Tank graphics bubbling

Teejay
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Teejay
Has anybody ever found a solution to stop tank graphics bubbling / warping on an old plastic tank. Want to put new graphics on my Rm but thought I’d see if anyone had any good ideas before the inevitable bubbling up happens. Thanks.
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Timo
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Timo 3/14/2022 7:19am
3/14/2022 7:19am
Don't put graphics on the tank, then they will never bubble! Your bike will be lighter too...
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Bwaap450Moto 3/14/2022 7:24am
3/14/2022 7:24am
I had a 13’ CRF450 (13-16 tank is showing more than any other CRF) and put perforated graphics on and they didn’t bubble for the couple seasons I had em on. I prefer look of non-perforated slightly more but they still looked good and are supposed to hold up for a lot longer than standard.
Big Lenny
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Big Lenny 3/14/2022 7:25am
3/14/2022 7:25am
Use a needle and a heat gun...
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sgrimmxdad 3/14/2022 7:38am
3/14/2022 7:38am
We insert round circles or oval cuts in our tank graphics to help offset the problem. It doesn't cure it but it does seem to last longer.
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Bwaap450Moto 3/14/2022 7:42am
3/14/2022 7:42am
^ hence perforated graphics that are pre made with a ton of small holes in them.
Splat03
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Splat03 3/14/2022 8:21am
3/14/2022 8:21am
Obviously start with a clean tank before applying. One of the big issues is spilling gas on them. I had that issue on an old YZ repeatedly til someone explained it to me. Keep the gas in the tank and not on the tank. Graphics will last much longer.
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SCRUBdesignz 3/14/2022 10:07am
3/14/2022 10:07am
Hi Teejay, I have a solution to your problem. We are producing graphics and for many models there is also a sticker for the tank in the set. The sticker must be perforated so that petrol fumes can get out of there without damaging the adhesive. One of the most important things is to clean and degrease the tank before applying graphics and then keep it as clean as possible. The tank deserves a little more attention than classic plastics. When washing, it is good to brush the tank and thus clean the holes so the fumes aren't blocked. Of course, when pouring gas, it's necessary to be more careful not to pour it on the graphics. We supply stickers for Dakar motorcycles, which have huge tanks and usually there is no problem. If you need any help with that, please reach me out at milos@scrubdesignz.com
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Teejay
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Teejay 11/20/2023 11:39pm
11/20/2023 11:39pm

Thought I’d bump my old post from a while ago.  Still having trouble with the bubbling tank graphics.  I’m going to try a new method this time and wondered if anybody has done it.  
 

My plan is to mount the tank graphics to some very thin aluminium sheet, then glue the sheet to the tank.  Probably sounds weird but seems like it might be a way to prevent the graphics yellowing and bubbling up? 

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BrocSomm#4
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BrocSomm#4 11/21/2023 12:23am
11/21/2023 12:23am Edited Date/Time 11/21/2023 12:25am

If you can find a Lightspeed carbon, cmt compositi, or other brands carbon fiber tank cover this will provide a thin gap for fumes to escape and keep your graphics nice.

IMG 1432

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Teejay
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Teejay 11/21/2023 12:46am
11/21/2023 12:46am

That was my original thought I’ve just not been able to find one for an Rm 250.  I was going to try and replicate the same idea but with aluminium.  How is the carbon cover attached? 

Teejay
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Teejay 11/21/2023 2:33am
11/21/2023 2:33am
BrocSomm#4 wrote:
If you can find a Lightspeed carbon, cmt compositi, or other brands carbon fiber tank cover this will provide a thin gap for fumes to escape...

If you can find a Lightspeed carbon, cmt compositi, or other brands carbon fiber tank cover this will provide a thin gap for fumes to escape and keep your graphics nice.

IMG 1432

Nice bike by the way! Wish I’d never sold my 16! 

418 Ranch
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418 Ranch 11/21/2023 4:50am
11/21/2023 4:50am

Little extra work, but buy a metal gas can.  Drain your tank into it after each ride.  Gas stays oxygenated and far less fumes seep through the plastic tank to get trapped between the vinyl and laminate.  Works really well.

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Honda Man 66 11/21/2023 6:43am
11/21/2023 6:43am

There is a kream tank liner kit for plastic tanks. This will solve your problem. I did it on my ‘79 RM 100 and it worked perfectly. 

2
BrocSomm#4
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BrocSomm#4 11/22/2023 5:22pm
11/22/2023 5:22pm

CRM carbon fiber makes a full carbon tank for the 01-08 Suzuki RM250 depending on the year of your bike and budget. I can confirm that there's no outgas problems through a carbon tank and graphics. I eventually ran graphics on this cmt tank with no issues. https://crmcompositi.com/shop/s-se-12-2/

I agree this 2013 Honda 450 was amazing. I eventually sold it after I got cut off on a triple and broke my back at the end of 2016. I have a 2022 now and I'm still trying to get it as comfortable as the old one.IMG 1456.JPG?VersionId=7wFsVzVxTjoftZ70

jerry atrick moto 11/24/2023 6:47am
11/24/2023 6:47am

IMG 3114Other than yellowing of the decal, these 06 ttr125 tank decals have no bubbles or signs of deterioration. Wonder what the difference is in oem graphics?IMG 3115.jpeg?VersionId=qTE

Teejay
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Teejay 11/24/2023 12:18pm
11/24/2023 12:18pm
jerry atrick moto wrote:
Other than yellowing of the decal, these 06 ttr125 tank decals have no bubbles or signs of deterioration. Wonder what the difference is in oem graphics?

IMG 3114Other than yellowing of the decal, these 06 ttr125 tank decals have no bubbles or signs of deterioration. Wonder what the difference is in oem graphics?IMG 3115.jpeg?VersionId=qTE

The only thing I can’t think is that they were put on when the tank was new and had never had fuel in. Strange it doesn’t affect them as much though.  They’re doing well to still be on! 

coopernicus
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coopernicus 11/24/2023 7:28pm
11/24/2023 7:28pm Edited Date/Time 11/24/2023 7:29pm
Teejay wrote:
Thought I’d bump my old post from a while ago.  Still having trouble with the bubbling tank graphics.  I’m going to try a new method this...

Thought I’d bump my old post from a while ago.  Still having trouble with the bubbling tank graphics.  I’m going to try a new method this time and wondered if anybody has done it.  
 

My plan is to mount the tank graphics to some very thin aluminium sheet, then glue the sheet to the tank.  Probably sounds weird but seems like it might be a way to prevent the graphics yellowing and bubbling up? 

Some early Can Am motorcycles had a metallic base to their tank decal and I have some that are 46 years old that are still hanging in there.  I hear the metallic base decal sheet is still available but I have not looked for it.  So, I think you are on the right track!

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