Can you have too much chrome?

[saddlesore]

I've seen bikes with every piece chromed and some with minimal chrome.  Both can look great.
What made me think about this is a couple of times when strangers start talking to me about my bike,  they make the comment that I don't have" too much chrome."
Over the years I've added chrome and I've taken some off just to get different looks.
So what do you think?   Is it possible to overdo the chrome?

[Bighead]

There can be too much chrome in my opinion.
Ps no one take offense to this post as it is my opinion and not meant to offend someone who I think may have too much chrome on their bike

[old2soon]

Some where some one posted a picture of a chromed out Rune. I mean CHROMED out. Long as I DO NOT have to take care of it-you cain't have TOO much chrome!  RIDE SAFE.

[BF]

Yes, I do. 

It's a fine line, but there's a point when a bike can be over done. 

[..]

Eye of the beholder chaps.

Simple as that.

More chrome = more polishing = less riding time.

HOWEVER

There are those who are happy to spend time polishing and more power to their micro fibre cloths.

[Momz]

I know a few guys that feel "customizing" means putting on every piece of chrome accessory that they can bolt on without regard to what the finished end product looks like.

Having three Valks gives me the oppurtunity to experiment with chrome add-ons versus removal of chrome and and replacement with powder coated parts and brushed metal.

My I/S is a "CHROME WHORE" but there are also blacked out parts on it too.

My 98 std. is styled to resemble a 50's-60's Satin Black Hot Rod/Rat Rod, there is a few pieces of chrome, but not much.

My 97 std. is a true "Bobber",....no chrome whatsoever, stripped to the bare basics with Fat Black paint, black wheels, valve covers, minimal electrics, and one "Bad Ass Attitude".

[jimmytee]

Too Much?????

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

I believe you CAN have too much. My bike when purchased has the chrome side covers and while some may like them. I would prefer to have them stock black. 

[Otus]

Trade ya.

[Rams]

Anything can be overdone.   Anything. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I like chrome.

[dreamaker]

I say, what the heck, its their money and if they want their bike to look like a two wheel circus  then great. They also probably have hidden LED lights on it, My sister use to bling her room like that. I think that is a women thing. But if it makes them feel good, go for it.

[Detn8er]

I am an admitted chromosecksyoull.....I do indeed own a generous supply of micro fiber towels.   

[Jack B]

I don't think you can put too much chrome on a Valk. They wear chrome very well. But I've seen Goldwings with too much chrome. I also think once you start chroming your gas tank you might have too much chrome.

[BobB]

The amount of chrome is in the eye of the owner.  That said, I personally do not like a lot of it covering the engine, I prefer the contrasting tones of cast aluminum and black.  Our engines are what make the Valk stand out from every V-twinkly out there, it should look like an engine, not a blob of chrome.  IMO, the transmission and ignition wire covers are to much.  That's my position and I'm sticking to it...

[robin]

I am an admitted chromosecksyoull.....I do indeed own a generous supply of micro fiber towels.   

Im with you Mark

[Valkjerk]

it's all about contrast and balance. You need a little color around the chrome so that the piece you are featuring can be seen and chrome against chrome and surrounded by chrome doesn't work for me. The rattlebars grill is a perfect example of just enough chrome with just enough dark background to show it off. (Gee, wish I had one). Folks tell me that my bikes look like jewelry coming down the road.

[dreamaker]

it's all about contrast and balance. You need a little color around the chrome so that the piece you are featuring can be seen and chrome against chrome and surrounded by chrome doesn't work for me. The rattlebars grill is a perfect example of just enough chrome with just enough dark background to show it off. (Gee, wish I had one). Folks tell me that my bikes look like jewelry coming down the road.

Finally, someone that gets it!!!!

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Trade ya.

Make me an offer I can't refuse 

[hmt81]

All personal preference, as long as you like it that's all that matters. I took several chrome items off this when I bought it as well as removing the leather fringed mud flaps front & back, 3"fringed grips,  etc, just to my liking. But don't get me wrong, I love chrome!

