Wrapping motorcycles and scooters: tank, fairing, rim stripes

In short: Motorcycles and scooters can be wrapped, fully or partially, in a new colour, with a design or with a logo. Because the surfaces are small and strongly curved, cast film is used, which conforms to the shape and does not pull back. Critical points are the tank with its curves and its contact with fuel, parts near the engine and exhaust that get hot, and unpainted plastic. The rim is a topic of its own: narrow stripes on a surface that rotates and collects a lot of dirt.

Much of what applies to wrapping cars applies here too. The basics are in the article wrapping a car: the complete guide. Here it is about what is different on two wheels.

Why a motorcycle is different

A car has large, calm surfaces: doors, side panels, roof. On a motorcycle almost every part is curved in several directions, and the parts are small. That means:

• A lot of stretch on little surface: the film has to wrap around curves and must not pull back afterwards. Cast film is made for this. More on the difference in the article cast or calendered vinyl.
• Many edges: every fairing part has edges, holes and cut-outs. The edges decide whether the film holds. They are post-heated so that the film keeps its shape.
• People look closely: a motorcycle is looked at from up close, often in the garage, often by its owner. Small imperfections stand out more than on a car.

The tank

The tank is the best-known part and the most difficult. It is strongly curved, often has edges and knee recesses, and around the filler cap the film comes into contact with fuel. What helps:

• Cast film for the curves.
• Wipe off fuel immediately: film manufacturers recommend this for every wrapped surface. On a motorcycle it happens more often than on a car when refuelling.
• Keep friction in mind: knees, clothing and a tank bag rub at the same spots. In our view it is worth considering these spots when planning, for example with a tank pad or transparent protection exactly there.

Fairing, side covers and mudguards

With fairings it helps that many parts can be removed. The film can then be wrapped around the edges, and no edge is visible from the outside. Whether that makes sense for your model is clarified beforehand on the bike.

Parts near the engine and exhaust stay free or are checked closely. Film manufacturers explicitly name sustained heat as one of the factors that shorten a film's service life.

Scooters: a lot of plastic

A scooter is often almost fully enclosed, and the bodywork is plastic. Painted plastic parts can be wrapped like painted metal. Unpainted, rough plastic is more difficult: it needs a film with a stronger adhesive, and not every surface is suitable. We check beforehand which parts can be wrapped.

The rim

Narrow stripes on the edge of the rim are popular for giving a motorcycle colour without changing much. But the rim is a special surface: it rotates, collects brake dust, spray and chain grime, and the stripe has to sit evenly on a curved surface. The rim must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased beforehand. After that the same applies as for any film: clean gently and regularly, no harsh cleaners.

Film or paint on a motorcycle?

The questions are the same as for a car: should the colour be permanent or removable? Should the original paint be preserved? Film can be removed again, which can be an advantage when selling. The prerequisite is intact paint underneath; on repainted areas paint can come off during removal. More in the article wrap or paint.

If you only want to protect the paint without changing the colour, the answer is paint protection film. Number plate, lights and reflectors stay free with every wrap. What has to be reported with a new colour is covered in the article car wraps in Austria: register or report?

Care

A wrapped motorcycle follows the same rules as any wrap: do not wash it in the first few days, then gently by hand, keep your distance with a pressure washer, no solvents. Remove fuel, insects and chain spray as quickly as possible. More in the article car wrap care.

A new colour for tank and side covers

The case is made up, but typical. A black motorcycle is to get a new colour, but only on the tank, side covers and tail section. The paint is in original condition, and the bike is to be sold in black at some point.

Side covers and tail section are removed and wrapped all round; the edges are not visible from the outside. On the tank the film is laid over the curves in one piece, with a clean edge around the filler cap. A transparent tank pad is added at the knee areas. The part at the exhaust heat shield stays black. When the bike is sold, the film can come off again.

Conclusion: small surface, a lot of handwork

Wrapping a motorcycle is not a smaller version of a car wrap but a task of its own. Three questions help with planning:

• Which parts should be wrapped, and which of them get hot?
• Are the parts painted, or is it unpainted plastic?
• Should the film stay, or come off again at some point?

Send us photos of both sides and of the tank. More on our page vehicle graphics & wrapping; questions are welcome via contact.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wrap a motorcycle completely?

The painted parts, yes: tank, fairing, side covers, mudguards and tail section. Engine, exhaust and other parts that get hot stay free, because sustained heat damages the film. What makes sense for your model is clarified beforehand on the bike.

Does film hold on a motorcycle tank?

Yes, if the film suits the shape and is applied professionally. For the strong curves of the tank, cast film is used, which hardly pulls back after stretching. Fuel should not be left on the film when refuelling but wiped off immediately.

Can you wrap a scooter?

Yes. A scooter's bodywork is usually plastic. Painted parts can be wrapped as on a motorcycle; unpainted plastic needs a film with a stronger adhesive. We check beforehand which parts are suitable.