Vinyl Graphics 101
Paint is the Holy Grail of custom bike mods, but if you're bound by a budget, vinyl graphics are a great alternative. For a few hundred bucks you can have anything from mild to wild. And while vinyl will last forever, when the new look becomes old news just peel 'em off and start all over.
But like anything, there's a process to making the most of a product, and installing vinyl graphics requires a certain protocol. Not to mention the more surface variations you have (curves, corners and bumps) the harder the install can be.
Initially we tried the peel-and-stick approach but that turned into a stressful mess. In the end we found that heating the stickers with a hair dryer prior to adhering them made a world of difference. Where a cold sticker was stiff and unwilling to bend, the heated sticker molded and stretched around the Buell's contours. Trust us, use some heat or you're in for a world of hurt.
1.
The graphics come on a...
1.
The graphics come on a giant sheet. Start by individually cutting them out and arranging them in the orientation they'll be installed. Don't peel them off the backing yet, this is just to get organized.
2.
With the backing still...
2.
With the backing still attached, we taped the graphics to the bike to get a better idea of how the stickers aligned.
3.
Next, we used some rubbing...
3.
Next, we used some rubbing alcohol to clean the surfaces for a good stick.
4.
Use a heat gun (or your...
4.
Use a heat gun (or your old lady's hair dryer) to heat the vinyl. Be careful not to melt it though. When it gets soft and malleable it's ready to rock.
5.
Take your time while laying...
5.
Take your time while laying down the decals. It should take several "stick-on/stick-offs" to get it right, but persistence is key.
6.
...a few hours later we...
6.
...a few hours later we have one bad Buell!
FLU Designs
Standard Graphics, $199
Custom Designs, $350
fludesigns.com