Harley-Davidson Light Candy Ruby Tricoat (51953) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color is the quintessential soul of the early 90s Harley-Davidson catalog. If you own a Softail, Dyna, or Electra Glide from this era, you know this shade does not just sit on the metal; it glows. It represents a specific time when the factory began offering paint that looked like it came from a high-end custom shop. Because your bike has been on the road for decades, the finish has likely developed a deep character that reflects the miles you have put behind you.

Technical Details

This is a pearl finish that relies on a complex three-stage system. You are working with a metallic base and a translucent red topcoat, which means depth is your primary goal. The final look depends entirely on how many layers you apply. If you go too light, the finish looks thin and pinkish. If you go too heavy, it moves toward a dark maroon. Pearl finishes like this are notorious for showing "tiger stripes" if the pigment settles unevenly, so the consistency of your movement is what determines the quality of the repair.

Best Practices

You will rarely find a paint code sticker on the frame of these bikes, as Harley typically kept that information in the service manuals or tied to the VIN. Before you spray or dab Harley-Davidson Light Candy Ruby Tricoat (check for code 51953), you need to shake the container for at least a full minute. The heavy pearls in this mixture like to sink to the bottom. You must test the color on the included card first to count exactly how many layers of the red mid-coat you need to match your tank. Keep the container moving at a steady pace and allow for plenty of drying time between each thin pass to ensure the pearls lay flat in your garage or shade.