Molded-In-Color Surfaces
NOTICE
Use of abrasive products or powered buffing equipment will cause permanent cosmetic damage to body panels. Use only recommended products and techniques outlined in this manual to avoid damaging body panels. (00245b)
NOTICE
Do not use touch-up paint on molded-in-color body panels. Use of touch-up paint can damage finish. (00246a)
The body panels feature molded-in-color technology. The color pigment is mixed in with the material when the part is made, not applied over the surface. Molded-in-color panels require different maintenance than painted surfaces to maintain their original shine. Using methods that work on painted surfaces may ruin the finish of molded-in-color parts.
Recommended Products
Harley-Davidson cleaning products are tested extensively for use on motorcycle surfaces. These products are formulated to be compatible with one another. See an authorized dealer to purchase recommended cleaning products. Refer to After Riding → Recommended Cleaning Products.
Washing
To wash molded-in-color panels follow the instructions below:
  1. Rinse surface with water.
  2. Wash with QUICK WASH or SUNWASH BIKE SOAP.
  3. Rinse surface thoroughly with water.
  4. Dry with a clean chamois or soft dry natural fiber cloth.
Cleaning Between Washings
Untreated molded-in-color body panels sometimes have a static charge that attracts dust. Applying GLOSS DETAILER or GLAZE POLY SEALANT to molded-in-color surfaces will eliminate this condition.
To keep a high gloss finish on molded-in-color panels follow the instructions below:
  1. Spray GLOSS DETAILER onto surface and wipe with a clean soft natural fiber cloth or Harley Softcloth.
    2. NOTE
    Rain or water will remove GLOSS DETAILER from body panels.
  2. Reapply GLOSS DETAILER as required to keep surfaces looking their best.
Polishing
Polishing molded-in-color body panels results in greater surface gloss and a protective coating.
Apply GLAZE POLY SEALANT every six months or as required to keep molded-in-color panels protected and looking their best.
  1. Clean and dry surfaces to be polished. See Washing.
  2. Apply GLAZE POLY SEALANT to clean, slightly dampened cloth or sponge and apply to surface with a light overlapping motion. Make sure to cover all areas.
  3. Let GLAZE POLY SEALANT dry to a haze and buff off residue with a DISPOSABLE DETAILING SOFT CLOTH or a clean soft cloth.
Minor Scratch Removal
NOTICE
Use of abrasive products or powered buffing equipment will cause permanent cosmetic damage to body panels. Use only recommended products and techniques outlined in this manual to avoid damaging body panels. (00245b)
To remove minor scratches from body panels follow the instructions below:
  1. To remove light surface scratches and rubs, use SCRATCH & SWIRL REPAIR as recommended.
  2. Make sure SCRATCH & SWIRL REPAIR is applied with a moist cloth and by hand (not by machine).
  3. After scratch or rub has been repaired, polish surface lightly with GLAZE POLY SEALANT.
    4. NOTE
    Black body panels are more prone to suffer permanent cosmetic damage if attempts to remove scratches are overdone.
Major Scratch Removal
There is no repair procedure for severely scratched surfaces. Severely scratched body panels must be replaced.