black is the color harley can get quick it looks like they didnt cover the primer and it bleeding threw. if they get u a new tank ask if they find one from a any other dealer instead of waiting to get one from the MOCO.

 

I'm an old painter from the old days and I have to say this is the first time I've ever seen black not match. I used to love repairing black cars because you never had to worry about color match. For all practical purposes, black is black - period.

Like someone else said previously, it could be the primer showing through if there isn't enough color coat for complete hiding, some contamination in the clear coat clouding the finish, or simply the wrong color all together.

With the variance in the color in your photos, I can only imagine what it must look like in person. I'd be really surprised if HD didn't replace that tank for you.

 

Actually, If it were me, I would prolly ask the dealer to replace the other tins & keep the tank--that color looks awesome!

 

Just checked my 2011 Vivid Black FLTRX. No problem with the paint, pulled side panel off and put on the tank, the color matches perfect

 

Ok guys update #1;
Since I can't make it to the dealer until Friday I decided to contact the MOCO today. Spoke to a CS rep named Ola which listened patiently and hopefully documented my issues, no committment of course (not that I was expecting one) until the dealer sees the issue.
I forwarded them the photos I took via email and they provided me a reference number which the dealer can use for further questions or discussions.
I asked if this was a common or "known" occurrence and got a big "no" on both.

 

i know what you are saying.saw a fltru at the dealer and asked what the problem was and said just about everyone that looks at it can see the differance.this was on the front fender though and the saddle bags.didnt look too good to me

 

Colormania has worked closely with the factory and custom painted 1000s bikes for them. I can tell you this much; H-D has an amazing paint process and rigorous quality resting especially when it comes to paint. Their quality control inspects all parts and colors under especial lighting to make sure all the colors are perfectly consistent. The color difference of your gas tank is too obvious to have passed H-D's quality control. The guys at the factory look at vivid black every day for a living, trust me; they would spot your gas tank among other bikes in a second!

The only time we have seen this problem before was when a customer came to us with the exact same problem to adjust the Vivid black tank color of a brand new bike to match the rest of the parts; we found out the paint job on the tank was not original H-D! The tank had suffered a tiny scratch at the dealership and was clear coated by a local painter! Painting in high humidity and cold temperatures, often causes the clear coat to turn bluish or milky.
Just like in your photos.

 

Yeah, that's not even close to vivid black.

 

Id say take it back...

Now I have to go home and check mine out.

 

Color>> thanks for the info, I would tend to agree but when I bought the bike none of the Sth. Florida dealers had what I wanted (2012 FLTRX Vivid Black, ABS & CC) except Destination. I spoke to the salesman over the phone on a Friday morning, he said they were unloading her from the truck as we spoke, I did the deal over the phone and picked up the bike next day, Saturday. This makes me think it came from the factory like this, unless something happened and they fixed it on the spot as they knew I was signing the paperwork and picking it up next day, Saturday. Don't know if it can be done, re-cleared and re-install the tank between Friday AM and Saturday 10AM.
Except for the shade difference the tank is immaculate, very glossy and no runs or blems that I've noted.