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Modding the exhaust and bent pipe of my 2013 RE Classic 350
About 6 years ago, before RE introduced models with black exhausts and engines, I had all the chrome parts of my bull powder-coated with a black matte finish. Mirrors, engine, exhaust system, everything. I liked the end result and liked how it looked for a long time, especially when the number of black Classics on the roads started increasing in later years. Mine still looked different from them (at least in my head).
But over the years, the coating on the exhaust and bent pipe started coming off in patches, giving the whole bike an old, worn down feel.
Luckily, I can now buy a black matte exhaust and bent pipe directly from RE and have it fitted at the service centre for less than 5k (I believe the exhausts listed on the RE website also fit the 2013 model). But a part of me also thinks going back to a chrome exhaust bent + pipe will be a nice striking contrast against the all-black motorcycle. The only concern is, as someone who got rid of all the chrome less than 2 years into ownership, I have no idea how long the shine on the chrome will last, or the effort required. I'm also not fond of doing much maintenance beyond the occasional water wash, I just got really lucky with this bull that has stood by me despite my negligence *touchwood*.
So I am looking to pick the brains of the experts here on whether I should go for matte or chrome. A Tldr of the prod & cons of each -
Matte black exhaust -
Pros - Stands out from the hordes of black Classics on the road, the matte-black exhaust does not require extra maintenance unlike chrome..
Cons - none that I can think of.
Chrome exhaust -
Pros - Looks, I'm falling in love all over again with the gleaming chrome in the website pictures of the Classic.
Cons - Just washing might not be enough to keep the chrome gleamy, plus the bike now looks like every Classic
I know on paper it looks like I'm preferring matte black, but I'm actually really torn between the two. Hope you guys also share your personal opinions on which one looks better, and any other benefits of either. Really looking forward to your replies.
But over the years, the coating on the exhaust and bent pipe started coming off in patches, giving the whole bike an old, worn down feel.
Luckily, I can now buy a black matte exhaust and bent pipe directly from RE and have it fitted at the service centre for less than 5k (I believe the exhausts listed on the RE website also fit the 2013 model). But a part of me also thinks going back to a chrome exhaust bent + pipe will be a nice striking contrast against the all-black motorcycle. The only concern is, as someone who got rid of all the chrome less than 2 years into ownership, I have no idea how long the shine on the chrome will last, or the effort required. I'm also not fond of doing much maintenance beyond the occasional water wash, I just got really lucky with this bull that has stood by me despite my negligence *touchwood*.
So I am looking to pick the brains of the experts here on whether I should go for matte or chrome. A Tldr of the prod & cons of each -
Matte black exhaust -
Pros - Stands out from the hordes of black Classics on the road, the matte-black exhaust does not require extra maintenance unlike chrome..
Cons - none that I can think of.
Chrome exhaust -
Pros - Looks, I'm falling in love all over again with the gleaming chrome in the website pictures of the Classic.
Cons - Just washing might not be enough to keep the chrome gleamy, plus the bike now looks like every Classic
I know on paper it looks like I'm preferring matte black, but I'm actually really torn between the two. Hope you guys also share your personal opinions on which one looks better, and any other benefits of either. Really looking forward to your replies.
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