2016 Yamaha Touch Up Paint (2 OEM Colors)

The 2016 Yamaha Vibe

2016 was the year Yamaha leaned hard into the "Dark Side of Japan" aesthetic. If you weren't screaming through gears on an MT-09, you were likely thumping through the city on a Bolt or a Super Tenere. The palette was moody, sleek, and strictly business. We've focused on the two heavy hitters that defined the year: Raven and Black Cherry. Raven was the "no-nonsense" black that made every bike look like a stealth fighter, while Black Cherry was the premium soul of the lineup-a deep, garnet-soaked metallic that only revealed its true colors when the sun hit it just right.

Paint Health Check

Welcome to the Thin Paint Era. By 2016, the factory robots had perfected the art of "just enough." These bikes weren't dipped in the thick, bulletproof vats of the 90s; they were hit with precision layers designed for robotic efficiency. The bad news? That factory clear coat is thinner than a politician's promise. If you own a Raven-colored machine, you've probably noticed it picks up swirl marks if you even look at it too hard. On the frames and swingarms, the paint is often so lean that a stray gravel chip can lead to flaking faster than you'd expect.

Restoration Tip

Because these 2016 finishes are so thin, the biggest mistake you can make is "blobbing." If you're filling a chip, do not try to fix it in one heavy go. You'll end up with a high spot that looks like a zit on a prom queen. Instead, build your layers slowly. Apply a thin pass, let it tack up, and repeat until you're level with the factory surface. This mimics the original lean application and ensures the repair actually stays put instead of shearing off the next time you hit the car wash.