side decals

[Dorianfes]

does anyone know  a good way of getting off the side decals??  i'm having trouble getting the ones on the gas tank off.

[Kerry]

The decals on the gas tank are under a layer of clearcoat paint.  (The ones on the plastic side panels are NOT.)

I haven't heard of any "good way" to get the decals off the tank.  From what I understand, you just about have to remove ALL of the paint from the tank (down to the metal) and start over.

 

[pantablo]

let your bike sit in the sun for a while. then you can peel off the sticker by starting it with your fingernail. If not, then try goo gone. Or use what the professionals use-3M adhesive Remover/Cleaner available at auto paint stores.

[RedFuelDlux]

Adhesive remover only works if you get the clearcoat off first.  If you plan on painting, then any auto parts store stocks automotive spray-on paint remover. It's what I used. The decal and paint will bubble right off in about 30 seconds. It's actually pretty cool to watch!     Sanding through the clearcoat also works, but if you're not planning on repainting and you only want the decals off for a cleaner look. You may be out of luck. There is no other safe way to remove the clearcoat without damaging the paint.

[pantablo]

Adhesive remover only works if you get the clearcoat off first.  .

His post is asking about the side [panel] decals. There is no clear coat on the side panels, only the tank.

[Sportbilly]

His post is asking about the side [panel] decals. There is no clear coat on the side panels, only the tank.

Err, yes he did

i'm having trouble getting the ones on the gas tank off.

LOL

The clearcoat on my '89 peeled off on it's own accord in about '95, so grab a beer and wait a while...

[paui]

can u use the spray-on paint remover on the plastic panels too? i would like to but i would not like to see the plastic melt.

[RedFuelDlux]

Well I have to confess I did. My decals were coming off in tiny chips so I resorted to the remover. But... and this is a big BUT, use only a little remover lightly dabbed on a rag and ONLY get it on the DECAL. This will soften the decal after about 7-10 seconds. Wipe off immediately with a damp cloth or your plastic will begin to melt.   Yeah..... that's a big downside.  Your plastic will chip if you leave it on too long...say around  20 seconds. :x  I learned this on an old side panel I had laying around. Anyway, back to the decal. Once you've wiped off the remover, take a putty knife and gently scrape and edge, like magic the decal will stay in one piece and start peeling off. You may have to repeat this in spots. But I only  recommend this as a last resort if you side panel decals are old and stubborn and only chip off as the consequences could be disastrous if you are not careful.  

[Sportbilly]

Sorry, forgot to mention this before, but ordinary zippo lighter fluid or WD40 soften many adhesives, and should be pretty easy on the paint and plastic underneath.  Try on the back of the panel first JIC...

[Gorilla]

Sorry, forgot to mention this before, but ordinary zippo lighter fluid or WD40 soften many adhesives, and should be pretty easy on the paint and plastic underneath.  Try on the back of the panel first JIC...

thanks i have to do this, this weekend. your tip is helpful!

[bombsquad83]

I'm sure it was helpful 10 years ago when it was posted the first time as well.   

[Gorilla]

I'm sure it was helpful 10 years ago when it was posted the first time as well.   

every post is new to me. I dont know jack about motorcycles!

[PatheticPuma]

We need to change Gorilla's tag from "Local Club Racer" to "Local Thread Resurrector"

[jacob92icu]

Its funny, people get ridiculed for asking the same question over and over again and then they get ridiculed for posting in a thread that they searched! 

[Gorilla]

Exactly! i searched and forgot to think about WHEN it was posted. assuming it was recent.