Skinny B’s Motorcycle Detailing

11/09/2026

2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Limited | Full Detail & Ceramic Coating 🏍️

Tom came across my website and reached out about having his 2020 CVO Ultra Limited detailed and ceramic coated. From our first conversation, it was clear that he wasn’t just looking for someone to clean his bike. He was looking for someone he could trust to care for it the same way he does.

And let me tell you, Tom takes care of his bike.

He already had quite the washing setup at home, and when he rolled up with the Harley in his trailer, it was practically spotless. I almost felt bad washing it again. Almost.

Regardless, every bike gets the same comprehensive treatment, and this one was no exception.

I started with a thorough wash, paying particular attention to the areas that tend to get overlooked: wheels, tires, behind the saddlebags and side panels, underneath the seat, and just about every nook and cranny I could get into.

Because Tom had maintained the paint so well, there wasn’t much correction needed. Instead, I was able to focus on what I really wanted to accomplish: bringing out every bit of depth, clarity, and gloss possible.

For the paint, I went with a two-step polishing process using Menzerna 2500 on an orange pad, followed by Menzerna 3800 on a white finishing pad, paired with my Rupes BigFoot HLR75 iBrid Mini.

Once the paint was dialed in, I turned my attention to those notoriously unforgiving gloss-black accents. Anyone who’s owned a Harley with those pieces knows exactly what I’m talking about. They seem to scratch if you look at them wrong.

Using my Rupes iBrid Nano 2 with yellow pads and Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Acrylic Black Polish, I was able to bring those areas back to a deep, rich finish. Fantastic product for this application, although my microfiber towels might disagree. They don’t survive the experience.

From there, I cleaned and reconditioned the seats and backrest, brightened up the motor, treated the powder-coated exhaust with a high-heat ceramic coating, and worked through a handful of other little details that most people would probably never notice.

Finally, I protected the paint with Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light ceramic coating to preserve that finish and make future maintenance easier.

By the time I finished, I don’t think there was a single spot on that bike I hadn’t touched with my own hands or a machine polisher.

And that’s exactly how I like it.

⸻

But this particular bike meant a little more to me than the finished product.

I intentionally stepped away from detailing for much of this riding season. Life had thrown quite a bit my way, and for a number of personal reasons, I just needed to lay low for a while.

So spending the better part of this past week slowly working my way around Tom’s Harley felt pretty good. It was nice to get back to something I’ve always enjoyed.

What made the experience even better was getting to know Tom.

We quickly realized we shared a borderline obsessive appreciation for keeping our motorcycles clean. But somewhere along the way, our conversations turned to something we had in common that meant a whole lot more.

Riding motorcycles with our dads.

Tom told me about taking his 77-year-old father out to Yellowstone and Montana this past season to ride together.

Hearing about their trip immediately brought me back to the countless miles, adventures, and memories I’ve shared with my own dad over the years.

And how badly I wish we still had a few more of those trips ahead of us.

I lost my dad this July, and there are still days when that doesn’t quite feel real.

Whenever I finished detailing a bike, he was usually one of the first people I’d send pictures to. Partly because I was proud of the work and wanted to show him what I’d accomplished, but mostly because motorcycles were something that had always brought us together.

He especially appreciated a clean motorcycle.

Looking back, I suppose I inherited a little more of that from him than I realized.

As I finished up Tom’s bike, I caught myself thinking about how I would’ve sent Dad these pictures, knowing he’d appreciate all the little details just as much as I did.

It’s funny how something as simple as cleaning a motorcycle can bring back so many memories.

Tom, thank you for taking a chance on me and trusting me with your beautiful Harley. I genuinely enjoyed getting to know you, hearing about your adventures with your dad, and having the opportunity to give this bike the attention it deserves.

More than anything, thank you for helping me get back in the saddle.

It was a pleasure working on this one.

And I know my dad would’ve liked it.

— Skinny B’s Motorcycle Detailing

08/02/2026

🏍️ It’s Hoka Hey Day!

Today, riders from across the country begin one of the most grueling motorcycle endurance challenges in the world—the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

If you’ve never heard of it, here’s what makes it so unique.

The phrase “Hoka Hey” comes from the Lakota language and is commonly translated as “It’s a good day to die.” More accurately, it represents facing life’s challenges with courage, honor, and unwavering commitment. That philosophy is the heart of this event.

This isn’t a race.

There are no trophies for crossing the finish line first, no prize money for setting the fastest time, and no shortcuts to success. Instead, riders are challenged to complete an ever-changing route while demonstrating endurance, integrity, self-reliance, and respect for fellow competitors.

What makes Hoka Hey different?

🏍️ Riders receive only one day’s route at a time, eliminating the ability to map out the entire journey in advance.

