UUHHGG!!.......YZ450 Side plate graphics!

jeffro503
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jeffro503
Edited Date/Time 1/27/2012 3:42pm
Holy Shit....what a pain!

These side plates have some weird curves in them.

You guys have any advice on how to lay these graphics down without causing a bunch of wrinkles? I haven't put them on yet....but it looks like it's going to be a PIA!
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Chris_ONeal
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Chris_ONeal 8/21/2010 2:17pm
8/21/2010 2:17pm
Buy the application stuff from Decal works. Stuff works like a champ and no bubbles at all. Lets you slide the graphics around to line them up.
Highsider
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Highsider 8/21/2010 2:21pm
8/21/2010 2:21pm Edited Date/Time 8/21/2010 3:09pm
I have heard to wet everything with windex prior to beginning . On my old 07, just the right side is a booger.
I am seriously considering having DeCal Works sell me new plates with the graphics pre- installed, if I buy an '010.

I think they have a monkey hired, in-house, to just do that.Grin

I bet their website has a tutorial to watch and get techniques.
Rooster
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Rooster 8/21/2010 2:21pm
8/21/2010 2:21pm
Chris_ONeal wrote:
Buy the application stuff from Decal works. Stuff works like a champ and no bubbles at all. Lets you slide the graphics around to line them...
Buy the application stuff from Decal works. Stuff works like a champ and no bubbles at all. Lets you slide the graphics around to line them up.
1L Water + 2 drops of dish soap. Spray it on both sides and it gives you some time to work them out. Make sure you squeegee the water out though or you'll get adhesive failures.
SteveS
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SteveS 8/21/2010 2:31pm
8/21/2010 2:31pm
We install them dry. The 2010 is actually easier than the previous model Yamahas.

The Shop

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Rooster
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Rooster 8/21/2010 2:32pm
8/21/2010 2:32pm Edited Date/Time 8/21/2010 2:33pm
Highsider wrote:
I have heard to wet everything with windex prior to beginning . On my old 07, just the right side is a booger.I am seriously considering...
I have heard to wet everything with windex prior to beginning . On my old 07, just the right side is a booger.
I am seriously considering having DeCal Works sell me new plates with the graphics pre- installed, if I buy an '010.

I think they have a monkey hired, in-house, to just do that.Grin

I bet their website has a tutorial to watch and get techniques.
double post, weird shit.
jeffro503
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jeffro503 8/21/2010 2:35pm
8/21/2010 2:35pm
Good advice guys!! I was about ready to grab a god damn felt tip marker and draw the damn numbers on!! Sheeeesh!
SteveS
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SteveS 8/21/2010 2:37pm
8/21/2010 2:37pm
This customer installed these himself in the back of his pickup in the parking lot at night.



jeffro503
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jeffro503 8/21/2010 2:37pm
8/21/2010 2:37pm
You guys ever use a heat gun to soften them up a little? I may try that again as well.......if I remember right , it helped get them to stretch a little.
PC
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PC 8/21/2010 2:38pm
8/21/2010 2:38pm Edited Date/Time 8/21/2010 2:39pm
Slow and steady. A lot of people use chemicals (like windex) to allow some slippage, but I lay them on without chemicals and just take my sweet ass time. Lay a small area and squeegie any air bubbles out. If unable to squeegie the bubble then lift and reapply that area. Once complete, I'll coat all edges with clear fingernail polish so the edges dont lift.



If you want to head down my way then I'd be happy to give you a hand.



BTW, what (or who's) graphics did you get?

I know a dude in Battleground who's in the biz. Does real nice work.
SteveS
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SteveS 8/21/2010 2:42pm
8/21/2010 2:42pm
The pictures I posted are proof you don't need heat on that bike. But if you do use heat, a hair dryer is all you need. Heat gun can heat the vinyl too much and you'll damage it.
RNagy052
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RNagy052 8/21/2010 3:01pm
8/21/2010 3:01pm
I use Windex or other glass cleaners when putting on my Decal Works backgrounds. Just spray it on the number plates, and also spray it on the back of the graphics. Lay the background on the number plate while they are both wet, and the start from the middle using a little plastic squeegee (decal works gives you one) and keep working the liquid out and wiping around the edges with paper towels. Once you get all of the liquid and air pockets out, then let your number plates sit overnight and place them back on your bike the next day.

Been using this technique for years and it was worked for me every time.

mx757
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mx757 8/21/2010 3:23pm
8/21/2010 3:23pm
Nagy hit it. I usually added the hair dryer to my applications as well because it makes the vinyl a little softer and more pliable.
jeffro503
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jeffro503 8/21/2010 3:25pm
8/21/2010 3:25pm
PC wrote:
Slow and steady. A lot of people use chemicals (like windex) to allow some slippage, but I lay them on without chemicals and just take my...
Slow and steady. A lot of people use chemicals (like windex) to allow some slippage, but I lay them on without chemicals and just take my sweet ass time. Lay a small area and squeegie any air bubbles out. If unable to squeegie the bubble then lift and reapply that area. Once complete, I'll coat all edges with clear fingernail polish so the edges dont lift.



