Fitting Instructions
General Fitting instructions
Decal Fitting Instructions for Ducati race replica kits
These instructions are to help you fit self-adhesive cut vinyl and printed cut vinyl decals/stickers. Please read them completely
before starting the job, there are points to know, that will save you hours of work and heartache.
Please remember the following points to ensure that your project turns out at its best.
• When your decal set arrives, unpack it and flatten everything out, checking that everything is there and in good condition. Place
everything between 2 sheets of flat heavy board, glass, MDF or similar, to help flatten everything. There is nothing worse than
trying to fit decals that have a mind of their own.
• Work in an environment clear of clutter and clean of dust and dirt. You should not be subject to winds or strong drafts.
• Preparation of your application surfaces is the most important key to success. (see details)
• Don’t rush. The longer you take, the happier you’ll be with the end result.
• Lay everything out, and check for fit and orientation, BEFORE you remove the backing paper.
• Make sure that the weather is warm enough to do the job, or nothing will work properly, if necessary and possible, move the job
indoors, use heaters, hair dryers etc.
• Allow an entire weekend to do the job, it will take at least that long, and maybe longer if you share the Ducati perfectionist trait.
Requirements.
Other than your supplied decals you will need the following to complete the job at hand.
• Trigger operated spray bottle
• A couple of drops of liquid dishwashing detergent
• A sharp bladed knife (preferably an Xacto scalpel or similar)
• A plastic ruler (preferably 60cm)
• A roll of kitchen paper towels (the type that retain a bit of strength when they get wet)
• Fine Cut Car Polish ( I use Maguires # ) and clean polishing cloths
• Prepsol or some type of solvent based surface preparation fluid, or even better is a bottle of rubbing alcohol (Isocol etc.)
• A Staedtler Chinagraph pencil (wax based, will mark anything then wipe off)
• A sign writers squeegee (supplied with all full kits)
• A roll of masking tape
• A hair dryer
• A second pair of hands (don't scrimp on these when they're needed)
• A table or bench covered with a blanket
• The little tool from the Ducati toolkit to remove the screws that hold the windscreen on.
• Allen key to remove the rear vision mirrors
• Assorted other Ducati tools that you may need to remove the seat and rear cowl and front fairing.
Surface preparation
This is the most important part of the job. It doesn’t take long, but without it, the job will be second rate. The worst problems
arise from chemical surface coverings that over time are applied to or make their way to your paint, these waxes and chemicals can
cause the decals to lose adhesion and peel off. Any small pit, lump or bump under a decal looks like you have the neighbor’s cat
caught under there!
Wash the entire area to be prepared with a detergent that has no automatic waxing additives, e.g. dishwashing detergent. Chamois
dry the area and then let air dry until no dampness remains, especially in cracks and crevices.
Using a light cut polish work the entire area of the paintwork. This is to remove any damaged paint, wax build up, fried bugs etc.
Working one body panel at a time wipe with Prepsol, or rubbing alcohol using a new paper towel. Discard towel and wipe dry with
another new paper towel.
The surface is now ready for application
General Information on Decal Application
First thing, is make sure that you know where the decal has to go and that it is the right decal (some are left handed/right handed
smaller larger etc).
Without removing the backing paper lay the decal in its intended position to ensure fit and layout. If the decal needs to be aligned
with something, ensure that you know where it has to go. You can layout lines for aligning decals by using a Chinagraph pencil and a
plastic ruler (metal rulers scratch paint real bad). Ensure that you don’t place decals over the top of Chinagraph lines as the wax
will stop the decal from adhering properly. Alternatively lay lines with the edge of masking tape which can be removed after the
decal application.
When you have the positioning sorted out, spray the surface of the job liberally with a weak detergent solution from a trigger spray
bottle. Hold the decal up and remove the backing paper to expose the adhesive. Spray the exposed adhesive liberally with the
detergent solution.
Information: The detergent solution allows the decal to be positioned correctly. it allows the adhesive to slip on the prepared
surface. If the decal won’t slip easily then there is not enough detergent in the mix. The detergent also allows you to squeegee the
air bubbles out from under the decal.
