Dear Everyone:
I want to thank the members of this website for posting the paint problems with '06 FLHTCUSE'S, notably the black crimson/charcoal slate scheme (which are the colors of my bike).
After reviewing members' threads regarding this problem (and after a thorough inspection of my own paint), I decided to put in a claim with my dealer. It took about six weeks before the MoCo responded to the dealer (I do believe the dealer dragged their feet as well), and I was told to bring in my bike for the service manager's inspection.
My initial claim was milky paint evident on the (crimson) black portion of both saddlebags, but again, after inspecting my paint, I felt it existed on other parts. I told the service manager that I was not trying to be (overly) selfish or greedy, but since we had the factory's attention, let's look at this bike closely and determine if other painted parts are in need of replacement.
The manager (a pretty sharp guy who has seen this before) agreed completely. After inspection, it was determined that the saddlebags (sans lids), the tank, the front fairing and front fender are all in need of replacement.
How cool is that? I'm just trying to be honest and forthright, and I get the same back. Moreover, this inspection was done with my input (and eyes) as well.
As I've said, the manager has seen this before (and had painted parts replaced). He told me that the root of the problem with this particular paint scheme (the crimson black part) lay in an excessive amount of clear coat applied on the defective parts, thereby rendering them more brown than black in appearance. He said that on his other (FLHTCUSE crimson black) claim, the MoCo replied, asking that he color sand the affected parts, to which he replied, "we are not a body shop." So the parts were replaced.
He said that the factory typically uses a thick clear coat, so that when debris hits the part, often times the offending area can be color sanded, and that when they applied the color coat on these parts, somebody went a little overboard.
The moral of this story is that without the excellent information available from the conscientious members of this site, I would not have even known that paint problems exist with other owners' bikes, nor even that the MoCo will make good on it if an owner such as myself puts in a claim.
Now, I know that the new parts can be flawed as well (improper packaging, damage during transit, etc., I've already seen this movie), so I'm not out of the woods yet. Nonetheless, I'm extremely grateful for this website, and the amazingly wonderful information imparted by you, the members.
Thanks,
ICMC Geezer
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Topic: Paint Problems 2006 (Read 206709 times)