Thoughts on flames paint

[starwater]

I've been sitting with the idea of getting some custom paint on my Yamaha Star 1100, and flames keep popping into my head. Part of me thinks it'd give the bike an old school hot rod vibe, but the other part wonders if it's been done to death and might look a little cliché. I've seen some killer flame jobs that really set a bike apart, and I've also seen a few that just look nahh.
So...cool or better left in the past?

 

[piperumblesociety22]

Flames can still look great if they're done in a clean and subtle way. Adding a contemporary twist or using airbrushed shading helps avoid that cliché feel.

 

[Silencer]

Flames on a Yamaha Star 1100 are honestly kind of cliché at this point, most riders go for them thinking they'll stand out, but they often blend into the sea of "old-school hot rod" bikes.

 

[Alan]

Well, it really comes down to execution, @starwater. Flames aren’t automatically cliché, hate to disagree with @Silencer over here. I think it's all in the style. Subtle, well-blended shading or modern color twists can make them look fresh, while loud, classic flames risk looking overdone. If you’re drawn to them, find an artist who can put a unique spin on it rather than just copying the usual hot rod look.