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[Racerdj]

Does anybody use the old 'California duster'?

[CVOStreetglide]

Does anybody use the old 'California duster'?

NOPE!!  A high end microfiber cloth is the absolute best!!

[CVOTequila]

NOPE!!  A high end microfiber cloth is the absolute best!!

Also, use a microfiber cloth with some of  H-Ds new cleaner/polish it is a great waterless wax style product with easy application and removal. 

[Pete]

Guys try Turtle Wax Express Shine with a microfiber cloth. I have the CC and the swirls especially on the rear end of the bags were really bad. I wondered if I used a dirty cloth to wash or wax the bike (could not believe I was that stupid) anyway this stuff works and its fast.

My buddy recommends TW One Step spray as well he gets it at Autozone haven't got there yet but I do recommend the express shine.

I am getting my inner fairing painted is there anyway we can get a paint code from HD?


P

[vettster82]

It is the dark color. Putting the bike in the sun will not harden the clear coat. All CVO's are painted by a independent contractor, not Harley. They may not be using the same clear coat as Harley does. Have you tried using Mequires #7 show car glaze? You need to fill in the swirl with polish or glaze. Wax will not help. Several coats of #7 and your paint will look great. 

[worshipduder]

I havent had that problem. but I am REALLY particular about how I detail. Meguiare's only. wet rag first, constantly rinsing. then Meguire's detailing, then the ultimate wax. in fact i had swirls on the saddlebag covers when the bike was delivered and I was like, geez it's true what everyone says. they came right out without even using scratchx or swirlx

mj

[MY2NDCVO]

This Harley Paint Job has been the worst for me with swirl marks, my dealer told me this is all they use on all the CVO"S that come in. It has worked well for me.
http://www.californiacustom.com/mron_glass.html

[mjb765]

This Harley Paint Job has been the worst for me with swirl marks, my dealer told me this is all they use on all the CVO"S that come in. It has worked well for me.
http://www.californiacustom.com/mron_glass.html

It got the swirl marks out??? And is the paint still so "fragile" about new marks every time something touches it?

[dkflhxse]

As background, I have maintained outstanding finishes on my cars (from collectors to daily drivers) using Griot's garage products.  I've used all kinds of competitive products through the years and I know everyone has something that they believe is the best, but Griot's products, service, and results are top notch.  However, I do NOT use their products on my Harley's.

The paint on my Spiced Rum is definitely softer than previous Harley's I've owned.  However, I have found that Harley products actually do a very good job of keeping the finish in top shape once you properly polish and glaze (several coats).  First make sure your bike is clean - a good washing is the only way to start.  Use Harley wash or a high quality automotive car wash detergent.  After your bike is good and dry - I blow dry and then blot dry with a terry towel - use their polish and glaze products (do not apply a lot of pressure).  Apply 2-3 coats of glaze.  It should be looking pretty good at this point, but I will then go over the whole bike with Harley Gloss.  This will reduce surface static and will make your bike less prone to attract dust.

After a ride, I will use Harley's bug remover:

               1. Spray it on
               2. Place a soft terry towel - soaked in warm water and wrung out - over the area you're "debugging"
               3. Do not wipe, just let it sit there and soak for about a minute
               4. Lightly wipe the area as you remove the towel - "lightly" being the keyword here
               5. Blot dry with a clean terry towel
               6. Use Harley Gloss to buff the surface - again light pressure is the key - do not use a lot of elbow grease or you will create swirl marks

When necessary to wash the bike, do so with the correct products so the glaze is not removed and the surface is not scratched.  You can polish selected areas as needed.  Then apply another coat of glaze, Harley Gloss if you're really fussy as I am and you should be good to go.

Never clean a bike after a ride with just water - distilled or not - it has no lubricant and will swirl the surface.  Never apply too much pressure.  Most products will do the job just fine without excessive elbow grease.  And never use a more aggressive polishing product than is needed.  Finally, always use clean towels - micro fiber or terry.  Never use fabric softener when washing your polishing towels and always rinse twice when machine washing them.

I have put tens of thousands of miles on each of my bikes and always maintained them as above.  Every one of my bikes has looked as good the day I sold it as the day I bought it.  It just takes the correct products and the right technique.  Oh yes, and some time as well but for me it's very good therapy.

Ride on!!!!!!!!!   

[tjstreetglide]

As background, I have maintained outstanding finishes on my cars (from collectors to daily drivers) using Griot's garage products.  I've used all kinds of competitive products through the years and I know everyone has something that they believe is the best, but Griot's products, service, and results are top notch.  However, I do NOT use their products on my Harley's.

