I'm picking up a new Train with denim black paint. Since I'm buying from AAFES for overseas delivery, I don't have much choice of colors. I'm wondering if it will grow on me or if I'll want to swap out the tins for something else. I have a crazy idea that brushed metal would look cool if that is possible - Think about the finish onMicky Rourke's bike in Harley Davidson & the Marlboro Man or a Delorean.

Anyway, what is the long term report on denim paint??

 

There was a VROD that had a brushed metal finish from the factory, I believe. I never paid much attention to them but I saw one at a dealership the other day and I remembered them looking like that when they first came out.

The "denim" paint comes from the clear coat that is over the color coat. As any good hot rodder will tell you, satin or flat paint shows imperfections to a much higher degree than gloss paint and is actually a more challenging choice of finishes for the body man... er... person... and the prep work has to be meticulous.

I would wonder, and do wonder, if the paint would show every bit of unfortunate encounter with gravel, helmets, wallet chains, tools, etc. that it comes to face with...

C#

 

...see service bulletin:
http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/...hog3/m1172.pdf
Later

 

that's definetly a no maintanence finish!

 

From HD 06 mater catalog:

Black Denim Paint

Special Service Note:

which differ from high gloss finishes

on all other Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Like denim fabric, Black Denim paint will

burnish or mar with age and use, thus adding

character and personality to the finish

of the motorcycle. If scratched, the color

coat of paint does nick/scuff and these

marks cannot be rubbed out. If polished,

the finish will become glossier and less

flat (or matte) over time. Please see your

owner’s manual for details on the finish

and its care.

FBL

 

Thanks. I was hoping someone who has denim paint would give their opinion on it after living with it for a while.

 

judging on what HD is saying about it, it's going to look more "beat up" as time goes on, so if you want a finish that you don't have to take care of, this is it.
basically, your bike will look like it's in primer.

 

got denim on my 07 train and i can tell that this paint is not going to last for a long period of time, it looks good at the moment, but you have to be real careful with zips from jackets etc, i have a couple of marks that would not have even noticed on a painted bike, i was going to see if i can live with it for a couple of years and then weigh up the possibility of getting a custom paint job?
Ask me again in 2 years!!!!
FYI - this denim really shows marks, more so than a normal paint job - so be careful!!!
You have been warned.
DVM

 

I heard you just use wet sandpaper to get the scratches out

 

ive asked some harley dealers about the demin paint, and they said its designed to fade like jeans. so for me that was a big Hell No!, i didnt want to pay extra for paint that will fade, so i got the vivid black on my night train.