Advice
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 169
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Looks like you already have your answer but will chip in my two cents worth. I traded in 08 Heritage Softail Classic which I dearly loved for 17 SGS. You couldn't pry me off the SGS now. From the power increase of the motor to the radio it is just a better machine. I have been fortunate (knocking on wood) that I have not experienced transfer or sumping issues. Go for it, you will be glad you did.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 909
From: SE Michigan
Looked at two bikes at the dealer yesterday, going to test ride Saturday if the weather holds up.
Here's the newbie in me...
I didn't realize you had to have the proper credentials to buy, or special order, police or shriner colors. Ok, my bad.
I've narrowed it down the the two color schemes.
Midnight Blue and Barracuda Silver is my second choice.
Industrial Gray/Black in Denim is my first choice.
So, the salesman was kinda douchey. I bought up the sumping or fluid transfer problems, he treated like an alien and UFO.
The mystery as he called it. He blamed it on people who put a whole quart of fluid where 22 to 24 ounces belonged, etc.
I could of dug my heels in, talked about the fat rod, the vent, the fact people took delivery of bikes and within a few hundred miles, etc.
Gents, it wasn't worth dying on that hill or going down that road at that point.
My question is this, never had a flat paint job. He claimed you cannot polish or wipe the dirt, bugs and road grime away as easily. You basically need to power wash your bike to keep it clean. I have a power washer, but I'm a sponge and bucket kinda guy, take my time, etc.
He did say MoCo offers a paint protective package which will allow dirt and bugs to just be easily wiped away.
So...for the crew. Tell me how difficult it is to maintain a satin finish bike. I really, really like the looks. But I like to keep my ride looking nice and take care of it. My 05 is still in very good condition and the paint looks excellent. I ride my bike, but I take care of it too....
Don't get me wrong, that dark blue really pops with metallic flake in the light and it's sharp as well.
Here's the newbie in me...
I didn't realize you had to have the proper credentials to buy, or special order, police or shriner colors. Ok, my bad.
I've narrowed it down the the two color schemes.
Midnight Blue and Barracuda Silver is my second choice.
Industrial Gray/Black in Denim is my first choice.
So, the salesman was kinda douchey. I bought up the sumping or fluid transfer problems, he treated like an alien and UFO.
The mystery as he called it. He blamed it on people who put a whole quart of fluid where 22 to 24 ounces belonged, etc.
I could of dug my heels in, talked about the fat rod, the vent, the fact people took delivery of bikes and within a few hundred miles, etc.
Gents, it wasn't worth dying on that hill or going down that road at that point.
My question is this, never had a flat paint job. He claimed you cannot polish or wipe the dirt, bugs and road grime away as easily. You basically need to power wash your bike to keep it clean. I have a power washer, but I'm a sponge and bucket kinda guy, take my time, etc.
He did say MoCo offers a paint protective package which will allow dirt and bugs to just be easily wiped away.
So...for the crew. Tell me how difficult it is to maintain a satin finish bike. I really, really like the looks. But I like to keep my ride looking nice and take care of it. My 05 is still in very good condition and the paint looks excellent. I ride my bike, but I take care of it too....
Don't get me wrong, that dark blue really pops with metallic flake in the light and it's sharp as well.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 367
Likes: 264
From: Massachusetts
I have a Road king special in industrial gray denim and that paint is easy to take care of. If it gets dirty you have to use cleaners that have no wax or petroleum products in them. I use harleys sun wash soap when doing a full clean and their denim paint cleaner for doing quick details.
You do have to be gentle on the paint if you try scrubing or using alot of pressure it will shine the paint in that spot. If I get bugs or junk thats stuck on there. I take a wet micro fiber with a drop of sunwash on it and leave it on the grime for a minute. After that it will wipe right off.
The big problem with that paint is it can't be touched up if you scratch it like gloss can. Thats because gloss paint you can use touch up paint and then polish the defect out , you can't polish denim paint. That's something to consider when deciding on paint color. I like my bikes clean, but if they get scratched it doesnt really bother me. I buy them to ride not go to the show.
You do have to be gentle on the paint if you try scrubing or using alot of pressure it will shine the paint in that spot. If I get bugs or junk thats stuck on there. I take a wet micro fiber with a drop of sunwash on it and leave it on the grime for a minute. After that it will wipe right off.
