Question for Denim Black owners
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 971
Likes: 1
From: Chicago/Arlington Heights
I have had black denim since it came out in 06 and never had a problem with the paint. That being said I am VERY carefull not to scratch it. Yes it does fade over time but that is to me "patina", I also agree on the windex and the dove dish soap for washing. I would suggest a fender bib and I leave it on when swithching to my 2 up seat.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 0
From: Tampa
I wondered when you said you were making the trade if you would miss the denim?
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: White Bear Lake, MN
I am really happy with the Denim paint on mine. It does show scratches so be careful. Otherwise, it is a low maintance finish. I use the Harley cleaner because thats what I got with the bike and it works great.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 365
Likes: 9
From: KENTUCKY
I love my black denim and would buy it again. There is a shiny area on the fuse box cover on the right side from my wife's boot. Not a big deal because I have always liked the rat rod look and all that goes with it. HD denim cleaner for me.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: San Pedro, Ca
Looks like I've got the same opinion as everyone else. Love my black denim, I use the Harley Black Denim spray cleaner, cleans up really easy, and looks great.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
I read an article from a paint industry insider who explained that because of the lack of a clearcoat the denim paints are prone to and have been having many issues with bikes that are ridden in weather and especially if they are kept outside.
Without a proper clear coat the denim paints are in tended for show bike not daily drivers.
I also read about a ton of people having issues and dealers and corporate not covering the repairs.
I like the denim and was planning on using a denim paint on my tins and gloss on the metals like highway bar, exhaust, shifters bars, etc.. but after reading about it i decided I would go with the gloss instead and then powder coat flat black on the bars, etc.. sort of reverse the plan.
There is some good reading on the topic and I can only paraphrase, but that was the jist of it.
There seemed t be as many happy customers as unsatisfied so I dont knw what other environmental factors were involved.
Lump
Without a proper clear coat the denim paints are in tended for show bike not daily drivers.
I also read about a ton of people having issues and dealers and corporate not covering the repairs.
I like the denim and was planning on using a denim paint on my tins and gloss on the metals like highway bar, exhaust, shifters bars, etc.. but after reading about it i decided I would go with the gloss instead and then powder coat flat black on the bars, etc.. sort of reverse the plan.
There is some good reading on the topic and I can only paraphrase, but that was the jist of it.
There seemed t be as many happy customers as unsatisfied so I dont knw what other environmental factors were involved.
Lump
well, i would question the abilities of your professional 'insider' since the denim finishes from hd DO INDEED HAVE A CLEARCOAT OVER THEM.
love these 'experts' who don't have a clue what they are talking about. they are just as bad as some of the tools at the dealership.