Ducati Monster Forum

Pics added on page 4.




I have my bike torn apart right now to get a bunch of stuff powdercoated and am planning to do the vinyl wrap deal while I'm at it.

I'm pretty sure there're a couple of people here who've done this before, so here's my question to you...

Did you wrap the vinyl on the entire fork tube and then slide them through the triples or is the vinyl only applied up to the edges of the triples?

I'm trying to decide what the best way to do this is going to be.

Do it after or the wrap will interfere with the triple when you try to slide the fork through.

That's what I figured but I haven't bought the vinyl yet, so I didn't know if it was thin enough to get it through.

Where can you get the vinyl wrap?

Ebay or any sign shop.

(clarification) Wrap it after the fork blades are installed in the triples.  You really do not want the vinyl within the clamping surface area between the two -- it will eventually move as it is a poor shim material at best.

Wait, probably do have enough room?

Did you mean to type "probably don't"?

Ok thanks..this will be my next project this week..

update with pic pls..

You will want to use a "cast" type of vinyl it conforms allot better and you shouldnt have any problems Oracal 751 or 851 would be a good product a lesser grade may eventually crack due to the tight bend,heat and weather. Im going to do mine also but cant decide on carbon fiber or plain black. My .02

3M controltac vinyl is air release and is easier to work than calendered vinyl. Oracal makes an equivalent, but the 3M is a better product. it's available in a nice spectrum of color

Maybe a stupid question, but why not have the tubes powdercoated while you have everything apart?  I know you'd have to take out the cartridges and lowers and such, but I feel like it would look so much better than plastic wrap. 

And then have the triples bored to make room for the powdercoat which might then crumble inside the triples and eventually loosen?

No thanks.

Powdercoating is too thick for this application.

Choices are vinyl wrap or hard-anodizing.  The former is a really nice alternative to the latter because there is a wider variety of color choices, it's (comparatively) easily reversible, does not require fork tube disassembly, does not require special tools/equipment, and it's less expensive.

Personally, I still prefer black cloth tape. (hockey tape)


The matte/flat finish makes it look tough.   [thumbsup]

I ordered the 3M Controltac in matte black.    [evil]



The parts I'm getting powdercoated are being done in a semi-gloss black.

I'm getting the top and bottom triples, handlebar clamps, front fender mounts, rearsets and passenger peg brackets, rear spring, rear suspension rod and rocker arm done.

And I'm gonna wrap the rear shock body in black vinyl too.

I think it'll look pretty sick when it's all done.   ;D

And explain how your well refined aesthetic is going to deal with that silver subframe.   ;D

(http://onni.jkl.fi/~lauri/kuvia/not_this_shit_again.jpeg)


 [cheeky]

 [laugh] [laugh]
 [drink]  [beer]

 [popcorn]


Don't forget pics!

How do you guys wrap the forks?  Do you take the wheel off?  I had some leftover vinyl and tried it before but I could never get it on nicely. 

Well, I've not done this, but you certainly have more room to work with the wheel and fender removed.

Where did you order it form?  How much and idid you have to buy a whole roll?  Definitely post some pics when you finish.

I ordered it off ebay.

The stuff I got comes in sheets and there're 50 sheets in the lot that I bought and it was a little over 40 bucks shipped.

After I get my hands on it and see how many sheets it takes me to wrap my forks, I'll probably sell off the rest of it in lots of sufficient size to wrap a set of fork legs with enough extra to allow for some trial and error.

[DING]  Just added to watched threads!!! [thumbsup]

I'm down for picking some of that up off you, and so is HeMan I'm sure.  Let me know when you finish the job.  I'll most likely just pick up enough from you for two bikes.

Got enough for my fork??? [moto]

I'll consider these pre-orders.

Y'all're first on the list.   [laugh]

what size sheets did you get? I wouldn't want to have to use more then 6 sheets. One for each fork leg below the bottom triple, one for each for leg between the triples and one each for any of the fork leg shown above the top triple clamp.

I would look for a roll that will allow you to do the  fork leg below the bottom triple in one piece, that way the only seam is the length of the fork tube and I would hide that on the back of the fork leg.

can anyone point the way to some pictures of this mod?
i am having a hard time conceptualizing it

thanks!

I spent a while trying to do this and I ended up giving up.  This is difficult to get to look good IMO.  The forks taper and the vinyl has to stretch obviously.  Just my .02 but I rank this very difficult. 

Taken from an old thread on TOB...



