Harley-Davidson isn’t just a motorcycle brand—it’s a lifestyle. From its roaring V-twin engines to its unmistakable designs, every Harley carries a legacy of craftsmanship and individuality. And a big part of that individuality comes from its paint jobs.
Over the decades, Harley-Davidson has released thousands of unique paint colors, from classic Vivid Black to stunning Hard Candy Custom Flake finishes. Whether you’re a rider looking to restore your bike’s original look, a custom builder aiming for a one-of-a-kind aesthetic, or a collector who wants a factory-accurate repaint, understanding Harley-Davidson paint codes is essential.
This guide takes a deep dive into everything you need to know about Harley-Davidson paint codes—how to find them, what they mean, how to use them for restoration, and much more.
Table of Contents
1. The Importance of Harley-Davidson Paint Codes
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are known for their premium paint jobs. Unlike standard motorcycle brands, Harley puts a lot of effort into its factory paint finishes, ensuring they look great and last long.
The paint code is a unique identifier assigned to each color. This helps:
✅ Match factory colors when repainting damaged parts
✅ Ensure accuracy in restorations and touch-ups
✅ Maintain resale value by keeping the original color scheme
✅ Find rare or custom colors used in limited-edition Harley models
Whether you need a small touch-up or a complete repaint, using the correct paint code is crucial to maintaining the authenticity of your bike.
2. Where to Find Your Harley-Davidson Paint Code
Finding your Harley’s paint code can be tricky because it isn’t always listed directly on the bike like it is on some cars. Here’s where to look:
A. The VIN Sticker
Located on the frame near the front forks, this sticker sometimes contains color information. However, Harley does not always include paint codes on the VIN label.
B. Owner’s Manual
Some models include paint details in the owner’s manual, but this isn’t always the case.
C. Harley-Davidson Dealerships
Your local Harley dealer can look up paint codes based on your bike’s model and year. This is one of the best ways to get the exact code for your motorcycle.
D. Online Paint Code Databases
Websites like ColorRite, PPG, and Dupont provide extensive lists of Harley-Davidson paint codes by year and model.
E. Professional Auto Paint Shops
If you can’t find the exact paint code, a professional painter can scan your bike and mix a near-perfect match.
3. How to Read Harley-Davidson Paint Codes
Harley-Davidson uses different formats for paint codes, depending on the model and year. Here’s what you might see:
A. Numeric Paint Codes
Some Harley paint codes are simple three- or four-digit numbers:
- Vivid Black – Code: 9850
- Birch White – Code: 57035
- Billiard Blue – Code: 940833
B. Alphanumeric Paint Codes
Other codes include letters and numbers:
- Denim Black (Matte Finish) – Code: 948273
- Hard Candy Hot Rod Red Flake – Code: EXF
- Silver Fortune – Code: YB
C. PPG/Dupont Cross-References
Some Harley-Davidson colors have PPG or Dupont equivalents, which are useful when purchasing paint from third-party suppliers.
4. Different Types of Harley-Davidson Paint Finishes
Not all Harley paint jobs are the same. The finish affects how the color looks, how durable it is, and how it should be maintained.
🎨 Glossy – High-shine, most common (Vivid Black, Midnight Crimson)
🎨 Matte (Denim Finish) – Flat, rugged look (Denim Black, Denim Blue)
🎨 Metallic & Pearl – Contains shimmer (Hard Candy Custom colors)
🎨 Two-Tone – Classic Harley split-color schemes (Black Cherry & Black Pearl)
Denim finishes don’t use a clear coat, meaning they can’t be polished like glossy paints. This makes touch-ups tricky!
5. How to Repaint or Touch Up a Harley-Davidson
If your Harley has paint damage, here’s how to fix it:
A. Minor Scratches & Touch-Ups
1️⃣ Clean the scratched area with alcohol
2️⃣ Use a Harley touch-up paint pen for small chips
3️⃣ Let it dry and apply clear coat if needed
B. Full Repainting Process
1️⃣ Prep the Surface – Remove old paint, sand it smooth
2️⃣ Apply Primer – Use a high-quality primer for adhesion
3️⃣ Spray the Base Color – Use the correct Harley paint code
4️⃣ Apply Clear Coat – Protects against UV damage
5️⃣ Buff & Polish – Ensures a factory-quality finish
For custom designs, many Harley owners use House of Kolor, PPG, or Dupont paints.
