Removing Tank Decals

[nkryptit]

So...The "Monster" decal on my 696 is already starting to peel and look all around shitty.  I'm looking to take them off, but don't want to leave a "Monster" shaped spot on my tank afterwords.  Anyone ever take off decals without repainting the whole tank.  What kind of solvent to use?

[Bbrent]

Are the decals beneath the clearcoat? I have an S4RS and they were. I had to heat it up and pull really slowly to get them to lift. Then I had to sand, paint and reclear. I would be careful with solvents on you plastic. Wouldn't this be a warranty issue anyway?

[Raux]

have you gone to the dealer, that quick seems like a warranty issue?

[ducpainter]

sounds like a dark...

decals on top of the paint....

[nkryptit]

sounds like a dark...

decals on top of the paint....

Indeed!

[zLoki]

I'm about to take mine off but I'm simply replacing with a different color so there wont be that shadow you might be worried about (I have a dark also).  I would suggest starting with soap and water and moving up to the likes of 409 before using any solvents on the tank.  I'll be doing the same this week so I can report back on results.

[Murdered Monster]

 

[nkryptit]

I'm about to take mine off but I'm simply replacing with a different color so there wont be that shadow you might be worried about (I have a dark also).  I would suggest starting with soap and water and moving up to the likes of 409 before using any solvents on the tank.  I'll be doing the same this week so I can report back on results.

Thanks,  I'd appreciate any input you can give!

[S2daRk]

I replaced the decals on my dark tank not too long ago. I was also worried about having a Ducati "shadow" left behind. I removed only the "I" first, to see if the paint underneath would be darker. I was lucky no shadow whatsoever (my bike is 2 years old).

I used a heat gun to soften up the decals and removed them slowly. You don't need much heat, a hair dryer would be fine.

I then tried to remove the residue with warm water, but it wasn't working too well. So I tested a small spot underneath the seat with Goo Gone "AUTOMOTIVE FORMULA" (I don't recommend using the regular formula!). It worked great and I also used it when I removed the frame stickers.

Don't use paper towels to wipe off the sticky residue, it will scratch the tank. I used a soft microfiber towel that passed the "CD test" : Scrub the bottom of a CD with the towel and if the delicate CD surface doesn't get scratched, it's definitely safe to use on your tank.

[dutchy73]

I pulled the decals off my 696 Dark a couple weeks ago. It did leave a little shadow, but all you need to do is get a very light automotive rubbing compound on a soft cloth and give it an easy once over. Don't swirl, just go back and forth in a straight line. Clean off the area well and apply your new decals. Make sure there is no dust, or the decals will show the particles.

Then take a liquid carnuba wax and apply to the entire tank. Don't use too much or it will cake around the decals. But do a light rub, dry, and then remove. You should be in business.

[zLoki]

Pulled mine off, there was no shadow, here's a pic.