So my relatively new bike is the first Vivid Black that I've owned. Needless to say, it is a bit more difficult to keep looking good and not scratch it (in this case, bit = almost impossible).

Anyway - long story, but my 2-up seat was marking the fender - I normally ride with a solo seat. Buffed out the marks, and then found this very cool window tinting business that has a 3M product commonly called a "clear bra".

It is a clear adhesive film - but I am amazed how invisible it is. The owner has a black street glide and has it full installed - his was 2 years old. I'm going to get mine done I think (fairing, tops and sides of bags, and lower section of tank).

It protects against scratches, chips, bugs etc. It is washable, you can wax over it, and it lasts for years. It is removable if needed though.

The 3M site is:

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...VentureShield/

For Socal folks, the tinter is a business called Specialized Auto Tint www.s-worktint.com

I really liked the guy - he rides his own black SG and has this product on his bike, and he seems very careful in the application.

overall I'm really impressed with this stuff.

Anyone else have experience with it - especially longevity?

 

Mine was getting messed up too.....it looks too messed up for the clear bra, so I cover it with a matching fender bib and a luggage rack when I don't have the pillion on. I'm sure it will work fine if you catch the damage at an early stage. Mine wasnt.

 

hmmm, my '95 still looked new when i sold it last year. vivid black

even in the desert with dust and grit.

when dry the "california car duster" works well, it's a wax impregnated dust mop looking thing

at all times - NO buffers- they leave swirl marks that are forever.

no clothes containing poly fibers, the poly is harder than the paint and will scuff/swirl/scratch.

cotton cloth, either old flannel sheets ( 100% cotton) or 100% cotton diapers. janitorial suppy or new at walmart/target.

launder with NO fabric softener


no pressure washer ( electronic and bearings)

wash when the finish is cool, don't let bugs, sap sit on the paint.

rinse, soapy bucket wash.

turning & replacing sponge when dirty.


chamois to dry the bike

allen head plugs to keep water form having a place to sit ( mineral stains).

wax is good, s100 or blue magic. you don't want any product which will abrade or remove paint by chemical means



you may be onto something but so far in the world any product that is meant to cover or shield causes it's own problems

Oh and keep the dealership kids away from it- saw your other post.

Mike