6. Rare & Limited-Edition Harley-Davidson Colors
Harley-Davidson has released some legendary limited-edition paint schemes over the years. Here are a few rare colors:
🏆 Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Silver & Black (2003)
🏆 Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary Legend Blue Denim (2018)
🏆 Hard Candy Custom Flake Colors (extra sparkle, super rare)
🏆 CVO Special Edition Colors (Custom Vehicle Operations models)
Finding paint for these rare colors can be difficult, and sometimes custom mixing is required.
7. Customizing Your Harley’s Paint Job
While factory colors are timeless, many Harley riders choose custom paint jobs to stand out. Popular customization options include:
🔥 Flames & Pinstripes – Classic Harley designs
🔥 Ghost Graphics – Subtle, only visible at certain angles
🔥 Candy & Pearl Finishes – Extra depth and shine
🔥 Matte Overlays – Creates a modern, aggressive look
Professional painters can mix custom colors while still keeping the Harley aesthetic intact.
8. Tips for Maintaining Your Harley’s Paint
To keep your Harley’s paint looking great for years:
✅ Wash regularly with mild soap and microfiber cloths
✅ Wax glossy finishes every few months for protection
✅ Avoid polishing denim/matte finishes – Use matte detailer instead
✅ Store your bike indoors or under a cover to prevent sun damage
Small scratches can often be buffed out, but deeper ones may require touch-up paint or professional repainting.
9. Where to Buy Harley-Davidson Paint
If you need Harley paint for touch-ups or full repaints, here are your best options:
🏍 Harley-Davidson Dealerships – Official OEM paints
🏍 ColorRite – Specializes in factory-matched motorcycle paint
🏍 PPG & Dupont Distributors – Good for large paint jobs
🏍 Auto Body Shops – Can scan and mix custom paint
Harley-Davidson paint codes are essential for restoration, repairs, and customizations. Whether you’re touching up a small scratch or repainting an entire bike, getting the right color match ensures your Harley retains its classic look.
If you can’t find your paint code, a dealership or professional painter can help. Either way, a Harley with the perfect paint job turns heads wherever it goes.
Need help finding a specific paint code? Drop a comment and let’s get your Harley looking brand new! 🚀
Harley-Davidson Paint Codes – FAQ
Here’s a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to answer common queries about Harley-Davidson paint codes, touch-ups, and restorations.
1. Where can I find my Harley-Davidson paint code?
Harley-Davidson paint codes are not always listed on the bike itself, but you can find them in:
✅ The VIN sticker (on the frame near the front forks, but not all models include it)
✅ The owner’s manual (some models provide the paint code inside)
✅ Harley-Davidson dealerships (they can look it up based on your model & year)
✅ Online paint databases like ColorRite or PPG
2. Can I get an exact color match for my Harley’s paint?
Yes! If you have the correct paint code, you can get an exact factory match. However, if you can’t find the code, a paint shop can scan your bike and mix a custom match.
3. What are some common Harley-Davidson paint codes?
Here are a few popular Harley-Davidson paint codes:
- Vivid Black – Code: 9850
- Birch White – Code: 57035
- Denim Black (Matte Finish) – Code: 948273
- Billiard Blue – Code: 940833
For a full list of codes, check with Harley dealerships or online paint databases.
4. What’s the difference between Glossy and Denim (Matte) finishes?
Harley-Davidson offers both glossy and matte (denim) finishes:
🎨 Glossy – Has a high-shine, can be waxed and polished
🎨 Denim (Matte) – Has a flat, no-shine look, cannot be polished
If you have a Denim finish, avoid waxing or buffing it, as this can create shiny spots. Instead, use matte-specific cleaners.
5. What type of paint does Harley-Davidson use?
Harley-Davidson uses high-quality urethane paints, which provide a durable and long-lasting finish. Many factory colors have PPG or Dupont equivalents, making them easier to find.
