I agree, Gary. Allthough I have been running my own test to see what color bikes I notice first and how quickly it happens.
Brightly painted bikes win, with yellow, orange being first in line followed by white and silver. Bright red is spotted before dark red and Burgundy. Black is dead last. Have not seen enough blue or green machines to comment. Bikes that have fairings seem to have the advantage over naked bikes when they are coming towards you but the the difference is slight. The bling of chrome seems to help some when you are stopped at an intersection(but not much). I don't think the bling ever would save your butt and as you once said "Chrome does not get you home." I have found that a Hi Viz helmet and clothing do more to be seen than any paint job.
IN MY TEST, WHEN THE BIKE IS IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC, THE BIGGEST THING HAS BEEN BETTER LIGHTING.
You brought up HD so I have to tell you, the other day, I could hear a HD long before it passed me. When the rider got to me, he had on a
T shirt, shorts, shoes and just enough helmet to say he was wearing one. No boots, chaps, gloves or jacket.
Loud pipes might save lives, but protective gear does not make a difference?
