I was cleaning the bike today, first time since getting it yesterday, and in the right light noticed a LOT of orange peel on the bike. Tank, bags, and front fender especially. What the hell? My 2011 had minor orange peel on the front fender, but none on the tank. It was like glass. Beautiful. It is very noticeable on the 2014 bike. And absolutely terrible on the front fender. Looks like they formed the fender with a ball peen hammer and never smoothed it out before painting it.

Anyone else with a 2014 that has noticed a lot more orange peel than on a previous bike they've had??

I know there is nothing I can do about it, should have noticed it and said something when I took delivery, but I thought paint was one area they were proud of. They shouldn't be proud of this. Guess I'll ride it like it is for a few years then have it custom painted to fix the issue.

 

Didn't you just post yesterday (or Friday) that you just bought the bike while your wife was out of town?
That sux, surprised you didn't notice it in the showroom as they normally have some pretty good lighting.
Typical HD product, nice but there are always going to be things you find that need to be changed.
I know it's going to bug you, but ride it for a few years and then throw a custom paint job on it.

 

Yeah, that was me. It wasn't on the showroom floor. They had it in the back as they only put a few examples of each bike/color, on the floor. So I never saw the bike until we did the delivery outside in front of the dealership. I looked it over, but apparently never caught the light just right or at the correct angle in the bright unlight. In my garage, with the only light coming from outside thru the open garage door, you can stand at a 90 degree angle to it and see it, but you have to be down at it's level to see it. While standing, it's not that noticeable.

Kharma may be biting me in the butt right now.

Anyone else notice a difference on their '14 bike?

 

File a warranty claim thats a paint defect they should take care of it . or you cold get some 2000 grit wet sand sand paper wet sand it and the polish it out

 

I'll call the dealership when they open on Tuesday. But I don't really think the MOCO will cover it. "They all do that".

That's the main reason for the thread. To see if it's a common issue with other 2014 models.

No way I'd try to fix it. It would be down to bare metal if I did it. Of course, then it would be ready for primer and paint.

 

Looked at my low rider (black) can't find any problems with it. Hope that helps!

 

Thanks, it does.

 

If you just bought it, why wouldn't it be under warranty? It isn't like you scratched it.

 

Can't help you with a review of the paint on the 2014s (I haven't really looked at them)

But when I worked at a Ford Assembly plant paint shop Orange peel was something that should never have gotten through QC, but sometimes it would. It is a warranty item and either the panel should be replaced or repaired.

 

Did not find any orange peel on my 14.