I got the Batcycle which I was super happy for. However, the flat black paint on the whole thing is a little bit boring, to say the least. If I wanted to use a bit of silver paint to chrome out a few pieces and change the look a bit, would the figure still be tourney legal?

Depends on how touchy your opponents are! Technically, that little tiny bit of paint makes that figure a mod, which can be refused by an opponent.

So, even if you are just trying to touch it up, just follow the CYA rule of bringing an unmodified version of the cycle just in case.

You could just not mention it and see if anyone even notices.

Personally, I would say as long as the dial stays the same, and the said dial belongs to the character you say it is, then it should be legal. I would find it laughable if its not, because that would make any base whose figure has broken off illegal.

Note though, this is just an opinion so I don't know if there is an official ruling.

The whole thing is same exact flat black paint. The tires, the seat, the rims, body, etc. Hmm. It would really be lame to get DQ'd for just trying to spruce up your fig a bit.

I have a buddy that does a wash on all his figs and also touches them up quite frequently. He doesn't seem to have any issues around here and, obviously, none when I judge.

I think you start to toe the line with adding material and additional things that were never there. Our more strict venue just requires a version of the original copy.

The rules say that they are allowable per your judge. However, your opponent can reject your usage of the figure...so you better bring a spare.

Ya, I'm not going to get a 2nd Batcycle just so I can chrome out one of them. Hahaha

Local venues, you probably won't have an issue. Gencon level... you may want to have an unmodded version handy in case you have an opponent who is a jerk and wants to get you dq'ed so he doesn't have to play you.

I apply the "Don't be a dink" rule. You're talking about a 1 on a scale of 1-10. Any moron who called you on that deserves to get slammed in the jimmies.

Here are the actual rules:
1.2.12 Custom Sculpts: Venues may restrict or allow the use of custom sculpts for their events. A WizKids sponsored event will permit custom sculpts to be used with the following provisions:
1.2.12.1 The dial and figure base must be unchanged from its original form.
1.2.12.2 The sculpt cannot be considered to be a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the capabilities of the played figure. The head judge is the final arbitrator of this decision.
1.2.12.3 The player must have the figure available with the authorized sculpt.
1.2.12.4 Each round, the opponent must be given the opportunity to deny the use of the custom, in which case, the player must accede.

For your specific question, I'd have a hard time taking a complaint that a little touch-up paint qualifies as a custom seriously.

Repeatedly. Steel-toed footwear style.

But, yes, on the subject of modding, if you do anything significant that alters the original character and dial in any way, you should always have the backup. I play Cosmic Justice Lex on my JL Luthor and I tell my opponents immediately. That's an example of something more. In your case, I'm betting anyone who even notices will do so in such a way where they decide they are going to do the same thing.

All I know is... As soon as I get 2 Motor Cop packs, I'm painting them like CHiPs!

Aaron Cash for AJ?

Wait...that was Simon & Simon. Damn, this flu medicine is good.

This is the correct answer. As long as the judge and your opponent are ok with it and you did not change the dial, your good to go. However, make sure to have an Unmoded back up just incase you have one of "those" opponents.

Ponch and Backer!