One of the more interesting aspects of owning a Harley-Davidson motorbike is the option to purchase complete sets of custom-painted sheet metal from the Harley accessories catalog. Not a fan of the stock color? Just look through your Big Book to see which factory custom paints are offered for this year. It’s really cool.
Harley is to introduce a new line of Apex custom-painted tins for its touring models at the 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Let’s look at it. The new Apex paint hues are said to be influenced by Harley’s extensive racing heritage, particularly the paint jobs from the XR750 flat tracker.
In point of fact, as is evident from looking at the examples, the color schemes make effective use of Harley-recognizable Davidson’s orange and black racing livery.
The press announcement states that the Apex colorway includes, “A graphic depiction of the shape of the fuel tank of the storied Harley-Davidson® XR750 flat track racing motorbike on the gas tank. On fairing-equipped vehicles, the graphic sweeps back to line up with the tank graphic and advances at an angle that conveys speed. There is a flowing appearance created by the lines on the front fender that optically link to those on the side covers and saddlebags. The motorcycle looks to be moving when viewed from a profile.”
According to Harley-Davidson VP of Design and Creative Director—Motorcycles Brad Richards, “Apex factory custom paint gives riders the opportunity to express the thrill of speed and competition on the bodywork of their bagger,”
The unique racing series was developed out of a one-off “grudge race” between Harley-Davidson and its formidable American competitor, Indian Motorcycles, in Laguna Seca in 2020. It now supports more typical Superbike and Supersport events on the prestigious MotoAmerica program.
In 2021, King of the Baggers returned for a full season campaign after receiving widespread media attention for the unique sight of Road Glides and Challengers barreling down the famous Corkscrew. Harley-Screamin Davidson’s Eagle factory team won the competition.
As a result, the Road King, Street Glide, and Ultra are the models that can benefit from the Apex custom paint option.
While the lines on the front fender visually connect to those on the side covers and saddlebags to produce what H-D characterizes as a “flowing effect,” it appears in “motion” when it is motionless, paying homage to the classic Harley-Davidson XR750 flat-tracker.
Vivid Black serves as the foundation of the color scheme, with Gauntlet Gray panels adding a graphic aspect that is emphasized by a stripe of Jet Fire Orange, the original color used on the XR750 competition versions. Before the final layer of clear coat paint is sprayed, a clever checkered fading effect also appears.
These colors and lines, which were influenced by Harley-Davidson® race motorcycles, convey speed and forward motion. According to Harley, the Apex colorway will be offered as a factory-installed possibility on the next touring motorcycles for the remainder of 2022:
- Road Glide Special (black trim and chrome edition)
- Special Street Glide (black trim and chrome edition)
- Road King Special
- Road Glide Limited (black trim and chrome edition)
- Ultra Limited (black trim and chrome edition)
In order to allow riders to further customize their vehicles, Harley is also offering Tour-Pak luggage carriers and front fenders painted in the Apex color scheme. Anyone interested in purchasing the posh new Apex custom paint should speak with their neighborhood Harley dealer. Download Report