Tank protective film and decals queries?

[snerkler]

I've just ordered a GSA Trophy and I've read that the matt tank paint can scuff quite easily so will likely fit some protective film. I've seen a couple of companies that I believe do clear film tank side protection, Tony James Designs and Signature Custom Designs. Has anyone had any experience of using these and can comment on ease of fitting/application and whether they alter or detract the finish and colour of the paint please? Also, are they removable without damaging the paintwork?

I'm also after some decals for the top box (silver), can anyone point me in the direction of where to buy these please as I only seem to be able to find full sets that include decals for the panniers too. I particularly like those with the map design and/or compass design.

 

[siddo]

There's a recent thread on here about the PPF and the Tony James ones were well endorsed.
Look here for the top box stickers https://www.signaturecd.com/product-category/givi/

 

[snerkler]

There's a recent thread on here about the PPF and the Tony James ones were well endorsed.
Look here for the top box stickers https://www.signaturecd.com/product-category/givi/

Thanks

 

[Victor c]

I’ve recently fitted PPF from Tony James Designs to my the tank sides (mat finish) of my new GSA Trophy. No problems so far with them. Also fitted tank centre panel protector from Motografix.

I’ve also used Invisible Patterns PPF a few times in the past with no issues.

 

[snerkler]

I’ve recently fitted PPF from Tony James Designs to my the tank sides (mat finish) of my new GSA Trophy. No problems so far with them. Also fitted tank centre panel protector from Motografix.

I’ve also used Invisible Patterns PPF a few times in the past with no issues.

Thanks, are they easy to fit to get good alignment and no bubbles?

 

[Victor c]

Thanks, are they easy to fit to get good alignment and no bubbles?

The trick is plenty of water, with the tiniest amount of soap in it. Our water is quite hard where I live, so use bottled water, with a splash of baby shampoo in it. Rather than using as spray bottle, I use a clean bucket, and dip the film before applying to the panels.

The sides are easy to apply, but due to the original decals, will leave slight air pockets visible along their lines. I’ve fitted film to 4 GS/GSAs and never had an issue with them peeling and any small bubbles have disappeared within a couple of days.

The tank centre panel can be a little more challenging, as it has 4 way curve, so if fitted when cold, will need a bit of heat to help stretch it.

 

[snerkler]

The trick is plenty of water, with the tiniest amount of soap in it. Our water is quite hard where I live, so use bottled water, with a splash of baby shampoo in it. Rather than using as spray bottle, I use a clean bucket, and dip the film before applying to the panels.

The sides are easy to apply, but due to the original decals, will leave slight air pockets visible along their lines. I’ve fitted film to 4 GS/GSAs and never had an issue with them peeling and any small bubbles have disappeared within a couple of days.

The tank centre panel can be a little more challenging, as it has 4 way curve, so if fitted when cold, will need a bit of heat to help stretch it.

Many thanks. Do the air pockets along the original decals also disappear after a couple of days?

 

[Victor c]

Many thanks. Do the air pockets along the original decals also disappear after a couple of days?

Mine never have. They are only fine lines and barely visible.
You can get film that covers the majority of the side of the tank and smaller versions that just go as high as the underside of the GS logo. The latter is easier get get correctly aligned.

 

[snerkler]

Mine never have. They are only fine lines and barely visible.
You can get film that covers the majority of the side of the tank and smaller versions that just go as high as the underside of the GS logo. The latter is easier get get correctly aligned.

Thanks

 

[littleade]

I've had Tony do 2 of my bikes and he does a first class job, but have no experience of applying his stuff myself. What I can say is he uses proper PPF, while others use/sell a clear vinyl wrap which is a lot cheaper and stiffer so probably more difficult to apply, especially to curved surfaces.

 

[Hartley]

I recently fitted Tony James tank protection, very pleased with results.

TonyJamesDesigns Paint protection.

It’s been in the garage for a few weeks, finally plucked up the courage to have a go at fitting the film today. Really pleased with the results. Now debating removing the tank pad and fitting film instead. Hats of the TJD, great product, good instructions and even sorted out this numpty...

www.ukgser.com

 

[NeilCol]

I fitted a clear protection film to my tank to prevent the zip scratches, got it from Nippy Norman’s but didn’t fit the side ones.
I have the triple black….and after fitting it was OK..nowt more than that.

With any of these, it’s never totally straightforward and I ended up with a sodding hair in it from somewhere.
But after a few rides It was apparent you just and up with scratches on the protector…which means it’s doing its job but then just looks as naff as a scratched tank.

 

[G&T]

Tony James happened to be applying some protection film on customer bikes at Ducati Worcester when I was there. He showed me how and the trick is.....yes, plenty of spray water on the surface first. Nice chap.

 

[stever1]

Invisible Patterns paint protection film, ppf, car paint protection, paint protection, protects your car and motorbike from stone chips, scratches and paint damage, while helping to retain it's residual value.

The team here at Invisible Patterns will help keep your cars and motorcycles looking like new by installing a clear paint protection film to protect them from stone chips.

www.invisiblepatterns.co.uk

I used these people to put a full PPF kit on my goldwing. Good service and price. Based in Leigh but give a drive in service.
My pal had a Goldwing bagger with matte paint and his had the same service with just as good results.
I believe they use a different type of film on matte paint.

 

[ilkleymoron]

Tony James happened to be applying some protection film on customer bikes at Ducati Worcester when I was there. He showed me how and the trick is.....yes, plenty of spray water on the surface first. Nice chap.

this and a lot of patience

i've done three bikes now first was ok, second i rushed because id done the first and thought it was easy, third (gsa) best one just took all day to do it

being on an abba stand and lifitng it up helped as well

 

[snerkler]

Invisible Patterns paint protection film, ppf, car paint protection, paint protection, protects your car and motorbike from stone chips, scratches and paint damage, while helping to retain it's residual value.

The team here at Invisible Patterns will help keep your cars and motorcycles looking like new by installing a clear paint protection film to protect them from stone chips.

www.invisiblepatterns.co.uk

I used these people to put a full PPF kit on my goldwing. Good service and price. Based in Leigh but give a drive in service.
My pal had a Goldwing bagger with matte paint and his had the same service with just as good results.
I believe they use a different type of film on matte paint.

Thanks, will look into those too.

 

[Yorkshire Twat]

Thanks, will look into those too.

Try Motographix Rotherham, got a TROPHY myself and they do lovely tank side protection, it's shiny and sets off the matt paintwork well.

 

[snerkler]

Try Motographix Rotherham, got a TROPHY myself and they do lovely tank side protection, it's shiny and sets off the matt paintwork well.

Thanks, I've seen those already but would prefer to keep the matt finish

 

[Yorkshire Twat]

Hopefully a photo

 

[Yorkshire Twat]

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