The big problem with that paint is it can't be touched up if you scratch it like gloss can. Thats because gloss paint you can use touch up paint and then polish the defect out , you can't polish denim paint. That's something to consider when deciding on paint color. I like my bikes clean, but if they get scratched it doesnt really bother me. I buy them to ride not go to the show.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,147
From: Las Vegas
As a part of my purchase deal, they included the Simonize ceramic coating. I find the denim paint very easy to clean. Harley has a spray bottle of denim paint cleaner which works well, but I've been using an aerosol ammonia free window cleaner (Sprayway) and a micro-fiber towel. I too was warned not to quickly scrub on it, or it will start to shine, but if you let the cleaner soak for a few minutes you don't need to scrub, everything just wipes away.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 373
Likes: 26
From: Virginia
I believe anyone can buy after the bike has been on the sales floor for 90 days.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 444
Likes: 51
From: Northwest Arkansas
So, the salesman was kinda douchey.
My question is this, never had a flat paint job. He claimed you cannot polish or wipe the dirt, bugs and road grime away as easily. You basically need to power wash your bike to keep it clean. I have a power washer, but I'm a sponge and bucket kinda guy, take my time, etc.
He did say MoCo offers a paint protective package which will allow dirt and bugs to just be easily wiped away.
So...for the crew. Tell me how difficult it is to maintain a satin finish bike.
My question is this, never had a flat paint job. He claimed you cannot polish or wipe the dirt, bugs and road grime away as easily. You basically need to power wash your bike to keep it clean. I have a power washer, but I'm a sponge and bucket kinda guy, take my time, etc.
He did say MoCo offers a paint protective package which will allow dirt and bugs to just be easily wiped away.
So...for the crew. Tell me how difficult it is to maintain a satin finish bike.
I tried a lot of different "denim care" products the first year I owned the 2015. I finally settled on the Dawn & Water or the Cyclecares Ruff Cut as my go to detail solutions between full blown wash downs.
Upsides to denim;
Never need to wax again
Wash, dry and ride
Not everyone has it
Comparatively speaking and IMHO, easier to clean and ready to ride
Downsides to denim;
Anywhere anything rubs on it will get a sheen to it (seat to tank, pant legs on the rear of the tank, pant legs on the side covers)
If you scratch the paint, the scratch can't be buffed out
Hard to match the finish if you ever need tin work or want to add aftermarket stuff
Finger or hand prints, basically anything with any oil (natural or otherwise) easily show up
I've had my gloss ride going on a year now. By some cosmic miracle we saw my old Denim Black 2015 RG down at the Steel Horse Rally last weekend. Bars, custom tank badge and A/C gave it away. While it was obvious the new owner didn't care for it the way I did, the paint was still wearing well.
Last edited by wevsspot; May 8, 2019 at 07:41 AM.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 909
From: SE Michigan
Thanks DC and Wev.
I agree on the sales guy. I'm going to test ride there, get the numbers and sit. I don't get a good vibe from him...so unless he kills a deal for me, then I'll go elsewhere.
I'm aware they can sell the special order bikes after they sit on the lot for x amount of days (I don't know if 90 is the number, you may very well be correct). Problem is none of my local dealers I want to work with have any of the colors.
If they got it in today, 90 days would be end of summer..
If I go denim, I think I'll ask to have the paint protection package thrown in. If not...I'll walk.
My good buddy had a denim bike, what you're telling me is the same things he is... I kinda like the idea of spraying it down with cleaner, washing off.
Thanks again for all the help, input, etc.
I agree on the sales guy. I'm going to test ride there, get the numbers and sit. I don't get a good vibe from him...so unless he kills a deal for me, then I'll go elsewhere.
I'm aware they can sell the special order bikes after they sit on the lot for x amount of days (I don't know if 90 is the number, you may very well be correct). Problem is none of my local dealers I want to work with have any of the colors.
If they got it in today, 90 days would be end of summer..
If I go denim, I think I'll ask to have the paint protection package thrown in. If not...I'll walk.
My good buddy had a denim bike, what you're telling me is the same things he is... I kinda like the idea of spraying it down with cleaner, washing off.
Thanks again for all the help, input, etc.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 809
Likes: 570
From: Detroit Metro Area
So...I realize asking for advice on ANY forum is like asking trouble... I'm going to do it anyways.
Current ride is an 05 Ultra. Lots of Willie G customization. Floor boards, covers, etc.
Stage 1 only, Full Sac true duals, SE mufflers and SE1 Air FIlter kit with a tune.