(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/001-2.jpg?t=1189960520)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/010-1.jpg?t=1189960496)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/004.jpg?t=1189960577)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/007.jpg?t=1189960597)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/002-1.jpg?t=1189960624)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/011.jpg?t=1189984526)

An update... the guy I bought the vinyl from on ebay flaked and told me he only had it in burnt orange even though his auction clearly said "available in matte black and a large variety of glossy colors and sizes."  (I just copied and pasted that directly from his current auction.)  So I ended up buying some from BastardHK.  I'm waiting on it to get here and I'll let everybody know how the application goes and will post pics when it's done.  Unfortunately I won't have any extra sheets to sell off now though.  Sorry guys.





I got 8x14" sheets.  And that's how I'm planning on applying it.







What kind of vinyl did you try it with?

I work with vinyl every day, and can suggest that any cast vinyl should be able to do the job very easily.

I suggest either Oracal 951 premuim cast series or Avery 900 supercast series, these vinyls are expensive but have a long live outdoors and are also easy to apply with a lot less shrinkage than cheaper lines.

My 2 cents worth [thumbsup]

those pics above look great. Is that gloss black or semi-gloss vinyl?

also, if you have to remove the forks, will it mess up the vinyl?

Whats the wear/weather resistance of that over time?

The stuff in the pictures is gloss I believe.  I ordered a more flat product.

If you have to remove the fork tubes from the bottom triple, you have to take the vinyl off between the triples.  If you just need to take the forks off the bike, you can pull the top triple and drop the fork without removing any vinyl.







The stuff I got is outdoor rated at 5+ years.

Just to let you guys know, the vinyl in the pics above is still on my bike and still looks as good as when I first did it.  I put it on when the bike had almost no miles, I didn't wanna do anything too crazy yet.  But it worked good and has held up great. This is the 3rd season...

This is one of the most useful and creative cosmetic mods I've seen.  [moto]

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v97/dubstyl/002-1.jpg?t=1189960624)


I like the "Monster Labs" sign! [thumbsup]

Anyone able to post a link to where I can get the correct vinyl to wrap my forks ?

I was never able to find anywhere with a simple "click here and enter your cc #" ordering option.

There're several companies that sell what I was looking for that have websites, but none with online ordering.

You can either call them and talk to somebody, stop by a local sign shop, or send BastardHK a pm (the route I went).

Ive purchased a large roll of vinyl from beacongraphics.com before and it was priced very cheap.  For some reason their site isnt working for me on this computer but its a very easy order process.

I've never bought anything from these guys, but I think I might be.  They're inexpensive and give me lots of ideas to use their vinyl.

http://www.metrodecals.com/store/html/Products/Colored-Vinyl-Sheets-5/Matte-Flat-Black-Vinyl-92/Matte-Flat-Black-Vinyl--57.html (http://www.metrodecals.com/store/html/Products/Colored-Vinyl-Sheets-5/Matte-Flat-Black-Vinyl-92/Matte-Flat-Black-Vinyl--57.html)

They're an eBay seller too.  They've got a 99.7% rating.

I've purchased from them: no problems, fast shipping.

I don't know from where Rameses ordered his vinyl, but apparently its shipping from the planet Platex in a distant galaxy.   ;D

Har har.   :P


Pics coming shortly.   [thumbsup]

Here're a couple of teaser pics.

Better pics to come tomorrow after all the reassembly's done.




(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3361430321_2acc6dfca2_b.jpg)



(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3362246786_1ae234de5c_b.jpg)

I like ! Good job on making it "form" fit! [moto]

I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again: I think this might be the best cosmetic mod of all time (perhaps just after the tail chop).   [beer]

It looks as good if not better than hard anodizing, and if damaged is more easily repaired.  Plus, the sky is pretty much the limit for colors.  Although (as in this case), black looks spectacular!

Nice contrast with the satin black triples, too!   [thumbsup]

That is farking hot my friend!!  [bacon] [bacon]

Not to mention it actually PROTECTS your forks from damage.
Nice job man, this is going to look the tits.

Any debris that would damage the fork won't be stopped by vinyl, but it might protect against small scratches.   :)

Hey Rameses, if you dont mind can you tell me where you picked up and the part number of the vinal you used on your bike ?
That is the EXACT look I want for my Monster's forks..

The vinyl I used is Avery A6 in flat black.

I got it from BastardHK here on the board.  He knows his stuff and is a great guy to work with.   [thumbsup]



I just got home from finishing it up and pics are uploading as I type this.  Should just be a few more minutes and I'll post them up.   ;D

As promised.  (Albeit after going out for a few St Patty's Day beers... sorry for the delay.)




(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3364907798_3d59d0f9e0_b.jpg)



(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3421/3364088635_05896ca3ca_b.jpg)



Black hard-anodized for comparison...