When the decal is in the correct position, use your sign writers squeegee to force the detergent solution from under the decal, so
that the decal sticks to the surface. At the same time you are also bursting tiny beads of adhesive that make the decal stick
properly. Work from the middle of the decal to the outside, to remove all of the liquid and air between the decal and the
paintwork. Use a clean paper towel to dry up as you go.
Allow the decals to dry for at least 24 hours in a warm area before rushing out and doing 100MPH to show them off. You might find
that they simply blow off the bike!
Special notes for Ducati Bayliss/Xaus/Bostrom set.
Front Fairing and Windscreen
First remove the 2 Allen keyed bolts that go through the fairing and hold the rear view mirrors on. Then remove the front headlight
fairing. Next step is to remove the windscreen from the fairing Take extra care not to lose the little rubber encased nuts, they cost
a fortune to replace.
The white front plate and white seat flash backgrounds are applied with the detergent solution. The special vinyl that they are
made from is removable if the fit doesn’t work, and the glue also has a fine network of channels through it to let air bubbles and
water caught underneath to escape to the outside.
The large white background piece is applied to the fairing allowing an 8mm overhang at the top and ends of the fairing. (this
overhang folds over the top to the inside of the fairing) The side edges are aligned to the inside of the bases of the rear view
mirrors and in a straight line down to the headlight. Apply from the front center of the fairing and work back towards the back
ends. This material will stretch quite a deal without tearing or trying to return to its original form. Any excess material should be
folded around the edges to the inside of the headlight areas of the fairing.
The blue flashes are applied to leave a 3mm pinstripe of the background white visible down the side edges. The blue flashes
continue 8mm beyond the top ends of the fairing and wrap around to complete the edge Fit the 916/996/998/748 badges to the
back of the fairing wings aligned with the edge of the white background. The top of these badges should wrap around the upper
edge of the fairing.
Using the position of the blue flashes, temporarily refit the screen and mark the position of the top of the white race plate on the
screen. Remove the screen. Apply the second white rectangular piece to the bottom of the screen aligned with these marks. Trim
with a sharp knife at the bottom edge of the screen (below the bolt holes). Using the top of this white piece as a guide fit the Breil
decals, then Shell Advance decals.
It should be noted that the shell Advance and Breil decals have been made with excess allowances above and below, to fit bubble
style windscreens. They will need to be trimmed above and below the artwork, using the enclosed pictures of the original race bikes
as a guide.
Refit the screen and fit all other screen decals (troybayliss.com, Motore Azione).
Front Guard
The front guard Corse stripe can be a little tricky without some understanding of the flexibility of the vinyl involved. Clean under
the front of the guard, as far as you can get back with rubbing alcohol. The stripes will fold over the front of the guard and attach
to the underside of the front of the guard.
Prepare the surface to receive the decals and soap up the surface. Center the large component of the stripe and use the squeegee
to apply it to the rear of the guard, butted up against the brake hose retainer. When it is stuck at the rear, take each front corner
and gently pull forward. This is where the magic happens, the stripe will stretch in three dimensions and fit the guard perfectly,
squeegee the stripe down and its done (this is one of the places where a second set of hands is a must!)
Take the pinstripe components and fit each in turn to the rear of the guard. While applying VERY gentle forward pressure, and
holding the stripe at an angle away from the surface of the guard, lower the angle while ensuring that the gap between the main
stripe and the pinstripe is the same width as the pinstripe. All stripes should be stretched over the front of the guard and tucked
under and sealed to the underside of the guard. Squeegee down to remove all bubbles and water. Fit Ducati Corse decal.
Rear cowl and seat area
The flashes beside the seat are applied in the same manner as the front plate with the colored flashes 3mm smaller on all edges,
giving a 3mm white edge to the flash. It may be easier to apply these flashes if you remove the seat from the rear cowling first. This
will require the removal of the rear cowl from your bike. When replacing, remember to plug in your rear lights again.
Main side fairings
The belly pan decals are applied over a black background. if you don’t have a carbon fiber or later model ABS belly pan, you will
need to use the supplied matt black (or blue) background. It will need to be trimmed to allow clearance around your sidestand, and
maybe front and rear depending upon the model of your bike.
