Race decals, brand logos and souvenir stickers from bike rallies give a motorcycle character. Sooner or later, though, you may want them gone: before a sale, after a respray, or simply because old vinyl has faded and cracked in the sun.
Ripping a sticker off is risky: it can lift the clear coat, leave sticky patches that attract dust, or scratch the fairing plastic. Here is how to do it carefully and with little effort.
What you will need
- WD-40 Multi-Use or WD-40 Smart Straw for precise application
- A hair dryer or a heat gun on its lowest setting
- A plastic scraper or spatula
- Warm water and liquid soap
- Soft cloths and a microfibre towel
Important: Never use keys, knives, screwdrivers or cards with metal edges: they scratch the paint. On matt or hand-painted finishes, test any product on a hidden area first.
Step 1
Soften the adhesive with WD-40
Spray a moderate amount of WD-40 Smart Straw directly onto the sticker, especially along the edges. The thin straw keeps it off neighbouring parts. Wait a few dozen seconds so the formula gets under the vinyl and softens the glue.
Lift an edge with a soft cloth and start peeling. For old, dried-out stickers repeat the application two or three times.
Step 2
Warm the sticker with a dryer
Heat makes the glue soft and pliable. Hold the dryer 10-15 cm away and keep it moving, never stopping on one spot. Use a heat gun only on its lowest temperature so you do not damage paint or plastic.
As soon as the edge lifts, pull the sticker slowly at a sharp angle to the surface. Wipe off soft glue residue straight away with a cloth dampened with WD-40 Multi-Use.
Step 3
Use a plastic scraper
Thick race numbers and stickers that have been on for many seasons often resist fingers. Treat them with WD-40 again, wait, then carefully slide a plastic scraper under the edge. Work in small sections, holding the scraper almost flat to the surface.
Step 4
Remove fresh stickers with warm soapy water
Small or recently applied stickers come off well with soapy water. Soak a cloth in warm water with liquid soap, lay it on the sticker for a few minutes, then rub until the edge comes loose.
Step 5
Take care with the helmet
Helmet stickers come off the same way, but first cover the inside with a cloth so no water reaches the lining. Keep products away from the visor and seals. Warm matt and custom-painted helmets especially gently.
Step 6
Wash and dry the motorcycle
Once all the stickers are off, wash the area with water and car shampoo to remove any remaining glue and product, then dry it with microfibre. On a clean surface it is easy to see whether any sticky spots remain.
Tip: Paint under an old sticker is often brighter than the surrounding area because it has not faded. If the outline shows, a light polishing compound on the clear coat will blend it. Keep a
pocket-size WD-40 100 ml in the bike's toolkit: it handles glue and squeaky cables alike.
What next
With the stickers gone, it is a good moment to look the bike over: metal treated with WD-40 copes better with moisture and road salt after winter storage. Planning new decals? Apply them only to a clean, degreased surface.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».