Cleaning/Detailing
The only black paint I ever saw on a motorcycle that had absolutely no swirl marks was on a brand new bike.
You can obsess over it to the point of insanity but you're going to be a lot happier if you remember why you bought the bike in the first place and just ride it.
I keep mine clean and waxed and as long as you don't get real close it looks almost new. But, the reality is that all clearcoat gets swirls and it shows more on dark colors.
Buy a good wax and keep it nice. Heed the advice about not rubbing it while dry and enjoy the ride.
You can obsess over it to the point of insanity but you're going to be a lot happier if you remember why you bought the bike in the first place and just ride it.
I keep mine clean and waxed and as long as you don't get real close it looks almost new. But, the reality is that all clearcoat gets swirls and it shows more on dark colors.
Buy a good wax and keep it nice. Heed the advice about not rubbing it while dry and enjoy the ride.
Yes, paint correction will "remove" clearcoat or single stage, but if done properly, the amount removed is minimal. However, it's not meant to be done frequently - rather it's meant to correct the paint imperfections before protection is added (sealers, waxes, etc). I suggest lurking detailing forums on how the paint correction process works.
Once paint protection is added, it's much easier (and "safer") to use a QD spray for touch up cleaning. Just use care - not too much pressure, use a quality microfiber and QD, and wipe (don't scrub).
Good quality wash soap with frequent rinsing, followed by the leaf blower, then micro fibre and detail spray. Looking for the pieces to convert my built in vacuum system exhaust into a blower, but until then the leaf blower does a great no touch job of drying.
I have not put soap and water, nor turned a hose on a Harley since 2009.
I use "Harley Cleaner and Polish", "Harley Gloss Quick Detailer" and ICE synthetic polishes and waxes.
I have the FW-1 mentioned above, and used it on my work truck, seems pretty good, but I've not tried it on the bike.
I also keep a stock of microfibers... don't use fabric softener when washing micorfibers...
I use "Harley Cleaner and Polish", "Harley Gloss Quick Detailer" and ICE synthetic polishes and waxes.
I have the FW-1 mentioned above, and used it on my work truck, seems pretty good, but I've not tried it on the bike.
I also keep a stock of microfibers... don't use fabric softener when washing micorfibers...
This, plus after any ride there WILL be dirt on the bike no matter what. I give it a wash every few weeks whether I can see dirt or not. Pre treat with Simple Green, rinse. I use the two bucket method and a leaf blower. I NEVER use terry towels. They scratch. Good micro fibers and mitts from Griots Garage only. Real paste wax on the painted parts twice per year, and either Wizzard's or Chemical Guys 808 Hybrid V7 detail spray.