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/3364091249_81470ed385_b.jpg)



My two accomplices, Jobu and Pompetta... (thanks for all the help guys! [thumbsup] )

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3364912476_edabf0a3c5_b.jpg)



And thanks again Dave for letting me tie up space in your garage for what seemed like forever.   :)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3364913722_9b9d73f96e_b.jpg)

that looks really neat.  [thumbsup]

could you show some pics of where the two ends meet?

Those're strategically hidden around the backside of the forks.

I'll see if I can get a good shot of them tomorrow though.

Looks great !
How much did you order Vs. how much vinal did you actually use for the project ?

Any time!  

How was rear the suspension for the ride home?

Did your brake pedal make it, or did Jobu swerve, open the car door and scoop it off I40?   ;D

The suspension felt the same as it always has.

And no theatrics were required of Kent.

I periodically checked to make sure the lever was still there with my toe and I'm gonna go get a bolt for it in a little while.   [laugh]

lmao at the seven tail chops hanging on the wall  [evil]

the first time i attempted this with some left over vinyl i had from another project... it didnt go well and i ended up not keeping it.

I think if i try it again (which i want to, it looks hot!) im going to remove the wheel and headlight since that was the spot i had the most problems with. 

How much are you guys ordering up vinal wise when doing this ?
I dont want to not order enough 1st time around..

Measure the vertical lengths of your fork sections, and multiply by the fork circumference (allowing for a few millimeters of overlap).  If it were me, I'd order 1.5 times that area.

Guys I apologize for not putting up a better writeup of the application process.  I'll do it as soon as I have a chance (later tonight or tomorrow night probably.)  I'll try to answer all of the questions I haven't addressed while I'm at it too.

Thanks everybody.   [thumbsup]






There're even more hanging up out of the frame on the right.   :)

I love the wall of tail chops!

Looks great, when are you going to chop the bill off that duck?

Never seen a Hypermotard without that front fender (guessing it would look allot better)..

<excuse the thread drift>
I think there is a normal chromed fender scheduled upcoming (possibly?)
(http://www.duccutters.com/johnson/021509HyperKromo/HyperKromo5.jpg)
<end thread drift>

That bike above looks SICK !

Back to topic:
I just ordered up some Avery A6 Flat black vinal, and will post up some pics once the forks are wrapped..

Rameses the forks looks great! Now all you need is to make the silver subframe black and it would look extra mean  ;)
As for the Hyper without the bill I think a Super Duke headlight would look pretty damn good.

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

I've told him that so many times that I became annoying (well, I was annoying before then, but....)!  Nice to hear someone else say it!!  ;D

Now just vinyl wrap that chain and it will really look good.
Unless your chain is that color from being wrapped already. ;D

nice job by the way.

KP

Nice work!  Looks great without having to disassemble the forks.  Do you think you still be able to slip them out of the lower tripple tree for service?

Bike looks SUPER  [bacon] Rameses!!  I think this is the route I will go with my S1000 once I get my new forks.  Can't wait to  [coffee] your "how-to" write up. 

Not a chance in hell.  But you can take off the top triple and drop the fork with the bottom triple still on without removing any vinyl.









Thanks man.   :)

Yeah, sorry everyone for not getting up my detailed walk-through yet.  I should have a bunch of free time tomorrow though, so hopefully I can get it done then.

this is one right?
(http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Custom%20Bikes/Roland%20Sands%20Ducati%20Hypermotard%20%201.jpg)

about some black reflective  Vinyl ?
get the benefit of the reflectomie (and still visible at night) and cool look

let the search begin  [bang]

The Fire Truck I drive has Reflective Black Vinyl Striping on it.  Just a hint on where to look.  I'll try to see where we get ours from... [thumbsup]
The reflective may be a little thicker and tougher to get to flex around the tapers and flairs of the fork tubes...???

this guy put it on a bike (bicycle)

http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/12/18/scotchlite-680-black.html (http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/12/18/scotchlite-680-black.html)

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MAutomotive/Aftermarket/Products/Product-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECFTDQCEK3_nid=GSMMV7XT9Jgs5CGL5RHS7CglGSVCXSZ9B5bl (http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MAutomotive/Aftermarket/Products/Product-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECFTDQCEK3_nid=GSMMV7XT9Jgs5CGL5RHS7CglGSVCXSZ9B5bl)

This is the widest I could find...

there are people on ebay willing to sell smaller peices too , so you dont have to buy 50 ft of it. It's really expensive in length.

i was going to use the vinyl sticker cutter at work to make some black (reflective) helmet stickers. but i think its too thick. this goes laong with the radius changes on your forks. may be tough

