How to fix a OEM sticker

Hero Danny · November 8th, 2014, 06:19 PM

The only flaw on my entire bike is this stupid sticker...

The guy tried putting it on (old one had a scratch from previous owner drop) and didn't do it correctly.... I know you can order a new one but they generally run for about $75... RIDICULOUS!

I think I can save this one.... thinking heat gun and just slowly work some water in and squeegie it away, kinda like tinting a window....

any thoughts on it?

LittleRedNinjette · November 8th, 2014, 07:50 PM

Who put it on?

Not sure on fixing it.

Brother Michigan · November 8th, 2014, 07:59 PM

If you're going to have a chance at fixing it, you've probably got the right idea.

jkv45 · November 8th, 2014, 08:25 PM

You can use a very small sewing needle to pierce the bubbles, but the creases may not work out even with heat and a squeegee.

verboten1 · November 8th, 2014, 08:37 PM

Yep, poke them, work the air out. The creases are there, but you may be able to minimize them. Use a squeegee with the felt covering it to minimize cutting/scratching the vinyl.

Hero Danny · November 8th, 2014, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleRedNinjette

Who put it on?

Not sure on fixing it.

kawi dealer...... I know, right?

Hero Danny · November 8th, 2014, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkv45

You can use a very small sewing needle to pierce the bubbles, but the creases may not work out even with heat and a squeegee.

Quote:

Originally Posted by verboten1

Yep, poke them, work the air out. The creases are there, but you may be able to minimize them. Use a squeegee with the felt covering it to minimize cutting/scratching the vinyl.

I was thinking use heat and slowly peel the sticker off and then try to re-smooth it back down (not take off completely, just to where the creases are.

verboten1 · November 8th, 2014, 08:47 PM

Be prepared to destroy it if you try that.

Vinyl wrap is made to be put on and removed, these decals are not meant to be removed.

jkv45 · November 8th, 2014, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

I was thinking use heat and slowly peel the sticker off and then try to re-smooth it back down (not take off completely, just to where the creases are.

You could try it, but there may be sections where the adhesive stays with the vinyl and sections where it stays on the part. If that happens you will get bumps where it overlaps and low spots where it doesn't.

Or it may stretch.

MrAtom · November 8th, 2014, 09:39 PM

Why do you care about a sticker on your bike? It's a $4000, 300cc bike. It's nothing special. I don't get it.

Roark · November 8th, 2014, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrAtom

Why do you care about a sticker on your bike? It's a $4000, 300cc bike. It's nothing special. I don't get it.

Why are you on ninjette, posting about your 30k beater bike? It's nothing special. I don't get it.

MrAtom · November 8th, 2014, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roark

Why are you on ninjette, posting about your 30k beater bike? It's nothing special. I don't get it.

I just want it to run is all. That's different than worrying about a sticker.

Roark · November 8th, 2014, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrAtom

I just want it to run is all. That's different than worrying about a sticker.

Simple necessary effectiveness is important to you. A clean, cared for bike is what's important to @Hero Danny.

"Nothing nice to say? Don't say anything at all.." I'm sure you've heard this, and being on the Internet, I'm not exactly preaching in the right setting, but come on..

MrAtom · November 8th, 2014, 11:01 PM

I didn't really mean to come off as rude when I posted that. Sorry if I did. I was just saying that it's a bit much to care about one sticker. I mean, I kind of get it I guess. People want their stuff too look nice. I personally like a little wabi-sabi in my life, but to each their own.

Ninjinsky · November 9th, 2014, 04:46 AM

Looked up wabi-sabi, interesting.
Though it contrasts with the engineering aesthetic.
(and VJMC concours competitions where they can argue for hours about the thickness of washer on a mudguard stay

)
Anyway you might like my "shabby chic" ninjette with its key area paint wear and mis-matched tank color

LittleRedNinjette · November 9th, 2014, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

kawi dealer...... I know, right?

I would take it back. Make them fix their mistake.

Hero Danny · November 9th, 2014, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleRedNinjette

I would take it back. Make them fix their mistake.

Because they messed up the sticker they took an extra $100 off, I negotiated them down to 4k and then I pointed out the sticker and got the bike for 3.9 So I kinda can't do that :/

Hero Danny · November 9th, 2014, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrAtom

Why do you care about a sticker on your bike? It's a $4000, 300cc bike. It's nothing special. I don't get it.

So the value of the bike determines how much I should care about it?

Ninjinsky · November 9th, 2014, 10:34 AM

Consider Botox injections.

snot · November 9th, 2014, 11:13 AM

Why not just remove the sticker? If it was me... I would remove the sticker and order a new one in a year when the price drops a little.

