Care Of Molded-In-Color Body Panels - Buell 2003XB9S Service Manual

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CARE OF MOLDED-IN-COLOR BODY PANELS

GENERAL
Special care and maintenance are required for the molded-in-
color body panels that are standard on your Buell motorcycle.
Molded-in-color surfaces look like painted surfaces, but are
not. 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.
CAUTION
Use of abrasive products or powered buffing equipment
will cause permanent cosmetic damage to molded-in-
color body panels. Use only the recommended products
and techniques outlined in this section to avoid damag-
ing molded-in-color body panels.
CAUTION
Do not use touch-up paint on molded-in-color panels.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Products recommended for the proper care and maintenance
of molded-in-color body panels are available at your Buell
dealer and are listed below:
Harley Wash (Part No. 99715-90) or Harley Sun Wash
(Part No. 94659-98)
Harley Gloss (Part No. 94627-98)
Harley Glaze Polish and Sealant (Part No. 99701-84)
Harley Swirl and Scratch Treatment (Part No. 94655-98)
Harley Softcloth (Part No. 94656-98)
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Washing
To wash molded-in-color panels:
1. Rinse surface with water.
2. Wash with Harley Wash or Harley Sun Wash.
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 Harley Gloss or Har-
ley Glaze Polish and Sealant to molded-in-color surfaces will
eliminate this condition.
To keep a high gloss finish on molded-in-color panels
between washings:
1. Spray Harley Gloss onto surface and wipe with a clean
soft natural fiber cloth or Harley Softcloth.
NOTE
Rain or water will remove Harley Gloss from body panels.
2. Reapply Harley Gloss as described above to keep sur-
faces looking their best.
Polishing
Polishing molded-in-color body panels results in greater sur-
face gloss and a protective coating.
1. Apply Harley Glaze Polish and Sealant every six months
or as required to keep molded-in-color panels protected
and looking their best.
2. Clean and dry surfaces to be polished (see Washing).
3. Apply Harley Glaze Polish and Sealant to clean, slightly
dampened cloth or sponge and apply to surface with a
light overlapping motion. Make sure to cover all areas.
4. Let Harley Glaze Polish and Sealant dry to a haze and
buff off residue with a clean soft cloth or Harley Softcloth.
Minor Scratch Removal
To remove minor scratches from body panels:
1. To remove light surface scratches and rubs, use Harley
Swirl and Scratch Treatment as recommended.
2. Make sure Swirl and Scratch Treatment is applied with a
moist cloth and by hand (not by machine).
3. After scratch or rub has been repaired, polish surface
lightly with Harley Glaze.
Major Scratches
There is no repair procedure for severely scratched surfaces.
Severely scratched body panels must be replaced.
2003 Buell XB9S: Maintenance
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