A forum for owners of Yamaha TTR250 trail and enduro bikes!

The tank I used here was in very good shape and I probably could have used some of the smaller and cheaper D&D tank decals but, having started to use an Enjoy Mfg decal kit on the rear mudguard, I was kinda bound in to them for the tank.

I hadn't prepared properly and there was still petrol in the tank so that had to be drained. I then power washed the tank using lots of TFR to get rid of any surface grease and petrol deposits.

The nude tank is ready to clothe once it's dried out and "breathed" a tad - so time for a cuppa 

These are the tank decals I am using.

The decals are a better fit than the very first set I used on my "modernising" project but still need trimming as the bottom section that tucks under the tank is susceptible to lifting off. Also a small section at the edge needs trimming for a perfect(ish) fit as you can see in the pic below where I have put my patterns over the new decals.

The backing on the decals is very shiny and difficult to draw on even using a permanent marker like a Sharpie. The pic below shows the marked section to be cut off. You need to use a good pair of scissors to keep a clean edge on the decal.

I then gave the tank a quick rub down with dry 400 grit paper just to make sure there were no high spots or "pimples" that might show through the decal. I then wipe over with clutch & brake cleaner, to make sure the tank is absolutely grease free, and then spray it with some very diluted washing up liquid which gives plenty of time to move the decal around until its properly positioned.

If you are nervous about applying the decal then do it a bit of a time by just peeling off enough of the backing to allow a good first fix and then gradually pull back the paper pressing down as you go.

There is a sharp corner at the bottom rear of the RH side of the tank and its not possible to seat the decal properly so I just cut out a small V shape so it will sit flat.

It is then a case of carefully applying pressure to squeeze out the water and permanently fix the decal. Use a very clean cloth and a hot air gun for best effect.

And finally it should look like this:

No secret system - just be methodical and take your time.

Job done 

Brian