Black! I have a blue '97 -- you hardly even notice the black guards against the black engine. Oh, yeah they work. Last summer I went down in a campground on wet grass in Ohio - did a three point on the exhaust can, engine guard and handlebar end ---- and zero damage to the bike, not even a scuff (Mud & wet grass). I however did a one point landing on my shoulder and ended up with a grade 3 AC separation. The Bandit is fine, and I healed quickly, deformed, but quickly.