Hey guys, I picked up my 08 street bob in denim black last weekend. I can't remember the last time I was that excited, the bike was awesome. Anyways, my dad was helping me tie down my bike and by girl's bike in the trailer and when he tried to ratchet down her bike it slipped. Her bike fell into mine and left a huge scratch on the tank. I called Harley and they said they could replace the entire tank for around $1000. I called some local shops and a couple said they could repaint the tank for like $350. I guess my question is...has anyone had a black denim repainted and if so how did it come out. I don't know why Harley said they couldn't repaint...

 

Harley doesn't fix anything. They'd rather sell you a new one.
I guess I'd either repaint the whole bike or let that shop do the tank with the understanding that you expect the tank to match the fenders. There are body guys out there that can do a denim job just as good as original... Harley didn't invent the denim paint job. It's actually just a dull coat instead of a clear coat (oversimplified).

 

first take it to a painter... should be able to touch and blend exp with denim... clear is hard to work with on blending since you bike is not cleared you done have that issue

 

thanks guys. I am taking it in tomorrow to have a guy look at it. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

without seeing a pic of the damage, i am not really sure if this is viable. but, since you'll be paying out ca$h anyway, why not do something custom? a custom emblem would be awesome.
just something to think about.

 

Depending on the size and location of the scratch, how about some pinstriping?

 

pinstriping is hard to cover scratches as they are deep you fist need to fill then stripe or your pinstrip will loook funky. (just talked to my painter about fixing a belt buckle gift someone left on my tank. fat guy trying to squeeze between two bikes ... my bike lost.