Replacing KTM decals -- say goodbye to Mr. Bubbles!

So, I'm finally getting my KTM about where I want it.

Pelican case installed on the back -- check.
BlackDog Cycle Works sidestand relocator -- check.
New tires and brake pads -- check.
Bar risers -- check.

But, the KTM tank stickers just bug the heck out of me. The bike is wonderful, but it looks like it's a reject from a leper colony:

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The time has come to attack this issue. I could buy the replacement decals from KTM, for a measly $220.00. I'm sorry KTM, but bite me.

I know that a thousand others must have done this before, but here's my solution. First, I had to track down some low-tack automotive tracing/masking paper -- like the stuff you see used in airbrush shops. I found what I was looking for at a local sign shop.

Step one -- take your wife's best holiday kitchen towel and wipe down the beast:

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Step two -- carefully apply low-tack tracing paper:

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Step three -- start smoothing and trimming the tracing paper so that you get it to lay on the surface cleanly without wrinkles:

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Step -- er, 15, trace the outline:

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This front bit is a little more tricky. The paper wants to wrinkle because of the the curve. I hope it won't be a problem going back on. Time will tell.

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Next, remove said tracing paper:

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. . . trying not to wrinkle it or allowing it to stick itself together. Your efforts are pretty much toast if you allow the sticky sides to stick together.

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I couldn't think of a better way to transport the tracing back to the sign shop, so I just rolled the pieces back on the roll that it came on:

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OK, back to the sign shop!

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As I started talking to the guys at the shop, we kicked around different ideas of what to do. They could just cut new black pieces to replace the old vinyl. That would be fine. I do like the look of the stock bike. Then I noticed that the guys had large pieces of 3M Scotchlite. Hmmm. Should I?

Then the owner of the shop noted that they make road signs for the Department of Transportation, which just start out as high quality reflective material that they print on top of and then clear coat over. The print quality is exceptional, and the guy noted, "We can print anything on reflective material. We could print a picture of your daughter there if that's what you want." Hmmm. Maybe reflective black with a little "Ride the World" in reflective orange? Maybe flames shooting down the side of the bike? Hmmm. I'm gonna have to think about this.

More to come.

Keep me posted. I also have a 2005.5 950 and the decals are bubbling. Makes the bike look dogs balls. ALthough I am selling it, I want to make it a little prettier.

My first mockup:

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The flames are a bit ghetto ... but its all a matter of personal taste

I like the "Ride the World" inset idea.

Thoughts?

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209Ninja: did you really have to quote all the photos? :huh

I like the compass graphics!

I like either one, would look better than my bubbles let me know what you get and if my cheap ass can afford it maybe we could get a few sets!!
for a better price!!

The compass one is sweet but I would rotate the compass counter-clockwise a little to match the body line better.

How about a reflective picture of the Dakar logo?

Try checking out Factory Effex, N-Style, One Industries they all make graphic kits for dirt bikes and their KTM graphic kits may give you some ideas for your bike. IMO I would pass on the flames.

How about this?







Before you flame away.. I currently own 3 bmws (car included) and have owned many others over the years. Its a joke!

I have a question, how do you remove the stock stickers? Do they just peel off?

I like the compass!

how about the compass and the ride the world logo?

ya be careful geek. i opened my mouth when it was probly better i kept it shut. ive had a couple bmws my self.

The stock decals are just vinyl, but they are clear coated over at the factory. My plan is to take a razor blade and just nick the clear coat at the edge of the vinyl. After that, I should be able to ease off the old decals with a little WD-40. I'm planning on skipping the clear coat with the new decals, but we'll see.

I'm very curious to see your results. Good luck!

My right side tank started bubbling this past year.

Thanks a lot.

I've had my 950 for four days and now I've got a paint scheme in mind.

Pics forthcoming, maybe.... could be a surprise.

ive toyed with the idea of getting the ktm orange jager "graphics" and just sticking the orange lettering and logo on the lower portion of the black ktm decal.

Both side decals on my bike are bubbling horribly. Ive taken the time (and many beers) to pop all the bubbles at least 4 times during the summer and they'd show up within the week. There has to be a better option out there.