Hi does anyone use the denim paint cleaner from Harley or is there a better product out there?

.... it's ( apparently ) a beacon for the fuzz !

I use water. If the bike gets really dirty I use normal car wash.

Before I got the sporty had a Z1000 in the flat blue (similar to a denim finish) and used to use Meguiars motorcycle EZ clean, great product, Auto Cheap used to stock it but local store doesn't seem to have it any more. Spray it on leave for a while rinse off and then used to use a garden blower to dry it (tip from my next door neighbour). Easiest cleaning I've ever done. Unless really filthy and/or very greasy cleans the whole bike very, very well. And so easy. With the blower no or very little buffing needed. There is also a similar English product but the shop I got that from has closed down, so for the moment cleaning and polishing - bummer!

http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotive/products/mc20016-ez-clean-spray-rinse/#CoyjAQHydKaG5Th5.97

TripleRmotorcycles have it $14.95, will be ordering some.

http://www.triplermotorcycles.com.au/products/dirt-accessories/lubricants/clean-care-products/ipone-300-brake-fluid-1.html

Everyone can do as they please, but if you're going to use an odd product (like Windex) then FFS research it first. Not by asking on a forum. Making paint look good is one thing, the lasting effects and damage is something else. Or maybe it's great...

Isn't asking people on a forum about products such as windex considered research? Someone is asking an opinion of a product on a forum from other people who may have used it themselves or have some knowledge of it's affects on the paint job. Seems to me like a good way to research something and get some first hand experience about the product.

Boggsy fully agree with you. You can do your research by searching the adds, the product seller will tell you its wonderful unless they've had shitloads of warranty claims, and yes Paulybronco the pisshead in the pub is full of piss, so you do the research. As an ex research scientist I used to do the research and that included journals, close colleagues advice and also using forums from people who had been there and done that. Surely this site counts for the latter, you guys have the bikes, have done the work and know what does and doesn't work and hopefully give the best advice you can. It may not be the best but it's a starting point for further research. If a few people say don't go that way probably best not to, if it's 50/50 maybe worth looking into more, if all say it's shit-hot it probably is but still look into more. I put my two cents worth in on the Meguiars motorcycle EZ clean, it worked great on the flat/matte finish of my Z1000 for about 8 years with no nasty effects, so it may/probably will be good for a similar black finish, so maybe the next step in the research is that SRD0060 contacts them and asks the question, if they say no well don't buy, if they say its wonderful, buy a bottle ($14.99) and test it under the front of the seat, if it works, great, if it doesn't use it on the motor , wheels etc. Or just bin it and use water and elbow grease, or get it painted in gloss black, have an easier bike to clean, don't attract the cops and in my opinion have a better looking ride.

OK, reading the debate my credentials first. I have a 2010 Iron with denim paint. I have had it since brand new. It has barely a mark on it which is a pretty big achievement with this finish. I have only ever used the genuine Harley denim paint cleaner on the tins, as well as for all other surfaces of the bike. Just spray it on and then wipe off with a microfibre cloth. If it gets really dirty then the genuine Harley "sun wash" detergent and blow dry with the garden leaf blower. After 6 years, it all looks great and no long term problems. TC

Just looked up the price in the states $8.95, so maybe $20 over here, forget what I said about Meguiars motorcycle EZ clean, for about six bucks buy the product designed for it, even if it is similar to Meguiars motorcycle EZ clean in a Harley bottle you know it works and for six bucks extra you have piece of mind,

I'm in the states in a few weeks time to get some and bring it back.

I agree with TC. I also have a 2010 Iron which I have owned from new. I have only used the HD denim paint cleaner and the bike still looks like the day I rode it out of the dealership.

I have never Heard about the Windex affecting Denim paint if that`s true I never seen any adverse affects . Had my Streetbob for 5 yrs & any opinions that were given were genuinely based on my experience. After all isn`t that why people ask Questions after you get answers you take from it what you will

While on the subject of Windex, I dropped into the local dealer during a ride to get some visor cleaner for the missus, they said they could sell me the brand name cleaner but suggested I go home & use Windex, cheaper & just as good they said.
Roo.

You're right pauly, smartass,
it's not relevant but I was surprised the dealer suggested a cheaper product than his own or maybe I just sniffed too much Windex today,
Roo.

Mate of mine has a black denim bike ... Like a lot of people, he was a little concerned regarding the matt finish, (ie, , cleaning procedure etc,, so called problems with fading ect,, if you get scratches , what can be done, etc ),,,, Anyway,, he liked the colour , (and the price was right), so bought the bike... Three years later , with plenty of miles, and in all sort of conditions, is happy as larry ... One good point he said was, he only uses one product to clean the bike , ( he uses the harley product, but there are others out there)... Not like other other paint finishes where you have cleaners,, polishers and waxes etc, in your garage, and working out which one is the best , ( just like an oil thread)... So in a nutshell, if you like the matt denim finish, dont get hung up on the negatives out there ,, go for it !!!!!! This is just my opinion, and I see the bike every week or so !!!!!!!