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Washed my bike the other day and found the scratches where my knees rest. I don't actually rest my knees on the tank, but about two inches away. What I found is my jeans flapping in the wind when I'm on the highway is causing the scratches. I'm going to get the 3M film installed on that part of the tank, but I need advice on how to removes the scratches first. These are not deep scratches, but noticable compared to the rest of the tank.
i had the same problem, then i put floorboard extenders on, not a problem any more. the harley scratch and squirrel remover. actually its swirl remover, but it's great stuff. be sure to wax it after using it though. it does what it's supposed to do. removes scratches. my 08 sg is vivid black also, and stays pristine because of the floorboard extenders. it allows the knees to sit away from the tank a bit.
i have the same issue on my dyna i got some stuff from mequires called Scratch X2.0 and buff it out by hand and it looked better that the day i picked it up. I buffed out all my tins and the tank area two or three times and then put two coats of good mequires wax on and DAM it was shinning and couldn't tell anymore.
Since then we have used the same stuff on two friends black harleys and it brought them back to life as well.
Last edited by OhioSkully; Aug 4, 2009 at 11:08 AM.
+1 on the floorboard extenders. I had the same issue on my 09 SG and installed the floorboard extenders and cleaned and waxed the tank and now its a lot better, plus the extenders really do make it a better seating position.
i have the same issue on my dyna i got some stuff from mequires called Scratch X2.0 and buff it out by hand and it looked better that the day i picked it up. I buffed out all my tins and the tank area two or three times and then put two coats of good mequires wax on and DAM it was shinning and couldn't tell anymore.
Since then we have used the same stuff on two friends black harleys and it brought them back to life as well.
I had the exact same problem. My tank would get scratched up from my knees in a matter of a few days. I ordered the HarleyGoodies extenders soley for this problem. Little did I know the comfort benefits that came with installing them. No more scratched tank, and a more comfortable riding position.
If swirl remover and hand rubbing (the paint, that is) doesn't work you'll need a buffer at slow speed and a light touch. I've used 3M 3000 grit compound with fantastic results. Don't forget to re-seal and wax afterward.
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