Honda-Motorcycle Dark Red (R-115C-U) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This shade is the soul of the 1983 lineup. It defined the transition from the loud, flat reds of the previous decade to a more sophisticated, moody aesthetic for the Nighthawks and Goldwings of the era. Since your motorcycle has likely spent decades in and out of the sun, the finish has probably developed its own character. You are dealing with a deep maroon that relies on a specific internal shimmer to look correct, so matching it is more about layering than just a single pass.

Technical Details

This is a pearl finish, which means the paint contains tiny flakes that reflect light from beneath the surface. The main challenge here is avoiding dark spots or stripes. If those flakes cluster together in one spot, the repair will look like a bruise. Before you spray or dab Honda-Motorcycle Dark Red (check for code R-115C-U), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This ensures the pearl particles are in the mix rather than stuck at the bottom. The color depth changes with every coat you add, so the final look is entirely in your hands.

Best Practices

You will find your code on a small sticker under the seat or on the frame rail near the battery. Move the bike into a garage or some shade to keep the metal cool. Test the color on the included card first to see how many layers you need to match the age of your bike. Keep the container moving at all times to ensure the pearl spreads out rather than pooling. Give each layer enough drying time so the finish sets before you add more depth. If you are using a brush or a pen, use light touches to avoid dragging the metallic flakes around.