Newly discovered Denim Black benefit

I think it's sexy


I used a similar color on my FXR before I'd even heard of Denim black.

I figured chrome was the brightest color obtainable. To contrast it I used what I believed was the complete opposite...a flat/matte black.

BTW-The oil tank now matches the tank & fenders--old pic.


I think the Exile bikes using this color look great.


This is my idea of a pseudo "Rat Bike".
It's actually a new manufacture.

Ka-Ka....

Can't say that I miss those temps at all (southern AZ by way of Int'l. Falls Mn) snow, rain, hail, bugs, tent caterpillar (slippery) invasions, logging trucks, deer, road salt, six months of riding and the rest of those delights that won't come to mind at the moment, LoL...

I don't actually wash my bikes, not as in soak with water anyway. Those screws with the cheap cadmium plating that H-D uses are a prime example of just one part on a new bike that will get funny looking quicker than you can say "is it time for my first oil change yet" . For those that don't know, they sacrifice their coating in what's know as electrolytic corrosion, a process kicked off by the slightest amount of condensation. There are just so many parts on a new bike, all bare aluminum, polished fins etc. that need a good coating of protectant to maintain looks.


To me it's not so much about looks as it is knowing those parts hiding under the heavy layer of AZ dust/dirt are protected so when it does come time (not very often) to clean it, the dirt will slide right off and everything underneath will be all purdy.

I also like to seal the spoke nipples so that when I change a tire I don't find rust all over under the rim strips.

I've never owed or ridden one of the lesser marques where there is no or very little pride of ownership, maybe that's why I have developed the preservation habits that I have. Old and still learning : ) :cheers:

I never understood the 'rat-bike' concept myself. And, truth be told, I don't understand Exile Cycles.

As for Exile, I'm sure the bikes actually run. I'm referring to a comment he made about Biker Build Off. The guy said, "We've never lost in Europe or won in America." Some one ought to explain the concept of "When in Rome" to this guy. Viewing just a handful of American calenders of cars and bikes ought to prove that Americans like chrome.

And here's what I believe the problem is.

If you want to be known as a 'biker,' then why do you let the very thing that defines you rot out from under you?

I've seen guys chain smoke several packs of 4-dollar cigarettes, but then seem unable or unwilling to spring a few bucks for wax, even Turtle Wax from K-Mart.

I would cut the guy some slack if the 'rat' was a real sleeper and ran really well. Most times they puff fumes, rattle like a can of rocks and leak more oil than a Iraqi wet dream.

We seem very quick to judge a newbie on a new Sporster and sqeaky new leather jacket, and yet give the ratter a pass.

In truth, both have spent about as much time behind a wrench.

Sounds like another 'to wash or not to wash' thread, but since it's here I'll throw in my couple of pennies.

My bike gets quite dirty because I ride pretty much all the time unless it's bitter cold or it's snowing. But, I don't leave it dirty for very long for a few reasons...

First, you don't know what kind of corrosive crap is being trapped in the dirt you're picking up. Second, if it gets wet that dirt will hold moisture. Third, in the conditions I ride in I'm sure I'm picking up salt and I want to rinse that off as soon as I can. Rarely does it go for more than a week without a wash if I've been riding where salt hasn't washed off the road yet.

The biggest reason I keep it washed is that it took me many years to be in a position to buy this bike and I'm not going to let it go to ****. I've always kept all my bikes pretty clean and even washed/waxed dirt bikes I've had. It also doesn't take a lot of time to do a decent wash job, so the whole "I don't waste valuable riding time washing my bike" argument is BS as far as I'm concerned.

Now, I don't go nuts and polish every inch of chrome each time I wash it, but I do blow dry it and go over it with some detailing spray in between major cleaning sessions. None of this has taken me a lot of time to do and with the exception of a few nicks and scrapes from rocks and such, it looks almost as if it was bought yesterday. What the hell is wrong with someone taking enough pride in their investment that they want to keep it looking decent?