I'm a new rider who just picked up a 883 Iron with the flat black paint job. I recently took my first big trip to Laughlin and my blanket rubbed on my fender the whole way home. It left a faint pattern in the paint, any ideas on how to get it out? Thanks!

 

not sure about the pattern but i clean mine with windex and a microfiber cloth

 

You can't "rub" faint scratches or imperfections out of the paint with polishing compound like you can regular paint, but I have had luck with a lint-free cloth (or microfiber) and a good dose of Quick-Detailer (HD sells their own version called "Harley Gloss" if you want to stick to HD branded stuff). Spray it on, let it soak in for about 30 seconds then wipe it down with your microfiber, use firm pressure (not too hard, though) on the area you want to buff out. This method seems to get rid of fine imperfections. And it WILL NOT "shine-up your paint".

 

Denim paint (flat) is very difficult to care for. The top coat is a special clear coat that goes flat as it dries. Harley does make a touch-up kit. NEVER rub anything on the paint. NEVER use cut polish or cleaner wax. If you get oil on the paint, use a strong solution of dish detergent (Sunlight) and hot water. Use Endust not Pledge (pledge leaves an oily residue on denim paint) for removing finger prints and light dirt.

 

Leave it dirty and ride the **** out if it :-) I feel the opposite I think denim is VERY easy to care for . You don't have to worry about shining up the paint and it looks better with age imo.
When I do clean mine and it isn't often I use honda detailed (spray and wipe ) its kinda a wax but u can use it on everything . It make the tank and fenders look like brand new .
Ride Safe
Pirate

 

I got rid of it, too much of a pain in the ***.

 

Thanks guys... hey this is probably crazy but what about a fine wet sand?

 

I wouldn't reccommend it!

 

It just adds character and you will always remember where the mark came from and what you were doing.

Two of my bikes are painted flat black (one is 30% the other is 50%). Easy to take care of...of course, I've never been one to worry over scratches and stuff either.

 

I detailed cars for years and can tell you with 100% confidance that any wet sanding will destroy the flat look. No matter how fine the grit, if you want take a photo of the blemish you are trying to resolve and I can do my best to give a suggestion that wont damage the paint. I went to HD set and ready to buy an Iron but they were pushing the 48 onto the showroom floor as I was getting ready to make my decision, the 2 major deciding factors were 883 to 1200 and I was fully aware of how much of a pita flat paint was to care for.