Denim Paint - A Problem? - Harley Forum

47knuck · #1 03-22-2008, 01:07 PM

Not sure where to post this so I hope it's ok to put it here.

I am wondering if anyone is having any problem with the new Harley denim paint? Besides making it pretty much impossible to wax, I have heard the small bugs that you pick up on the highway are bad for the finish as the acid in their little bodies eat away the denim paint and it's about impossible to touch it up.

True or false?

botzman · #2 03-22-2008, 06:36 PM

I too often wondered about the finish. I would like to have a Denim Black bike in the future. Saw this service bulletin. It offers a little insight:

M-1172 1 of 2
SERVICE BULLETIN
BLACK DENIM PAINT CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Purpose
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide an understanding of
the characteristics of Black Denim paint and the required
care to the dealer network.
Black Denim finish differs from traditional high-gloss finishes
on other Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Like denim fabric,
Black Denim paint will burnish with age and use, adding
character and personality to the finish of the motorcycle. The
integrity of the paint, however is not affected by age.
Please refer customers to the Owner’s Manual for details on
finish care.
If scratched, nicked or scuffed, Black Denim paint can not be
buffed out. If polished, the finish will become less matte and
more glossy over time. This finish can not be repaired.
Motorcycles with Black Denim paint should follow processes
outlined in the Harley-Davidson Cosmetic Guidelines booklet.
Motorcycles Affected
Select 2006 VRSCD and FXDB Dyna model motorcycles.
Required Dealer Action
Inform service personnel of the special care instructions for
Black Denim paint, communicate the characteristics of Black
Denim paint to customers at time of vehicle order placement
and review at time of new vehicle delivery.
Service Procedure
Cleaning Black Denim paint:
●
For heavy deposits on finish:
Use a grease cutting
dishwashing detergent and a clean H-D wash-mitt (P/N
94760-99). Dilute dishwashing detergent per instructions
provided by manufacturer and rinse thoroughly with
clean water.
●
For light deposits on finish:
Use ammonia based
glass cleaner and a soft H-D Soft-Cloth (HD-94656-98).
●
For final detailing:
Use H-D Gloss with H-D Soft Cloth.
NOTE
Refer to Table 1 for recommended cleaning care products.
M-1172 July 23, 2005
IMPORTANT NOTE
In the interest of preserving customer safety and satisfaction, always check for outstanding recalls whenever any motorcycle is brought into your
dealership for either maintenance or service.

EZE RIDER · #3 03-23-2008, 05:52 AM

I own a black Denim Hog for a year and a half and have had no problems at all. I love the look and it couldnt be easier to care for. No wax ever! Just wash it with car soap and before you can put the hose away its dry.

BlueBob · #4 03-24-2008, 03:55 PM

The dealer told me about all this when I bought my bike back in '06. It's one of the reasons I went with the deep cobalt blue on the Street Bob. They told me it was all the denim finishes, not just black. They said it was something that happened over a period of years and that it was designed to fade that way.

Anyone know if this is true for all the denim colors or just black? The new cherry and dark blue denims are just too pretty to ignore.

JCourneyaP · #5 03-25-2008, 03:33 AM

All paint fades in time. Sap, Bird**** and Bugs. All can mess up a good paint job. Just mild soap and water to wash. If you park outside most of the time instead of a garage invest in a good cover.

texan321 · #6 03-26-2008, 04:34 PM

gee back in the day we used to call this flat black --- now it is called denim ...my time does march right on....

JCourneyaP · #7 03-26-2008, 10:54 PM

Its called "word play". A poser/rub aint going to be seen on a bike with a flat black paint job. So they gotta change the words to make it sound exotic enough to show off.

To me it dont look like denim. Hell denim fades anyway

EZE RIDER · #8 03-27-2008, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCourneyaP

Its called "word play". A poser/rub aint going to be seen on a bike with a flat black paint job. So they gotta change the words to make it sound exotic enough to show off.

To me it dont look like denim. Hell denim fades anyway

I agree it's a "catch phrase" but it's still Hardcore flat black.
Denim comes in many colors by the way.

texan321 · #9 03-27-2008, 09:49 AM

Well some folks may like that look but I will pass...give me shiny...flat black or primer went out a long time ago... you only drove those around so you could show off before you got it painted.... it was a project.....

BlueBob · #10 03-27-2008, 01:02 PM

I find myself kinda diggin' the denim paints. More the colors than the black and silver, but I like those too.

But I will say this. I went for a ride yesterday and turned around to look at my ride as I walked away. That shiny deep blue finish just made hy heart leap... especially against the wrinkle black of my motor. I think I'm sold on shiny.