🗺️ The route spans thousands of miles across North America, taking riders through mountains, deserts, back roads, cities, and some of the most breathtaking scenery on the continent.

🌧️ Riders face whatever Mother Nature has in store—scorching heat, torrential rain, high winds, cold mornings, wildlife, construction zones, and countless unexpected obstacles.

🛠️ Mechanical issues are simply part of the experience. Riders are expected to adapt, overcome problems, and keep moving.

😴 Fatigue management is critical. Endurance, preparation, and smart decision-making matter far more than outright speed.

🤝 One of the core values of Hoka Hey is that helping another rider is more important than beating them. Character is every bit as important as miles traveled.

Success isn’t measured by who gets there first.

It’s measured by perseverance, resilience, and the willingness to embrace the journey.

If you love motorcycles—or simply enjoy watching ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things—this is an event worth following.

📍 Track the riders live at HokaHeyChallenge.com and follow the official Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge page for updates, stories, and photos from the road.

Good luck to every rider. May your roads be safe, your machines run strong, and your journey be unforgettable.

Hoka Hey!

Home of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge

08/01/2026

Some motorcycles are more than motorcycles. They’re dream bikes.

When Brett reached out about his 2009 Softail Deluxe, he told me he’d fallen in love with this exact two-tone color the day Harley-Davidson released it. At the time, though, it just wasn’t in the cards financially.

Fast forward several years, and thanks to a series of fortunate events, and a coworker’s husband looking to sell, he finally found the exact bike in the exact color he’d dreamed about. Sometimes things have a way of coming back around.

Unfortunately, after spending this past winter under a carport, the paint and chrome had taken a beating. The chrome was heavily oxidized, and I’m not exaggerating when I say I thought the wheels were black when I first rolled it into the shop.

Over the course of a Signature Detail and a three-stage paint correction, the transformation was incredible. As the oxidation disappeared, the swirls faded away, and the gloss returned, I found myself appreciating this color more and more.

I’ll admit it… I wasn’t sold on this color combination at first.

Now? I’m a fan.

The best part is knowing this bike is heading back into a garage where it’ll stay protected and continue looking the way it should.

Thank you for trusting me with your bike, Brett. It was an absolute pleasure bringing your dream bike back to life.

🏍️ Skinny B’s Motorcycle Detailing
Where passion meets perfection.

07/18/2026

A little piece of Dad now has a permanent place in Skinny B’s garage.

Motorcycles were something we shared, and his influence is woven into so much of what happens in this space—from the bikes to the stories behind them.

Proud to have his vest hanging above mine and to carry a little bit of him into every bike that comes through this garage. 🖤

07/17/2026

2022 Kawasaki Z900RS 50th Anniversary

Nick has been a repeat customer for a few years now and originally scheduled nothing more than a maintenance wash.

Once the bike was clean, I noticed several scratches across the fuel tank that were taking away from the finish. I couldn’t bring myself to leave them there.

I spent a little extra time giving the tank and front fender a quick two-step paint correction—not because it was on the invoice, but because I knew how much better this iconic anniversary paint deserved to look.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

Thank you again for trusting Skinny B’s with another one of your motorcycles.

07/14/2026

Some motorcycles become more than machines. This was one of them.

This 1999 Road King belongs to Dave, who made the trip from Alpena to Saginaw and trusted me with a motorcycle that means far more than transportation.

Years ago, he and his son spent countless miles riding together. After his son passed away, the bike sat for a long time. Recently, Dave decided it was time to get back in the saddle, and he wanted this Road King to look its best before making new memories on it.

I don’t usually get personal on this page, but this detail hit differently.

Last week, I lost my dad.

He rode Harleys before I was born but stepped away from riding after starting a family. About five years ago, after retiring, he got back into riding. That’s when we began sharing the road together. The Road King he loved will soon become mine, and if you ever asked him what color belonged on a Harley, his answer was always the same…

Black.

So spending the last several days bringing another black Road King back to life felt like more than just another detail.

This wasn’t about chasing perfection. On a 27-year-old motorcycle, perfection isn’t the goal.

The goal is honoring its history while making it something its owner is proud to ride again.

Services performed:
• Complete detail
• Wet sanding (1000 & 2000 grit)
• Menzerna 400 heavy cut
• Menzerna 3500 finish polish
• Machine-polished chrome with Flitz
• Leatherique treatment on the seat
• Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light ceramic coating

Thank you, Dave, for making the drive from Alpena and trusting me with a motorcycle that carries so many memories. It means more than you probably realize.

Sometimes motorcycles are more than steel and chrome. They’re a connection to the people we love, the roads we’ve traveled together, and the memories that continue long after the ride is over.

I hope this Road King has many more miles ahead.

—Brian “Skinny B”

06/15/2026

Bob contacted me last week requesting a Signature Detail on his 2014 Street Glide after being referred by a previous customer.

