Whether you’ve just purchased your own brand new Honda dirt bike, or looking to reinvigorate your existing machine, a custom graphics kit is one of the best ways to make sure your machine is looking sharp.
As opposed to a full paint job, decals and graphics are a clean, easy and affordable way to get give your bike its own character.
There’s a wide variety of Honda bike graphic options, so jump in and take a look at:
- What are the benefits of getting a dirt bike graphic kit?
• What makes up a dirt bike graphics kit?
• What kinds of graphics options are there?
• Some tips and tricks for application.
WHY TO CHOOSE A GRAPHICS KIT
There are a lot of reasons as to why installing a graphics kit on your Honda is a great idea. They include:
A BETTER LOOK
A custom Deviant Ink graphics kit adds extra color and flavor, creating a more interesting look for your bike. Not only does it give a new dimension to new machines, but can make even greater improvements to used bikes.
Over time our gear gets scratched and faded, so covering it up and giving it a fresh layer can make an old bike look like “fresh off the shelf” rather than “seen better days”.
EXTRA PROTECTION
Beyond the visual improvement of the bike, the incorporation of a graphics kit on your Honda also has a a practical, functional benefit. It adds an extra layer of protection to the body of your bike.
Rather than just covering any existing scratches or dings, it can actually help to stop further or future damage by creating a barrier between the bike itself and outside forces such as rocks, branches, rain and sun.
EASY TO CHANGE
As opposed to complete paint jobs, the installation, removal and ability to change motorbike graphic kits is relatively easy. It is also a much more affordable option.
For the effort and money put into a paint job, you generally are fully committing to that single look and design. A standard solid color design is likely to cost upwards of $1000. Multiple colors upwards of $1500, and custom patterns or designs can still rise significantly from there.
Deviant Ink graphic kits start from just $190, making buying, installing, and changing your look over time a much more economical option.
RESALE VALUE
It’s no big secret that many of us are influenced by the physical appearance of objects. Even if something is equally functional, if it does not look great, it is hard to emotionally connect with or be sold on an item.
A fresh, bold, sharp graphics kit can change the overall perspective of the bike you may be wishing to sell. Perception makes a big difference.
MAKING THE BIKE YOUR OWN
Just like we do with our own clothing choices, haircuts and facial hair, we each have our own style.
Many of us whenever possible try to buy things that visually represent our own personality, or at least something that we actually like. The look of your bike is no different.
THE BASICS OF A GRAPHICS KIT
There are a few things to know about dirt bike graphics kits, in order to better understand how they work, and why they’re a worthwhile addition.
MATERIAL
Deviant Ink graphics kits are created using a high quality laminate for their outer layer, designed to handle not only the varying weather conditions, but the rigors of riding.
A strong adhesive ensures a reliable bond during installation, and retaining form over time and usage, and can bond to all plastic, metal or glass materials.
In between these two layers we have the actual graphics layer, with your choice or color and style, protected by the outer laminate to keep the vibrancy of the color popping season to season.
Finally we have the premium vinyl layer, which is designed for easier installation due to its built-in micro air channels, allowing for a bubble-free install.
PIECES AND FIT
Each kit comes with a mix of pieces designed to cover the primary body of the bike.
This includes areas such as the front and rear fenders, the swingarms, front forks and side panels.
When ordering the graphics kit the user is able to input their specific Honda bike year and model to ensure the perfect fit.
STYLE
The style of the graphics kit also refers to the pattern and imagery used to create the design.
Some designs being more subtle, some with classic checkered or graffiti-style displays, and all the way to detailed, unique designs such as the Spangled and Black Widow styles (among many more).
COLORWAY
The colorway of your graphics kit is the selection of colors used and in which configuration.
Some styles come with multiple color choices, whilst others have a more specialized, unique design. That said, all versions can have their colors customized to suit your specific taste!
EXTRA CUSTOMIZATION
Beyond the extensive catalogue of designs, it is also possible to get custom designed wraps. Whether it be a specific colorway you’re looking for or an elaborate design, kits can be made to suit the look you have your mind set on.
It is also possible to get logos incorporated into the design, which is great for businesses, clubs, or even just a personal image or icon you are keen to splash onto your bike.
USING THE DESIGN TOOL
With the Deviant Ink customization design tool you get a better opportunity to see what the design will look like against the existing colors of your bike.
Generally, when purchasing off the shelves or online you only get a glimpse of the wrap, or packaging, without being able to fully visualize the final result.
ACCENT COLORS
This segment is for you to set the existing colors of your bike, in order to create an accurate platform for visualizing styles and graphic kit colorways against your machine.
This includes selecting the existing tones of your frame, body plastics, seat, wheels and guards.
WRAP COLORS
Here we choose which colors you want for your specific graphics kit design. Having already selected a style, you now have a wide choice of color options.
Just in the customization tool alone there is currently a default range of 66 colors to choose from, meaning you can really create your kit, your way.
LOGOS
There are a lot of key players in the off-road and motorbike market; many of which we represent either from our bike, protective equipment, or general apparel.
There’s an extensive selection of logos in our catalogue; with a variety of brands, manufacturers and even national flags.
PERSONALIZE (TEXT)
Not only can you choose to add a logo, but customized text can also be added onto the design. In this tool you can add your own name, words to live by, or whatever your heart desires.
There’s a selection of cool font styles on offer, and as always, a deep range of colorways to make sure the text is looking good with your kit, and with your bike.
OVERLAY
Once you’re satisfied with your overall design, it’s then time to choose your overlay. This is the “finish” that you want from your wrap, similar to that of what you would expect from a paint job.
Gloss and matte options are offered as standard, plus a couple extra premium options such as gold flake or sparkle flake overlays.
SELECT MODEL
To finalize all you need to do is select your model of Honda dirt bike, so that the size and shape of the graphics kit can be designed to perfectly fit your bike.
From here you can add any additional notes you wish, on your way to grabbing your sweet new kit.
QUICK INSTALLATION TIPS
CLEANING THE BIKE
In order to make for a better application, it is worthwhile to clean the bike prior to installing the graphics kit. Removing any dirt, old adhesive and alike will ensure a better and more durable bond, as well along with a better overall look.
LINE IT UP
It’s worthwhile to take a couple moments to see how the graphics line up on the bike to make sure you are applying them in the location that you want them. As with most things in life, it’s best to do it right the first time.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES
**** Trevor to add photos and names of example kits here.
SUMMARY
When it comes to dirt biking, not only is it about how much mud you’re covered in at the end of the day, but how sweet your rig looks stepping off the truck.
Over time our interests change, our gear changes, and the condition of our bike changes. Using a Honda graphics kit is a sure-fire way to make sure you are not only looking great on the trails, but protecting the body of your bike, and saving some extra coin in the process.
See you out on the trails!