When purchased 1


When purchased 2



Currently

[Tundra]

I like chrome, maybe that's why I still love my Valkyrie.  The Valk is an awesome looking motorcycle.

[cookiedough]

I think the overal concensus is personal taste, but like most,  once you start chroming the gas tank is overdone.   Contrast for me is good.  I was going to spend money on chrome side covers and the part below the side covers (swing arms?) and tranny covers but decided all black stock is nice as well.  It doesn't make it run any faster and more money for gas in my pocket.

Only problem I get now is HD guys come up since all black pretty much stock I/S except a few add ons being black as well and they mistake it for a HD.  Seriously, it has happened a few times and caught a couple HD fanatics coming up close to my cycle at a grocery store in awe wondering what kind of HD is this, but as soon as they saw the Honda logo they backed off very quickly.  I got a chuckle out of that.   

[kybigmac]

Yes. A friend of mine has a Goldwing loaded with chrome and when I ride behind him with the sun shining it almost blinds me !

[hmt81]

Man that is clean!!!!!!!!!!

I like chrome, maybe that's why I still love my Valkyrie.  The Valk is an awesome looking motorcycle.

[John Schmidt]

True, the beauty of chrome is in the eyes of the beholder. Everything I've done to my ride over the years I've tried to make it not only attractive, but functional. Obviously some items are just there for looks, but whatever I've done to it I've also tried to make it all complement the overall picture. In the end, it's my bike and it pleases me. If I had the $$, I have a couple things I'd change re. the gauges. I'd like to have a set of early Chevy truck gauges from Dakota Digital mounted that have two smaller gauges at the bottom of each the tach and speedo. They're for fuel, volts, temp, & oil pressure. But, the cost is prohibitive so it won't be done. Sure would look sharp and be functional to boot.

As for Tundra's bike....Doug, when you have some spare time, I'll furnish the rags, water, etc.  AND....you need to start bringing your lovely lady with you on the rides. 

[DavRed]

I like a little Chrome

[john]

                                  YES

[Rams]

I think the overal concensus is personal taste,
.
.
.
Contrast for me is good. 

This I agree with.

As I said previously, anything can be overdone.   Chrome included but, that's just my opinion.

[Felonious Thump]

Stock is almost enough... Let's see what happens when I add this one more piece, maybe one more, ah shucks, one or two more...  Wow this is getting to be to much polish time, no more.

[Beer van Huet]

I agree with all of the above. If you fancy chrome, go ahead.
I think one more thing needs to be mentioned.
Chrome will deteriorate over time. If you have a lot of chrome, with some parts the chrome starts to chip and falls off. This happens more easily with aftermarket chrome than Honda chrome. Or the chrome becomes scratched by maintenance or riding. Your focus is now no longer on the nicely chromed parts anymore but on the bad spots. Buying new chrome is expensive and may not be  available any longer. So what do you do?

 

[Tundra]

I agree with all of the above. If you fancy chrome, go ahead.
I think one more thing needs to be mentioned.
Chrome will deteriorate over time. If you have a lot of chrome, with some parts the chrome starts to chip and falls off. This happens more easily with aftermarket chrome than Honda chrome. Or the chrome becomes scratched by maintenance or riding. Your focus is now no longer on the nicely chromed parts anymore but on the bad spots. Buying new chrome is expensive and may not be  available any longer. So what do you do?

 

I take care of it, as I do with anything I am fortunate enough to own/enjoy. My bike pictured above is almost 17 years old. I've only had to replace Kurry foot pegs and Kurry grips. several times (they are junk)
 It goes up on a jack once a year for a detail/wax. Other than that quick clean with Honda spray cleaner polish.

[MP]

I believe chrome should be used as an accent.  All chrome, or all color, is too much of one thing, to me.

MP

[Jack B]

Too much check out this bike.

http://hondaf6b.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10004&d=1375306037

[Chrisj CMA]

Yes