Just wondering if anybody knew of a way to tell if the paint on your bike is original. A buddy of mine is debating on painting his bike another color but doesn't want to do it if it still has the original paint. The paint on it still looks real good, but I guess he prefers another color. Anybody know how to tell?

 

your VIN number has a paint code in it.

 

OK, Anyone know how to decipher the paint code?

 

There is no paint code on a Harley-Davidson VIN number. The only place a paint code may show up is on the build sheet that is not usually given to the purchaser.
There is no way to tell what the original color of a Harley is. Tins are easy to change. Even the dealer changes the tins on bikes.
I have changed the tins on several bikes I have had just to get a different paint sceme or color.

 

oops, Sheps right, my bad........as you can see by the x-ray me brain no work

 

check out www.hdpaint.tk , lists all the known factory HD colors before 1970, and tons of optional colors available from the factory.
Also offers paint advice and reference materials to do the job right.

 

If it is a fairly late model bike, the dealer should be able to tell you what color the bike was originally via the VIN #, it would certainly be worth a phone call...
K.

 

I've been painting Harleys for over 30 years. I can usually tell when tins have been repainted, but I would have to see them in person to tell. I couldn't explain what to look for, but there are many ways to determine if something has been repainted. The biggest clue is overspray or paintlines. There is no way to tell from the VIN # what the original color was. So paint it how you like it, and tell everyone thats the original paint scheme.