Motorcycle Wraps

Your motorcycle is more than just a means to get from point A to point B — riding is more like a lifestyle that gives you the freedom to travel cross-country or down some winding back roads. Whether you’re into sports bikes, classic cruisers or low-riding choppers, we can bet you’re already the coolest on the street. But what if you’re tired of the same old stock paint from when you first got the motorcycle?

Rvinyl DIY motorcycle wraps allow you to transform the look of your bike into an even cooler ride than before.

What Is a Vinyl Motorcycle Wrap?

A DIY motorcycle wrap is a sheet of vinyl that adheres to the surface of your bike like a second skin. The film covers the original and outdated paint to revamp the motorbike’s appearance in both color and texture. Vinyl solutions are similar to a premium paint job but with a more economical price tag and many more options.

Rvinyl motorcycle wraps are durable, sturdy and built to last. Unlike paint, the film is available in various colors, patterns, textures and three-dimensional finishes — converting an old-fashioned motorcycle into one with unique features. You can wrap your chopper in carbon fiber, brushed metals and other fun finishes.

Top-tier vinyl film is fade-resistant and can withstand many years of riding without needing touchups like paint. If you decide to install the wrap on your own, it’s vital to follow the correct procedures to ensure it won’t lift, peel or crack. Another bonus property of motorcycle vinyl is that you can’t see the film joins. Unless you’re up close to the bike, the vinyl looks like one whole piece.

Types of Motorcycle Vinyl Wraps

Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys DIY projects or a professional detailer who loves a perfect fit, vinyl wraps can turn a motorbike 180 degrees. You can wrap anything from the chopper’s fender, fuel tank, fairing and frame to its forks, calipers, windscreen, mirrors and clutch covers.

The best thing about using vinyl film is that you can pick and choose which areas you want to upgrade — a full vs. partial wrap.

A full motorcycle wrap will protect and enrich the look of your entire ride, while a partial solution allows you to install the vinyl on individual sections. For example, you may be looking to add a fresh color to your gas tank, windscreen and other parts or only the motorcycle’s fender. Installing a few accents to your bike may be just the right amount that suits your taste.

A full or partial vinyl installation gives you the freedom to alter the color, texture and design of your chopper at a reasonable price tag. You can select solid shades, or go for bold graphics and logos that represent your passion or business.

What Are the Benefits of Motorcycle Wraps?

While vinyl wraps enhance both the look and protection of your motorcycle, there are other advantages as well. Instead of swapping your beloved bike for a new one or investing in an expensive paint job, wraps can showcase your motorcycle’s best features.

1. Boosts Durability

Compared to the properties of a paint job, vinyl wrap is more durable, has a longer lifespan and requires less skill and time. If your motorcycle has a nick in its vinyl, it’s a simple fix that requires quick patchwork. There is no need to redo the entire vinyl like you would with a paint job.

Although the wrap’s durability relates to the brand, it also depends on the installation quality. A DIY vinyl application includes simple steps that can work as a protective layer on your bike. Vinyl film can protect your ride from the elements and other minor damages after a thorough installation process.

Because vinyl is more resistant to scratches than most paints, they make the most sense when investing your time and money.

2. Needs Minimal Maintenance

Compared to maintaining the paint job on your motorcycle, vinyl upkeep is a breeze. When it comes to painting, it requires cleaning, repainting, polishing and buffing. It takes more skill and energy that can cut into your riding time.

Maintaining vinyl film is a straightforward process that necessitates warm water, soap and a soft brush. Although giving your bike a quick wash is the only necessary step, it’s vital to keep up with maintenance according to a regular schedule to get rid of dirt and contaminant buildup. If you neglect to care for the vinyl, the quality of the film will suffer.

Never use a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime from your bike because it can peel and lift the vinyl. Other ways to maintain your bike include:

• Avoid leaving your motorcycle out in the elements, especially sunlight
• Place your motorcycle in a proper storage area
• Use a gentle formula to polish the film

3. Gives You Full Customization

Whether you love cruising every day, going on adventures, taking the occasional Sunday drive or entering shows, vinyl wraps give you maximum customization. With the amount and level of personalization you can choose, films give you control over your budget, too. You purchase what you need and nothing more.