If you’ve made it this far then everything else is plain sailing. Remove the side fairings and prepare the surfaces to receive the
decals. I find it best to remove the little bolts that hold the upper and lower halves of the fairings together except for the front and
rear ones. Fit the main Infostrada decals and using an Xacto knife, cut holes for the bolts to go back through. Reassemble, taking
care not to over tighten the little bolts as they will distort the decal. Its OK to run the large decals over the join in the fairing, just
run your squeegee along the join line to press the decal into it.
Put it all back together, stand back and enjoy your hard work.
NOW GET A CAMERA AND TAKE A PICTURE AND EMAIL IT TO ME!
Care and maintenance of your bike after fitting.
You should not wash your bike with high pressure washers for about two weeks after fitting of decals. If at any time, a decal starts
to lift, just work it down with a squeegee until it sits down again. Do this as soon as you notice it lifting, because once dirt and
grease get behind the decal, it will never stick down again. After about two weeks, your decals should take anything you can throw
at them. Hot weather will make them softer and more easily damaged, so keep that in mind when riding through deserts! You can
wash and wax over all decals, but you should not use any abrasive polishes on the surface of the decals.
The decals are designed to last longer in the sun than any other product on the market. While we can’t guarantee against fading, it
is expected that they should retain their color for around five years in the sun without fading.
Helpful Hint: Remove your side fairings and apply your fairing decals on a table covered with a cloth or blanket etc. BUT!!! Make
sure that you clean the inside of the fairing as well. You can be in the middle of applying decals and pick up some oil or grease, and
transfer this to the front and bugger everything up!
Helpful Hint: On multi component cut decals that have a backing paper, let the decal dry completely before trying to remove the
backing paper.
Helpful Hint: Leave you bike out in the sun for as long as possible over the first week after fitting decals (the drying process can
take a considerable time)
Helpful Hint: Nothing surer than bubbles appearing under some decals. On some occasions, maybe a month after you’ve fitted
them. Just try to work them to the edge if possible, or prick the decal with a fine needle and let the bubble out while using the
squeegee to press it down
Helpful Hint: To get decals to fit over three dimensional surfaces, use a hair dryer to make the decal soft and pliable, then stretch
to fit! This is especially useful when getting the Infostrada stickers to conform to the many curves of the main fairing. Also useful
with the belly pan background.
If you get stuck, email for advice
Email Us
Have fun, ride safe, look great!
These instructions are to help you fit self-adhesive cut vinyl and printed cut vinyl decals/stickers. Please read them completely
before starting the job, there are points to know, that will save you hours of work and heartache.
Please remember the following points to ensure that your project turns out at its best.
• When your decal set arrives, unpack it and flatten everything out, checking that everything is there and in good condition. Place
everything between 2 sheets of flat heavy board, glass, MDF or similar, to help flatten everything. There is nothing worse than
trying to fit decals that have a mind of their own.
• Work in an environment clear of clutter and clean of dust and dirt. You should not be subject to winds or strong drafts.
• Preparation of your application surfaces is the most important key to success. (see details)
• Don’t rush. The longer you take, the happier you’ll be with the end result.
• Lay everything out, and check for fit and orientation, BEFORE you remove the backing paper.
• Make sure that the weather is warm enough to do the job, or nothing will work properly, if necessary and possible, move the job
indoors, use heaters, hair dryers etc.
• Allow an entire weekend to do the job, it will take at least that long, and maybe longer if you share the Ducati perfectionist trait.
Requirements.
Other than your supplied decals you will need the following to complete the job at hand.
• Trigger operated spray bottle
• A couple of drops of liquid dishwashing detergent
• A sharp bladed knife (preferably an Xacto scalpel or similar)
• A plastic ruler (preferably 60cm)
• A roll of kitchen paper towels (the type that retain a bit of strength when they get wet)
• Fine Cut Car Polish ( I use Maguires # ) and clean polishing cloths
• Prepsol or some type of solvent based surface preparation fluid, or even better is a bottle of rubbing alcohol (Isocol etc.)
• A Staedtler Chinagraph pencil (wax based, will mark anything then wipe off)
• A sign writers squeegee (supplied with all full kits)
• A roll of masking tape
• A hair dryer
• A second pair of hands (don't scrimp on these when they're needed)
• A table or bench covered with a blanket
• The little tool from the Ducati toolkit to remove the screws that hold the windscreen on.
• Allen key to remove the rear vision mirrors
• Assorted other Ducati tools that you may need to remove the seat and rear cowl and front fairing.
