yes, a lot of it is for show, but its also purposeful. when building a custom sled, you want something to make it standout, hence the "custom". so these big time custom sled builders, like specialty sleds, spend the money to get their product noticed. but also, its still more yet purposeful because the powder coating protectst the sled for years to come from rust and corosion, and the anodizing helps in cooling. i mean, you don't call a stock yamaha custom because the arms and rods are painted do you? not being rude or anything, just kinda a pet peeve when people call them show sleds when they still go, and like no other!!!