You are right, the black plastic is just like red and green ones (without clear coat) and should have the same flexibility. But just like cars with black paint, dirt and scratch will show up real easy, difficult to keep it clean. If you had black cars, you would know what I mean.

I have had my red plastic BF for 3 years and have not managed to break yet. They seem fine to me.

 

I'm glad yours work for you. I was just relating an experience I had when riding with a friend. I also just posted a thread about CDI's for a 700 Prairie. You seem like a knowlegable guy. Feel free to chime in if you know anything on that subject.