Decals for a red 1980 GS550E - and design thoughts

[ukjules]

Small side on.jpg


I have never touched the paintwork / decals on my motorbike but they are getting a bit
ragged so need to touch up the tank and get some new decals to put on.

It seems to be made up of 3 strips:
black 6mm
gold 5mm
black 3-4mm

I simply cannot find where I can get strips to do this ? Surely they can be bought off the shelf.
Ideas in the UK ?

Also anyone got any better design thoughts for decals ?
Nothing too wild and simple ones to put on ?

[Gorminrider]

a simple inexpensive type should be widely available in any outlet specialising in car stuff...and I find exactly similar to what you want on the shelf at Canadian Tire....You can combine "patterns"... I'd expect availability at Napa, Bumper2Bumper, Lordco if you have those or similar.

These are "remove the backing" sticky tape. They are meant for running the length of a car so they require practise going round curves. Slightly stretchy...
an amateur like me or you will avoid the "wide patterns" in sharp circular curves like the side of the tank... build the pattern from single tapes.
Expect breakage in first attempts. Wastage...don't patch, Start over.

You have to clear-coat over or they will peel off. several coats because these pinstripes stand proud and you can easily polish them off if you don't...

A sign painter can paint pinstripes and much else beautifully if you want the best.

[ukjules]

Ok understood.
The best not for now as have 4 bikes all wanting bits - sticky tape stripes it is and laquer

[Gorminrider]

and laquer

um...avoid gasoline spills on this. by "Clear coat" I mean something gasoline resistant. You might go towards a "urethane" or some patented formulation as was discussed here recently but many other threads in detail.

https://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?209617-Rustoleum-252459-Gloss-Cherry-Red&p=2537942#post2537942