Dirt Bike Graphics: The Comprehensive Guide For Dirt Biker Owners

Whether dirt bike owners compete in championships or just enjoy the sport as a hobby, everyone wants a cool-looking bike that gets noticed. Exceptional graphics and decals set the bikes apart and give owners sophisticated designs.

Manufacturers produce graphics that cover all plastic sections of the bike based on a theme or color scheme. When reviewing the products, owners find selections that meet their personal style and represent the team effectively. 

When approaching a new graphics application, dirt bike owners follow careful instructions, and the best practices give the owners more professional results. The graphics flow across the plastic sections and create an aesthetically pleasing design. If the owner doesn’t follow all guidelines, the person won’t get the most out of the application. 

1. Inspect the Condition of Plastic Sections on the Bike

The owner starts the process by inspecting the current condition of all plastic sections on the dirt bike. If the person rides the dirt bike frequently, scratches and imperfections are likely to happen and require refinishing.

If there are any signs of imperfections, the section must be sanded to create a smooth surface and repainted. Graphics and decals adhere to smoother surfaces better and won’t bubble up or peel off later. Owners can learn more about these processes by contacting Senge Graphics for more information. 

2. Remove All Old Decals Properly

If the dirt bike owner has existing graphics or decals on the bike, they must be removed completely, and the owner must remove any remaining adhesive. Typically, the adhesive on the back of the graphics will transfer to the plastic sections and require more effort to remove successfully. Non-acetone nail polish or alcohol lifts and removes the adhesive without causing damage to the plastic. 

If there is any underlying damage after the old graphics or decals come off, the owner must resurface the section in the same way as mentioned above. A smoother surface is a must, or the dirt bike owner won’t get the full benefit of the new application. Breaks or cracks require more bodywork, and the owner needs to replace the entire section of the dirt bike body.  

3. Choosing the Best Graphics for the Bike

The selection process for graphics and new decals shouldn’t be approached lightly, and the applications are a major investment for anyone who competes on the dirt bike. Some owners choose decals that represent their team, sponsors, or add aesthetic value. 

The color scheme must coordinate well and impress others. Clashing colors make the dirt bike aesthetically displeasing and won’t give the owner a great look. When selecting graphics, the owner considers the shape of the section and how well the design flows with the shape of the bike panels.

The purpose of the application is to set the bike apart from others and make the bike more visible during competitions. The graphics are a terrific way for the owner to present their personality and style to others and decorate the dirt bike in a way that makes the owner proud.  

4. Prepare and Clean the Surface

When preparing to apply the graphics and decals, the owner must follow a stringent clean process to remove dirt and other debris. If the owner uses the bike often, all mud and other abrasives that create scratches should be removed. If the bike is in storage and has any dust on the body, the owner needs to use a gentle plastic-safe cleanser to clean the entire bike. 

The owner rinses all cleansers and chemicals from the bike’s surface and dries the entire section where the owner installs the decals or graphics. Plastic is porous, and the owner waits a few hours after drying the plastic sections with a towel before getting ready to install the graphics.  

5. Applying Your Graphics

When peeling the backing off the bike graphics, the owner lines up the decal in the desired position on the body from the end or bottom. The owner peels and applies each section slowly to ensure the graphics and decals stick to the body evenly and don’t stick together. If the owner gets in too much of a hurry, decal damage or improper applications are possible.

Once the full decal is in place, the owner can use a squeegee to place pressure on the graphics to ensure proper adhesion and eliminate any air bubbles that form under the product. Once the decals are in place, the owner allows them to sit for a few hours before using the dirt bike. A 24-hour waiting period prevents damage and keeps the graphics in the proper position.  

6. Maintaining the Graphics

Over time, decals and graphics lift and become displaced. Even with a professional application and sealant, the products don’t last forever, and owners complete maintenance to extend the useful life of the application. Rolling a squeegee over the decal pushes the product back into place.

Owners apply some small amount of adhesive to the back of any decals that lift or become displaced. As long as the products don’t tear or become too damaged, the owner gets the full benefit of the applications and won’t have to replace the graphic too soon. 

If the owner rides the dirt bike through mud or challenging debris, an inspection of the decals and regular cleaning helps protect the graphics and prevent displacement. Environmental debris damages the materials if the substances remain on the surface for too long.  

Dirt bike owners trick out the bikes to exude their personal style or represent a team for which the individuals compete. In competitions, the owner needs a number and team logo, and manufacturers offer extraordinary graphics and designs to meet the needs of all owners. 

When applying the graphics, owners repair and resurface older plastics and correct damage first. All scratches and abrasions cause defects when adhering the decals, and the smoother the surface the better the products stick to the bike body. The owners review a variety of decals to find the best products for the bikes and how the owners use the bikes.