How to remove bike decals/stickers?

**Tigadee** · 10th October 2011, 21:57

I really want to remove the tacky, cheap-looking stickers on my Yamaha Scorpio - mainly the ones on the tank, the rest I can live with.

Is there a safe way to do this? Thanks.

**ellipsis** · 10th October 2011, 21:59

...try a hairdryer...

**wanpo** · 10th October 2011, 22:07

yeah, heat gun to loosen it up, can use a razor blade to get under the corners sometimes then if you're lucky peel it up in one piece, use kero and rags to remove sticky residue.

**pete376403** · 10th October 2011, 22:24

Eucalyptus oil (get it from a chemist) is really good for removing glue residue (also chewing gum from fabrics)

**LBD** · 11th October 2011, 04:16

Originally Posted by Tigadee

I really want to remove the tacky,

Regular sticker removal techniques may not work if they are particularly tacky....

**MSTRS:Me** · 11th October 2011, 06:50

FIRST - make sure that the decals are not under the clearcoat!!!
If not, then a hairdryer to heat and soften the adhesive, peel slowly and afterwards use a product that is made to remove tar (for instance) to remove any glue residue.

**rossirep** · 11th October 2011, 07:06

hair dryer or heat gun, but not to much heat or you will blister the paint under the sticker ,as i just found out a few weeks ago,, its a fine line between not enough heat and to much.. lol

**nodrog:Me** · 11th October 2011, 07:11

80 grit sandpaper

**kiwifruit** · 11th October 2011, 07:39

Scorpio tank decals are under a clear coat. The rest peal off easily.

**Swoop** · 11th October 2011, 07:49

An angle grinder will get them off easily.

**Newbi** · 11th October 2011, 07:54

De solve it, citrus oil based, its awesome for removing the tacky gunk left behind.

**Tigadee** · 11th October 2011, 09:00

Originally Posted by kiwifruit

Scorpio tank decals are under a clear coat. The rest peal off easily.

Oh... So much for that then. Does that mean only a panel beater can remove the stickers and have to repaint the tank?

I mean, if it was a carbon pattern I wouldn't mind, but chain mail? How strange a pattern is that to use for a sticker?

What, am I a knight and the Scorpio is my armoured steed? Ridiculous!

Thanks all for your responses, even the funny ones! LOL! I'm just hoping for a cleaner look for the Scorpio, like this:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6-0pue7zG...2BScorpio3.jpg

**The Singing Chef** · 11th October 2011, 15:17

Originally Posted by Tigadee

Oh... So much for that then. Does that mean only a panel beater can remove the stickers and have to repaint the tank?

I mean, if it was a carbon pattern I wouldn't mind, but chain mail? How strange a pattern is that to use for a sticker?

What, am I a knight and the Scorpio is my armoured steed? Ridiculous!

Thanks all for your responses, even the funny ones! LOL! I'm just hoping for a cleaner look for the Scorpio, like this:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6-0pue7zG...2BScorpio3.jpg

Lighter and a can of Lynx.....seriously!!

**nathanwhite** · 11th October 2011, 15:52

Originally Posted by Tigadee

I mean, if it was a carbon pattern I wouldn't mind, but chain mail? How strange a pattern is that to use for a sticker?

It looks like carbon fibre from a distance. I was going to get rid of mine too, but last minute decided to keep it looking relatively stock as I don't want it too customized when I sell it.

That said, playing a hairdryer over it for a minute or so works fine.