With over 60,000 miles on the odometer, this bike has clearly seen some road time. Judging by the stickers tucked away inside the tour pack, it’s been all over the country and has plenty of stories to tell. The black paint, however, was showing every mile. Heavy swirls, micro-scratches, and wash marring had dulled the finish and robbed the paint of its depth.

To restore the finish, I wet sanded the paint with 1,500 grit before moving into a multi-stage correction process using Menzerna 400 and 3D ACA 520. All chrome surfaces were machine polished, and the entire motorcycle was protected with Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light for long-term gloss and durability.

The result is exactly why black paint is worth the effort when it’s done right. Deep reflections, crisp body lines, and a finish that looks more like liquid black glass than paint.

Thank you, Bob, for trusting Skinny B’s Motorcycle Detailing with your Street Glide.

06/13/2026

A veteran-owned 1997 Fat Boy rolled into the shop last week for a Signature Detail.

The paint was already in impressive condition for its age, requiring only a one-step polish to bring back the depth and gloss. The chrome, however, had years of oxidation that needed plenty of attention and elbow grease.

What really sets this bike apart is the combination of pearl gray and cream paint, wide whitewalls, solid-disc Fat Boy wheels, and an eagle-etched windshield commemorating Daytona Bike Week ’98.

Some motorcycles never go out of style.

This is one of them.

📍 Skinny B’s Motorcycle Detailing
Saginaw, Michigan

06/13/2026

1997 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy

Last Monday, Freddy reached out looking for a Signature Detail on his Fat Boy. About 15 minutes later, he was pulling into my driveway with it on a U-Haul trailer.

For a 27 year-old motorcycle, the paint was in remarkably good condition. It only needed a one-step polish with 3D One to bring the gloss and depth back out. The chrome, however, told a different story. Years of oxidation had taken their toll, and bringing it back required a lot of elbow grease and patience.

Freddy is a veteran who has been recovering from multiple surgeries, and this bike was a gift to himself. He told me it’s supposedly a limited-edition model and that only 50 were produced. I haven’t been able to confirm that, but whether it’s one of 50 or one of 50,000, the paint scheme is absolutely timeless.

The pearl gray and cream paint has a subtle glow that comes alive in the sunlight. The engraved windshield features a detailed eagle along with the inscription “Daytona B.W. ’98,” adding even more character to an already unique motorcycle. Throw in the iconic solid-disc Fat Boy wheels and wide whitewalls, and the whole package feels like a snapshot of Harley-Davidson’s late-’90s era at its best.

Some motorcycles are fast. Some are rare. Some have a story.

This one has all three.

06/11/2026

6:00 AM Thoughts

This morning, I’m grateful for this view.

A few years ago, this garage was just an idea. Today, before the sun comes up, it’s filled with motorcycles, memories, and reminders of how fortunate I am.

The two bikes on the lifts belong to customers who trusted me with something important to them. The covered Street Bob in the back belongs to Megan. The silver Street Glide and the red Springer are mine.

What’s funny is how different those two bikes are.

The Street Glide has carried me all over the country. It’s smooth, comfortable, and effortless… like riding an air-suspension Cadillac. Together we’ve crossed deserts, climbed mountains, circled the Upper Peninsula, completed an Iron Butt, and made the trip from Michigan to Southern California and back. It doesn’t just hold fuel and luggage… it holds memories.

The Springer couldn’t be more different. It’s loud, raw, mechanical, and unapologetic. Built motor, rigid attitude, and enough personality to make every ride feel like an event. Riding it feels less like transportation and more like grabbing freedom by the handlebars and twisting the throttle.

Both bikes are built. Both make me smile. But they do it in completely different ways.

Lately, life has given me a reminder that none of us know how many miles we have left.

My dad is currently on hospice.

Writing those words still doesn’t feel real.

Standing here this morning, I find myself thinking less about the rides we won’t take and more about the ones we did.

The long days. The wrong turns. The gas station conversations. The roadside meals. The memories that seemed ordinary at the time but somehow became the ones that mattered most.

One of those memories was riding to Southern California and back with my dad and my best friend Kevin. Thousands of miles. Endless conversations. Three motorcycles pointed west with no agenda beyond enjoying the journey and the company.

At the time, it felt like another adventure.

Looking back, I realize it was something far more valuable.

It was time.

Time spent with people I cared about. Time that seemed unlimited back then. Time that I now understand was one of life’s greatest gifts.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized gratitude isn’t always about what lies ahead. Sometimes it’s about recognizing how fortunate you were to experience something at all.

This garage isn’t full of motorcycles.

It’s full of stories.

And this morning, I’m grateful for every mile I was lucky enough to share with the people I love.

☕️🏍️