1999 DR350 Tank decals

[eastlight]

My DR is in immac condition, but the 'previous' owner had applied new decals without taking into account of the plastic tank and petrol within, hence, more bubbles than a bulldog sucking soap!

I still have them, could be scanned I suppose.

So, where in NZ can I get a set of tank decals for a plastic 1999 DR tank? the www has only a few US and Europe options.

[JATZ]

Try suzuki n.z. If thats no good try a good sign writer, they should be able to whip something up

[T.W.R]

PM MSTRS (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=1844) he should be able to help you and he's in your neighbourhood ;)

[eastlight]

Thanks for that, Suzuki NZ are after a ton plus for a set.....the printer might be the way to go.

Cheers,

[cynna]

someone sells them on trademe for aout $25

decals dont stay on plastic tanks for long which is why most people only stick them on before they sell the bike

[xwhatsit]

MSTRS is teh winner! Go see him, he made me some wicked Honda wings.

[MSTRS]

Thanks for the votes of confidence, guys. As someone said, plastics on dirt bikes are almost always a problem. They are very similar to that used for the lidded wheelie bins we all know. It needs very specific adhesives to have any chance of staying stuck for longer than a few days. I don't have access to the right material for this sort of job.

[Tony W]

Decals are salvageable depending on what condition they are in.
Are yours; ripped, cracked, got dirt underneath in the bubbles, gone hard?

If so you may have a problem.

Aftermarket may be the way to go. You'll notice most have holes punched in
them to let some of the petrol vapours pass through.

However, if they are reasonable, here is a proven technique which should also
be used on new aftermarket ones.


Make sure everything is clean and dry.
Gently peel back one half of the decal, or all of it if you are confident of realigning it later.
Lay it on some wax type non-stick paper and attack it with a needle
puncturing hundreds of holes all over it.
Clean the tank down with meths a few times then polish dry with a clean cloth. Reattach your decal.
The pinholes will let vapours through.
I have tried this on our new DRZ 250's which bubbled after a few months.
They get the odd small bubble back after a while, but just peel the decal back past the bubbling, remeths it and it will stay good for years.

Givis a bell for any further...

ps. I had to replace an accident damaged decal on a 250 once with a factory replacement.
I prepared it as above. It has been better behaved than the originals.
I would say Factory is best, in this case.

[Karitane pete]

How about Bikebandit, they list the DR350x and the Sx
http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/suzuki-motorcycle-dr350x-1999/o/m5865
not cheap.

[eastlight]

Thanks for all the advice, BikeBandit havn't got any, but some aftermarket stuff from Europe will cost the earth, not to mention the "what have you bought now fella?" (said with menicing eyes and venom in the breath) from my beloved!

Tony W, the decals are off already, they seem to be on some sort of latex backing? but the ones for the bottom half of the tank (with no backing) are fine and dandy. So...............thinking with my Sunday brain, I'll see if that backing is removable then go ahead with your plan. Now, if only I can get one of those needles out of the voodoo doll my wife has of me.............

MSTRS, thanks for the PM.

Enjoy you day everyone, Hawkes Bay is in the sun for now!!!!!

[MSTRS]

If you want to bring bike and stuff to mine? ...I have the equipment etc you might need. Just can't help with the sticky material.

[eastlight]

If you want to bring bike and stuff to mine? ...I have the equipment etc you might need. Just can't help with the sticky material.

Thanks, but cant, I spent all morning fluffing around getting the road kit back on the bike, I had better spend some time out of the garage, and with the family.
PM me with you cell number or something, and I'll give you a call this week sometime, if thats alright.