Harley-Davidson isn’t just about the rumble of a V-twin, it’s also about the look. Known among fans as the King of Paint, Harley built a legacy of bold colorways that turned steel and chrome into rolling art. Over the decades, The MoCo pushed the limits of factory finishes, offering everything from dramatic fades that rival custom shop work to timeless two-tones that celebrate its heritage. Yet, many of the most beloved paint schemes have disappeared from the lineup, leaving riders nostalgic for their return. Here are our favorite Harley-Davidson colorways not available in 2025 that we think deserve a comeback.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Harley-Davidson. The list is in no particular order of significance. The example models and colors shown are not all-inclusive, and the information given is current as of the time of this writing.
Tobacco Fade
2024 Enthusiast Collection
The Tobacco Fade was one of Harley-Davidson’s most iconic “guitar sunburst” motorcycle paint jobs, fading from deep brown into golden amber with a warm, vintage look. Inspired by the music era of the 1960s, the Fade emulated the classic sunburst wood finish first seen on rock and roll guitars and drums of the day. Harley introduced it in their 2024 Enthusiast Collection, and while the models in the Collection had limited-run paint and graphics packages, we’d like to see these ‘guitar sunburst’ colorways return for their sheer beauty.
Models Offered In Tobacco Fade
1950s Two-Tone Classics
2023-2024 Icons Collection
Harley-Davidson’s “slash” two-tone paint schemes capture the bold, nostalgic style of the 1950s, pairing strong base colors with crisp contrasting stripes. The vintage-inspired dual tones keep the classic two-color heritage alive for riders who love retro flair with modern craft skills. Inspired by the classic ’50s colorways, the Icons Collection in 2023 and 2024 brought back that charm of yesteryear.
Models Exemplifying That 1950s-Inspired Slash
Mako Shark Fade
2019
The Mako Shark Fade was a stealthy, deep metallic blue-to-black finish with a liquid-like depth, designed to evoke the sleek sheen of a shark in motion. Introduced in 2019 as a CVO-exclusive color, it was perfectly suited for a touring model that had plenty of body panels to show it off in its best light. The Mako Shark Fade was officially offered on the 2019 CVO Road Glide, and it quickly became a highly praised, collectible factory paint option.
Psychedelic Purple
2011
Part of Harley-Davidson’s special ‘Fall Color’ lineup unveiled in late 2010, Psychedelic Purple was offered for the 2011 model year. This vibrant purple, paired with Vivid Black, created a striking two-tone finish. It was available as a limited-edition color on select 2011 touring and cruiser models.
Models Offered In Psychedelic Purple
- 2011 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited
- 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe
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2011 Harley-Davidson
Fat Boy - 2011 Harley-Davidson Street Glide
- 2011 Harley-Davidson Road King
Hard Candy Big Red Flake
2012–2016
Harley’s Hard Candy Custom program revived the wild, heavy-flake finishes of the late ’60s chopper scene. Think giant metal flake buried under candy coats, shimmering like a show bike right off the factory floor. First showcased on the Sportster Seventy-Two, this beautiful Hard Candy Big Red Flake spread to models like the Forty-Eight, Street Bob, Deluxe, and Breakout. These Hardy Candy Custom colors turned production Harleys into rolling custom art, straight from Milwaukee, no spray gun required.
Models between 2012 and 2016 Available In Hard Candy Big Red Flake
Sharkskin Blue
2024
An example of when a still image just doesn’t do it justice, Sharkskin Blue was Harley-Davidson’s sophisticated metallic blue-gray paint. It was officially introduced in 2024 as an upgrade paint option. With a subtle pearl finish and a cool undertone, it combined depth and understated elegance, like liquid steel with a hint of blue. You really have to see it in the wild to appreciate it.
Ideal for riders wanting premium appeal without flashy graphics, it worked equally well on either chrome or black trim packages. Though well-received at launch, Sharkskin Blue is notably missing from the 2025 model lineup, making it a sleeper gem ripe for revival and placement on touring or cruiser platforms.
Models Offered In Sharkskin Blue
Sunset Orange/Black Fade
2008-2009, 2021
The Sunset Orange/Black Fade was a fiery, high-drama gradient that blended hot-rod orange into deep black, radiating pure muscle energy. Offered only as a CVO-exclusive paint scheme in the late 2000s and revived in the early 2020s, it showcased Harley’s hand-applied fade techniques at their peak. Never seen on Softails, Dynas, or standard-production tourers, this bold finish appeared only in the CVO touring lineup, making it one of the standout fades from Harley’s mid-to-late 2000s factory-custom era.
Models Offered In Sunset Orange/Black Fade
- 2008 CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide
- 2009 CVO Road Glide
- 2021 CVO Street Glide
- 2021 CVO Tri Glide
Hard Candy Mystic Purple Flake
2017
Hard Candy Mystic Purple Flake was one of Harley-Davidson’s boldest factory custom finishes, drenched in heavy metal flake for an eye-searing sparkle under the sun. Introduced in the mid-2010s as part of the Hard Candy Custom program, it paid tribute to ’70s chopper culture with a dazzling purple base shot through with glittering flake.
Models Offered In Hard Candy Mystic Purple Flake
- 2017 Road Glide Special
- 2017 Street Glide Special
- 2017 Softail Deluxe
- 2017 SuperLow Sportster