Wrapping a Motorcycle (DIY)

Why get a new coat of paint when you can wrap it? Give your bike a perfect makeover at a fraction cost of a paint job.

Ordered a wrap from Amazon.in

Why wrap a bike you ask? Let me explain

• Update the look of your bike
• Protection against scratches
• Cheaper than repainting
• Durable
• Protects the factory finish of the paint
• Easy to fix compared to a new paint job
• If you don't like it easy to peel off

These are the steps which I followed when wrapping my bike:

1. Measure the surface of each panel/part that you are going to wrap and get adequate vinyl. Excess vinyl will help in repairing any damaged part. 
2. Have these tools in handy: clean clothes, heat gun (I used a Hair dryer as i didn't want to invest in it as it's a one time deal) and a cutter.
3. Take off the existing stickers with the use off a heat gun or peel them off gently.
4. Remove the the body panels in order to wrap it. It helps to get a good finish around the edges

   

   Remove the fuel cap too. Makes it easier.

    
5. Now clean the body panels to get rid of dust,dirt and other impurities.
6. Cut the vinyl according to the measurements of body panel. Its better to cut a little excess over the measurements so as to work around the panels and curves.
7. Start applying the wrap, rub it down smoothly with your hands. When dealing with complicated areas like the tank, divide them into 3 parts thats what I did. Makes the process easier.

   

   I split the wrap into 3 parts to cover the tank.
   Very difficult to wrap with a single wrap.

8. Use the heat gun to make it stick and stretch it on to the curved surface. Apply adequate heat, we don't want the wrap to peel off after a few days.
9. Make sure you don't have air bubbles, if you do then use a squeegee to push it out or burst the bubble with a pin and use plenty of heat and rub it down.
10. If the wrap overlaps on complicated places like tanks where we split the wrap into 3 parts, cut the excess and make sure they don't overlap more an a centimeter to get a clean finish

    

    The tank was very complicated. Many curves
    had to make some cut outs otherwise it would peel off

11. Don't stretch the wrap a lot as they might tear and you end up starting from the first.
12. After wrapping let it settle for about an hour and check the corners and edges if they are peeling out.
13. Do not wash the bike for the next few days. The adhesive needs to dry up. Give it time.

Here is my bike after finishing up the wrap

It is still a work in progress, few small details like the KTM logo and stickers to highlight the curves are missing. Apart from that its a finished project. I'm no expert in wrapping, just wanted to give it a go and wrap my bike myself.

Motorcycle Chain Maintenance tips (KTM DUKE 200)

Hello all, this is my 1st DIY post

Your motorcycle bike chain is one of the most dirtiest parts of your bike and this dirt affects the longevity and performance of your your bike. A badly maintained chain can wear out the chain and the sprockets and thereby affect the performance of the bike.

Many bikes some with a center stand which makes the cleaning process of the chain much easier.
if your bike doesn't come with a center stand like a KTM bike or any other sports bike, you could buy a paddock stand to lift the bike off the ground and go ahead with the cleaning process. Never try to clean the chain when you have the bike up on a stand and the bike turned on, you can get your fingers caught between the chain and the sprockets and it won't be a pleasant experience.

If you don't know what brand of chain lube you have to use just ask your mechanics at the service station. Motul chain lube and cleaner is effective for me.

If you own a KTM bike just like me and are wondering how to clean the chain then fear not.. i will share my GYAAN!

I follow a couple of methods to lube the chain

• Method-1

One of the simplest ways is to spray the chain lube on to the exposed part of the chain and then on the rear sprocket. Be careful not to spray on the rear disc brakes! Then you move the bike forward and then spray the chain lube on the other part of the chain. continue to do this until the chain is completely covered with the lube. This is a time consuming fail safe method.

• Method-2

This method is applicable only if the bike is light weight and you have a good sense of balancing the bike on the side stand. I'm not responsible if something happens to your bike or if you drop your bike to the side or on yourself. Even if your strong and you can't balance the bike, don't be a hero.. just don't. its healthy for your wallet. :P

Balance the bike on the center stand and use your body as a support. lean the bike onto your body. don't try to bear the weight of the bike. let the stand bear the weight.
make sure your bike is in neutral and bike is turned off!
Rotate the rear wheel with your hand and just spray the lube at the sprockets.
this will cover the sprockets and the chain as well.

If your chain has a lot of dirt accumulation then use a chain cleaner and a old toothbrush to scrub it off. water wont wash off the greasy dirt accumulation
It is a messy job but it beats going to the service station very time and spending 200 bucks.

In case if you have used a lot of chain lube.. take an old piece of cloth and just wipe the chain gently to remove the excess the lube.

During monsoon a frequent check has to be done on the chain if they are properly lubricated or not. if they aren't then they will start to rust and finally the chain will break. the water washes away the lubricant and hence a regular check is needed and refer your bike's manual to know how frequently the chain needs to be lubed.

In case there is any surface rust, use a copper wire brush and brush off the surface rust. make sure the chain is clean and there is no signs of any grease or dirt.