I bought some of the black reflective vinyl from this guy on eBay.  I covered my belt covers with it and made a bunch of stickers for my black helmet.  It is thin enough to follow the contours of my helmet.  Cool stuff, looks black until the light hits it, then it's white.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BLACK-3M-SCOTCHLITE-Reflective-Tape-4-SHEETS-3-3-4-x-9_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el1262QQcategoryZ35557QQihZ004QQitemZ140309345961QQtcZphoto (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BLACK-3M-SCOTCHLITE-Reflective-Tape-4-SHEETS-3-3-4-x-9_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el1262QQcategoryZ35557QQihZ004QQitemZ140309345961QQtcZphoto)

Rameses just pointed me over to his thread.  I was curious to see how this mod would turn out.  He went with a slightly thinner material, A6 verses a full engineering grade A9, without a protective coating.  I'm sure he would tell you this gave him the extra workability he needed to fit it properly.   Knowing how tight the radius would be on the forks, I was hoping it would hug the fork better, as well as, conform to the contours easier.  Vinyl is only as good as the person installing it.  These guys did an excellent job!  I was really impressed.  Helps to have a solid workspace, and top notch supervision 8). 

We are all looking forward to more pics!

Does anyone have a photo of a monster (or any bike) with this done do it....I think it's a more appealing idea than vinyl.  Probably easier to apply, and give it more of a mad max look.

Seems like an okay idea with the looks as some of us are going for, but what about the tape holding in moisture? would this be an issue for the forks ?  Same idea with exhaust wrap, will the exhaust not rust out sooner or faster due to the moisture being held agaist it.   I would love to put vinyl on my forks, but i dont have the space or balls to take my forks off.

I was torn on what to do the graphics on my race bike with... it will be black with that black reflective for the decals... thanks guys

Dumb F'n luck... There used to be a Monster posted that had REALLY gone Mad Max, but I can't find it. Flat black, triple projector headlights, dagger sheath on the front fork, Wrapped forks and headers... I saved the pics on my work computer, but I'm not at work, being Sunday, and Easter...

Here it is.  It's not cloth though.



(http://www.duccutters.com/BlackenDuc/Originals/duc3.jpg)

Squid ^^^^  ;D

Go ahead, I dare you to say it to his face!  [laugh]

I'll take that...
SQUID!! on a stick sir? they are quite tastey. [cheeky]
(http://img2.travelblog.org/Photos/14059/124492/t/864271-Squid-on-a-Stick-0.jpg)

Is there a post with DETAILED instructions on how to do this?  (pictures would be awesome too).

I have decided that I want to do this to my forks.

Thanks!

Grollias live in snowy climates?

Its a Yeti.

how does bigfoot tell time?




with his saskWATCH!!

the wrap is pretty hard to work with. It helps to take off your front wheel and be sure to clean the piss out of the forks.  You can use some heat to help the vinyl.  or get someone who works at a sign shop help you.

Ive been trying to get this vinyl since yesterday but still cant get any luck finding the right color that i want.

Are you saying if I took the bike to a sign shop and told them what I wanted, they should be able to do it pretty/

Huh?!

That's what I'm going to do, basically.

A friend of mine has a tinting/vinyl sign business.  I linked him to this thread and asked if he could do it, and he said "no problem"

I don't know anyone who has a sign shop!

do you have a link to the palce that sells this stuff?

What color vinyl are you looking for?  I may have it in house and can ship same day if I do.  I have a few detailed write ups that Ramses and I worked on when he began this project.  Coupled with his pictures you will be able to do it at home no problem.  Taking off the front wheel is convenient, but not necessary.

How much would it cost with shipping and handlng norcal area for my m696 fork matte black.Any idea how many i need..but i want enough numbers to make some trial and error.since this is my first time doing it .. thanks

I have flat black vinyl which has a slightly smoother finish than matte.  I would say it is similar to a satin finish, but not glossy.  I can ship as soon as Wed. if necessary. What model monster and forks are you applying the material to?  I have found that 8"x10" (length x circumference) panels provide a universal fit.  I have 7" between my top/bottom triple and 7.5" to the bottom of the fork tube, not including the slider and fork bottom obviously('01 900).

i would try the flat black in reasonable price..this is for m696 i dont have the measurement of the fork right now but when i get off tom..ill take the measurement right away and let you know.

;D ;D ;D ;D

I'm sure the 696 forks are slightly different dimensions, but I can call my local dealer and get exact measurements on a stock 696 if necessary.  I PM'ed you a quote.

- Will

Here you go MsTek:
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=24603.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=24603.0)