Everything You Need to Know About How to Install a Dirt Bike Graphics Kit

Dirt bikes are becoming more popular with each passing year. By some accounts, there are currently more than 350 million off-road motorcyclists across the globe, and that figure continues to increase. Manufacturers are creating more diverse dirt bike models than ever before, making the sport more appealing to various types of riders.

At the same time, people are increasingly discovering the freedom, adrenaline rush, and therapeutic effects of off-roading, which further increases the allure of dirt bikes. With riders of all ages and interests getting on board with off-road motorcycles, the demand for customization options is growing as well.

Finding Ways to Customize a Dirt Bike

As you’ll learn over the course of your dirt bike adventures, there are several ways to personalize a bike. Adding a more comfortable seat, aftermarket footpegs, and cushioned handlebar grips to the setup can make a significant difference. Quite a few off-roaders also upgrade their suspension systems to make for a less bumpy ride. On top of that, you can ramp up the gears and modify the air-to-fuel ratio to improve the bike’s performance.

Those are only a few of the options at your disposal. Of course, riders who want to customize the appearance of their dirt bikes have an endless lineup of graphics kits to choose from, including those over at sengegraphics.com.

Applying a Graphics Kit to a Dirt Bike

Graphics kits are among the simplest, most effective, and most affordable solutions for modifying a dirt bike to make it reflect the style and personality of its rider. Those who ride competitively can also apply graphics to advertise for their sponsors.

Either way, graphics can completely transform the look of a bike. These applications aren’t necessarily simple to install, but with a few minor measures and the right knowledge, this type of customization can certainly be a do-it-yourself project.

Getting Started on the Right Note

First, it’s important to understand that adhesive graphics won’t stick properly if there’s dirt, grease, road grime, and other debris covering the surface they’re being applied to.

The first and most essential step to take when applying a graphics kit is to clean your bike thoroughly with a cleaning agent that will remove all the offending substances without harming the bike’s paint job.

High-quality dish soap is usually a good choice because it’s non-abrasive and designed to cut through grease. From there, allow the bike to dry completely. Then, you can move on to the next steps.

Create a Plan

Once your dirt bike is clean and dry, you can start getting ready to apply your graphics kit. Keep in mind, though, it’s best to not rush into the final application process. Take some time to plan out where you want to place the decals and just how you want to orient them. To do that, take the graphics out of their packaging but don’t peel away the protective backings just yet.

If you want, you can place the decals on the bike with their protective backings still intact. Then, stick them in place with small pieces of tape, like the type you’d use when wrapping gifts. It’s strong enough to hold the decals in place but not sticky enough to damage the bike’s paint or leave behind a problematic residue when it’s removed.

That’ll help give you a good idea of how the graphics fit and how they’ll look once they’re permanently applied. It’ll also give you a chance to move and rearrange them as desired until you get them exactly where you want them.

Preparing to Apply

Once you have a plan, it’s time to start applying the graphics. Again, make sure there’s no dirt or grease on the areas where the decals will be placed. When it comes to applying the kit, a few methods are commonly used.

Dry Application

One option is applying the graphics to a dry surface by simply using your hands, eyes, and the adhesive backing on the decals. Decals are essentially high-grade stickers with adhesive applied to the back to hold them firmly in place. When you peel off the protective backing, the decals will stick to the dirt bike.

Because of that, consider only peeling away the backing a little at a time. That gives you a little more wiggle room for adjusting the decals as you go. Otherwise, you could end up slipping and ultimately ruining the decals if you need to move them around a bit.

Wet Application

Instead of using the dry method, many people opt for wet applications. That entails applying soapy water to the bike before placing the graphics. The water will allow you to move around the decal as needed for a time before it permanently adheres. Don’t worry, though. Once the soap and water dry, they won’t interfere with the decal’s ability to permanently stick to the bike. Alternatively, wet application sprays are available at virtually any store that sells automotive decals, window tints, and similar products. 

Heat Gun Application

Some people prefer to use a heat gun rather than the dry or wet application method. Heat loosens up the adhesive a bit and makes the decals more pliable. In turn, they’re easier to work with and manipulate into place. As the decals cool, the adhesive regains its permanent stickiness and stays firmly where you leave the graphics.

If you don’t have a heat gun, you could use a standard handheld hairdryer. With either tool, hold the device about a foot away from the sticker while applying. If you’re using a hairdryer, you may need to adjust that distance a bit. 

Ultimate Dirt Bike Customization Solutions

While there are several ways to customize a dirt bike, graphics kits can make the most noticeable difference from a visual perspective. Most other options are geared more toward safety, comfort, and performance. An endless array of graphics is available to allow you to personalize a dirt bike in almost any way you’d like. After choosing a graphics kit, be sure to plan ahead before applying the decals. From there, choose the application method that works best for you.