Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Blackhawk]

I have a 2012 CVO Softail.  This year I stared to know some issues with the pain, Starting to see white spots in places.  Some even look like finger prints.  I baby the bike and don't even think I touch the pain with my bare hands so really not sure why this is starting to show. There doesn't seem to be any changes in the texture of the paint either.  This view is from the front fender, but the tank is starting to show some spots as well.

I did have it waxed by the dealer a year or two ago with some "special" treatment.  Otherwise I am at a lost for words.

Any ideas?

[CVODON]

"Special" stuff appears to not have been too "special". Have in-law who is new car dealer, highest profit point he has on new units is "special" paint treatment. Half hour labor for car wash boy @ $6.00 & $12.00 for kit and paper work for glove box, Retail $695.00 if you get the "deal". People actually ask for it.

[Nicky Pass]

Is it under the clear coat?  The looks like the same thing that happens on the CVO Breakouts... Pinholes in the clear.

[mark]

We've seen this on CVOs and non CVOs.  My buddy got his tank replaced on a non CVO SG for a similar type defect, which only showed up after he'd had the bike a few months. His looked like white air bubbles in or under the clear coat.

Since your warranty has expired...I'm not sure you're going to be happy with the outcome.

[FLY-DOG]

Damn, hope you get that taken care of under warranty.  Let us know how you make out.

[Blackhawk]

Yep, under the coat. No idea how that would develop.   Going to then take it in.  Will keep you posted.  Thanks everyone.

[grc]

That sort of thing is usually caused by contamination of the surface during the paint process.  When you say you see what looks like finger prints, that is most likely exactly what they are.  Handling parts with bare hands between coats is one great way to cause that, and many of us going back as far as you want on the CVO paint jobs have had that issue.  Other forms of contamination, even though covered by later coats of paint, can gradually attract moisture through the surface layers and result in what we used to call humidity blisters back in the old days.  In other words, a p-poor process that allows contamination of the surface under the topcoat.  The old supplier had it in spades, and it looks like the latest supplier has the same kinds of issues.

Jerry

[Nicky Pass]

I also believe it's because the water based clear coats.

[Blackhawk]

    Wanted to give you all a brief update.  First, hats off to the guys at Woodstock Harley, as they went to bat with HQ to get the issue addressed.  As stated in a few posts and the dealer, they didn't think I was going to get away without dropping some bucks, and it was an initial sticker shock.  But they did it, and I got a new tank and fender.  The process would take about 12 weeks, which was OK as it is winter in Chicago.

Picked up the bike in March and headed down to Texas for a project, and have been riding it ever since.  Nice weather down here this time of year.

Thanks again for all the input. 

[chicoman]

I agree with the good help from woodstock harley, they have taken care of me on several occasions when it was out of warranty. Hats off to woodstock hd

[turn_key]

I agree with the good help from woodstock harley, they have taken care of me on several occasions when it was out of warranty. Hats off to woodstock hd

X2.. good guys over there.

[Sinker]

I had a similar issue with rust squiggles in my paint. Run the dealer route first and start collecting documentation. Then call Harley customer service and be an adult on the phone, not an idiot. Take the name and number of the person you contact and call back for them every time. Make them your friend. I got my parts replaced outside of warranty when I explained, nicely, that I spent $27K on a premium bike with premium paint and bought it in good faith. Be nice, be patient, and you will get positive resolution. Best of luck,

Sinker