Carbon fiber tank decals '06 950A

[mcmann]

One Industries sells 18" Carbon Fiber sheets that should work well for tank decals (very thick material).

http://oneindustries.com/catalogsear...ult/?q=De-cb18



You can use the carboard backing for a pattern. Trace the original bubbled decal with freezer paper. The CF material is dark enough to somewhat match up with the OEM decal . . . And only $15/sheet. I ordered 3 more sheets for the left side, front KTM decals, fork tubes, and rear swing arm.



I have used this material on my SM swingarm and fork tubes with very good results;

[Av8rPaul]

Looks nice...good looking stable there!

[mcmann]

My new CF sheets came in today . . . Finished the left side.

Not sure if I want to redo the front black letters: "KT" . . . They look like new . . . since they are not on a plastic gas tank.

[Orangecicle]

Nice! I thought about that but ultimately decided to go a different direction:

I also thought about black 3M Scotchlite as a substitute, but I think that's been done before.

[mcmann]

Textured decal material is easy to piece together . . . I sprayed some alcohol on the surface first in case I need to adjust it a bit. I will try my fork tubes and swing arm next . . . This CF material seems to hold up well in the sun too.

You did a first class job . . . I got the (make my own pattern) idea from your previous decal post. I am not as creative as you with the artwork etc.

I was surprised how easy the original OEM decals came off (hair dryer and my finger nail). I did not have to razor bade around the clear coat etc.

[DragonsTailR1]

I ordered 2 sheets for mine, they arrived yesterday. I will be doing the area directly below yours, lower tank area. My bike is black. Will be tracing the area with freezer paper to create a template as suggested. I was going to use a Crispy graphic kit, but decided I like the stock look (my tanks are still in good shape) and just want to dress it up a bit. I would ultimately like to do the swingarm as well, but the tanks will be a good starting point. I will try to post some pics post install. Thanks for the idea.

[mcmann]

Sounds great! Once you make a pattern . . . It is easy to make decals from different material.

If anyone has some good links to decal material . . . Please share.

As I mentioned, I used the cardboard backing that is included with the 18" sheet for a pattern. Plus, the material you peel off the label can be used as a pattern too.

[el queso]

Check out 3M DINOC. There are 8 different "carbon" finishes and dozens of other styles. I use flat black on my side covers for protection against scratches; it goes on easy and lasts.

[mcmann]

Actually, these decals are 3M

I hope I am not over doing it . . . I made a decal of my bike and CF'd the front fender lowers and the front lower fuel tank & swing arms. This material is thick enough to help protect the front of the gas tanks from road debris etc.

[Mike955i]

Originally Posted by mcmann

Actually, these decals are 3M

I hope I am not over doing it . . . I made a decal of my bike and CF'd the front fender lowers and the front lower fuel tank & swing arms. This material is thick enough to help protect the front of the gas tanks from road debris etc.

Looks nice, and an even cheaper solution to the dreaded bubble issue. Just ordered 4, might end up doing the rear panels and the front of the tanks (like yours) later. Excellent tip, thanks!

[mcmann]

I am on the fence about doing the "M & T" (K & T left side) . . . I have an extra sheet . . . I may just put them on over the OEM decal . . . In case I decide to go back to a black label. I did have to piece a section under my tank bag strap (18" is not quite wide enough). They match up well when piecing.

Post pics showing your progress.

[mcmann]

Finished . . . CF'd over the front black letters and made a CF logo on the back . now, on to next project.

[Orangecicle]

Looking nice. Every time my wife looks at my bike she says, "Your mother didn't let you play with stickers when you were young, did she?"

[DragonsTailR1]

What did you use to cut these out? I was thinking an exacto knife would prob be best?

[DesertSurfer]

Awesome job. I like that you kept the stock pattern, from a distance it looks OEM, and at a closer look you get to punch into the custom details.

One missing detail though... ( just a humble one), if you're gonna have a mini Adventure bike as a logo on your tank... It HAS to have a KTM orange logo on it, and in the same place as it's PAPA's.