Harley Unveils Apex Custom Paint for 9 Touring Models

In the late 1960s, the AMA changed the rules of flat-track racing to allow both side-valve and overhead-valve engines up to 750cc. Harley was a dominant force in the Flat Track series with its KR side-valve (flathead) machines, but when Gary Nixon won the AMA Grand National Championship on a Triumph, Harley knew it had to build an OHV engine to compete.

The XR-750 was the answer, and the flat-track racer became one of Harley’s most iconic motorcycles, a status certainly burnished by the jumpsuited Evel Knievel, who used the XR for stunts in the early 1970s.

And at 52 years old the XR-750, the winningest motorcycle in AMA Pro Racing history, has influenced a new generation of folks at Harley-Davidson. The result is a fresh Apex factory custom paint that’s offered on select Grand American Touring models, including the Road King, Street Glide, Road Glide, and Ultra Limited. Harley recently unveiled the new paint scheme at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the mecca of the Harley-Davidson community.

“Apex factory custom paint gives riders the opportunity to express the thrill of speed and competition on the bodywork of their bagger,” Harley-Davidson VP of Design and Creative Director-Motorcycles Brad Richards said. “This paint scheme communicates velocity and forward momentum with lines and colors inspired by Harley-Davidson competition motorcycles.”

Harley also said in a press release that the Apex paint upgrade features a graphic outline on the fuel tank that mimics the shape of the iconic XR-750 tank. The goal is to portray the image and feel of speed for both riders and onlookers.

“On models with fairings, the graphic sweeps back to align with the tank graphic and leads with an angle that suggests speed,” Harley said. “The lines on the front fender connect visually to those on the side covers and saddlebags, creating a flowing effect. When viewed in profile, the motorcycle appears to be in motion.”

To achieve this in-motion feel Harley uses a base of Vivid Black paint accented by a graphic element combining Gauntlet Gray panels outlined by stripes in Jet Fire Orange, the original color used on the XR-750 racers. Each panel is designed with inner drop shadows and a subtle Bar & Shield pattern that fades in and out throughout the scheme. Harley says this fade effect was inspired by the checkered fade seen on Harley-Davidson Factory Team racebikes. Clear coat paint is applied as a final layer.

Harley says the Apex custom paint is applied in-house at Harley-Davidson York Vehicle Assembly (Pennsylvania) and Harley-Davidson Tomahawk Operations (Wisconsin).

The following Grand American Touring models will be offered in the Apex custom paint through the remainder of 2022 as a factory-installed option. (Paint-matched Tour-Pak luggage and front fenders will also be offered.)

For additional information, visit harley-davidson.