re: Chrome vs. Polished I agree with Vince, Tammy. I also have an HD without an excess of chrome because, though it looks great when you first start out, over time can chip and/or rust. Keeping it as clean as possible with regular washing and waxing (don't use chrome polish unless you're trying to remove small amounts of rust) with prolong its life, but polished surfaces, IMHO look better. I too use Nevr-Dull for all polished surfaces and then a light wax over that. __________________ "just as the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28 <><

01-31-2006, 08:57 AM	#4
Wanderlust Born to Wander Name: Jim Location: Dixon, CA Motorcycle: * Pending * Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 871	Re: Chrome vs. Polished I agree too. Polished aluminum is the way to go. It just looks classy. Once you have spent the elbow grease to get it shiny, all you have to do is keep a coat of "Protect-All" on it after washing, and that shine will last indefinately. For what my opinion is worth, polished aluminum looks much classier than chrome. __________________ Jim "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." -- Albert Einstein

01-31-2006, 09:30 AM	#5
Scarman Not all pain is gain. Name: Dave Location: Clovis Ca. Motorcycle: FJR-1300 Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,400	Re: Chrome vs. Polished Wow we all agree! I love the polished look and my hat is off to those willing to put in the work it takes. A lot of work to get it there, but a great polish job looks much better than chrome IMO. You just have to keep it clean and protected as stated above.

01-31-2006, 12:10 PM	#7
Husker Junior Member Name: Tom Location: Lodi Motorcycle: Triumph,Ducati,Honda,H-D Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 14	Re: Chrome vs. Polished This is the best chrome.

01-31-2006, 03:15 PM	#10
Husker Junior Member Name: Tom Location: Lodi Motorcycle: Triumph,Ducati,Honda,H-D Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 14	Re: Chrome vs. Polished I'm working on that!!!!! Bought it second hand. The new brake/clutch levers are at the powder coaters now!!

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