1959–1960 Harley-Davidson Paint Colors & Tank Emblems
1959–1960 Harley-Davidson paint colors and tank emblems changed year to year, and matching them correctly is essential for authentic restorations and accurate identification. For collectors, restorers, and anyone trying to build a factory-correct motorcycle, finish details are a key part of getting the year right.
The first step is determining the correct production year of your motorcycle. Harley-Davidson VIN numbers provide that information and serve as the foundation for verifying paint, emblems, and other year-specific details. This guide covers factory tank emblems and paint color combinations used from 1959 through 1960, spanning late Panhead production and early Sportster-era finishes.
If you have not yet decoded your VIN to determine the correct year, start with the Harley VIN Decoder, then use the year links below to move directly into the correct paint reference section.
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Resources:
Harley VIN Decoder |
Model Reference 1903–1969
Use the VIN first, then verify the finish. The stamped Harley-Davidson VIN identifies the production year and model family, but it does not encode the exact paint combination, tank emblem, or striping details. Use the VIN Decoder to confirm the year, then use the sections below to verify the correct factory finish.
1959–1960 Harley-Davidson Tank Emblems
1959 Harley-Davidson Paint Colors (OHV)
Quick Links: 1959 Panhead Model Reference | 1959 Sportster Model Reference
Skyline Blue
Tank: top Blue with Birch White sides
Fenders: top Birch White with Blue sides
Calypso Red
Tank: top Red with Birch White sides
Fenders: top Birch White with Red sides
Black
Tank: top Black with Birch White sides
Fenders: top Birch White with Black sides
Hi-Fi Turquoise
Tank: top Turquoise with Birch White sides
Fenders: top Birch White with Turquoise sides
Hi-Fi Red
Tank: top Red with Birch White sides
Fenders: top Birch White with Red sides
Police Silver (Police use only)
Birch White (Police use only)
1960 Harley-Davidson Paint Colors (OHV)
Quick Links: 1960 Panhead Model Reference | 1960 Sportster Model Reference
Skyline Blue with Birch White Tank Panels and Blue Fenders
Black with Birch White Tank Panels and Black Fenders
Hi-Fi Red with Birch White Tank Panels and Red Fenders
Hi-Fi Blue with Birch White Tank Panels and Blue Fenders
Hi-Fi Green with Birch White Tank Panels and Green Fenders
Police Silver (Police use only)
Birch White (Police use only)
Frequently Asked Questions
What 1959–1960 Harley-Davidson paint colors were available?
This page documents the factory paint combinations shown in Riding Vintage’s reference material for 1959 and 1960 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
How do I verify the correct 1959–1960 Harley-Davidson paint year?
Start with the Harley VIN Decoder to confirm the production year, then compare that year to the paint combinations shown on this page.
Can a Harley-Davidson VIN tell me the exact 1959–1960 paint color?
No. The stamped VIN identifies the production year and model family, but factory paint colors, striping, and tank emblems must be confirmed through year-based paint reference pages like this one.
Do these paint references apply to both Panhead and Sportster motorcycles?
Yes. The 1959 and 1960 sections are relevant to the broader Harley-Davidson lineup for those years, including Panhead and Sportster motorcycles where applicable.
Next Step: Continue using the Harley VIN Decoder and Model Reference pages for full year-by-year restoration details.