JohnnyBravo · November 9th, 2014, 11:39 AM

Did that guy really dis the 300? *(-_-)*
Your lack of love for stickers saddens me sir.

LittleRedNinjette · November 9th, 2014, 12:30 PM

snot · November 9th, 2014, 12:32 PM

Now I see the issue.. this is on the side faring, spend the $75 and fix it. You wait for cyber Monday to see if you can get a discount.

Hero Danny · November 9th, 2014, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snot

Now I see the issue.. this is on the side faring, spend the $75 and fix it. You wait for cyber Monday to see if you can get a discount.

I'm probably going to just going to leave it and when the time comes I'm going to remove all the stickers and paint the fairings solid green or orange. Haven't decided yet.. But this is in another 2-3 years.

snot · November 10th, 2014, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

I'm probably going to just going to leave it and when the time comes I'm going to remove all the stickers and paint the fairings solid green or orange. Haven't decided yet.. But this is in another 2-3 years.

Green would be cool. Ever considered a wrap instead of paint?

LittleRedNinjette · November 10th, 2014, 06:15 AM

Plasti dip!

Hero Danny · November 10th, 2014, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleRedNinjette

Plasti dip!

You read my mind

Hero Danny · November 10th, 2014, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snot

Green would be cool. Ever considered a wrap instead if paint?

I did consider carbon fiber wrap, but that's only if I dump my bike and have cracks and gashes. I really don't want a black bike since it will hurt my visibility. I would probably just remove all the fairings and plasti dip them one by one.

Here's a video of the way Ricochet plasti dip'd his and he did it on the bike so it didn't turn out that great, I'd do mine off the bike so it would be more "professional" (lol) I would use cans though like he did and just get the bigger tip, plasti dip is an amazing product and is hard to mess up especially if you do a bunch of coats and don't have any long areas (like a car hood) that would maybe show uneveness.

Link to original page on YouTube.

Yellow kinda looks good too imo

BlownWideOpen · November 10th, 2014, 09:22 AM

^ Wow, talk about half-assing it. ^

jkv45 · November 10th, 2014, 09:52 AM

If you are concerned about "a good job" I wouldn't bother with PlastiDip. It's pretty temporary and easily damaged.

Wrap is a better choice, but the complex shapes on the fairing would be a definite challenge.

LittleRedNinjette · November 10th, 2014, 09:56 AM

Plasti dip is good for trying different things. You dont like it, rip it off and try something else. i did that with my windshield.

Hero Danny · November 10th, 2014, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkv45

If you are concerned about "a good job" I wouldn't bother with PlastiDip. It's pretty temporary and easily damaged.

Wrap is a better choice, but the complex shapes on the fairing would be a definite challenge.

I disagree. My friend dipped his van 8 months ago and it still looks good. There are a couple spots near the bottom where it's peeling ever so slightly, and that's because he only used about 3 coats, when he should of had closer to 6.

You can get a nice looking paint job, Ricochet half-assed his and it still looks nice from 5 feet away.

Check out dipyourcar.com they have a forum where people have gone nearly 2 years and still have a good looking ride, and this is their DD mine you. A motorcycle that is stored most of the time and only sees maybe 10k miles a year will definitely hold out...

And you cannot argue the price. You can dip your whole bike for less than $100, don't like it? Easily removeable with no hassle...

I dipped my celica's hatch handle a year ago... still looks good. Here's a photo!

The little cuts in the word "celica" were my fault... Lesson learned.. I tried cutting the words out AFTER the dip dried... big mistake, If I had removed the tape before it would of been fine :/ Oh well, it hasn't peeled at all.

cadd · November 10th, 2014, 11:50 AM

$75 for a sticker just blows my mind!!! It cost them maybe $3 to make. How on earth can anyone charge $75 bux for one?!

If I were you, I'll just leave it. Save that $75 bux for gas or insurance or an aftermarket part.

You can train yourself not to look at it

Hero Danny · November 10th, 2014, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadd

$75 for a sticker just blows my mind!!! It cost them maybe $3 to make. How on earth can anyone charge $75 bux for one?!

If I were you, I'll just leave it. Save that $75 bux for gas or insurance or an aftermarket part.

You can train yourself not to look at it

Oh I completely agree with you 100% I wouldn't waste $75 on a damn sticker especially when I run the risk of messing it up myself! I was going to try and fix it, but maybe I could get a black "ninja" sticker (words saying ninja, not actual ninja) and place it over it so it's harder to see.