What type of customization are you looking for? A full or partial installation? No matter what you decide, you can design your motorcycle based on single colors, digitally printed designs, images and logos, or you can color block your bike for a unique twist. Your options are infinite — from chameleon films and matte chrome vinyl to metallic.

Because the look of your bike says a lot about who you are and what you like, vinyl is the best way to show off your personality. You can even have it match your brand or opt for vibrant colors to add a scheme that hasn’t been seen on the open road before.

4. Increases Motorcycle Resale Value

You may not be thinking of it now, but there may come a time when you want or need to sell your cruiser, chopper or sports bike. It’s important to think ahead.

Installing vinyl film can maintain the value of your motorcycle and help boost its resale value. Motorcycle wrap keeps the bike in excellent condition by protecting the paint underneath and can add a level of style unseen before. Depending on the audience you’re selling to, you can take off the wrap to get back to the original paint job or keep it on.

The nice thing about vinyl is that it’s simple to install and remove. Some people may be looking to add their own alterations to the authentic look of your bike, while others may love your changes. Choosing to keep your custom wrap may be the end-all selling point if someone is looking for an unusual color scheme or design.

5. Costs Less

A regular paint job for your motorcycle will likely cost you up to $1,500. As with any paint job, the price is dependent on the amount of work that must be done before you have it painted. You can expect to pay a third of this for premium vinyl wraps, and if you wrap your bike yourself, you could save as much as $1,000.

Relying on vinyl allows you to take control of your budget by investing in the material you need in bulk. You can control each step if the DIY process. The film is also a better deal when you want a combination of quality and value. Even if you own more than one motorcycle, vinyl makes it easy to install the same graphics and designs across all your rides.

You can skip over the high upfront cost of paint detailing and rely on the long-term advantages and cost-effectiveness of wraps.

6. Reduces Environmental Impact

Paint and primer come with detrimental solvents and chemicals, along with toxic fumes and paint chips. However, the vinyl wrap doesn’t demand anything but heat for installation and water and soap for maintenance. Motorcycle films are safer for the environment and anyone working with the material.

7. Installs Quickly and Easily

Vinyl preparation involves a simple cleaning of the motorcycle. Once the bike is dry, you can start applying your full or partial wrap anywhere with a sufficient amount of space, like a garage, driveway or professional shop. Often, you can complete the entire process in the same amount of time it would take to complete paint preparation.

Unlike painting, vinyl doesn’t require any special protective gear from the solvents and chemicals. You need a few tools, and you’re set. If you mess up halfway or decide on a different color, it won’t put a major setback in the process.

Vinyl wraps are versatile in how temporary or permanent you want it to be. Installation is simple, and so is removal. For example, you may want to change the color to a new design within a year or opt for a different look with the change of seasons or shows you enter. While paint is permanent, vinyl is simple and fast to apply. When you’re ready for a graphics, logo, color or design update, you can remove the vinyl without damage to the motorcycle’s surface.

Vinyl Motorcycle Wrap Factors to Consider

Searching for the best vinyl wrap for your motorcycle can lead to a few other questions sucha s the kinds of wraps available, the cost of wrapping, the lifetime of a wrap and much more. We'll answer these and more below.

1. What Kinds of Motorcycles Can You Wrap?

Your options are limitless — you can wrap any type of motorcycle with high-quality vinyl film, such as:

• Adventure touring bikes
• Cabin motorcycles
• Choppers
• Cruisers
• Dirt/motocross bikes
• Dual-sport motorcycles
• Scooters/mopeds
• Sports/street bikes
• Touring bikes
• Tricycles
• Utility motorcycles

Think about a speeding sports bike all the way to an easy-riding moped. Vinyl solutions are ideal for any motorcycle DIY enthusiast who wants a fresh look. You can wrap almost every material with vinyl, including fiberglass, aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic and polycarbonate.

