I posted this on the general message board, also.


This morning I put a deposit on a Fat Bob with the red denim paint job, as some here may already know. However, I called the salesperson this afternoon to ask him a few questions in regards to the delivery date and such. Somewhere in the conversation he thought he`d let me know that you couldn`t just use any regular cleaning or wax products on the denim paint, as it could mar the finish or at the very least give it an unsatisfactory look. Furthermore, he said it would be fair to warn me, that the denim look could have a distressed or a patina look after a couple of years.................for the lack of a better description. Have any of you with the denim paint jobs exprerienced this phenomenon and how bad is it ? As much as I really liked the pics I`ve seen of the crimson red denim or even black denim, I have put my purchase on hold until I find out more from actual owners. I`d appreciate any comment, good or bad, in this regard. Thx !

Roger

 

All I can tell you is that the denim is designed to 'age' like a pair of jeans, I assume getting fashionably faded. As far as cleaning, my dealer told me that if I were to polish the paint like other bikes it would get shiny, don't know if that's true or not, and don't plan on finding out, but dealer also told me could use mild detergent for washing and wouldn't have negative effect. Others will chime in on this I'm sure, so just give it some time, and you'll get the big picture. I wouldn't worry about the denim though, you obviously chose this color for the subdued look it gives, and don't think you'll be disappointed. Congrats on the fat bob, you'll love the bike.

 

As far as washing goes, I use dish soap or the Mr. Clean auto wash. In between washes I use Mr. Clean surface cleaner. I'm pretty hard on my bike and the Denim paint has held up fine. It spends alot of time in the direct summer sun parked outside of work for ten hours a day 5 day a week. I was kinda hopingto see some of the wear they told me about, but none so far.

 

i dont have the factory denim paint, but i have a satin clearcoat on my paintjob. i use windex to touchup between washes and regular carwash soap to clean. then use "Harley Gloss" from the dealer to protect it.
like i said, not the same as factory, but i am getting two subtle shiny spots on either side of the fuel tank where my knees rub. doesnt look bad, but if you want a show finish then denim prob. isnt the choice for you

 

Denim has no clear so it is more likely to fade depending on where it is kept You can not wax or polish it or you will get shiny spots But if you like it it is no harder to care for Actually a bit easier after washing drying is not a problem and it does not streak nI have several friends with Black and 1 with silver no complaints from them. MeI like the glossy paint.

 

'06 denim black bob here... i use windex multi task.. wet rag... wipe w/ dry rag... done... looks just like the day it came home...[the paint anyway]
while shiny paintjobs are wiping & waxing.... you'll be riding

 

I've had Black Denim damn near since it came out, I like the look but I wouldn't buy it again.My paint on the rear fender was ruined day two when I tried to carry a few items in a soft canvas bag strapped to the back fender, this wouldn't have even scratched a normal gloss paint job.The black is the easiest to touch up because some normal rattle can colors match but if something happened to the red or some other denim color you'll be repainting it.

 

Only a year old denim black paint on mine, but no noticeable fading (or else it's all fading evenly!). Haven't heard of anyone experiencing any issues with it, but moco I think is just covering their butts making sure if it ever does they won't get complaints.

Windex works great - just spray on a soft cloth and wipe off any crud. Have only put the whole bike under a hose twice for washing not including wheel cleaning - doesn't seem to get that dirty but will show ALL dust from my dirt road. California duster takes care of that!

 

I have an 06 and it is very easy to keep clean. Dish soap and ride dry on a hot day. Not a better feeling in the world.

Looks like the day i rolled it out.

 

No problems or complaints here either... I've had my denim black bob for just shy of a year...