6. How do I touch up scratches on my Harley’s paint?
For small scratches, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Clean the area with alcohol to remove dirt and oil
2️⃣ Apply touch-up paint (Harley dealerships sell color-matched touch-up pens)
3️⃣ Let it dry completely
4️⃣ Apply clear coat (if needed) to protect the paint
For deeper scratches or chips, a professional repaint might be necessary.
7. Can I repaint my Harley with a custom color?
Absolutely! Many riders customize their Harleys with unique colors and designs. Popular custom paint styles include:
🔥 Candy & Pearl Finishes – For extra shine and depth
🔥 Flames & Pinstripes – Classic Harley-style detailing
🔥 Ghost Graphics – Designs that appear only at certain angles
If you’re customizing your bike, consider using high-quality paints like PPG, House of Kolor, or Dupont.
8. How do I maintain my Harley’s paint job?
To keep your Harley’s paint looking fresh:
✅ Wash regularly with mild soap and microfiber cloths
✅ Wax glossy finishes every few months
✅ Avoid polishing denim/matte finishes – Use matte detailer instead
✅ Store your bike indoors or under a cover to prevent UV damage
If your paint gets damaged, consider touch-up paint or a professional repaint.
9. Are Harley-Davidson Anniversary colors rare?
Yes! Harley’s Anniversary edition colors are highly sought after and sometimes hard to find. Examples include:
🏆 100th Anniversary Silver & Black (2003)
🏆 115th Anniversary Legend Blue Denim (2018)
🏆 120th Anniversary Heirloom Red Fade (2023)
For these rare colors, you may need to custom mix the paint if official supplies are unavailable.
10. Where can I buy Harley-Davidson paint?
You can buy official Harley-Davidson paint from:
🏍 Harley-Davidson dealerships (OEM touch-up paints)
🏍 ColorRite (motorcycle-specific paint supplier)
🏍 PPG & Dupont Distributors (for larger paint jobs)
🏍 Professional Auto Body Shops (can mix custom paint)
11. How do I repaint my Harley-Davidson?
Repainting a Harley requires multiple steps:
1️⃣ Remove the old paint (sand and strip it down)
2️⃣ Apply primer to create a good base
3️⃣ Spray the base coat (match your Harley paint code)
4️⃣ Apply clear coat for shine and protection
5️⃣ Buff and polish to complete the process
For best results, consider having it done by a professional painter.
12. Can I convert a gloss finish to matte (or vice versa)?
Yes! If you want to convert a glossy Harley to a matte finish, you need to:
🛠 Sand and prep the surface
🛠 Repaint using a Denim (matte) paint
🛠 Skip the clear coat or use a matte clear coat
The same process works in reverse if you want to turn a matte finish into glossy—just add a high-gloss clear coat.
13. What’s the best way to restore a vintage Harley paint job?
For vintage Harley-Davidsons, it’s best to:
🔹 Find the original factory paint code
🔹 Use OEM or custom-mixed paint to match
🔹 Work with a professional motorcycle restorer if needed
🔹 Preserve rare factory paint when possible (instead of full repainting)
Some collectors even leave original paint as-is to maintain authenticity.
14. Why does my Harley’s paint look different in certain lighting?
This happens with metallic and pearl finishes. These paints contain light-reflective particles that change how they appear depending on:
☀️ Sunlight vs. Shade – Colors may look brighter or darker
📸 Different angles – Some paints reveal hidden effects
💡 Artificial light – Indoor lighting can make colors look warmer or cooler
If you’re unsure about a color, view paint samples in multiple lighting conditions before repainting.
15. How much does a professional Harley repaint cost?
A professional Harley-Davidson paint job can range from:
💰 $500 – $1,500 for a basic repaint
💰 $2,000 – $5,000 for custom paint & graphics
💰 $5,000+ for show-quality airbrush or full restoration
If you’re on a budget, touch-up kits or DIY painting may be a better option.
Understanding Harley-Davidson paint codes is essential for keeping your bike looking its best. Whether you’re touching up a scratch, restoring a vintage model, or going for a full custom paint job, the right color match makes all the difference.
Need help finding your Harley’s paint code? Drop a comment, and let’s get your ride looking brand new! 🚀