Question about Vivid Black
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 13
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From: Michigan
Question about Vivid Black
I will more than likely be making the plunge this week or next on my first HD purchase. I really like the Vivid Black and was wondering how bad it shows scratches and if you have to take special precautions when cleaning it? I know Black is about the hardest color to keep clean and I like to keep my things looking good.
Thanks,
Mike
Thanks,
Mike
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 195
From: Harford Co., Maryland
What bike are you thinking of? Some have more fender coverage to keep road grime minimized compared to others.
I'm big on keeping mine clean too, just gotten used to giving it a bath as often as needed; so long as it doesn't take time away from riding.
I'm big on keeping mine clean too, just gotten used to giving it a bath as often as needed; so long as it doesn't take time away from riding.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
I've always been partial to "Black" vehicles, both cars and bikes....
It's harder to keep them squeaky clean, but the black and chrome look good. Just use a good polish and you should be fine. I've been using Turtle 'ICE' liquid polish, and it seems to do a good job...
It's harder to keep them squeaky clean, but the black and chrome look good. Just use a good polish and you should be fine. I've been using Turtle 'ICE' liquid polish, and it seems to do a good job...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: redbank new Jersey
Im the same way its not as bad as a car they dont stay outside all the time like a car does. I love my black bikes to look 100% The only bad thing is i see people rub dirt or dust into the paint to give the bike a fast rub down before they ride and that leaves them tiny spyders in the clear coat. The only tip I can give is if the bikes dirty wash it, if theres a bit of dust I wipe it down with a very wett rag then do a fast spary polish.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 516
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From: Ontario, Canada home of the TAX YOU TO DEATH LIBERALS
I use "Black Box" wax periodically and Pledge in between waxings. Keeps it 1st class. Still have original paint on my 04. Next bike will be denium black. Less upkeep.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
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From: Ohio
I've had black vehicles for twenty years. No problems. Just be careful NOT to use abrasive polishes etc. They create a hazy appearance. Never wipe a dry or dusty tank, fender, etc. . Always spray off first. And this may sound weird. But, I use Bounty paper towels to dry my bike, cars, etc. I don't rub hard. Just lightly wipe. They do not scratch or mar the paint in any way. They clean the windshield as well. I learned this from being in concours competition with very expensive collector cars. My paint and shield look like showroom condition and I ride 15K-20K every year.
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Michigan
I'm looking at the Street Glide. I like to stay away from detergent soap and just use plain water on my vehicles. Then wax them about twice a year. What are you guys using? I've been reading about microfiber towels and lemon pledge.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 270
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From: Daytona Beach
I know that the vivid black paint is the cheapest of the colors, hence no charge for it, and I have one, it scratches really easy. Don't know if it is a thinner clear coat, or what. But I have been told this by the dealer and others alike. Buddy has a body shop and he repaints a lot of vivid black harleys. If I had it to do over again I would go with a different color. Where the tank and seat meet my jeans have scratched the tank. This was after the first ride. Took it to the dealer an he advised that's going to happen with vivid black. Not trying to sway your decision, but if you want a low maintenance bike go with another color.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,588
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From: Sunny Southern California
I know that the vivid black paint is the cheapest of the colors, hence no charge for it, and I have one, it scratches really easy. Don't know if it is a thinner clear coat, or what. But I have been told this by the dealer and others alike. Buddy has a body shop and he repaints a lot of vivid black harleys. If I had it to do over again I would go with a different color. Where the tank and seat meet my jeans have scratched the tank. This was after the first ride. Took it to the dealer an he advised that's going to happen with vivid black. Not trying to sway your decision, but if you want a low maintenance bike go with another color.
PS: Welcome to the forums & good luck with you choice!
Last edited by 07FLHT; Jul 25, 2010 at 02:12 PM. Reason: PS: