Very timely video for me. Just bought a 2018 Heritage black & gray denim. Some info and free bottle denim paint cleaner from dealer, but the info from you and other comments helps a lot going forward to help keep the paint in good condition. THANKS MATT!!!
A lot of people think that the paint can’t be repaired if there’s a scratch but if you find the right shop they can most definitely repair it. You obviously pay a decent amount but you pay for what you get. I had received a white scratch on my industrial gray iron and the shop repaired it like brand new 👍🏼
Great info in this video. Two years ago when I bought my 2017 FLHTK denim they really didn't have an answer on how to clean/care for it, but did say not to use polish and I never have. It is so easy to clean it's unbelievable and I now have over 22k on her and it looks like new. The denim cleaner is great, but usually I just give her a good water cleaning, towel dry and I'm good to go. Also, it almost always looks clean vs when I had gloss on my other Harley's and it was easy to see any dirt.
Thank you for this video I didn’t even realize there was a denim paint cleaner. I was very concerned about how to clean my new bike. Keep up the good work.
I think the best advantage of denim paint is it doesn’t look as dirty when it has some dirt/dust from a ride or two. Shiny paint will show everything! Pro tip:just trade it in whenever it gets too dirty, Matt won’t mind!!
I have a 15 denim black street glide special and I use chemical guys products. They have been amazing. There is a sealer that goes on like a wax and helps with fading and make it much easier to wipe clean. I use there in between cleaner to wipe it between rides and works great. Their soap specially made for denim or matte paint leaves the bike looking amazing! I’d highly recommend you give them a look.
Great topic. I have a 2018 Fat Bob in black denim. Switched the stock seat to a solo after two weeks of owning the bike and the passenger portion of the stock seat had already polished an outline of the seat on the rear fender. Bothered me every time I saw it so I had to cover with a fender bib. Probably not again for me.
Spot on, Matt. I have the Olive Gold Denim FLSS and I just wash it down with Dawn dish soap and water and dry it with a leaf blower and it looks great every time.
Charcoal Denim 17 SGS, love it. It is a lot easier to keep clean and it doesn’t show dirt as much as the gloss bikes, also the bugs do not seem to stick to it as much. I will definitely agree with Matt that If you get a ding or deep scratch you’re pretty screwed and it shows a lot more. Thanks for the video matt.
Can you put a clear coat film over it to help prevent deep dings or scratches? I'm considering using the deadwood green denim paint to restore a 1986 60 series landcruiser.
Thank you, Matt. I just got my first Harley with Denim Paint and I was trying to learn tips on the right cleaner to use. Great information. I did found out about Windex being used. With all due respect, I may also suggest Bugslide. I used it on a recommendation and it worked very good for me.
Love it I have an 07 nightster denim silver and black it still looks new all I've ever used is the HD denim cleaner on tanks and fenders 11 years not a scratch in the denim . Looking at getting a new street glide special and it will be denim without a doubt.
Thanks. My 19 FLTRXS is gray denim. Love it though I never thought I would. Was curious about cleaning. Thought it might be along the same lines as cleaning a car hood that had a flat finish.
Hey Matt, I have a 2016 Fat Bob in black denim and I think it's awesome. It's developing that really cool looking patina. I use Zep glass cleaner from Home Depot for quick easy touch ups and it works great.
all my Harley's were denim paint only,just bought a 2019 fat bob 114 in wicked red denim,but my all time favorite paint was the raw hide denim on my sportster. freaking love that paint.
If you get any shiny/glossy spots on your denim is it possible to resort the matte finish or at least tone down the glossy spot to make it less noticeable?
In my eyes, the patina over time is part of the appeal. I like things in my life to be "lived in" and uniquely mine. You can almost see through some of my old concert T shirts and that's just the way I like 'em. Speaking of patina, how is the brass collection holding up over time? I've been interested but want to make sure they patina well.
I have a 2010 street glide denim black I use F11 on mine does amazing job and doesn't make it shiny but it will make the color a lot richer and bring color back if your paint has faded
Hey Matt, Thanks for the video. I had some Cquartz paint coating protection and tried it on the black denim paint under the seat, then did the all bike. Results have been amazing. No loss of denim flat look, but all the advantages of a silica based coating - repel water, dirt, bugs etc and is scratch resistant. Thought you might want to try.
Thanks Matt, that is helpful. I have a denim black 2018 Sportster Iron 883, first bike and love it. I want to keep it looking as good as possible and avoid causing shine. I have Harley Quick wash and Harley denim paint cleaner which as you say good for quick wipe. For full wash I was recommended Rhino Goo, do you know is that is safe to use over whole bike? Many thanks for any guidance! Ray.
Matt I own a 2018 two tone industrial grey and matt black Ultra. The bike was also simonized. It is so easy to take care of. Also if I really want to deep clean it I use a zero PH soap. Usually I just use the denim cleaner for in between cleanings. My wife and I are just head over heals about the denim paint. In fact we have not seen another one with this two tone combo.
Sup Matt , shout out to you and Andrew ! Got my rgs with denim from you a few weeks ago, one thing to add is that oily fingers and hands leave spots and if your bikes in the sun , those spots will stain. I keep a micro towel and cleaner with me now for those touchy-feely ones! #park in the shade...
Great vid and good info...... I have a 13 SG thats denim black and have never done anything to the paint other than just wash it. I do have light scratches and had no idea how to fix em. Cant wait to get some of the product that you just showed and give it a try.
Thanks Matt, just picked up my 2020 softail slim in black denim, this has helped me understand how to keep it in great condition. I didn’t like it after seeing it on another bike which hadn’t been looked after, mine is in great condition so I am responsible for keeping it in too condition
Wasn’t a fan of this paint, it looked unfinished to me but now really like it on bikes such as the Softail Slim as it compliments the old school look. The scratch topic is a concern as well, I’m glad you went over that Matt.
Love my denim paint, gray. I hit a pothole at night last year and the shop up here in Minnesota was able to paint match. Also your thoughts on F11, they claim to be safe on denim paint jobs. Good video! Enjoy your work.
Great video. I was terrified of denim when I bought mine, but it's actually true, very easy to maintain. I have zero desire wax mine. It really is just wipe and go, my last bike was gloss black and covered in tiny scratches everytime I washed or looked at it. I went industrial grey denim and love it
If you own a denim colored bike and you sprayed it with a spot free rinse that may possibly have a wax in it. Can it be buffed out or how do you go about getting it off and back to its original color
huh, i had figured that denim was a better choice. thank you for pointing that out. of course all types of paint has it's own cons to it. awsome video !!
Great video. Answered all my questions on denim. Maybe for my next bike I'll consider it. Possible future topic.....when to trade,longevity of bikes/mileage and what to expect in general as miles roll up. Thanks for all the videos.
I love the denim. But I love chrome too. I like to ride more than washing and waxing. My first bike was a denim iron 883 and now I'm on a gloss velocity red sunglow dyna streetbob. I'm glad HD gives us choices of very different bikes and finishes. I'll go broke before I get bored.
sk8andie start washing it with Dawn after a few washes you will notice the gloss will turn more flat. Also i use Spray away glass cleaner as a quick detail.
Hey Matt - I got my first bike (the same 2018 SGS you have) based on your earlier videos this year. Thanks for the reminder to clean it - I just went out to the garage to do it!
Funny you mention Windex. I worked for a Harley dealer in central Ca in my early 20s detailing bikes. They gave me tire cleaner and Windex to detail the bike then charged 80 busks for the 10 min job. Id finish and I would pull it into the sun. Then id double check it for spots. Then it would sit another 30 min before they rolled it out... A few years after that I got my first Harley and that's the one thing I wont pay for at the dealer. I've always used that stuff you have in the video, they make it for gloss too. I wipe the bike down real fast as needed. Can wipe the whole bike down in a couple mins I'm sure its not the case in most but it was enough for me to realize paying Harley to detail a bike was a waste of money
Another great video Matt. I love my denim 17 RKS in industrial grey as well as a couple other denim bikes I have or have owned. Super easy to wipe down at night in the motel parking lot. I find an ice bucket filled with hot water and a good micro fibre cloth will do the job. Wipe down wet then ring out cloth and go over it again. Rarely ever use soap. Love the way the bikes get character over time. Ie: legs rubbing on the side covers etc. Wouldn’t own another gloss bike 😎
@@MattLaidlaw dont mean anything bad by it. Just mean these are the finer details that a lot of people dont look into, until it's too late. Like using a polish/cleaner they are used to using on their old bike but, whoops, its oil based and their new bike in denim painted, now its fucked up and glossy. You have the benefit of being exposed to the broad industry and get to know a lot more tricks and tips. I like vids like this and they can end up saving your ass or your bank account in the long run. Vids of blasting down highways are great, but I can also appreciate vids like this that point out fine details. Thanks
Great vid, I got denim gray paint. I got the Simonize coating at purchase from Harley dealer. I have washed my bike twice in the 15 months I’ve owned it. For the quick wipe down I just wet a microfiber towel run it over and dry it with a dry microfiber towel. So far it has been pretty awesome. I was wondering if u were going to mention the wonder, I have heard that does the trick. Take care, everybody keep the rubber side down. ✅
Better looking yes...not sure about durable though. I have a matte black Indian. I installed a fork bag on it, the bag came loose and scuffed the clear coat on the fender. I'm finding there is not much I can do besides have it re-shot. That's why I came upon this video. Was hoping for some insight. I use Dr. Beasley's matte care BTW...expensive but works great.
I have a 2 tone denim paint (white, black) and I completely agree. Super easy to clean. But to paint match is almost impossible, especially if its white pearl and black metallic denim. My dealer actually scratched my tank while been serviced and they just got me a new tank since its just to much work to color match that paint job.
Here in Central & Northern Cali, I am shying away from the Denim paint mainly because in the summer here we hit a TON of Bugs! That leave their nasty yellow guts on our bikes. Any Riders have feedback about the denim paint vs. bug guts & cleaning up your bike after?
When washing a motorcycle, any particular items to keep water/ water pressure directly off of? I have a new black denim iron that I haven’t washed yet but will need to eventually.
Hi matt love your videos. I still like shiny paint! Sorry guys the Denim is ok but if you like it that's all that matters. We are still in the wind! Happy New year everyone.
Hey Matt, Great video. Really like the Scorched Orange and Black Denim paint job on the 2019s but am curious how you would maintain this being a combination of gloss and denim. Guessing you would not be able to wax the gloss part for fear of contaminating the denim? Would be grateful for any advice. We need to do a lot of cleaning with the wonderful weather here in Ireland. 😢
I have a 2019 Ultra Limited in scorched Orange on order. I’m seriously considering Xpel. That ultra thin clear film applied to all the painted surfaces. Seems extremely resistant to scratches. It’s a self healing finish, imagine that. The matte paint colour will not be a concern anymore.
@@MattLaidlaw I just found this video and had the exact same question about the scorched orange and denim. Ive only had the bike for a month, and wasnt sure how to care for the denim portions. Now I need to compare the Harley Denim Paint cleaner to the "Bugslide" product ive been using for the last few weeks to see if I can keep using it on the denim portions of the bike. Would it be worthwhile to ceramic coat the glossy parts and then use the denim cleaner on the denim portions? Or would the denim cleaner also remove the ceramic coatings?
I am picking up a new 2021 SGS with deadwood green denim paint. Is Ceramic coating something I can or should do to help protect it or will that be bad for it? The dealership didn't really have an answer for me and I want to do it before I even ride it, if it's something that will help for long term paint maintenance. Thanks love the channel and all the hacks and tips you put out! 👍
I’m one of those who enjoys wiping & Waxing my Vivid Black 2017 LowRiderS, cause there’s always some place on it to wipe off, and that one of the attractions of owning a Harley, constantly Detailing it 👍🇺🇸
Thanks for the video Matt. Good work as ever. I have a charcoal grey SGS and I agree that denim is much easier to keep clean than gloss. I've been using a product called F11 Topcoat which you maybe aware of without any issues or damage to the denim finish. One question though... I was surprised that you were saying Windex is ok to use as I thought it had an ammonia content in it which I would assume is a complete no no for denim. Keep up the great work Matt. Kevin Sydney Australia
Matt, great video, im considering purchasing a 2015 RGS with denim black. by biggest concern is the amount of bugs we get here in Canada , north of Vancouver. every ride over 2 hrs and we are covered in bugs stuck on the bike, what is the best product and or procedure to use. Next is, what happens if the bike is left in the hot sun for a few hours, any problems with the paint? thanks for your response, CW
I'm just sick with what happened to my 2018 FLHTK. I was trying to install the removable tourpak and through my own stupidity I put a couple of scratches on my fender. Fortunately it isn't visible with the tourpak installed, but stands out like a sore thumb with a backrest/luggage rack installed in its place. I've read that touchup paint isn't really an option with demin paint. Can you offer up any suggestions, or is this the same as wearing my best jeans and then helping a buddy with fixing something on his truck and getting covered in grease as a result. TIA
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Got denim paint job .. never going bck 2 gloss... never looks dirty .. great video
True !
You haven't seen my bike then... it's damn dirty...
I feel you but when your hands are sweaty or so and you touch the paint it leaves a oily fingerprint lol
Rode mine 12k miles and finally washed it. Love it. Black denim & dark bronze
Best tutorial on denim paint I've seen.
Thank you!
Very timely video for me. Just bought a 2018 Heritage black & gray denim. Some info and free bottle denim paint cleaner from dealer, but the info from you and other comments helps a lot going forward to help keep the paint in good condition. THANKS MATT!!!
A lot of people think that the paint can’t be repaired if there’s a scratch but if you find the right shop they can most definitely repair it. You obviously pay a decent amount but you pay for what you get. I had received a white scratch on my industrial gray iron and the shop repaired it like brand new 👍🏼
Great info in this video. Two years ago when I bought my 2017 FLHTK denim they really didn't have an answer on how to clean/care for it, but did say not to use polish and I never have. It is so easy to clean it's unbelievable and I now have over 22k on her and it looks like new. The denim cleaner is great, but usually I just give her a good water cleaning, towel dry and I'm good to go. Also, it almost always looks clean vs when I had gloss on my other Harley's and it was easy to see any dirt.
Can I use bug slide cleaner on my denim?
Thank you for this video I didn’t even realize there was a denim paint cleaner. I was very concerned about how to clean my new bike. Keep up the good work.
I absolutely love the satin finish of the denim paint. It’s awesome.
I think the best advantage of denim paint is it doesn’t look as dirty when it has some dirt/dust from a ride or two. Shiny paint will show everything!
Pro tip:just trade it in whenever it gets too dirty, Matt won’t mind!!
I have a 15 denim black street glide special and I use chemical guys products. They have been amazing. There is a sealer that goes on like a wax and helps with fading and make it much easier to wipe clean. I use there in between cleaner to wipe it between rides and works great. Their soap specially made for denim or matte paint leaves the bike looking amazing! I’d highly recommend you give them a look.
I bought a 2019 Softail Slim in red denim last year. My first third bike and first Harley. It’s a beautiful bike. Thanks for the cleaning tips.
Just picked up the black denim 2022 street glide. Thank you for cleaning instructions. Awesome color with chrome.
I too picked up a 2022 road glide in denim black and chrome. I think its a great contrast.
I love my 2015 street glide and the beautiful denim paint job. 100%
This video really help me out. Thanks you guys rock...
I have an ‘18 Slim in the salt denim. So easy to maintain. That Harley denim spray cleaner makes touch up between washes quick and easy. Great video.
I have same bike, absolutely love it.
Just bought my first Denim paint bike. When you mentioned "no waxing" I think I heard music from the heavens. I made the right choice.
Great topic. I have a 2018 Fat Bob in black denim. Switched the stock seat to a solo after two weeks of owning the bike and the passenger portion of the stock seat had already polished an outline of the seat on the rear fender. Bothered me every time I saw it so I had to cover with a fender bib. Probably not again for me.
Spot on, Matt. I have the Olive Gold Denim FLSS and I just wash it down with Dawn dish soap and water and dry it with a leaf blower and it looks great every time.
Just bought my first street glide in black denim. This was great info that the previous owner never mentioned.
Charcoal Denim 17 SGS, love it. It is a lot easier to keep clean and it doesn’t show dirt as much as the gloss bikes, also the bugs do not seem to stick to it as much. I will definitely agree with Matt that If you get a ding or deep scratch you’re pretty screwed and it shows a lot more. Thanks for the video matt.
Can you put a clear coat film over it to help prevent deep dings or scratches? I'm considering using the deadwood green denim paint to restore a 1986 60 series landcruiser.
Thanks Matt, that is some great information to know. I’m in the ride it and clean it later camp so bring on the denim👍
Thank you, Matt. I just got my first Harley with Denim Paint and I was trying to learn tips on the right cleaner to use. Great information. I did found out about Windex being used. With all due respect, I may also suggest Bugslide. I used it on a recommendation and it worked very good for me.
Im a little shocked at the windex recommendations myself.. I rarely if ever hear anyone say to use an Amonia based product for...X
Good video and very informative. We just purchased a new GI Enthusiast trike yesterday, which has denim paint, and this is good information to know.
Thanks for the denim paint tips video Matt. Love my black denim SGS! And my black denim Street Bob prior to that. Take care!
Thanks! Just got a new Denim green Triglide, good to know how easy it is to take care of.
Love it I have an 07 nightster denim silver and black it still looks new all I've ever used is the HD denim cleaner on tanks and fenders 11 years not a scratch in the denim . Looking at getting a new street glide special and it will be denim without a doubt.
Thanks. My 19 FLTRXS is gray denim. Love it though I never thought I would. Was curious about cleaning. Thought it might be along the same lines as cleaning a car hood that had a flat finish.
Hey Matt, I have a 2016 Fat Bob in black denim and I think it's awesome. It's developing that really cool looking patina. I use Zep glass cleaner from Home Depot for quick easy touch ups and it works great.
all my Harley's were denim paint only,just bought a 2019 fat bob 114 in wicked red denim,but my all time favorite paint was the raw hide denim on my sportster. freaking love that paint.
I like the wear look on denim, gives it personality. Really wish the 1200 sportster was optional for no graphics on the tank, it would look killer.
just bought a 2020 road glide with denim paint. thanks for the video.
If you get any shiny/glossy spots on your denim is it possible to resort the matte finish or at least tone down the glossy spot to make it less noticeable?
In my eyes, the patina over time is part of the appeal. I like things in my life to be "lived in" and uniquely mine. You can almost see through some of my old concert T shirts and that's just the way I like 'em. Speaking of patina, how is the brass collection holding up over time? I've been interested but want to make sure they patina well.
I bought my 2014 Slim from your shop. It is two tone black and grey. There wasnt a product out like the spray you used. Good video.
I have a 10 street bob with black ice denim which is more purple than anything else. I love it and it's what drew me to the bike.
Thanks for the heads up on the paint 👍 I just got a road glide standard with river rock grey denim so thank you again from a old man on a motorcycle
Good details on how to take care of the difference types of paints on your Harley Davidson!! thanks for the video!!Matt .keep up the good work!!
I have a 2019 Softail w/demin paint -Do you recommend F11 Top Coat?
I have this question too. Just got a new RGS with denim paint - and I'm on the fence with this Top Coat stuff.
Just bought 2019 Roadglide special industrial gray denim, any luck on the Top Coat
MAN just use the denim paint cleaner. Why do u need the f11?
I have a 2010 street glide denim black I use F11 on mine does amazing job and doesn't make it shiny but it will make the color a lot richer and bring color back if your paint has faded
@@wilsep I use the denim paint spray on my whole bike between washes. It safe on all surfaces and back by Harley. F11 is waaaaay overpriced.
Hey Matt, Thanks for the video. I had some Cquartz paint coating protection and tried it on the black denim paint under the seat, then did the all bike. Results have been amazing. No loss of denim flat look, but all the advantages of a silica based coating - repel water, dirt, bugs etc and is scratch resistant. Thought you might want to try.
Hey Leemans can you tell me what brand of cquartz paint coating protection you use , thanks
@@fragueiro77 CarPro - Cquartz UK 3.0
@@roland9043 thanks
Denim all the way! I also have a '18 SGS in Bonneville salt denim, Love It!!!!! Most people don't notice the pearl until the sun hits it!
Thanks Matt, that is helpful. I have a denim black 2018 Sportster Iron 883, first bike and love it. I want to keep it looking as good as possible and avoid causing shine. I have Harley Quick wash and Harley denim paint cleaner which as you say good for quick wipe. For full wash I was recommended Rhino Goo, do you know is that is safe to use over whole bike? Many thanks for any guidance! Ray.
Matt I own a 2018 two tone industrial grey and matt black Ultra. The bike was also simonized. It is so easy to take care of. Also if I really want to deep clean it I use a zero PH soap. Usually I just use the denim cleaner for in between cleanings. My wife and I are just head over heals about the denim paint. In fact we have not seen another one with this two tone combo.
Sup Matt , shout out to you and Andrew ! Got my rgs with denim from you a few weeks ago, one thing to add is that oily fingers and hands leave spots and if your bikes in the sun , those spots will stain. I keep a micro towel and cleaner with me now for those touchy-feely ones! #park in the shade...
Absolutely true.. easier to maintain and good luck! My Denim grey looks as new after 18 months...
I use the Harley cleaner for denim.
Thanks for the video just bought a 19' road glide wicked red denim this is best cleaning video I've seen
Great vid and good info...... I have a 13 SG thats denim black and have never done anything to the paint other than just wash it. I do have light scratches and had no idea how to fix em. Cant wait to get some of the product that you just showed and give it a try.
Thanks Matt, just picked up my 2020 softail slim in black denim, this has helped me understand how to keep it in great condition. I didn’t like it after seeing it on another bike which hadn’t been looked after, mine is in great condition so I am responsible for keeping it in too condition
Wasn’t a fan of this paint, it looked unfinished to me but now really like it on bikes such as the Softail Slim as it compliments the old school look. The scratch topic is a concern as well, I’m glad you went over that Matt.
Love my denim paint, gray. I hit a pothole at night last year and the shop up here in Minnesota was able to paint match.
Also your thoughts on F11, they claim to be safe on denim paint jobs.
Good video! Enjoy your work.
Yes I'm Very curious on the F11 as well with Denim paint
Great video. I was terrified of denim when I bought mine, but it's actually true, very easy to maintain. I have zero desire wax mine. It really is just wipe and go, my last bike was gloss black and covered in tiny scratches everytime I washed or looked at it. I went industrial grey denim and love it
Just bought 2019 Roadglide special industrial Grey denim, what do you use for cleaning. Are you using the HD Products
Thanks
If you own a denim colored bike and you sprayed it with a spot free rinse that may possibly have a wax in it. Can it be buffed out or how do you go about getting it off and back to its original color
Got black denim ,i like to spray GT85 on it and leave it a few mins then wipe off the excess.Always enjoy your vids Matt.
huh, i had figured that denim was a better choice. thank you for pointing that out.
of course all types of paint has it's own cons to it.
awsome video !!
Great video. Answered all my questions on denim. Maybe for my next bike I'll consider it. Possible future topic.....when to trade,longevity of bikes/mileage and what to expect in general as miles roll up. Thanks for all the videos.
I love the denim. But I love chrome too. I like to ride more than washing and waxing. My first bike was a denim iron 883 and now I'm on a gloss velocity red sunglow dyna streetbob. I'm glad HD gives us choices of very different bikes and finishes. I'll go broke before I get bored.
Which is why I bought a black demin in chrome! Best of both worlds.
Is there a way to bring back the denim paint on bike not properly cleaned ?
sk8andie start washing it with Dawn after a few washes you will notice the gloss will turn more flat. Also i use Spray away glass cleaner as a quick detail.
Hey Matt - I got my first bike (the same 2018 SGS you have) based on your earlier videos this year. Thanks for the reminder to clean it - I just went out to the garage to do it!
Nice. Good choice on bike. Enjoy!
Great vid and brilliant commentary
Very nice review Matt I have a friend with denim paint on his ultra he says it scratched to easily
Funny you mention Windex. I worked for a Harley dealer in central Ca in my early 20s detailing bikes. They gave me tire cleaner and Windex to detail the bike then charged 80 busks for the 10 min job. Id finish and I would pull it into the sun. Then id double check it for spots. Then it would sit another 30 min before they rolled it out... A few years after that I got my first Harley and that's the one thing I wont pay for at the dealer.
I've always used that stuff you have in the video, they make it for gloss too. I wipe the bike down real fast as needed. Can wipe the whole bike down in a couple mins
I'm sure its not the case in most but it was enough for me to realize paying Harley to detail a bike was a waste of money
Good informative and practical video, love the denim colors, but was not sure about maintenance of it...
Another great video Matt. I love my denim 17 RKS in industrial grey as well as a couple other denim bikes I have or have owned. Super easy to wipe down at night in the motel parking lot. I find an ice bucket filled with hot water and a good micro fibre cloth will do the job. Wipe down wet then ring out cloth and go over it again. Rarely ever use soap. Love the way the bikes get character over time. Ie: legs rubbing on the side covers etc. Wouldn’t own another gloss bike 😎
Thanks for the info. I've been a fan of the denim finish for a long time. I just purchased a FLHXS with the RiverRock Grey. I'm lovin' it!!
Nice. That’s a great color.
Hi. Have a Dyna Fat Bob with denim black. I live in the uk (rain) I tend to wipe the bike down with a ptfe oil. Should I use this on denim paint.
Been waiting for this video a long time!
Industrial Matte Gray is awesome. I get tons of compliments on my bike.
I heard Resolve works well for cleaning the denim paint. Also I have rub marks that look like scratches on my tank. Will windex take these out also??
what kind of protectant would you put on denim paint then? wax is good to prevent scratches, rock chips, UV rays all that?
I love harleys denim pant. I used to have the red denim😍 on my 17' 883 now I have the black denim on my 18' fat Bob 108
Nerdy details but honestly, super important video. Thanks for showing the examples.
Thanks. What do you mean by nerdy details?
@@MattLaidlaw dont mean anything bad by it. Just mean these are the finer details that a lot of people dont look into, until it's too late. Like using a polish/cleaner they are used to using on their old bike but, whoops, its oil based and their new bike in denim painted, now its fucked up and glossy. You have the benefit of being exposed to the broad industry and get to know a lot more tricks and tips. I like vids like this and they can end up saving your ass or your bank account in the long run. Vids of blasting down highways are great, but I can also appreciate vids like this that point out fine details. Thanks
Question for you if you do get a shine to the denim paint is there anyway to get rid of it?
Looking at a 16 street glide with black denim. Your video was very helpful as this will be my first denim paint experience and I won’t be using wax!
That’s right! Enjoy the denim paint. I’m a fan.
Mines been in a garage in storage and it looks nice and dull just needs a good cleaning haven't ridden it in a long time
I enjoy waxing mine also, it’s my therapy when I can’t ride!
Great vid, I got denim gray paint. I got the Simonize coating at purchase from Harley dealer. I have washed my bike twice in the 15 months I’ve owned it. For the quick wipe down I just wet a microfiber towel run it over and dry it with a dry microfiber towel. So far it has been pretty awesome. I was wondering if u were going to mention the wonder, I have heard that does the trick. Take care, everybody keep the rubber side down. ✅
Windex that is!
Better looking yes...not sure about durable though. I have a matte black Indian. I installed a fork bag on it, the bag came loose and scuffed the clear coat on the fender. I'm finding there is not much I can do besides have it re-shot. That's why I came upon this video. Was hoping for some insight. I use Dr. Beasley's matte care BTW...expensive but works great.
Love my Wicked Red Denim RGS! Easy to maintain, just wipe and ride!
I have a 2 tone denim paint (white, black) and I completely agree. Super easy to clean. But to paint match is almost impossible, especially if its white pearl and black metallic denim. My dealer actually scratched my tank while been serviced and they just got me a new tank since its just to much work to color match that paint job.
Good information i had no idea how to maintain the paint
I grind charcoal into a powder. This keeps it dry and non shine.
Make sure to use Kingsford.
I wanna repaint my 17 FLHTP in denim black...I had a night train and a street glide in denim black...my question is were can I buy it?