Progressive Monotubes in front and Howard's Ohlins out back w/ Rezzie (these will come with me until my death...lol)
48K miles. Good running bike...zero issues.
In the last year I've put on fresh shoes, upgraded the cam chest to new spec, new sprockets on both ends and belt, brakes, etc.
It's road ready.
I'm looking at the 19 Limited.
Here are the wants for my current ride. Which, I should mention is and has been paid off for years.
More power
Nicer ride up front
I am a tech geek, so I like the GPS, bluetooth pairings for driver/passenger talk.
Better stereo
More comfort long hauls.
I know. I've gone over this in my head 100 times. I can easily put a 95 or 96 kit and a tuner on it. I can upgrade the stereo. I can upgrade GPS, etc.,
I can keep on dumping money into this bike.
Or, I can buy new and have everything I want. All I'd add is a heated seat, pipes and air cleaner.
I'll have the power I want, gadgets and tech I want, the 19 front end has to be light years beyond my current front end....
Money is not a factor as far as purchase and payment.
Anybody make that big of a jump to a new M8 from an old TC motor? Happy, regrets?
Current ride is an 05 Ultra. Lots of Willie G customization. Floor boards, covers, etc.
Stage 1 only, Full Sac true duals, SE mufflers and SE1 Air FIlter kit with a tune.
Progressive Monotubes in front and Howard's Ohlins out back w/ Rezzie (these will come with me until my death...lol)
48K miles. Good running bike...zero issues.
In the last year I've put on fresh shoes, upgraded the cam chest to new spec, new sprockets on both ends and belt, brakes, etc.
It's road ready.
I'm looking at the 19 Limited.
Here are the wants for my current ride. Which, I should mention is and has been paid off for years.
More power
Nicer ride up front
I am a tech geek, so I like the GPS, bluetooth pairings for driver/passenger talk.
Better stereo
More comfort long hauls.
I know. I've gone over this in my head 100 times. I can easily put a 95 or 96 kit and a tuner on it. I can upgrade the stereo. I can upgrade GPS, etc.,
I can keep on dumping money into this bike.
Or, I can buy new and have everything I want. All I'd add is a heated seat, pipes and air cleaner.
I'll have the power I want, gadgets and tech I want, the 19 front end has to be light years beyond my current front end....
Money is not a factor as far as purchase and payment.
Anybody make that big of a jump to a new M8 from an old TC motor? Happy, regrets?
If you are thinking about it, ride one and see how it runs.
If you are unsure or really don't want to do it then don't ride one...you will want it for sure then!
The difference in torque, ride comfort, handling, and overall capability between the 1999 and 2018 was exaggerated with that model year spread. Some people have even pointed out that moving from the Rushmore models to M8 versions was night and day.
I miss my '99 on some days. The tinkering, the challenges, etc. But I am really enjoying my new bike. I hope this helps!
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,893
Likes: 552
From: NH
Thanks DC and Wev.
I agree on the sales guy. I'm going to test ride there, get the numbers and sit. I don't get a good vibe from him...so unless he kills a deal for me, then I'll go elsewhere.
I'm aware they can sell the special order bikes after they sit on the lot for x amount of days (I don't know if 90 is the number, you may very well be correct). Problem is none of my local dealers I want to work with have any of the colors.
If they got it in today, 90 days would be end of summer..
If I go denim, I think I'll ask to have the paint protection package thrown in. If not...I'll walk.
My good buddy had a denim bike, what you're telling me is the same things he is... I kinda like the idea of spraying it down with cleaner, washing off.
Thanks again for all the help, input, etc.
I agree on the sales guy. I'm going to test ride there, get the numbers and sit. I don't get a good vibe from him...so unless he kills a deal for me, then I'll go elsewhere.
I'm aware they can sell the special order bikes after they sit on the lot for x amount of days (I don't know if 90 is the number, you may very well be correct). Problem is none of my local dealers I want to work with have any of the colors.
If they got it in today, 90 days would be end of summer..
If I go denim, I think I'll ask to have the paint protection package thrown in. If not...I'll walk.
My good buddy had a denim bike, what you're telling me is the same things he is... I kinda like the idea of spraying it down with cleaner, washing off.
Thanks again for all the help, input, etc.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 242
From: Glen Mills, PA
Good luck and my only recommendation is to check for a used bike if available in your scheme. Depreciation is a killer on these new bikes. I bought new in 2013 but see no reason to do that again. Plenty of 1-3 year old bikes if you dont mind that avenue for a hefty savings.
Good luck!
Good luck!