Engine Guards and Bar Ends

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Black engine guards are the way to go IMO, better looking particularly if you can get a black exhaust fitted, and ideally get some high temperature black paint on your manifold. I have the chrome versions which I've been told won't paint very well at all - it will just flake off I was told.

A lot of people don't like to paint the exhaust either for similar reasons. My problem with the exhaust is that it just about catches the top of a ramp as I enter my house unless I'm super careful. I'll just have to remain super careful (i.e, slow) going up and down the ramp then. I don't want to adjust the communal ramp or my bike after all.

No doubt there are differences in quality for both paint and powder coating with the risk of flaking existing in both. Quality of paint/powder, method of application, curing, skill, all factor in to how well you can expect your coating to last. I've had very positive experiences with powder coating and its durability on the wheels of my VFR and the aluminum cowl and engine guards on the CB. I've had a clear coat added each time for additional protection. No hint of flaking so far.