HOW TO APPLY RIM STICKERS

The ring wheel rim decals are easy to apply and quicker than a classic rim strip kit, but it requires removing the motorcycle wheels. The kit is unique for any 17-inch wheel rim and not compatible with single-sided swingarm rear wheel rims. Below you will find a tutorial to help you apply your ring wheel rim decal kit for your motorcycle.

First of all, here are the precautions to take:

Check that the rim is smooth.
Clean rim thoroughly, degreasing with soap/alcohol water. Do not use WD40 or other products containing silicone. The rim must be perfectly clean.
Don't handle the stickers too much on the glue side.
If the decals are not applied immediately, store them flat in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
When applying the stickers, choose a room with a temperature of at least 15°c, protected from wind and dust. It's also possible to heat the rim before applying the stickers, to ensure that the adhesives hold well. If the temperature is too cold, the stickers will not adhere properly.
After installation, avoid contact with cold and damp to ensure that the adhesives hold well.

What you will need:

- Degreaser/household alcohol
- A clean cloth
– Of your two wheel rims
- A raclette (on sale here) / Credit card can also do the trick
- Heat gun or powerful hair dryer.

Step 1 - Preparing the stickers :

To start, locate the two decals for the front wheel rim and those for the rear wheel rim. The wider ones are for the rear and the thinner ones for the front wheel rim. Shortly before beginning to apply the first decal, position the ring wheel rim decals flat or under a heavy weight to uncurl them and help them take their shape.

2- Rim cleaning :

Clean the surface of the wheel rims perfectly with a degreasing product/household alcohol before applying anything. Do not use silicone products such as WD40. or other greasy substances like polish, cream, etc. If in doubt after cleaning, pour water on the cleaned surface. If it beads, your product is not good. The durability of the decals will primarily depend on the prior cleaning.

Also remove one or both of your wheel rims to apply the decals.

3- Applying the first rim sticker :

Your wheel rims and decals are ready! It's time to get serious!

– First, carefully remove the decal from its backing. Then, carefully position it on the rim's edge. You will be handling the adhesive side, so make sure your hands are clean to avoid damaging the decal.

– Carefully apply the decal, without pressing too hard, around the entire wheel rim strip. Do not press too hard so that you can peel it off and reposition it if necessary.

Once the decal is well positioned, you can press firmly all around so that it no longer moves.

– Then, completely heat the decal in circles above it to make it pliable. Do not heat too much initially. Do a few tests from the least hot to the hottest so as not to damage the decal, because once burned, it is compromised 🙁

Once heated, you will need to fold the decal inside the wheel rim with your fingers. Start by folding a few centimeters all around the wheel rim.

– Then, reheat the decal that has cooled down. As with the first operation, do not hesitate to heat it a little more if the decal is not malleable enough. But be careful not to overheat it either, so as not to damage it. You can then repeat the operation and fold the decal a little further into the inside of the wheel rim. Always over a few centimeters.

Repeat this operation until it is completely glued to the wheel rim.

4- Repeat the operation

Once the decal is properly adhered, all you have to do is apply it to the other side and do the other wheel rim using the same method!

5- Finalization :

Allow 48 to 72 hours for maximum adhesive bonding while the glue adheres to the surface.
With this type of installation, the vehicle can be used immediately after installation.
You can heat the vinyl to strengthen the adhesion of the decals on the wheel rim and to help them conform to curved shapes if needed.

Notes: Adhesives can be heated with a heat gun or hair dryer to make them more malleable and eliminate small bubbles (as vinyl is not waterproof, air naturally escapes in a few days in the sun).