You do not have to remove chrome. You have to scratch it so that paint will stick to the metal. This has been proven time and time again. Removing chrome is preferable, but not everyone has access to a sandblaster which really is what is required to remove the chrome.

Then primer, then paint, then top coat - let dry, blah-blah-blah.

BEST WAY: Take them to a custom motorcycle shop and have them sent out to be powder coated. You can do your cranks and your bars in powder coat and that stuff will never come off.