By Admin
In the conclusion of our discussion about color schemes, graphics, and racing team liveries, we look at Italian bikes and cruisers, before things go further afield (as usual). The merits of gold paint, Buells and mauve racebikes are pondered. Eric goes down a disturbing Japanese Internet rabbit hole, and Garrett follows him.
As always check out pictures of the bikes we discuss on the other side of the jump — 31 this week!
WARNING: several TDR250 images cannot be unseen.
False Neutral – Bold New Graphics! Part 2
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Except where noted in the captions, images are standard press kit/website photos used courtesy of the respective manufacturers.
Image source: it.wikipedia.org
Image from Craigslist (ad since removed)
Image Source: michaelsmotorcycles.com
Image Source: picautos.com
Image Source: bikepics.com
Image Source: hondaboldor.nl
Image Source: mecum.com
Jeff Glucker 
William Byrd
Did we discuss the very rare, 1/2 year only (reliable sources say) 1982 Nighthawk with factory blue frame? http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0650/nighthaw.htm
…yes, I mentioned it, but only the gaudy mylar tape accents; I totally forgot about the blue paint on the frame. Excellent addition.
Yellow was a weird phenomenon that all the manufacturers, including Ducati, went through in the late 90’s / early ‘oughts. I really enjoyed having these atrocities and still miss them: https://www.monsterfairings.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/honda-cbr-600-fy-03.jpg http://images.canadianlisted.com/nlarge/1999-suzuki-tl1000r-2900-victoria_8210341.jpg
Ducati was infatuated with yellow long before the ’90s.
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/attachments/vintage/27857d1203936169-450-what-carb-p6250040.jpg
But those look really nice!
Didn’t Rickman nickel-plate their frame kits, which comes close to chrome?
Yep. Most BSA too.
…is it wrong that I actually like the looks of that Magenta TDR250?
Not at all.
Some of the early TW200s have red frames with white plastic, red seats and other red accents. They look pretty sweet, IMO. Admittedly, they are also an ’80s dirt bike that got equipped for street riding, so they get the 80s dirt bike styling pass.
Red frames still appear now and then. I kind of like them, even though it’s a stylistic bludgeon when paired with black: http://www.swyve.org/stuff/2014xc.jpg http://www.mvagusta.com/media/filer_public/6c/05/6c059cdf-0c47-4219-a283-a5129f264d97/_g208892.jpg