"Vivid Black" Would you "Do it Again"
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 945
Likes: 7
I had a black Heritage for 6 years and loved it. Now I have a Merlot/Cherry Red Limited and love it too. I spend just as much time on the Merlot as I did the Black but I like a shinny clean bike. Once you get it with a nice coat of wax it's pretty easy to give it a quick detail with a damp cloth or Pledge.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 102
From: Washington State
I ride a 07 SG Vivid Black and Chrome everywhere. I love the look and the shine on a nice day. But to tell you the truth, hell no I wont buy black again. I am trying to a color that matches dust.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 54
From: The Burgh
I've got the hots for a new Road Glide Ultra and I'm trying to decide between the Vivid Black or Merlot Sunglo. I know black is the most popular color and the fastest but I have a couple of concerns I hope some of you may help with. I'm concerned about how much effort it takes to keep it looking good and the swirl marks and fine scratches they tend to pick up over time. My current 105 copper top with 47,000 on her shows both in the Vivid Black on the bag tops while the copper still looks new. Therefore the question. Who has a Merlot Sunglo and how do you like it? I'm not trying to insult black.
I'd buy a black bike again without any hesitation.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Carson Valley, Northern NV
Vivid Black...yes, it's a PITA!! But, to me, black & a little chrome on the FLHT can't be beat. However, I'm a plain-jane kind 'o guy...no geegaws, no decorative chrome covers, no flames...just black. I'll save my $$$ for performance upgrades. Would I do Vivid Black again? Yes, no question about it....however, that Brilliant Silver does look mighty fine w/gloss black parts!! But that's just me.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: coralville, iowa
I have had 5 Harleys 4 black, 1 white, the only reason I had a white one is I didnt have a choice. I bought it used, didnt have it long. I can have any color I want as long as its black. for a harley there is no other color.
Novice
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: OR
I would and did. I had an 03 vivid black classic and just bought a 10 vivid black ultra. I use Pinnacle cleaners and polishes to them keep looking sharp. They make a product called XMT 360 that combines correction, cleaning, and sealing in one step. The 03 had 40,000+ miles on it when I traded it and the paint looked every bit as good as the new one. Black is a great back drop for chrome.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
Just finished cleaning my black Ultra up after a 4000 mile trip to the Rockies/Yellowstone area. Just gave it a real good wash and then 'Pledged' it real good. Need to go over it with a good polish and maybe a clay bar this winter, then some real good wax.
Can't decide what to use!??? That Pinnacle stuff is some high dollar stuff. Like the idea of the Turtle Wax Ice product, not leaving white crap on the rubber. McGuires makes good products as does Mothers. Got a friend who owns a body shop and he has some polish that is really good. Not sure how abrasive it is though and can't remember the name of it. Might just use it and a good wax.
I got a new chip in the tank on this trip. Makes two now. We figured we ran about 50 miles of gravel road with all the different construction zones we ran thru. I don't know how you have a bike and actually ride it, with out getting chips, scratches and so on it the paint. You guys that claim your paint looks as good as new after X amount of years makes me think you don't really go anywhere on it. Mine still looks good to the general public, but my paint ain't perfect anymore by a long shot. Bothered me at first, but I bought it to ride. Having a slight case of "OCD", I have to keep reminding myself that it doesn't have to be perfect for me to enjoy riding it and most people won't notice the little imperfections anyway.
Can't decide what to use!??? That Pinnacle stuff is some high dollar stuff. Like the idea of the Turtle Wax Ice product, not leaving white crap on the rubber. McGuires makes good products as does Mothers. Got a friend who owns a body shop and he has some polish that is really good. Not sure how abrasive it is though and can't remember the name of it. Might just use it and a good wax.
I got a new chip in the tank on this trip. Makes two now. We figured we ran about 50 miles of gravel road with all the different construction zones we ran thru. I don't know how you have a bike and actually ride it, with out getting chips, scratches and so on it the paint. You guys that claim your paint looks as good as new after X amount of years makes me think you don't really go anywhere on it. Mine still looks good to the general public, but my paint ain't perfect anymore by a long shot. Bothered me at first, but I bought it to ride. Having a slight case of "OCD", I have to keep reminding myself that it doesn't have to be perfect for me to enjoy riding it and most people won't notice the little imperfections anyway.
