Why not black?

[zenwhipper]

OK, so I *think* I like the black color of the '08. It does not really move me and I've never been a fan of black bikes. But- what is the conventional wisdom on why black is not a good color for the FJR. I could live with the black probably.

(I'm thinking of getting a FJR by the way and the black is a slight sticking point).

Thanks

Scott

 

[uctofeej]

OK, so I *think* I like the black color of the '08. It does not really move me and I've never been a fan of black bikes. But- what is the conventional wisdom on why black is not a good color for the FJR. I could live with the black probably.

I think the consensus is that it's an awesome color choice, but a pain in the tucus to keep clean. We're a bunch of clean freaks 'round here.

 

[Bounce]

Had 2 black bikes and 1 black car. When they are pristine they are very classy. However they are seldom pristine; showing every spec of dust, dirt, and finger prints. In the end they are a PITA to keep them looking in a way that drew you to black in the first place.

 

[luvtoride]

If you aren't really hit by a black bike, buy a different year. Personally, I like the black & wish that my pocketbook would allow me to buy one.

I think that the reason black probably isn't great is because of the obvious... you see every imperfection, shows dirt easily, etc.

Good luck w/ your search. I understand seeking a certain color. When I was in the market to buy the '05's were just coming out. Nothing against blue... but it isn't near the top of my list for favored colors. I found a gently used '04 in cerulean silver. No matter the color, this is a great bike.

Heidi

 

[Scab]

There's nothing wrong with black, but it is somewhat lacking in imagination. It won't stay clean, but that part is okay because clean bikes are gay. It's just not real original. It seems that too many bikes have come out lately are black. It's like the Henry Ford philosophy has invaded motorcycling.

 

[mmonroe]

I love the black. I dont worry at all about the aspects of cleaning it and whatnot. If you ride any of them, they are going to get, and for the most part stay, dirty. One thing about black is that it gets far hotter in the sun than other colors. On a hot West Texas day after sitting in the parking lot during lunch, you can darn near cook eggs on the tank of a black vehicle.

Random thoughts..

Mark

 

[FJRScorpion]

Dark colors are hard to see especially at night. :rip_1:

 

[JimLor]

Saw the 08 at the Moto show in DC on Sunday. No personality, no style, no panache, nope, don't like it.

 

[Toynut]

Dark colors are hard to see especially at night.

A bit of 3M reflective tape, judiciously applied, will solve that, easily enough.

My '05 blue is just as fussy about staying clean, an occasional wipe with a California duster and some Honda spray polish :clapping: and your good to go.

Besides, I would rather wipe off a solid continous piece of plastic fairing than sit there with a detailing brush degrunging the nooks and crannies of a chrome V-twin cruiser, anyday! :waaa:

 

[FZ/FJR Mike]

I had a black ZX-11 Kawi Ninja & like everyone else who's commented, they're gorgeous when clean. It forced me to spend more time cleaning it & I enjoyed working on it. Some will say ride more, clean less but I say anytime around a bike is good. Have you considered a leftover 07 in Black Cherry?

 

[7mary3]

I just got my 08 black and love it! I have always had black motorcycles and I guess I am just used to keeping them clean. I think the extra effort in cleaning it is well worth It.

 

[shokdimn]

Black. Es bueno con mí. I believe if I had one, I’d try to figure out a way to add a splash of yellow or maybe red, black, & white to spice up my ride. :bike:

 

[Makuna]

Black. Es bueno con mí. I believe if I had one, I’d try to figure out a way to add a splash of yellow or maybe red, black, & white to spice up my ride. :bike:

Swap a panel on a black bike with a white panel, and you have instant "officer" camo ;-)

 

[Good2Go]

It's all relative. Having to keep my black 3/4-ton pickup clean makes cleaning the FJR a walk in the park.

Also, black is the fastest color.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

I bought a fully-faired black bike about ten years ago and really resisted, initially, because of the color. Having been on the receiving end of: " But, officer, I didn't see him" years-past; I never wanted a repeat performance. I really prefer lighter/brighter colors when on the road -- but, I put 74K miles on that bike without incident. It had some green flake in the paint and, truth be told, I got to really like the color.

And... black goes with anything.

 

[Geezer]

When I first noticed the FJR the US models were all silver. I postponed buying one for various reasons and the next year they were a different shade of silver. Still procrastinated and by the time I decided for sure that I wanted to crack open my check book and get one it was towards the end of the 2005 model year and FJRs were blue. Oh well, I bought a blue one. Now, I have to say that blue is my absolute favorite color of FJR.

What I'm saying is that the color doesn't make any difference. Whether or not you are happy with your bike won't have anything to do with the color.

 

[AVGeek]

I just picked up a black 08, and am selling my silver 04. When I first saw the pics of the "raven" colored bike, I knew I had to have it. Sitting side by side, the black looks smaller, and seems to sit lower. Of course, having the black one could have something to do with my Star Wars fascination....

 

[RadioHowie]

Sitting side by side, the black looks smaller, and seems to sit lower.

That's because it's bowing in respect of a better year AND color.

 

[Malve]

Black is HOT... no way around it.

I had a black ZX11 and it was sharp!

I currently have a black Armada and MDX and yes I have to clean them a little more often but you know what?

It's nice to have clean vehicles no matter what color they are... and by the way...

it takes no time at all to wipe down a bike.