Surface preparation
This is the most important part of the job. It doesn’t take long, but without it, the job will be second rate. The worst problems
arise from chemical surface coverings that over time are applied to or make their way to your paint, these waxes and chemicals can
cause the decals to lose adhesion and peel off. Any small pit, lump or bump under a decal looks like you have the neighbor’s cat
caught under there!
Wash the entire area to be prepared with a detergent that has no automatic waxing additives, e.g. dishwashing detergent. Chamois
dry the area and then let air dry until no dampness remains, especially in cracks and crevices.
Using a light cut polish work the entire area of the paintwork. This is to remove any damaged paint, wax build up, fried bugs etc.
Working one body panel at a time wipe with Prepsol, or rubbing alcohol using a new paper towel. Discard towel and wipe dry with
another new paper towel.
The surface is now ready for application
General Information on Decal Application
First thing, is make sure that you know where the decal has to go and that it is the right decal (some are left handed/right handed
smaller larger etc).
Without removing the backing paper lay the decal in its intended position to ensure fit and layout. If the decal needs to be aligned
with something, ensure that you know where it has to go. You can layout lines for aligning decals by using a Chinagraph pencil and a
plastic ruler (metal rulers scratch paint real bad). Ensure that you don’t place decals over the top of Chinagraph lines as the wax
will stop the decal from adhering properly. Alternatively lay lines with the edge of masking tape which can be removed after the
decal application.
When you have the positioning sorted out, spray the surface of the job liberally with a weak detergent solution from a trigger spray
bottle. Hold the decal up and remove the backing paper to expose the adhesive. Spray the exposed adhesive liberally with the
detergent solution.
Information: The detergent solution allows the decal to be positioned correctly. it allows the adhesive to slip on the prepared
surface. If the decal won’t slip easily then there is not enough detergent in the mix. The detergent also allows you to squeegee the
air bubbles out from under the decal.
When the decal is in the correct position, use your sign writers squeegee to force the detergent solution from under the decal, so
that the decal sticks to the surface. At the same time you are also bursting tiny beads of adhesive that make the decal stick
properly. Work from the middle of the decal to the outside, to remove all of the liquid and air between the decal and the
paintwork. Use a clean paper towel to dry up as you go.
Allow the decals to dry for at least 24 hours in a warm area before rushing out and doing 100MPH to show them off. You might find
that they simply blow off the bike!
Special notes for Ducati Bayliss/Xaus/Bostrom set.
Front Fairing and Windscreen
First remove the 2 Allen keyed bolts that go through the fairing and hold the rear view mirrors on. Then remove the front headlight
fairing. Next step is to remove the windscreen from the fairing Take extra care not to lose the little rubber encased nuts, they cost
a fortune to replace.
The white front plate and white seat flash backgrounds are applied with the detergent solution. The special vinyl that they are
made from is removable if the fit doesn’t work, and the glue also has a fine network of channels through it to let air bubbles and
water caught underneath to escape to the outside.
The large white background piece is applied to the fairing allowing an 8mm overhang at the top and ends of the fairing. (this
overhang folds over the top to the inside of the fairing) The side edges are aligned to the inside of the bases of the rear view
mirrors and in a straight line down to the headlight. Apply from the front center of the fairing and work back towards the back
ends. This material will stretch quite a deal without tearing or trying to return to its original form. Any excess material should be
folded around the edges to the inside of the headlight areas of the fairing.
The blue flashes are applied to leave a 3mm pinstripe of the background white visible down the side edges. The blue flashes
continue 8mm beyond the top ends of the fairing and wrap around to complete the edge Fit the 916/996/998/748 badges to the
back of the fairing wings aligned with the edge of the white background. The top of these badges should wrap around the upper
edge of the fairing.
Using the position of the blue flashes, temporarily refit the screen and mark the position of the top of the white race plate on the
screen. Remove the screen. Apply the second white rectangular piece to the bottom of the screen aligned with these marks. Trim
with a sharp knife at the bottom edge of the screen (below the bolt holes). Using the top of this white piece as a guide fit the Breil
decals, then Shell Advance decals.
It should be noted that the shell Advance and Breil decals have been made with excess allowances above and below, to fit bubble
style windscreens. They will need to be trimmed above and below the artwork, using the enclosed pictures of the original race bikes
as a guide.
