COLOR CODEE01 - Twisted CherryHarley-Davidson Touch-Up Paint

The Look

Twisted Cherry was the undisputed hero of the 2018 lineup, defining a new era for the Softail and Touring families. It is a deep, sophisticated red that acts like a chameleon depending on where you park. In the shade or inside the garage, it carries a heavy, dark-liquor vibe that looks almost black at the right angle. However, once you pull it into the direct sun, the underlying pearl explodes, giving the tank and fenders a liquid-candy depth. Since your bike has likely been on the road for a few years, keep in mind that sun exposure might have slightly mellowed the factory brilliance, but this shade remains one of the most premium looks Harley-Davidson ever put on a standard production run.

Technical Details

This is a pearl finish, which means it relies on tiny, light-reflecting particles to create that sense of depth. Pearls are notorious for being temperamental during a repair because the way those particles lay down dictates the final shade. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the pearl can cluster together, making the repair look darker or more "cloudy" than the rest of the panel. You want to aim for thin, even coverage so the metallic flake sits flat. If the particles stand up at different angles, the light will hit them weirdly, and you will notice the fix every time you walk up to the bike.

Best Practices

Harley-Davidson does not make it easy to find a label, so you will usually find your code by looking for a sticker under the seat or on the frame down tube near the neck. Before you apply any Harley-Davidson Twisted Cherry (check for code E01), you need to shake the container for at least two full minutes to get those heavy pearl pigments off the bottom. Test the color on the included card to see how the light bounces off the finish before you touch the bike. Whether you are using a nozzle or a brush, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from pooling. Give it plenty of drying time between layers to ensure the depth builds up naturally rather than turning into a thick, dark blob.