how would i bend the vinyl around a motorcycle?

[Alex Wilson]

Hi Diablo

Not really my thing graphics on motorbikes but I would have thought a decent wrapping vinyl or cast would solve you problems. You may have to wrap the graphic first and then cut to shape on the bike.

Kind regards

Alex

[Peter Normington]

Matt first you need a reasonable quality vinyl, a good calendered should do, but a cast would be better.
You can make a reasonable template using masking tape. but should be able to cut the piece to almost the shape you want, by hand.
I would start by lightly applying the panel and running, a felt squeegee along the horizontal centre line, then work the vinyl in two halves, You should be able to do without heat, but if the vinyl starts to bunch you can apply gentle heat to relieve it, then wait a few seconds before continuing.

Use long cutting strokes using your squeegee at about 45deg to the vynyl, in both planes, if that makes sense?

Peter

[Matt Pike]

Hiya Alex 🙂

Thanks for your input.

Wrapping vinyl, hmm I am using Oracal 751c would this be suitable for what I am trying to do ?

Sorry I don’t understand the second bit about wrapping the graphic, and cutting it on the bike really isnt an option as knowing my luck I will just cut the plastic fairing 😕

[Matt Pike]

Hi Peter.

So would you recommend I do this as a wet installation or dry ?

So do you suggest I cut the shape I want and work it on the bike ? if I do this then its going to get seriously out of shape.

Maybe instead of having like a square-ish section I would have to look at covering the whole unit form top to bottom in white vinyl ?

[Peter Normington]

Matt ,
DRY
You will find that with a bit of practice, the vinyl will distort very little,
and if it does it will all distort so the edges should remain straight.

Peter

[Matt Pike]

Thanks Peter I’ll give it another go 🙂

[Phil Price]

quote Diablo:

Thanks Peter I’ll give it another go 🙂

Convex gearwrap or a similar Convex product would be ideal for this application. It’s not cheap, but it would do the job perfectly each and every time.

Phil

[Matt Pike]

Cheers for that Phil, I tried again with no success so I’ll see if I can get hold of the Convex gearwrap 😀

[Luca Cabano]

hi mate i have done quite a few of these as im into bikes and the best way i have found is just to cut a big chunk of vinyl and work from the middle like you are wrapping a football, then get somebody to pull slightly on the edges as you work your way out stretching the vinyl with a little heat, it takes some practice but it the only way really and to cut to shape after, the oracle cast you are using will be fine for it.

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[Matt Pike]

Thanks for that Luca, looks awesome well impressed 😀

[Peter Normington]

Matt Only reservations I have about cutting to shape on the bike is it takes a very light touch and you could easily mark the original paint,

OK if you can live with it, but take care if cutting on a customers!

Peter

[Luca Cabano]

yeah you do have to be a bit careful cutting, just try to score it lightly with a new blade (only 10a blades) dont use the cowboy snap off blades and it should be fine.

[Jayne Marsh]

Ive done quite a few of these as well and getting the right shape is a bit of trial and error if you arent cutting on the bike itself. I cut a few test shapes and roughly put them on to try for size and shape then cut the final piece and apply it much the same way that Peter described. I do find that sometimes it easier to use my hand to ease the vinyl down ( A vinyl fitting glove is useful for this, available from a number of different suppliers ) It just takes practice and a decent conformable vinyl that you can heat if necessary.

[Matt Pike]

Thanks for the reply everyone, really appreciate it 🙂