You can cover the entire bike from front to back or only a few sections for a subtle transformation. The only element that vinyl doesn’t adhere to is rust.

2. How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Motorcycle Wrapped?

Many factors determine how much it will cost to wrap your motorbike, such as:

• Size of motorcycle
• Complexity of design
• Installation time
• Type and brand of vinyl
• Full vs. partial wrap

If you’re wondering how long the installation will take, it depends on the design, amount of material, size of the bike and most importantly, whether you have a helping hand or not.

3. How Much Vinyl Do You Need to Wrap Your Motorcycle?

The exact amount of vinyl you need to wrap your motorcycle depends on the various components you want to refresh. If you’re thinking of a full restoration, you can expect the vinyl to cover everything from the fuel tank and calipers to fender and clutch covers. If a partial upgrade is your go-to, you will need less material.

It’s best to determine the area of each motorbike component, then add on several yards of material to be safe.

4. How Long Does a Motorcycle Wrap Last?

The durability of motorcycle vinyl will outlast the properties of a premium paint job any day. Vinyl film has a protective coating that keeps it from the elements, and it’s also fade resistant.

With the premium-quality vinyl being able to withstand UV rays and other elements, you won’t have to worry about matching your repair color to the rest of your bike. There is no need to wrap the entire motorcycle again if one area gets damaged, either. If a chip or nick occurs on your motorbike, all it needs is quick and easy patchwork.

Custom wrapping is durable enough to last several years with minimal maintenance, while paint requires regular and consistent upkeep each year. Painting demands more skill and patience, as well as repainting when fading or scratches occur.

The durability of your motorcycle wrap also depends on the quality of its materials and installation. It’s essential to partner with a trusted company with top brands.

5. What Is the Best Vinyl Motorcycle Wrap Brand?

Finding the right brand of vinyl to work with depends on its quality, value and finish selection. While no one brand is the best, Rvinyl carries premium motorcycle films from 3M™, RWRAPS™, Avery™ and ORACAL® — each delivering their own set of benefits, colors, designs and textures.

3M improved the 1080 vinyl and replaced it with 2080 vinyl. Consider the 2080 Series Gloss Flip from ORACAL® 975 for the one-of-a-kind crocodile vinyl or the Avery™ SW900 satin wrap collection.

DIY Motorcycle Vinyl Film Projects

The feeling of completing a vinyl DIY will make you want to drive your motorcycle every day to show off your work. To make sure your film provides the most protection, using the right installation techniques is crucial. Prepare the surface first.

1. Remove any graphics.
2. Scrape off any leftover glue.
3. Clean the bike’s surface with soap and water.
4. Wash off dirt, road contaminants and animal droppings.
5. Repair nicks and dents for a smooth surface.
6. Remove any fittings.

Now that your motorcycle is prepped, the application process is straightforward. If you have someone to help you, it will be easier to stretch the vinyl. A quick installation rundown includes:

1. Cut a section of the wrap larger than the area you want to cover.
2. Remove the backing and apply the vinyl.
3. Stretch the film over the entire area.
4. Activate the pressure-activated adhesive by pressing on the wrap.
5. Use a heat gun to adhere the vinyl to the bike’s surface.
6. Use a squeegee to eliminate any wrinkles and bubbles.
7. Wrap the film into the non-visible parts for a clean edge.
8. Trim the edges.
9. Go over the wrap again with a higher heat to complete the process.

Check out the full process for more details.

Pick Up Your Motorcycle Wrap Today

When you’re ready to take on your DIY motorcycle wrap, Rvinyl experts will be right behind you with the best solutions. We’re just as excited as you to start a new venture. We provide high-quality films that can transform your chopper, touring bike or moped to a more stylish and eye-catching sight. Rvinyl has every vinyl wrap possible to suit your ever-changing styles.

Check out our motorcycle wraps online or reach out to our customer support team for help. Our vinyl films will “up your cool factor” without breaking the bank.