I am often asked about the Denim paint on my 2007 Night Train and whether or not it is hard to keep clean. I think the fact that denim paint is still relatively new to the general public makes it a subject that creates a lot of discussion and a lot of controversy and maybe a lot of confusion.
There is nothing special about Denim paint. It's regular old black paint underneath a special clear coat that has flattening agents in it to give that "denim" effect. This is a long way of saying it is just a regular basecoat/clearcoat type paint system just like any other Harley Davidson but the flattening agent in the clearcoat makes it appear different and feel different to the touch. I am posting the official Harley Davidson bulletin below for anyone who want to hear it straight from the mouth of MOCO.
I will say that my experience with Denim paint (3 yrs now) is that it is extremely easy to keep clean, probably more so than regular paint. My bike never gets all that dirty but a quick wash with a light car wash agent or dish soap and it's good to go. For a light clean up then I just wipe it down with Windex, yep plain old glass cleaner and a soft cloth and it works great. The glass cleaner dries quickly and leaves no streaks in the denim paint.
Really I would say that the only real complaint that I have about the black denim paint on my Night Train is that it shows fingerprints really easily and that's annoying but I then again, what paint doesn't show fingerpraints....white and silver maybe??
If you're worried about the care and cleaning of a Harley with Denim paint, then don't be because there is nothing to worry about it so buy that denim bike and enjoy.
Harley Davidson Denim Paint Care Bulletin
M-1172 1 of 2
SERVICE BULLETIN BLACK DENIM PAINT CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Purpose
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide an understanding of the characteristics of Black Denim paint and the required care to the dealer network.
Black Denim finish differs from traditional high-gloss finishes on other Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Like denim fabric, Black Denim paint will burnish with age and use, adding character and personality to the finish of the motorcycle. The integrity of the paint, however is not affected by age.Please refer customers to the Owner’s Manual for details on finish care.
If scratched, nicked or scuffed, Black Denim paint can not be buffed out. If polished, the finish will become less matte and more glossy over time. This finish can not be repaired.
Motorcycles with Black Denim paint should follow processes outlined in the Harley-Davidson Cosmetic Guidelines booklet.
Motorcycles Affected
Select 2006 VRSCD and FXDB Dyna model motorcycles.
Required Dealer Action
Inform service personnel of the special care instructions for Black Denim paint, communicate the characteristics of Black Denim paint to customers at time of vehicle order placement and review at time of new vehicle delivery.
Service Procedure
Cleaning Black Denim paint:
For heavy deposits on finish:
Use a grease cutting dishwashing detergent and a clean H-D wash-mitt (P/N 94760-99). Dilute dishwashing detergent per instructions provided by manufacturer and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
For light deposits on finish:
Use ammonia based glass cleaner and a soft H-D Soft-Cloth (HD-94656-98).
For final detailing:
Use H-D Gloss with H-D Soft Cloth.
NOTE
Refer to Table 1 for recommended cleaning care products. M-1172 July 23, 2005
IMPORTANT NOTE
In the interest of preserving customer safety and satisfaction, always check for outstanding recalls whenever any motorcycle is brought into your dealership for either maintenance or service.
