Has anybody had this happen to a vivid black bike, I got 3300 miles on this, have an open request with harley for a new tank, warranty ended a few months ago, but it looks bad, the pic shows the difference from side panel and tank.
In 09 they changed vivid black from straight deep black toner to a muddier black version, I've seen variations in the muddy black but not to that extreme, hopefully they will take care of it for you.
I have a 2015 in vivid black with 16k on it and there's no clouding. I do buff my entire bike once a year. Have you buffed it or let the dealer do a detailed cleaning of your bike? It cost around $250.00 for a complete detail job from the local dealer in north eastern Missouri. I have noticed that the side covers, on top where the seat rubs, are marred, but it usually comes out with buffing.
to answer some of the questions, its been covered all winter, and I really noticed it when doing the first cleaning of the year, I use maguires car soap, I do a wax 1-2 times a year, the tank gets the same same treatment as the rest of the bike, but only the tank has this issue
I have an extra Vivid Black 2016 tank if interested. $50 Plus Shipping
Very small skuff at the seat, most likely would not see it or would be great candidate for repaint.
PM me if wanted.
well, Harley got back to me and said its an environmental issue, what the fuck does that mean, would the whole bike have this problem, what a load of shit. They said they could buff it to see it that helps, but I would have to pay for it. Wow, take my money, I have owned a Honda and a Kawasaki and they both were very good companies and took care of their customers, this is my first Harley and 2 years in I have a bike with a different colored tank, I am sure this makes any trade in or resale value take a shit.
THANKS HARLEY FOR CRUSHING THE DREAM OF OWNING MY FIRST HARLEY
Sorry to hear of your troubles and I hear ya on the customer service. I have had the dealer and Moco bend over backwards for me and I have had them dance around it any way they could as well. My suggestion is to see if you can find a take off tank or even a whole paint set. Sometimes you can do this cheaper than you may think. I'll keep an eye out in my area as I see tanks and sets on Craigslist all the time.
At this point, if it were mine, I'd take it to a reputable auto painter and have them look at it. They might be able to figure out what caused this and they can maybe suggest something to bring back the color.
I'm also curious as to how the bike was stored and if was close to any chemicals or anything else that caused this. Keep in mind that the tank is at a higher point on the bike than the fenders, etc, and it's also the flattest part, making it susceptible to collecting any vapors or mists floating around your garage.
I'm also curious as to how the bike was stored and if was close to any chemicals or anything else that caused this. Keep in mind that the tank is at a higher point on the bike than the fenders, etc, and it's also the flattest part, making it susceptible to collecting any vapors or mists floating around your garage.
It is stored in a heated garage, never gets below 40 degrees, no real chemicals at in it, pretty much just tools and a car, I also use a Harley bike cover
Find a local detailer and have them look at it. Do not take it to the dealer for them to do it. A reputable detailer will tell you straight up if he can bring it back or not. Might have to take the tank off for them, that way they can get all the way around the tank.
I'm the person that wrote the thread about the pool chemicals, (muriatic acid), fogging my friends clearcoat on his bike. The cap on the acid bottle was cracked and the escaping fumes did the damage. However, since you say those chemicals are not in your garage, I would look for one more thing. Automotive batteries of the lead acid type. Charging those batteries releases acid gasses into the atmosphere and your garage would be a closed atmosphere. But what is strange is that only your tank is affected. In my friends case the entire side of his bike next to the acid bottle was affected.
If it were me I would think it is a defective factory paint job and argue that with the dealer. Why is the tank the only thing affected?
You weren't following any Nuclear Waste trucks like Chevy Chase, were you? LOL
Hmmm, the OP's bike, stored for the winter, under a cover..... perhaps also on the trickle charger? Possible that the fumes released from the battery did this? Since the fumes would probably migrate upward, that is why the tank only was affected? No idea really, just made me wonder.....
A good detailer can probably work some magic on the tank. I have done my fair share of detailing, and brought back some hoods and fenders that were in much worse shape. First I used 3m machine compound ( fine cut and med cut ). Then apply machine super sealant or glaze. I then applied a good carnuba wax by hand... Ifyou really want to make a brilliant shine i seal the wax between another glaze. I have even done this step by hand. Its really not necessary on a daily driver or daily rider.
Definitely make sure that whoever is the one to put the polishing wheel to your bike is able to use the tool correctly. I have seen a bunch of burnt paint and other damage that is only fixable by re-painting.
Glaze after wax? Never heard that one before.
A good detailer knows how to use the machine. Let them look at it and see what they say and then go from there
I actually wanted to type this but nothing came out rite i was using Siri while driving. She always lets me down lol.
This is what i do on my own cars and trucks.
3m Machine fine cut compound
MSS ( machine super sealant ) or glaze
Then Americana paste wax
Then to really make it shine like hell add another glaze but doesn't make sense on a daily driver. I have posted this on a few car forums and other places it works amazing if all steps are done correctly.
Try meguiars ultimate compound . I got a cheap buffer from Harbor freight and buffed my paint on the last bike I had when I painted it. Took all the blemishes out. Also used it on my 04 Chevy Tahoe and it polished it up as well. May do the trick for you. Good luck
Big update, I sent in more photos with the dash off and pleaded my case again, and Harley agreed it is a color mismatch and they are going to replace the tank, I guess a little persistence paid off
I retract my statement "thanks harley for crushing the dream of owning my first harley", but, it wasn't easy getting them to work with me, but in the end, they did and I am very appreciative of that
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