LittleRedNinjette · November 10th, 2014, 12:58 PM

75 is a bit high but not extremely outrageous for a good quality vinyl decal of that size.

put some "sponsor" type decals over it like the ones on my bike like on a race bike.

jkv45 · November 10th, 2014, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

I disagree. My friend dipped his van 8 months ago and it still looks good. There are a couple spots near the bottom where it's peeling ever so slightly, and that's because he only used about 3 coats, when he should of had closer to 6.
(SNIP)

It depends on what your expectations of durability are I guess. You can't change a tire on a wheel that is PlastiDipped without messing it up, but if you don't touch it much I guess it's OK. I've seen people PlastiDip their cycle tank, and anywhere they happen to touch it with their pants while riding it peels up.

I work in powder coating, so I expect a coating to stand up to abuse without failing - multiple tire changes, being dropped on the floor, crashed, whatever - it might show scuffs or marks, but it needs to hang on and look good.

Hero Danny · November 10th, 2014, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkv45

It depends on what your expectations of durability are I guess. You can't change a tire on a wheel that is PlastiDipped without messing it up, but if you don't touch it much I guess it's OK. I've seen people PlastiDip their cycle tank, and anywhere they happen to touch it with their pants while riding it peels up.

I work in powder coating, so I expect a coating to stand up to abuse without failing - multiple tire changes, being dropped on the floor, crashed, whatever - it might show scuffs or marks, but it needs to hang on and look good.

Oh, by no means am I saying plasti dip can even hold a candle to a quality powder paint job! But with the price and ease of use you really cannot beat it. I agree, once you put a tire iron to a dipped rim it starts to peel. You can repair rips with plasti dip, I believe. The tank is an interesting point, I admit. Luckily with our bikes we're not laying down on our tanks very often.

verboten1 · November 11th, 2014, 06:10 AM

It's holding up ok, but the tank is scuffed from my jacket/pants

Hero Danny · November 15th, 2014, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verboten1

It's holding up ok, but the tank is scuffed from my jacket/pants

Nice, is that dipped or powdered?

verboten1 · November 17th, 2014, 07:24 AM

It's Plasti-Dip- white base with pearlizer.

I may be stripping it and going with a different product my buddy is now using.

November 8th, 2014, 06:19 PM	#1
Hero Danny Inline 4!!! Name: Danny Location: MA Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.	How to fix a OEM sticker The only flaw on my entire bike is this stupid sticker... The guy tried putting it on (old one had a scratch from previous owner drop) and didn't do it correctly.... I know you can order a new one but they generally run for about $75... RIDICULOUS! I think I can save this one.... thinking heat gun and just slowly work some water in and squeegie it away, kinda like tinting a window.... any thoughts on it? __________________________________________________ Be careful. Remember you are invisible

November 8th, 2014, 07:50 PM	#2
LittleRedNinjette Certified Troublemaker Name: Teri Location: Hamilton, NJ Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250r "Pikachu", 2017 Ninja 650 "Epona" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Aug '13, Aug '14, Feb '17	Who put it on? Not sure on fixing it. __________________________________________________ Raven's Rejuvenation A bruise is a lesson... and each lesson makes us better...

November 8th, 2014, 07:59 PM	#3
Brother Michigan ninjette.org sage Name: Aaron Location: Winder, GA Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 718	If you're going to have a chance at fixing it, you've probably got the right idea. __________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER: I generally have no idea what I'm talking about.

November 8th, 2014, 08:37 PM	#5
verboten1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Monroe, MI Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - June '15	Yep, poke them, work the air out. The creases are there, but you may be able to minimize them. Use a squeegee with the felt covering it to minimize cutting/scratching the vinyl. __________________________________________________ '82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less.

November 8th, 2014, 08:47 PM	#8
verboten1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Monroe, MI Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - June '15	Be prepared to destroy it if you try that. Vinyl wrap is made to be put on and removed, these decals are not meant to be removed. __________________________________________________ '82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less.

November 8th, 2014, 08:25 PM	#4
jkv45 Rev Limiter Name: Jay Location: WI Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): '06 SV650n, '00 Derbi GPR, '64 CA77 Dream 305, '70 CL450 Scrambler, numerous dirt bikes Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jun '18, Oct '16	You can use a very small sewing needle to pierce the bubbles, but the creases may not work out even with heat and a squeegee.

November 8th, 2014, 09:39 PM	#10
MrAtom . Name: . Location: . Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot. MOTM - July '15	Why do you care about a sticker on your bike? It's a $4000, 300cc bike. It's nothing special. I don't get it.
	0 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

November 8th, 2014, 11:01 PM	#14
MrAtom . Name: . Location: . Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot. MOTM - July '15	I didn't really mean to come off as rude when I posted that. Sorry if I did. I was just saying that it's a bit much to care about one sticker. I mean, I kind of get it I guess. People want their stuff too look nice. I personally like a little wabi-sabi in my life, but to each their own.

