Customize Your Motorcycle with Fender Decals for a Unique Look

Customizing Your Ride with Motorcycle Fender Decals

For many motorcycle enthusiasts, their bike is an extension of their personality. It's a chance to express their style and show off their unique tastes. One of the best ways to customize a motorcycle and make it your own is with decorative decals. Placing decals on the front and rear fenders can transform the look of your motorcycle, while also protecting the paint from scrapes and scratches.

The Benefits of Motorcycle Fender Decals

Decorative decals offer a variety of advantages for motorcycle customization:

• Decals come in a huge range of colors, patterns, and designs. From flames and tribal graphics to photos and phrases, you'll be able to find decals to match your style.
• High quality vinyl decals are designed to stand up to weathering and road debris. They help shield your bike's factory paint.
• Decals are easy to apply, remove, and swap out. You can quickly change the look of your motorcycle if you get tired of one design.
• Custom decals personalize your motorcycle and make it stand out from the crowd.
• Decals are an affordable customization option compared to a full repaint.

Popular Motorcycle Fender Decal Designs

When it comes to customizing your motorcycle with decals, the options are limitless. But some popular designs include:

• Pinstriping and graphics: Thin striping and checkered flag graphics along the fenders give a race-inspired look.
• Tribal decals: Bold tribal-style graphics in black or colored designs make a statement.
• Flames: flame accents in hot rod inspired colors like red, orange, and yellow amp up the visual power.
• Skulls and gothic images: For a darker, edgier appearance, skulls, gargoyles, and grim reapers are popular choices.
• Photorealistic decals: High definition photos of landscapes, animals, or people offer realism.
• Quotes and lyrics: Adding inspirational quotes or song lyrics is a way to share your attitude.

Tips for Applying Motorcycle Fender Decals

Achieving a professional, long-lasting decal application takes some care. Here are some tips for applying motorcycle fender decals:

1. Clean the surface thoroughly. Remove any dirt, grease, wax or polish from the fender where the decals will go.
2. Carefully measure the area. Make sure the decal will fit properly and that decals on both sides will be placed symmetrically.
3. Use masking tape as a guide. Tape off the outer edges where the decal will go so you align it perfectly.
4. When ready to apply, peel away the backing slowly. Apply pressure from the center outward to adhere the decal smoothly and remove any air pockets.
5. Take your time. Rushing leads to crooked decals that may not adhere properly. Apply them methodically.
6. Apply a decal protector spray. This clear coat will protect the vinyl graphics from premature wear.
7. Avoid placing decals near hot areas like the exhaust. The heat can cause the vinyl to bubble and peel.

Where to Buy Custom Decals for Motorcycles

Many local sign shops and graphics companies can create custom one-off vinyl decals for your specific motorcycle. But here are some good online retailers offering a wide range of pre-designed motorcycle decals:

• Hot Bike Decals: Hundreds of high-quality pre-made decals for Harley-Davidson and metric cruisers. Flames, tribal, and photo quality designs.
• Thunder Press Decals: Specializes in decals for V-Twin motorcycles. Great selection of stripes, lettering, and bold graphics.
• Biker Pros: Cool decals for various brands including Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and more. Decals for fairings, gas tanks, and fenders.
• Custom South: Vinyl decals for those looking for unique Confederate Flag and Southern Pride designs.
• Decal Daddy: Get personalized one-off custom name, racing number, or text decals for your motorcycle or helmet.

Tips for Motorcycle Fender Decal Maintenance

Properly cared for, vinyl decals can last for years on your motorcycle. Here are some tips for keeping your bike decals looking pristine:

• Wash with care. Use a mild soap and soft cloth or sponge. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive brushes.
• Avoid power washing. The strong spray can cause decals to lift or peel at the edges.
• Apply wax or sealant. This adds an extra layer of protection from UV rays and road grime.
• Inspect closely for lifting edges or peels. Catch and repair them early to prevent further damage.
• Replace cracked or faded decals. Vinyl does degrade in sunlight over time.
• Take care with gasoline. Avoid spilling gas on decals, as it can stain and dissolve vinyl.
• Park in the shade. This limits UV exposure and heat which can accelerate decal wear.

Upgrading Your Ride with New Decals

If your current motorcycle decals are looking worn or you just want a new look, upgrading them is easy. Some tips for switching up your decals include:

• Remove old decals carefully. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften adhesive and peel slowly.
• Clean residue thoroughly. Any remaining adhesive can keep new decals from properly bonding.
• Measure precisely. New decals should align with old placement or cover it completely.
• Consider a new color scheme. Complement your bike’s base color with vibrant new decal hues.
• Mix and match. Decals don’t have to match perfectly on left and right for an edgy mismatched look.
• Add accent decals. Supplement a basic look with eye-catching decals on the tank, saddlebags, or windscreen.

With the right care, vinyl decals allow you to customize your motorcycle and protect the paintjob while you ride in style. Replace faded and damaged decals regularly to keep your bike looking its best on the open road.

FAQs

How long do vinyl decals last on a motorcycle?

With proper care and maintenance, quality vinyl decals can last upwards of 5 years or more on a motorcycle. Avoiding excessive sun exposure, heat, and gasoline spills can extend the life of your decals.

What do I need to prepare the fender before applying decals?

Thoroughly clean the fender surface with isopropyl alcohol or another degreaser. Remove any wax, polish, or debris that could impede adhesion. Lightly scuff with fine grit sandpaper if the paint is very smooth.

Can I get custom decals made for my specific motorcycle?

Yes, many local sign and graphics shops can create fully custom vinyl decals tailored to your exact motorcycle make and model. Bring measurements and high quality photos or graphics that you want turned into decals.

What temperature is best for applying vinyl decals?

Ideally apply decals when the temperature is between 50-90°F. Very cold and very hot temperatures can make the vinyl less pliable and not adhere as well. Avoid direct sunlight when applying.

How do I remove old deteriorating decals?

Use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the vinyl, then slowly peel off. Any adhesive residue can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol or googone. Be careful not to damage the underlying paint.