We get this question fairly often at WrapJax:

“Do you wrap motorcycles?”

Absolutely.

But there’s another question we think is more important:

Should we wrap your motorcycle?

The answer to that one takes a little more conversation.

Small Vehicle. Surprisingly Big Project.

One of the biggest misconceptions about motorcycle wraps is cost. A motorcycle is obviously a fraction of the size of a car, truck or SUV, so it seems reasonable to assume it should cost a fraction as much to wrap.

Unfortunately, wraps don't really work that way.

Material is only one component of the cost of a wrap. In many cases, time is the much bigger factor.

A motorcycle may have fairings, fenders, a fuel tank, side covers, saddlebags or hard cases and numerous small components—all with tight compound curves, edges, openings and transitions. Instead of an installer working across the relatively large panels of a vehicle, a motorcycle can become a collection of individual miniature wrap projects.

That takes time.

In fact, some motorcycle projects can require two or three times the hands-on craftsmanship you might expect based simply on their physical size. That's why motorcycle wrap quotes occasionally create a little sticker shock.

You're not necessarily paying for a lot of vinyl.

You're paying for a lot of hands-on work.

What Parts of a Motorcycle Can You Wrap?

Potentially quite a few.

Depending upon the motorcycle, its construction and the condition of the surfaces, we may be able to wrap fairings, fenders, fuel tanks, saddlebags and hard cases, side panels and other painted or compatible surfaces.

But that doesn't mean every component should be wrapped.

Surface material, paint condition, previous repairs, aftermarket paint, texture, heat exposure, fuel exposure and the geometry of the individual part can all affect whether wrapping it is practical—or whether we're likely to be happy with the finished result.

That's one reason we may occasionally tell you no.

A good wrap shop shouldn't simply be willing to put vinyl on something. It should be willing to tell you when vinyl isn't the right solution.

A Special Word About Plastics

Plastic can be one of the biggest wild cards in a motorcycle, ATV, UTV or specialty wrap project.

Just because a component is smooth, clean and looks wrappable doesn't necessarily mean vinyl or PPF will adhere to it properly. Different plastics can be manufactured using different formulations, additives and surface characteristics. Some provide an excellent surface for adhesive films. Others—particularly certain low-surface-energy plastics—can make it difficult for wrap material to establish and maintain a reliable bond.

And unfortunately, you can't always tell just by looking at it.

That's why we're cautious about making promises based solely on a photograph or a description of the part. A material may appear to stick initially, but that doesn't necessarily tell us how it will behave around edges, curves and contours—or how well that bond will hold up over time.

To help take some of the guesswork out of the process, WrapJax has created a small adhesion test kit that customers can pick up at any of our locations. This allows you to test the material on the actual component before making a larger investment in a wrap.

It's a simple step, but on an unusual plastic surface it can provide extremely useful information.

We'd much rather find out before you invest in the project that a particular component isn't a good candidate for wrapping than find out afterward.

Sometimes the best answer to “Can you wrap this?” is simply:

Let's test it first.

What Kind of Motorcycle Wraps Does WrapJax Offer?

There are essentially three directions we can explore.

Color-change vinyl can transform the appearance of the bike using one of the many colors, textures and finishes available from today's premium wrap-film manufacturers.

Custom printed graphics open the door much wider. Instead of choosing an existing vinyl color, we can create graphics, patterns, artwork, racing-inspired designs, branding or something completely unique to you.

And then there's Paint Protection Film, or PPF.

For someone who already loves the appearance of their motorcycle, clear PPF can provide an added sacrificial layer over vulnerable painted areas to help protect against scratches, scuffs, road debris and everyday wear. Colored and specialty PPF products can take that concept another step by combining protection with a visual transformation.

Sometimes the best solution isn't one product, either. Depending upon the project, we can discuss whether a combination of materials and coverage makes more sense.

Should the Parts Be Removed From the Bike?

Maybe.

And that's exactly the kind of question we want to answer after seeing the motorcycle.

A customer may bring us an assembled motorcycle, individual components that have already been removed, or something in between. Disassembly can provide better access to certain edges and surfaces, but every project is different.

It also changes the labor equation.

The more we know about what we're actually working with, how it comes apart, what has already been prepared and what level of finish you're expecting, the more accurately we can determine the appropriate approach.

“Can You Just Give Me a Ballpark?”

This may be the most common—and most difficult—question.

The answer is:

Not really.

WrapJax has a $250 shop minimum, so technically that's where the conversation begins. From there, however, a specialty project could cost hundreds of dollars or potentially several thousand.

That's a pretty useless ballpark.

A picture can help us understand what you're thinking, but photographs don't always tell us what a surface is made from, whether something has been repainted, how severe a compound curve really is, whether hardware needs to be removed or how accessible the edges are.

So don't be surprised when our answer is:

“Bring it by. We'd like to see it.”

We're not trying to make the process difficult. We're actually trying to eliminate the guesswork for both of us.

And if we're dealing with an unusual plastic or questionable surface, that evaluation may include testing adhesion before either of us commits to the larger project.

Motorcycles Aren't Alone

The same conversation frequently applies to Jet Skis, side-by-sides, ATVs, UTVs and plenty of other things people bring through our doors.

These projects often combine unusual plastics, tight contours, recessed areas, small components and complicated assemblies. Some require specialized materials or installation techniques. Others simply require patience—and quite a bit of it.

That's also why you may have already called several wrap companies and heard:

“No. We don't wrap those.”

We understand why some shops make that decision.

At WrapJax, however, we actually enjoy the weird stuff.

Bring Us the Weird Stuff.

Some of our most interesting projects start with someone walking through the door and asking:

“Okay…this might sound crazy, but can you wrap this?”

Maybe.

Bring it in.

We'll look at the surfaces, talk about what you're trying to accomplish, discuss materials and finishes, determine what should—or shouldn't—be wrapped and start figuring out how much time it's actually going to take. If there's a surface we're unsure about, we may recommend testing the material first rather than guessing.

That requires a little investment of your time, too. If you're seriously considering a specialty wrap project, the first step is being willing to bring it to us and have the conversation.

Because with motorcycles, Jet Skis, ATVs, UTVs and other unusual projects, there usually isn't a meaningful price hiding inside a calculator.

There are too many variables.

Can we wrap it? Quite possibly.

Should we wrap it? Bring it by. Let's find out.

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Article by Greg Scott | WrapJax Woodinville 

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