More durable- Powdercoat or Nickle Plating?

My buddy had a 95 CR250 that was nickel plated. It felt like it added some weight but it was pretty bullet proof. Did start to develop cracks where the frame must've been flexing. I have no idea how it would effect an aluminum frame's integrity. Last i knew it wasn't cheap and everything needs to be polished. I did not stay at a Holiday Inn so consult a professional for sure.

Edit: just realized that frame is still steel so ignore the aluminum. So yeah check with a pro. hahaha

Edit 2: missed swingarm part. Early Friday.. I'm cut off🍻

Tbh i wouldnt use either. Coatings wear off and look like crap before too long. And a polished nickel plate would be a headache to keep up on.

Ride your bike and when you clean it just scotch brite your swingarm to bring the finish back

Nickle is metal, so it all depends on how thick it is. Think about the bolts on a bike. They are nickel plated (not KTM/Huskey) and that holds up to a wrench being on it. and nickel plating is the base for chrome. Powder coat is lighter. on the swingarm, the only real area that get wear is if the chain hits the swingarm. We have black swingarms on our race bikes and it holds up just fine.

I nickel plated my kx250 frame and it’s holding up really well. I have a sold 15-20 hours on it and it’s lasted longer then any powder coated frames I’ve had in the past. I was concerned that that it was going to add a bunch of weight but it’s only .003 thick compared to most powder that is roughly 2-3 mils thick?