DK Tech Tip: How to Replace Dirt Bike Graphics

Are your dirt bike’s graphics looking a little haggard or are fading. Or are you just sick of the stickers on your bike? Replacing your graphics is an easy way to breathe new life into your dirt bike’s appearance. Plus, it’s not a job you should shy away from doing yourself. As Donn Maeda of Swap Moto shows in the following video, it’s an easy job to complete and doesn’t require much in the way of tools. Follow along to learn the process for yourself.

What You’ll Need:

1. Graphic kit
2. Heat gun (or hair dryer)
3. Rag
4. Ratchet or T-handle (for seat removal)
5. Can of contact cleaner

Step 1: Prepare Your Bike Before you start applying the graphics. This includes cleaning the surfaces where the stickers will be attached.

• Start by removing the seat using a ratchet or T-handle.
• Use a rag and contact cleaner to clean all the areas where the graphics will be placed. Ensure the surface is free from any residue, dirt, or silicone spray.

Step 2: Applying Graphics to the Front Plate. We’ll begin with the easiest part, the front plate.

• Heat the front plate with a heat gun or hair dryer to make the surface more pliable. Be careful not to overheat and burn the graphic.
• Starting from a corner, peel the backing of the graphic and fold it back.
• Carefully align the graphic with the front plate, ensuring it lines up with any bolt holes.
• Press the graphic onto the plate, starting from where the backing is folded.
• Slowly work your way down, making sure to smooth out any air bubbles as you go. If you encounter bubbles, peel the graphic back and reapply it.
• For any curved edges, you may need to use the heat gun to ensure proper adhesion.

Step 3: Applying Graphics to the Shroud. This process can be slightly more challenging due to cutouts and bolt notches. It’s important to take your time and ensure everything lines up.

• Heat the shroud to make it more pliable.
• Start by aligning critical points, such as bolt holes and prominent edges.
• Peel back the front corner of the graphic slightly, then align and press down the key points.
• Work your way around, pressing the graphic onto the shroud and smoothing out any air bubbles.
• If necessary, use the heat gun to ensure the graphic adheres properly to curved sections.

Step 4: Applying Graphics to the Side Panel. We’ve saved the hardest part for last. The side panel, especially on the exhaust pipe side, can be the most challenging.

• Heat the side panel to make it more pliable.
• Align the graphic with the key points, like bolt holes.
• Peel back a small section of the graphic, align it properly, and press it onto the panel.
• Carefully work your way around, paying extra attention to curved sections.
• Use the heat gun as needed to ensure the graphic adheres to the curves without wrinkles.
• Be patient and take your time.

Step 5: Final Touches. Once you’ve successfully applied the graphics to all the desired areas, take a moment to ensure everything is securely attached and air bubble-free. If needed, use the heat gun to touch up any problem areas.