Here in Central & Northern Cali, I am shying away from the Denim paint mainly because in the summer here we hit a TON of Bugs! That leave their nasty yellow guts on our bikes. Any Riders have feedback about the denim paint vs. bug guts & cleaning up your bike after?
Hi Matt great video,got the same glide as you love it,will now get some denim cleaner thanks.
I like using vinyl spray. Gives the denim deep black texture with a slight shine.
Perfect video and explanation
When washing a motorcycle, any particular items to keep water/ water pressure directly off of? I have a new black denim iron that I haven’t washed yet but will need to eventually.
Hi matt love your videos. I still like shiny paint! Sorry guys the Denim is ok but if you like it that's all that matters. We are still in the wind! Happy New year everyone.
Hey Matt,
Great video. Really like the Scorched Orange and Black Denim paint job on the 2019s but am curious how you would maintain this being a combination of gloss and denim. Guessing you would not be able to wax the gloss part for fear of contaminating the denim? Would be grateful for any advice. We need to do a lot of cleaning with the wonderful weather here in Ireland. 😢
Yea, Personally I wouldn't wax it at all. I would just wash it as if the entire bike was denim without wiping it down with heavy dirt.
I have a 2019 Ultra Limited in scorched Orange on order. I’m seriously considering Xpel. That ultra thin clear film applied to all the painted surfaces. Seems extremely resistant to scratches. It’s a self healing finish, imagine that. The matte paint colour will not be a concern anymore.
@@MattLaidlaw I just found this video and had the exact same question about the scorched orange and denim. Ive only had the bike for a month, and wasnt sure how to care for the denim portions. Now I need to compare the Harley Denim Paint cleaner to the "Bugslide" product ive been using for the last few weeks to see if I can keep using it on the denim portions of the bike. Would it be worthwhile to ceramic coat the glossy parts and then use the denim cleaner on the denim portions? Or would the denim cleaner also remove the ceramic coatings?
Question about the windex.Does the ammonia have a effect on the paint?
I am picking up a new 2021 SGS with deadwood green denim paint. Is Ceramic coating something I can or should do to help protect it or will that be bad for it? The dealership didn't really have an answer for me and I want to do it before I even ride it, if it's something that will help for long term paint maintenance.
Thanks love the channel and all the hacks and tips you put out! 👍
How about the blacked out engines? Are they hard to keep, compared to the chrome ones
Thanks a lot of info haven’t heard before I’m sure it will help a lot of ppl in their choice of paint
I’m one of those who enjoys wiping & Waxing my Vivid Black 2017 LowRiderS, cause there’s always some place on it to wipe off, and that one of the attractions of owning a Harley, constantly Detailing it 👍🇺🇸
Thanks for the video Matt. Good work as ever. I have a charcoal grey SGS and I agree that denim is much easier to keep clean than gloss. I've been using a product called F11 Topcoat which you maybe aware of without any issues or damage to the denim finish. One question though... I was surprised that you were saying Windex is ok to use as I thought it had an ammonia content in it which I would assume is a complete no no for denim.
Keep up the great work Matt.
Kevin
Sydney Australia
Thanks for the info!
I personally like a deep gloss black paint job with maybe low key pin striping or gold leaf.
Looking forward to your FXLR review.
Matt, great video, im considering purchasing a 2015 RGS with denim black. by biggest concern is the amount of bugs we get here in Canada , north of Vancouver. every ride over 2 hrs and we are covered in bugs stuck on the bike, what is the best product and or procedure to use. Next is, what happens if the bike is left in the hot sun for a few hours, any problems with the paint? thanks for your response, CW
Is there any way to restore a denim paint that has been waxed?
Is it possible to ceramic coat bikes with that paint? Cause I want to ceramic coat my bike
I'm just sick with what happened to my 2018 FLHTK. I was trying to install the removable tourpak and through my own stupidity I put a couple of scratches on my fender. Fortunately it isn't visible with the tourpak installed, but stands out like a sore thumb with a backrest/luggage rack installed in its place. I've read that touchup paint isn't really an option with demin paint. Can you offer up any suggestions, or is this the same as wearing my best jeans and then helping a buddy with fixing something on his truck and getting covered in grease as a result. TIA