If you want to head down my way then I'd be happy to give you a hand.



BTW, what (or who's) graphics did you get?

I know a dude in Battleground who's in the biz. Does real nice work.
Justin wharton?? YEP....he's who just did mine. They turned out really good I think. Not real busy looking.

I finished the front number plate this morning , and just now finished the left side plate. I'm working on the right one now......and Holy Sweet Jesus is this one tricky!!

Thanks PC for offering to help me man......it's very much appreciated!

Maybe we can hook up and do some riding together?

I'm hitting the MTN view limited practice tomorrow. A little nervous since i haven't really been on an out door track in about 6-7 years. I got this new Yamaha pretty much all broken in , and now I just need to get my body back into some what of a descent riding shape again.

really sucks getting old..........But it's fun as hell!
DownSouth
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DownSouth 8/21/2010 3:26pm
8/21/2010 3:26pm
I take an exacto knife and cut a small (3/8") strip of the paper backing out of the center of the graphic. Try to locate and center the cutout strip on the centerline of the bulge area where the number plate goes over the silencer. Cut lightly, just enough to score the backing paper so you can tear it out. Position it in the proper area and apply half at a time. No mess with soapy water and no bubbles as long as you take your time.
zookrider62!
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zookrider62! 8/21/2010 3:50pm
8/21/2010 3:50pm
I have a friend put them on for me.


Most difficult graphics I ever had was side number plates for an 04 yz250f
35smom
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35smom 8/21/2010 4:10pm
8/21/2010 4:10pm
jeffro503 wrote:
You guys ever use a heat gun to soften them up a little? I may try that again as well.......if I remember right , it helped...
You guys ever use a heat gun to soften them up a little? I may try that again as well.......if I remember right , it helped get them to stretch a little.
thats exactley what we use..
BikeGraphixKC 8/21/2010 4:35pm
8/21/2010 4:35pm
jeffro503 wrote:
Holy Shit....what a pain! These side plates have some weird curves in them. You guys have any advice on how to lay these graphics down without...
Holy Shit....what a pain!

These side plates have some weird curves in them.

You guys have any advice on how to lay these graphics down without causing a bunch of wrinkles? I haven't put them on yet....but it looks like it's going to be a PIA!
Jeffro, we have an installation video in the Media section of our website. Here is a direct link.

BIKEgraphix Installation Video
teggers
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teggers 8/21/2010 5:16pm
8/21/2010 5:16pm
Use a heat gun when after you have it position correctly. All the edges will magically lay flat. Heat the entire sticker to relieve the stress of the angles.
Use a pin and pop the bubbles.

Pit Row

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DrSweden
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DrSweden 8/21/2010 7:11pm
8/21/2010 7:11pm Edited Date/Time 8/21/2010 7:40pm
BikeGraphixKC wrote:
Jeffro, we have an installation video in the Media section of our website. Here is a direct link. [url=https://www.bikegraphix.com/?PageAction=Custom&ID=3]BIKEgraphix Installation Video[/url]
Jeffro, we have an installation video in the Media section of our website. Here is a direct link.

BIKEgraphix Installation Video
Cool, that guy did it with talent. Good vid but I have been using the technique Downsouth mentioned for years where you cut out a piece in the middle of the protection paper and then put the piece in place and work from where the decal is sticked while taking more and more of the protection paper or whateve it's called. Afterwards I use a hairdryer, because despite me doing a perfect job it tends to create bubbles afterwards and tend to raise in angles and at the ends.

I also use alcohol (70%) to delete any oil or shit on both new and old plastics to make the glue stick better...

Pretty good results? Smile



DrSweden
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DrSweden 8/21/2010 7:16pm
8/21/2010 7:16pm
By the way, the N-style graphics above is pretty cool, but it's pretty fragile and made in so many layers where the silver parts are being separated from the protection film making it way more complex to put on. The outer transparent film is flexible while the silver thing isn't. There's some silver stripes running all over... Sad
Keith Stone
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Keith Stone 8/21/2010 7:26pm
8/21/2010 7:26pm
After the "wet" method you can lay the plates in the sun for an even drying, and always have clean hands.
PC
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PC 8/21/2010 7:48pm
8/21/2010 7:48pm
PC wrote:
Slow and steady. A lot of people use chemicals (like windex) to allow some slippage, but I lay them on without chemicals and just take my...
Slow and steady. A lot of people use chemicals (like windex) to allow some slippage, but I lay them on without chemicals and just take my sweet ass time. Lay a small area and squeegie any air bubbles out. If unable to squeegie the bubble then lift and reapply that area. Once complete, I'll coat all edges with clear fingernail polish so the edges dont lift.



If you want to head down my way then I'd be happy to give you a hand.