Refit the screen and fit all other screen decals (troybayliss.com, Motore Azione).
Front Guard
The front guard Corse stripe can be a little tricky without some understanding of the flexibility of the vinyl involved. Clean under
the front of the guard, as far as you can get back with rubbing alcohol. The stripes will fold over the front of the guard and attach
to the underside of the front of the guard.
Prepare the surface to receive the decals and soap up the surface. Center the large component of the stripe and use the squeegee
to apply it to the rear of the guard, butted up against the brake hose retainer. When it is stuck at the rear, take each front corner
and gently pull forward. This is where the magic happens, the stripe will stretch in three dimensions and fit the guard perfectly,
squeegee the stripe down and its done (this is one of the places where a second set of hands is a must!)
Take the pinstripe components and fit each in turn to the rear of the guard. While applying VERY gentle forward pressure, and
holding the stripe at an angle away from the surface of the guard, lower the angle while ensuring that the gap between the main
stripe and the pinstripe is the same width as the pinstripe. All stripes should be stretched over the front of the guard and tucked
under and sealed to the underside of the guard. Squeegee down to remove all bubbles and water. Fit Ducati Corse decal.
Rear cowl and seat area
The flashes beside the seat are applied in the same manner as the front plate with the colored flashes 3mm smaller on all edges,
giving a 3mm white edge to the flash. It may be easier to apply these flashes if you remove the seat from the rear cowling first. This
will require the removal of the rear cowl from your bike. When replacing, remember to plug in your rear lights again.
Main side fairings
The belly pan decals are applied over a black background. if you don’t have a carbon fiber or later model ABS belly pan, you will
need to use the supplied matt black (or blue) background. It will need to be trimmed to allow clearance around your sidestand, and
maybe front and rear depending upon the model of your bike.
If you’ve made it this far then everything else is plain sailing. Remove the side fairings and prepare the surfaces to receive the
decals. I find it best to remove the little bolts that hold the upper and lower halves of the fairings together except for the front and
rear ones. Fit the main Infostrada decals and using an Xacto knife, cut holes for the bolts to go back through. Reassemble, taking
care not to over tighten the little bolts as they will distort the decal. Its OK to run the large decals over the join in the fairing, just
run your squeegee along the join line to press the decal into it.
Put it all back together, stand back and enjoy your hard work.
NOW GET A CAMERA AND TAKE A PICTURE AND EMAIL IT TO ME!
Care and maintenance of your bike after fitting.
You should not wash your bike with high pressure washers for about two weeks after fitting of decals. If at any time, a decal starts
to lift, just work it down with a squeegee until it sits down again. Do this as soon as you notice it lifting, because once dirt and
grease get behind the decal, it will never stick down again. After about two weeks, your decals should take anything you can throw
at them. Hot weather will make them softer and more easily damaged, so keep that in mind when riding through deserts! You can
wash and wax over all decals, but you should not use any abrasive polishes on the surface of the decals.
The decals are designed to last longer in the sun than any other product on the market. While we can’t guarantee against fading, it
is expected that they should retain their color for around five years in the sun without fading.
Helpful Hint: Remove your side fairings and apply your fairing decals on a table covered with a cloth or blanket etc. BUT!!! Make
sure that you clean the inside of the fairing as well. You can be in the middle of applying decals and pick up some oil or grease, and
transfer this to the front and bugger everything up!
Helpful Hint: On multi component cut decals that have a backing paper, let the decal dry completely before trying to remove the
backing paper.
Helpful Hint: Leave you bike out in the sun for as long as possible over the first week after fitting decals (the drying process can
take a considerable time)
Helpful Hint: Nothing surer than bubbles appearing under some decals. On some occasions, maybe a month after you’ve fitted
them. Just try to work them to the edge if possible, or prick the decal with a fine needle and let the bubble out while using the
squeegee to press it down
Helpful Hint: To get decals to fit over three dimensional surfaces, use a hair dryer to make the decal soft and pliable, then stretch
to fit! This is especially useful when getting the Infostrada stickers to conform to the many curves of the main fairing. Also useful
with the belly pan background.
If you get stuck, email for advice
Email Us
Have fun, ride safe, look great!