November 9th, 2014, 04:46 AM	#15
Ninjinsky ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Paul Location: UK Join Date: Apr 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250, Yamaha RS200 (classic) Posts: A lot.	Looked up wabi-sabi, interesting. Though it contrasts with the engineering aesthetic. (and VJMC concours competitions where they can argue for hours about the thickness of washer on a mudguard stay ) Anyway you might like my "shabby chic" ninjette with its key area paint wear and mis-matched tank color

November 9th, 2014, 10:34 AM	#19
Ninjinsky ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Paul Location: UK Join Date: Apr 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250, Yamaha RS200 (classic) Posts: A lot.	Consider Botox injections.

November 9th, 2014, 11:13 AM	#20
snot sammich maker Name: snot Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '15	Why not just remove the sticker? If it was me... I would remove the sticker and order a new one in a year when the price drops a little.

November 9th, 2014, 11:39 AM	#21
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Did that guy really dis the 300? (-_-) Your lack of love for stickers saddens me sir. __________________________________________________

November 9th, 2014, 12:30 PM	#22
LittleRedNinjette Certified Troublemaker Name: Teri Location: Hamilton, NJ Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250r "Pikachu", 2017 Ninja 650 "Epona" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Aug '13, Aug '14, Feb '17	__________________________________________________ Raven's Rejuvenation A bruise is a lesson... and each lesson makes us better...

November 9th, 2014, 12:32 PM	#23
snot sammich maker Name: snot Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '15	Now I see the issue.. this is on the side faring, spend the $75 and fix it. You wait for cyber Monday to see if you can get a discount.

November 10th, 2014, 06:15 AM	#26
LittleRedNinjette Certified Troublemaker Name: Teri Location: Hamilton, NJ Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250r "Pikachu", 2017 Ninja 650 "Epona" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Aug '13, Aug '14, Feb '17	Plasti dip! __________________________________________________ Raven's Rejuvenation A bruise is a lesson... and each lesson makes us better...
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

November 10th, 2014, 09:22 AM	#29
BlownWideOpen ninjette.org guru Name: Artie Location: Canada Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): Stuff Posts: 284	^ Wow, talk about half-assing it. ^ __________________________________________________ Paint side up, rubber side down!

November 10th, 2014, 09:52 AM	#30
jkv45 Rev Limiter Name: Jay Location: WI Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): '06 SV650n, '00 Derbi GPR, '64 CA77 Dream 305, '70 CL450 Scrambler, numerous dirt bikes Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jun '18, Oct '16	If you are concerned about "a good job" I wouldn't bother with PlastiDip. It's pretty temporary and easily damaged. Wrap is a better choice, but the complex shapes on the fairing would be a definite challenge.

November 10th, 2014, 09:56 AM	#31
LittleRedNinjette Certified Troublemaker Name: Teri Location: Hamilton, NJ Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250r "Pikachu", 2017 Ninja 650 "Epona" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Aug '13, Aug '14, Feb '17	Plasti dip is good for trying different things. You dont like it, rip it off and try something else. i did that with my windshield. __________________________________________________ Raven's Rejuvenation A bruise is a lesson... and each lesson makes us better...

November 10th, 2014, 11:50 AM	#33
cadd cadd cadd cadd Name: Cadd Location: 41°21'13.1"N, 74°41'37.4"W Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): 300 Posts: A lot. MOTM - May '15	$75 for a sticker just blows my mind!!! It cost them maybe $3 to make. How on earth can anyone charge $75 bux for one?! If I were you, I'll just leave it. Save that $75 bux for gas or insurance or an aftermarket part. You can train yourself not to look at it

November 10th, 2014, 12:58 PM	#35
LittleRedNinjette Certified Troublemaker Name: Teri Location: Hamilton, NJ Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250r "Pikachu", 2017 Ninja 650 "Epona" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Aug '13, Aug '14, Feb '17	75 is a bit high but not extremely outrageous for a good quality vinyl decal of that size. put some "sponsor" type decals over it like the ones on my bike like on a race bike. __________________________________________________ Raven's Rejuvenation A bruise is a lesson... and each lesson makes us better...

November 17th, 2014, 07:24 AM	#40
verboten1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Monroe, MI Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - June '15	It's Plasti-Dip- white base with pearlizer. I may be stripping it and going with a different product my buddy is now using. __________________________________________________ '82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less.

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