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How can I "de-chrome" my RT-S?

kitkat61

New member
So I have a 2015 Pearl White RT-S. Her name is Itsy Bitsy, and yes, her custom paint job is spider webs. Now I'm in the process of trying to remove all the chrome and 'silver' (I call them grey) parts to be replaced with black. I bought the RT-S specifically for the black rims, chose the black for the Tri-Axis bars, my FOBO's are black, I'm about to install the Pearl White & Black Ultimate seat with a black gas door, etc, etc. But there are other parts - like the rear view mirrors - that I can't find a black replacement for, or instructions on how to have them taken apart for painting/powder coating. Except I did find instructions on how to remove and blacken the windshield brackets.
Anyone have suggestions for other parts? Pictures? I know this is a bit backwards - seems everyone wants to ADD chrome, and I'm trying to remove it. But I just want a pure Black and White bike.
Especially helpful would be links to vendors that have replacement products in black. I'd prefer that to painting. :ohyea:
Thanks in advance for the help!
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GOING --- BLACK

...As far as plastic goes to the best of my knowledge paint is your only option....And the Chrome on the plastic could be removed via a chemical process.....I would go to and Auto paint shop and ask them this question......................Good Luck............Mike :thumbup:
 
:shocked: REMOVE the chrome?!? :yikes:

Seriously; Plasti-Dip would work, as would simply removing the chrome pieces, scuffing them down with some steel wool, and hitting them with black paint! :thumbup:

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No chrome

Thank you. I was beginning to think I was the only biker that does not want chrome. The only chrome on my FJR1300 is the exhaust. The only chrome on my 2015 RT is a couple of markers on the sides. Brushed alloy is acceptable. But the less chrome, the better I like it.
 
I'm with you on the no chrome look! I don't think you will be able to find the pieces available in black from any source so you will have to take them off and have them painted or powdercoated. I wouldn't do the plasti dip thing myself - I don't think it looks that good.

There are videos in the DIY How To forum section that show how to remove all of the Tupperware. Good luck and post pictures when you have it done.
 
POWDERCOATING ?????

I'm with you on the no chrome look! I don't think you will be able to find the pieces available in black from any source so you will have to take them off and have them painted or powdercoated. I wouldn't do the plasti dip thing myself - I don't think it looks that good.

There are videos in the DIY How To forum section that show how to remove all of the Tupperware. Good luck and post pictures when you have it done.
I could be confused about how this process works, but don't you need to electrically charge the part being coated....plus it's Heat cured - like 200 * centigrade ...Mike :thumbup:
 
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a can of flat black paint
a bottle of vinegar to treat the offensive things
and take your time
then bye bye chrome
 
Great Ideas!

Thank you all sooooo much! :clap:

Parts like the tops of the rear-view mirrors and the tiny chrome bits down front will be the hardest. as I don't think they can be 'replaced' if I mess it up. But I will be very, very careful and follow all your painting suggestions! :ohyea:
 
Chrome removal

So I have a 2015 Pearl White RT-S. Her name is Itsy Bitsy, and yes, her custom paint job is spider webs. Now I'm in the process of trying to remove all the chrome and 'silver' (I call them grey) parts to be replaced with black. I bought the RT-S specifically for the black rims, chose the black for the Tri-Axis bars, my FOBO's are black, I'm about to install the Pearl White & Black Ultimate seat with a black gas door, etc, etc. But there are other parts - like the rear view mirrors - that I can't find a black replacement for, or instructions on how to have them taken apart for painting/powder coating. Except I did find instructions on how to remove and blacken the windshield brackets.
Anyone have suggestions for other parts? Pictures? I know this is a bit backwards - seems everyone wants to ADD chrome, and I'm trying to remove it. But I just want a pure Black and White bike.
Especially helpful would be links to vendors that have replacement products in black. I'd prefer that to painting. :ohyea:
Thanks in advance for the help!
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I have used rustolium x2 for a long time painting chrome and most any part. Rough up with fine emary cloth or sandpaper, clean with mineral spirits and paint. Three shades available, matt black, saten, and high gloss. It is very good paint and easy touch up. Withsatands theWX very well..............
 
Gonna need a lot of masking tape

I have used rustolium x2 for a long time painting chrome and most any part. Rough up with fine emary cloth or sandpaper, clean with mineral spirits and paint. Three shades available, matt black, saten, and high gloss. It is very good paint and easy touch up. Withsatands theWX very well..............

I think that's going to be the way to go for parts that are hard to remove (like the bit by the grill, the top of the mirrors, etc). I've used Rustoleum before, just not for something that will be driven in the rain at 65mph so I was hoping someone would chime in and tell me if that would work. Time to save the newspaper (will take a lot to cover the whole bike!) and buy some masking tape.
Then I need only to decide what gloss finish I like. :2excited:
 
My Experience

I used Dupli-Color Custom Wrap and really liked it. Easy to peal off if you get tired of it or get overspray on something by accident.
I did just recently peal it off and used Dupli-color flat black. I tried a semi-gloss and couldn't get it to lay right. Lack of experience.
Flats are a lot easier to spray and are more forgiving.
I have not looked into painting the parts on the frunk yet.
Take your time in a well ventilated area and use painters tape of various sizes and newspaper or plastic bags.
 
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