Custom Dirt Bike Graphics: The Perfect Accessory to Stand Out from the Crowd

Eye catching dirt bike graphics are more than just a way to set bikes apart. Custom aesthetics are as much a measure of the pride a rider has in their bike as they are an indication of how much confidence a rider has in their own skill. And it’s a safe bet that the rider who wants their bike to stand out from the crowd is already likely to be a standout rider.

Not all base materials used to print bike graphics are the same, though. There are millions of designs and layouts covering every type of bike and theme, but it’s the materials themselves that make the graphics noticeable. This is especially true with custom graphics as everything from the print media’s luminescence to its elasticity contributes to the quality of the final product. That’s why having custom dirt bike graphics printed is as much about materials as it is about dazzling designs.

Big Impact Dirt Bike Graphics Rely on Premium Print Media

Let’s be honest, it doesn’t matter if its a reproduction decal for a carefully restored MX or custom artwork for a trusted weekend warrior – premium personalized dirt bike graphics begin with the best quality print media. That’s because top grade media aren’t just responsible for bringing out the colour and vibrance of the printed artwork. 

They have to be strong enough to endure the thrashing that dirt bike graphics are exposed to. This is where companies like Shock Mansion, Thor, and Brisbane’s own Rival Ink step up with a range of specialised dirt bike and motocross decals that are as durable as they are distinctive. Top motocross graphics vendors manufacture restoration, as well as semi- and full-custom graphics and graphics kits to fit a wide range of bike parts, including:

• Radiator shrouds, fuel tanks, and air boxes;
• Front and rear fenders;
• Front and side number plates;
• Front screens and fork guards; and,
• Swingarms, rear frames, and bash plates.

Make no mistake: while custom motocross graphics manufacturers can be rightfully proud of their design and layout expertise, they understand that worn and faded graphics are more than just unattractive. Damaged graphics can cost sponsored riders valuable sponsorship dollars, while denying riders who are looking for sponsors the much-needed visibility they want in order to take their riding to the next level. That’s why riders who expect their graphics to make as big an impact as their riding insist on graphics made with top quality print materials.

Ultracurve X1 Base Media Gives Custom Graphics the Grip They Need

It’s easy to see why motocross and dirt bikes need the most durable print media for their graphics. Extreme exposure, excessive flexing and even cracked or broken plastics can make short order of custom dirt bike graphics that are printed on low quality base material. The solution to this dilemma, however, is as simple as Ultracurve® bespoke vinyl medium.

Ultracurve’s industry-leading 6.0mil thick X1 polymeric print media is designed specifically for the rigours of dirt bike, motocross and karting usage. It’s recognised for its superior grip to low surface energy (LSE) plastics, and is produced in a selection of print bases that include:

• White. X1’s plain white print base is the most common media that graphics are printed on, and is known for it’s exceptional gloss, clarity, and UV resistance.
• Silver chrome. Silver X1 features the same premium application qualities as standard white, but gives any graphic that’s printed on it a metallic hue that can also be lighter or darker than original.
• Holographic chrome. X1’s holographic chrome print base operates the same as their silver chrome, except the print colours assume a bursting, kaleidoscopic effect under sunlight.

Ultracurve’s FLO Technology infusion also helps simplify the application of custom MX graphics on curved and textured surfaces. The bi-directional infusion process aides elasticity and airflow, while eliminating the problem of trapped air bubbles. And together with X1’s impressive compatibility with solvent, thermal, latex, and UV printers, the speed that custom MX bike graphics can be applied to a complete set of replacement plastics is enough to impress any rider or sponsor.

High Quality Laminates Bring Bike Graphics To Life

While X1 easily provides the high quality adhesive print base that custom graphics need, the job of protecting logos and valuable sponsor artwork falls to the manufacturer’s choice of laminate finish. Laminates provide the durable wear- and abrasion-resistant barrier that seals in graphic work, while also providing the clear, glossy covering that lets a graphic’s colours come to the forefront.

Like print bases, laminates also come in a range of finishes that are designed to highlight a bike’s graphics, and they include:

• Gloss laminate. Glossy laminate offers the shiny, no-nonsense protection that riders expect, and is the standard laminate type used on new and most team dirt bike graphics.
• Matte/satin laminates. When used with chrome print bases, these mild but mood-inducing laminates are capable of producing an elegantly corporate look for a bike.
• Glitter laminates. Glitter laminates are available in sparkling cosmic, or standard gold or silver tones, and are known for stunning visual affects based on the hue of the graphic ink.
• Textured laminate. While these laminates are typically used as heavier protective coverings, they can also be used to create a frosting effect over a silver or holographic base.

The fact is, while laminates are a graphic’s first line of defence against moisture, wear and brutal UV rays, they’re also responsible for bringing a graphic’s colours to life. Their brightness and luminescence are all determined by the type of laminate that’s used, which means riders who want to make the best impression also insist on the highest quality laminate.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, personalized dirt bike graphics are the clear choice for dirt bike riders and sponsors who want to stand out. Neither can afford, however, to trust their reputation or their brand to a custom graphics manufacturer who uses substandard print media.

When it comes to premium personalized bike graphics, riders should insist only on working with vendors who use the highest quality print bases and laminates. They have everything that’s needed to bring a graphic, and a rider to the front of the crowd.