relocate VIN stickers and clean up the frame

[BourneS4R]

This post is how to clean up your frame by relocating the manufacturer's stickers. To me, it makes the frame look oodles better with one solid color. Below are pics of what I did, preceded by a description.

The first shot is what the bike looks like with the stickers on it.

The first step is to smoothly apply blue painter's tape to the sticker. Line up one edge of the tape with the top part of the sticker, smoothing on from top to bottom. Cut the ends to fit exactly with the ends of the sticker. apply the second piece of tape (if narrower than the sticker) in the same manner only lining up the edge of the tape with the bottom edge of the sticker, overlapping the bottom piece of tape with the top. Ensure that you get the best adhesion by smoothing out the entire surface with your finger nail (or something of the like).



Next, cut the tape to the exact size of the sticker. I did this, very carefully and delicately with an xacto knife. If you do not feel comfortable with this (worried about scratching the frame) you could pre-cut the tape and then apply.



Once cut to size, start at the top right or left corners, working your way to the opposite corner. Peel back both the blue tape and sticker slowly and at the same distance the whole way across your line.

Repeat the process, removing the sticker line by line. The slower the better as this helps prevent the manufacturer sticker from tearing. If a tear does develop, back track your line and peel the sticker further downward, then continue the lateral line below where the tear has occurred.



Once you have made it to the bottom corner of the sticker, slowly peel the entire sticker off.



Once removed, you are ready to relocate it. My favorite spot that provides access as well as being hidden is under the seat. Smoothly apply the sticker from one edge to the other. Smooth out with your nail.



Slowly peel the blue tape off of the sticker. Make sure that you peel the piece of tape that is on the underflap of the second.



To clean up the remaining sticker residue from the frame use either some "Goof Off" or "Goo Be Gone". These are natural citrus-based cleaners that will not damage the paint on the bike (work great for cleaning off other nastiness as well). Drip some on the residue on the frame and let it set for about five minutes.



The residue should quite easily come off with an ordinary shop towel.

Repeat to the sticker on the other side.

End result:

[He Man]

Any reason to keep those stickers? i ripped mine off and threw it away.

[jaxduc]

what a great idea.
Those stickers don't come off in one piece. they usually rip apart as you are trying to peel them off... so the tape over them first keeps them in tact.... if you want to save them.

[DucHead]

Any reason to keep those stickers? i ripped mine off and threw it away.

You'll have all kinds of troubles with your bike if you throw them away.

[ungeheuer]

You'll have all kinds of troubles with your bike if you throw them away.

Now you tell him

[He Man]

 

[El-Twin]

This is a good first mod, along with a reflectorectomy, for any Monster.

A hair dryer and dental floss can help to coax it along if necessary, and WD40 is also good for the cleanup.

It's the cheapest mod you can make, can be done by anyone, and yields an instant improvement that everyone approves of. It's been covered in many threads, but a refresher never hurts.

I've been told by my dealer (though I can't confirm) that you need some of those stickers in California if you resell your bike with less than 7500 miles.

[jaxduc]

and WD40 is also good for the cleanup.

This.