The paint on my Spiced Rum is definitely softer than previous Harley's I've owned.  However, I have found that Harley products actually do a very good job of keeping the finish in top shape once you properly polish and glaze (several coats).  First make sure your bike is clean - a good washing is the only way to start.  Use Harley wash or a high quality automotive car wash detergent.  After your bike is good and dry - I blow dry and then blot dry with a terry towel - use their polish and glaze products (do not apply a lot of pressure).  Apply 2-3 coats of glaze.  It should be looking pretty good at this point, but I will then go over the whole bike with Harley Gloss.  This will reduce surface static and will make your bike less prone to attract dust.

After a ride, I will use Harley's bug remover:

               1. Spray it on
               2. Place a soft terry towel - soaked in warm water and wrung out - over the area you're "debugging"
               3. Do not wipe, just let it sit there and soak for about a minute
               4. Lightly wipe the area as you remove the towel - "lightly" being the keyword here
               5. Blot dry with a clean terry towel
               6. Use Harley Gloss to buff the surface - again light pressure is the key - do not use a lot of elbow grease or you will create swirl marks

When necessary to wash the bike, do so with the correct products so the glaze is not removed and the surface is not scratched.  You can polish selected areas as needed.  Then apply another coat of glaze, Harley Gloss if you're really fussy as I am and you should be good to go.

Never clean a bike after a ride with just water - distilled or not - it has no lubricant and will swirl the surface.  Never apply too much pressure.  Most products will do the job just fine without excessive elbow grease.  And never use a more aggressive polishing product than is needed.  Finally, always use clean towels - micro fiber or terry.  Never use fabric softener when washing your polishing towels and always rinse twice when machine washing them.

I have put tens of thousands of miles on each of my bikes and always maintained them as above.  Every one of my bikes has looked as good the day I sold it as the day I bought it.  It just takes the correct products and the right technique.  Oh yes, and some time as well but for me it's very good therapy.

Ride on!!!!!!!!!  


Very good post.
 I to normally use all Groits products on most of my rigs. I found out and I believe that their wax is a little to hard for that soft paint and they will tell you that. I happen to live near their home base. They I use Meguiar's Gold Class. It seems to be a little softer. If I had Harley wax here I would use it. I did use the Groit's one step sealant on my rummy and it did a fantastic job and it helps keep the swirl marks from reappearing. Groit's also has the best microfiber towels that you can buy, plus a MUST have wax removal towel. They also have a special detergent for them that works second to none.

[2010SSRS]

might i suggest Zaino products found at zainobros.com. 

we just sold our 2010 Camaro and 2007 Street Glide.  the Camaro was Inferno Orange and the Glide was all Black.  over the winter i followed the Zaino directions and must have put 40 coats total with sealer on both.  no white residue, swirl removal polish, show polish, sealers, cleaners, car washes, clay bars, etc.

after washing this summer, i would just use the Zaino spray on wipe off polish.  right after washing the paint and chrome still felt like it did after the 40 coat build up!

the bugs fall off with only water............it's pricey but well worth it!  the swirl removal polish rocks on the black!

[faattyvrod]

I use and love the Wizard product line. Mist and shine and Shine Master.. Coming from the auto collision industry I have found these products to be very easy to apply and take back off. And I get a show room shine every time.

I have not experienced the soft paint, swirl mark issues I have been reading about. My Candy Concord doesn't have a swirl mark on it, anywhere.

Faatty

[Wheelsnkeels]

Using Glare Products and microfiber cloths on the Tequila with Excellent results
Glare Professional polish and Glare spider to remove swirls and light scratches.


http://www.glare.com/ecart/products.asp

[LoneCustom]

Using Glare Products and microfiber cloths on the Tequila with Excellent results
Glare Professional polish and Glare spider to remove swirls and light scratches.


http://www.glare.com/ecart/products.asp

I was introduced to Glare here on these pages - I've used it on my '10 SEUG  and it seems to be very good at preventing the swirlies.  One thing I do is carry a small spray bottle with me that has Speed Shine (Griot's Garage) in it.  I find this is compatible with the Glare coat and works great for taking off bug juice and minor dust/dirt.  It also seems to work better than HarleyGloss (which always seemed a bit oily to me).  Even though I look ridiculously fussy, I try to wipe her down after every ride.  It really stretches the time between washes. 

[Fired00d]

I was introduced to Glare here on these pages - I've used it on my '10 SEUG  and it seems to be very good at preventing the swirlies.  One thing I do is carry a small spray bottle with me that has Speed Shine (Griot's Garage) in it.  I find this is compatible with the Glare coat and works great for taking off bug juice and minor dust/dirt.  It also seems to work better than HarleyGloss (which always seemed a bit oily to me).  Even though I look ridiculously fussy, I try to wipe her down after every ride.  It really stretches the time between washes. 

Nothing wrong w/that... I do the same.... you'd be surprised how many others do it too.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d