I just had a very informative conversation with Pete Larson who indicated the "black exhaust pipe" option at 495 pounds is in fact a black ceramic coating both inside and out direct from the factory. While expensive, it is a factory option and adds no down time resultant from an aftermarket coating.
He tells me that S&S bench tests every motor for the equivalent of 50 miles, and then changes and examines the oil. This procedure gets all the fine metallics out of the motor and documents each motor individually.
The 1000 mile break in is a reasonable requirement for the new owner prior to the first oil change.
Seems the quick release steering wheel has been disabled in US imports due to some regulation. He feels that the std 15" wheel is mounted high enough for most drivers to get in and out of the seat with out the need to remove the wheel.
My 2013 is yet to be built but I will add the factory ceramic pipes to my build spec.