BTW, what (or who's) graphics did you get?

I know a dude in Battleground who's in the biz. Does real nice work.
jeffro503 wrote:
Justin wharton?? YEP....he's who just did mine. They turned out really good I think. Not real busy looking. I finished the front number plate this morning...
Justin wharton?? YEP....he's who just did mine. They turned out really good I think. Not real busy looking.

I finished the front number plate this morning , and just now finished the left side plate. I'm working on the right one now......and Holy Sweet Jesus is this one tricky!!

Thanks PC for offering to help me man......it's very much appreciated!

Maybe we can hook up and do some riding together?

I'm hitting the MTN view limited practice tomorrow. A little nervous since i haven't really been on an out door track in about 6-7 years. I got this new Yamaha pretty much all broken in , and now I just need to get my body back into some what of a descent riding shape again.

really sucks getting old..........But it's fun as hell!
I'll be there too on a 06' yz250. I'm sure I'll find you with the 2010 bike.

Yeah, I was talking about jjw. I think you posted a while back you were picking up some graphics from PIR and I knew it had to be him. Later!
MX45
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MX45 8/21/2010 8:11pm
8/21/2010 8:11pm Edited Date/Time 8/21/2010 8:11pm
All of you using cleaning products to wet mount your graphics would probably get better results out of a window tint solution. I don't know, windex just sounds harsh.

A pint of distilled water and a few drops of baby shampoo because it won't have detergents or left over residue. I've never used dish soap or windex, but I have used my solution and it works just fine.
mxvet37
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mxvet37 8/21/2010 8:19pm
8/21/2010 8:19pm
Go to the Factory Effex website. They have "how to install graphics" and "how to install number plate backgrounds" videos. Go to Media, then video installation. They also install them for you if you buy the plastics and graphics from them. Good luck.
redrider400
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redrider400 8/21/2010 8:27pm
8/21/2010 8:27pm
The heat gun works for me. Just dont heat them up too much. What sucks is working your ass off on putting them on and them your boots tearing them up bad on the first ride. Maybe its me though, I am 6'3 and have a stand up style so I tend to squeeze the bike more than most. I had to cut a good portion off of my bike because of this.
FIREfish148
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FIREfish148 8/21/2010 8:33pm
8/21/2010 8:33pm
SteveS wrote:
This customer installed these himself in the back of his pickup in the parking lot at night. [IMG]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e390/thesignsource/LanceWadebike001.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e390/thesignsource/LanceWadebike002.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e390/thesignsource/LanceWadebike003.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e390/thesignsource/LanceWadebike004.jpg[/IMG]
This customer installed these himself in the back of his pickup in the parking lot at night.



I dont care what people have to say about the new yz 450 look. This one looks badass.
DanDunes818 8/21/2010 8:53pm
8/21/2010 8:53pm
BikeGraphixKC wrote:
Jeffro, we have an installation video in the Media section of our website. Here is a direct link. [url=https://www.bikegraphix.com/?PageAction=Custom&ID=3]BIKEgraphix Installation Video[/url]
Jeffro, we have an installation video in the Media section of our website. Here is a direct link.

BIKEgraphix Installation Video
DrSweden wrote:
Cool, that guy did it with talent. Good vid but I have been using the technique Downsouth mentioned for years where you cut out a piece...
Cool, that guy did it with talent. Good vid but I have been using the technique Downsouth mentioned for years where you cut out a piece in the middle of the protection paper and then put the piece in place and work from where the decal is sticked while taking more and more of the protection paper or whateve it's called. Afterwards I use a hairdryer, because despite me doing a perfect job it tends to create bubbles afterwards and tend to raise in angles and at the ends.

I also use alcohol (70%) to delete any oil or shit on both new and old plastics to make the glue stick better...

Pretty good results? Smile



The small bore is looking sweet Doc.. How you liking the two fiddy?
DrSweden
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DrSweden 8/21/2010 9:01pm
8/21/2010 9:01pm Edited Date/Time 8/21/2010 9:02pm
DanDunes818 wrote:
The small bore is looking sweet Doc.. How you liking the two fiddy?
LOVE IT! "Destroyed" the forks recently when "I had to ride" in really crappy conditions and sand came in to the forks and made them go from plush to harsh. I have to fix that, but I fear they will newer be the same again... Other than that, it's perfect for me compare to the Honda CRF450 pig and no damn EFI!



Tnx for asking!

jeffro503
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jeffro503 8/21/2010 9:14pm
8/21/2010 9:14pm
Thanks for all your help guys........it's been a while since i had to do this. I really , really miss the flat surfaces I had On my older KX 250's....simple as pie! i only have the shroud decals left , and then i'm through.......Thank God!

PC..........i'll try and find you tomorrow. I should be easy to spot. New white 2010 YZ450 with a #503 on it.

Keith Stone
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Keith Stone 8/21/2010 9:21pm
8/21/2010 9:21pm
Just wait until you get to the muffler side

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