Introduction
A fresh set of graphics transforms your bike — but only if they go on straight, stick properly, and survive the rigours of the track. This guide walks you through every stage of a professional-quality install, from the tools you'll need to the care routine that keeps your graphics looking sharp for seasons to come.
Before you start, browse the full range of kits and replacement pieces in our graphics shop, and bookmark our FAQ page for quick answers while you work.
Tools & Materials You'll Need
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Plastic squeegee or a credit card wrapped in a soft cloth
- Isopropyl alcohol (IPA, 70–99%) and lint-free cloths
- Mild soap and clean water
- Masking tape (for alignment guides)
- Soft marker or grease pencil (optional, for reference lines)
- Scissors or a craft knife (for trimming overlap)
- Gloves (keeps oils from your hands off the plastic)
⚠️ Safety note: Use IPA in a well-ventilated area. Do not use harsh solvents such as acetone, petrol, or brake cleaner — these can damage plastic panels and may affect graphic adhesion. Always follow the solvent manufacturer's safety instructions.
Step 1 — Remove Old Graphics
Warm the existing graphic with a heat gun on a low setting, moving it slowly across the surface. The gentle heat softens the adhesive, letting you peel the graphic back at a low angle without tearing or leaving chunks of adhesive behind. Work from one edge to the centre, keeping steady, even heat a few centimetres ahead of where you're peeling.
Once the graphic is off, remove any adhesive residue with IPA on a lint-free cloth, using light circular motions. Allow the panel to cool fully before moving to the next step.
⚠️ Safety note: Keep the heat gun moving — holding it in one spot can warp or discolour plastic panels.
Step 2 — Clean the Surface Thoroughly
Wash the panel with mild soap and water to remove mud, grease, and track grime. Rinse well and dry with a lint-free cloth, then wipe down a final time with IPA to remove any remaining oils or soap residue. Allow the surface to dry completely — even slight moisture under a graphic can cause lifting or bubbles later.
Step 3 — Dry Fit Before You Commit
Before peeling any backing, lay each piece onto the panel to check placement, orientation, and fit. This is the most important step beginners skip — and the one professionals never do. Confirm that cutouts align with bolts, vents, and panel edges, and that piece edges sit where you want them. Use masking tape to temporarily hold pieces in position while you step back and assess the overall look.
Step 4 — Organise Your Pieces
Lay all pieces out in order on a clean, flat surface. Identify which panels go left and right — many kits are mirrored and it's easy to start applying the wrong side. Check any reference numbers or labels included with your kit. Starting from the largest, flattest panels first (typically the side panels) and working toward smaller accent pieces is a reliable order that minimises rework.
Step 5 — Application Sequence
- Start at the centre or a fixed reference point (a bolt hole or panel edge) and work outward. This prevents the graphic from skewing to one side.
- Peel only a small section of backing at a time — roughly 5–10 cm — rather than removing the entire backing at once.
- Lay the exposed section down, press lightly to tack it, then check alignment before pressing firmly.
- Squeegee from the centre outward using firm, overlapping strokes to push air toward the edges rather than trapping it in the middle.
- Continue peeling backing in small sections and squeegeeing as you go until the full piece is applied.
Step 6 — Curved Surfaces & Edges
Curved sections (tank sides, shrouds, fork guards) require a little extra patience. Apply gentle heat to the graphic — just enough to make it pliable and warm to the touch — then stretch it gradually around the curve while squeegeeing. Work in short sections, alternating heat and pressure. Avoid overstretching, which thins the graphic and can cause it to lift at the edges over time.
For wrapped edges, heat the overhang, stretch it firmly over the panel edge, and press it down onto the back surface. Hold it in place for 10–15 seconds until the adhesive grips.
Step 7 — Dealing with Bubbles
Small bubbles can often be pushed out toward the nearest edge with a squeegee immediately after application. For stubborn bubbles, apply a brief burst of heat to soften the graphic, then squeegee the air out. If a bubble persists after curing, use a fine pin to pierce it at a shallow angle, press the air out, then apply light heat and press flat. Avoid large punctures — they can become tears under track stress.
Step 8 — Heat Use & Curing
Once all pieces are applied, do a final pass with the heat gun over the entire graphic — this helps the adhesive bond more firmly to the panel surface. Keep the gun moving and maintain a comfortable hand-distance from the surface to avoid overheating.
Allow the graphics to cure at room temperature for [✏️ MZR: confirm recommended curing time — e.g., 24 hours] before riding. Avoid washing or pressure-hosing the bike during this period. Curing time may vary depending on ambient temperature and humidity.
⚠️ Important: Recommended temperatures and curing times are specific to the materials used in your kit.
Step 9 — Long-Term Care
- Wash by hand with mild soap and water — avoid pressure washers directed at graphic edges.
- Avoid petrol, chain lube, and oil contact on graphics where possible. Wipe off promptly if contact occurs.
- Inspect edges periodically; press down any lifting corners before they catch mud or debris.
- Store the bike out of prolonged direct sunlight when not in use to extend graphic life.
Ready to Upgrade Your Kit?
If you're prepping for a new install, check out the full selection of MZR Graphics kits in our graphics shop. Got questions before you start? Our FAQ page covers the most common queries about fit, materials, and ordering.
📸 Image plan for this article: Hero image — a clean, well-lit flat lay of a full graphics kit with tools arranged around it (heat gun, squeegee, IPA bottle, gloves). Consider adding step-specific photos: a panel being heated during old graphic removal, a dry-fit alignment shot, and a finished installed bike. Replace the placeholder hero image above with your chosen photo once uploaded to Files.