Torque and Chrome

What is better on a motorcycle, real metal chrome, or plastic chrome?

disadvantages of real metal chrome: #1 hard to clean and keep clean #2 heavier and adds weight to a motorcycle #3 can become a dangerous projectile in a crash. disadvantages to plastic chrome: can't think of any?

Public Comments

1. 1 - it's not hard to clean if it's REAL chrome #2 - not enough weight for you to notice in everyday riding #3 - if it's attached properly, not really Plastic Chrome: #1 - looks like plastic #2 - is very susceptible to breakage #3 - isn't really much lighter than real metal when you're talking about the amounts most people put on a bike.
2. Plating peels from plastic easier / earlier in lifespan. It also pits more. Plastic cracks with age and heat / cold cycles. When I crash, the only projectile I worry about is my body.
3. plastic chrome will swirl and scuff when you clean it, real chrome will not plastic chrome will break, real chrome will not plastic chrome will melt, real chrome will not plastic chrome is plastic chrome, youre stuck with it... get sick of real chrome? powder coat it, rechrome it, copper it, many more options, paint will never stand up the same on plastic
4. The only advantages to plastic parts, chrome or otherwise is weight and cost in mass production. Also with a good deal of work you could fabricate almost any metal part in your garage. Not so easy with plastic parts.
5. Hey, plastic chrome is good enough for the Barbie Corvette so I don't see how anyone can argue your point.
6. metal: none. plastic: #1 it's plastic
7. Real chrome plated metal - my Harley swims in it.Wipe it over every time you park it.If it's bolted on solid it won't move - in a crash that's the last thing I would think about.