Motorcycle Protection Film: Everything You Need to Know
A motorcycle is an investment for many riders. It could be a project built over years, a tuned collector’s item, or simply a bike that they have cared for over time. Regular use can cause a bike’s painted surfaces to become damaged due to scratches, road debris, UV rays, dirt, and general environmental exposure.
Motorcycle Protection Film is becoming popular as a practical option to help keep motorcycles looking great.
What Is Motorcycle Protection Film?
Motorcycle Protection Film is applied to certain areas of a motorcycle to help protect them from daily wear. The film can be applied to different areas of a motorcycle depending on the product, such as the fuel tank, fairings, side panels, front fenders, etc.
The film adds another layer between the original surface of the motorcycle and the outside world. Instead of painting over original paint or replacing damaged body panels, protection film allows riders to preserve the look they spent time creating.
In addition, motorcycle protection film can be removed or replaced if the owner wants to change the look of their bike in the future.
Why Do Motorcycles Need Surface Protection?
Motorcycles spend a lot of time outdoors which can leave the bodywork exposed to different elements. Dust, rocks, bugs, rain, and road grime are just a few things that can come into contact with a motorcycle on even a short ride.
Riders themselves can also cause damage to high-contact areas like the fuel tank. Jackets, zippers, gloves, and general contact can slowly cause scratches and wear.
Sources of motorcycle surface damage:
- Road grit
- Sand, dirt, and dust
- Carried debris
- Sunshine and UV rays
- Rain
- Scratches
- Touch-up cleaning
Damage from these things can add up over time and impact how the motorcycle looks.
Benefits of Motorcycle Protection Film
-
Reduces Scratching
Surface scratches are one of the biggest reasons to use protection film. A high-quality film can provide a layer between high-contact areas and the original paint to reduce scratches.
Protective film is ideal for protecting areas like fuel tanks, side panels, etc.
-
Maintains Original Appearance
Repainting a motorcycle or fixing faded paint can quickly become expensive. Motorcycle Protection Film helps owners keep the original paint looking great for as long as possible.
For new motorcycles, riders can apply protection film right away to prolong the factory look.
-
UV and Weather Proof
Sun can fade some materials over time. Most high-quality motorcycle protection films are made to resist UV rays and other outdoor elements.
Whether a motorcycle is stored outdoors or used outdoors frequently, a protective film can keep it looking new.
-
Combine with Custom Graphics
Motorcycle owners don’t have to choose between protecting their bike and making it their own. Protection film can be applied with custom graphics, color-changing paint wraps, or decorative vinyl.
Motorcycle protection film allows owners to have both!
Common Areas To Apply Protection Film
Motorcycle protection film works on many surfaces of a motorcycle. The most popular areas to apply protection film include:
- Fuel tanks
- Front Fairings
- Side Fairings
- Front Fenders
- Rear Fenders
- Side Panels
- Tail/End Sections
- Graphics
Due to the differences in material flexibility and surface shaping, not all film can be used on every surface.
Things to Keep In Mind When Selecting Protection Film
Motorcycle surfaces are not created equal and neither is protection film. Motorcycle body panels come in many different shapes and curves. It’s important that the film you choose can be installed easily by a professional installer.
Factors to consider:
- Material Flexibility
- Bonding Strength
- Surface durability
- Printable
- Installation ease
- Flexible Film
The more flexible the film, the easier it can adhere to complex surfaces and curved motorcycle body panels.
Strong Adhesion
Film should have a strong adhesive to prevent peeling or bubbling. The adhesive should hold under outdoor temperatures.
Surface
Just like anything else on a motorcycle, surface durability is important when picking the right film. Look for a film that can help prevent scuffs, dirt, and other damage.
Printable Film
Some companies offer protection film that can be printed on. When creating custom graphics for motorcycles, printed protection film gives designers more freedom for their artwork.
Thinking about using protection film on your custom motorcycle build? Custom paint jobs take time and money to apply. Protective films allow owners to shield their hard work from damage without changing the look of the motorcycle. Films can also be printed with custom graphics to make a motorcycle one-of-a-kind.
Motorcycle protection film is commonly used on:
- Race motorcycles
- Custom paint bikes
- Show motorcycles
- NEW motorcycles
- High-end motorcycles
- Motorcycles with graphics
Motorcycle Protection Film is a great option for motorcycle owners who want to prolong the life of their bike’s paint job. Not only can it help prevent day-to-day scratches and wear, but certain films are made to help protect paint from UV rays and fading.
Whether someone just bought a new motorcycle or is looking to keep a custom paint job intact, motorcycle protection film is a great choice to keep bikes looking newer for longer.
Always make sure you’re working with a film that can install on your bike. Professional installation is always recommended!