How Much Does It Cost To Wrap A Motorcycle?

Motorcycles give off a daring and bold look on their own. They offer a sense of freedom and awaken the need for speed in the rider. Due to the acceleration involved in driving a motorcycle, it needs ample protection.

A vinyl wrap is perfect for this job and pocket-friendly as well. It costs anywhere between $1500 to $4000 to fully wrap a motorcycle.

If you are an avid thrill seeker looking to take your bike for a spin, you might want to look into getting it wrapped. This will ensure that your ride keeps its luster and stays preserved. Otherwise, it is highly likely that the paint will chip off and your bike can be damaged due to regularly coming in contact with rain, dirt, dust, debris, and even harsh UV rays.

The amount of money you will have to spend on wrapping your bike depends on certain important factors. If you are wondering about the details of how much you have to splurge to get your motorcycle wrapped, keep reading to find out.

What Factors Determine The Cost Of Wrapping A Motorcycle?

It is a known fact that opting for a paint job is heavier on the pocket when compared to a vinyl wrap. However, many more components influence the final cost of your motorcycle wrap. This includes the size of the bike, the complexity of the design, and the type of vinyl used. Following points have to be taken into consideration when wrapping the motorcycle:

• The size of your motorcycle will determine how much vinyl you need and will in turn also affect the cost. You will have to disassemble the motorcycle and measure each part separately to come up with a figure.
  
• If you own a Suzuki Hayabusa, a BMW S1000RR, or a Kawasaki Ninja, you will need more vinyl film to fully wrap and consequently, the labor cost will also increase.The complexity of the wrap will also drive up the cost. For example, a custom wrap with printed graphics for personalization is comparatively more expensive than a standard glossy one. Similarly, chrome wraps are more expensive than others.
  
• Next, we have to look at the vinyl being used. Is it special or made up of high-quality polymers? If yes, the price will be much higher. Do not compromise on the quality of the vinyl. If you want a durable and long-lasting film that will give great performance over the years, it is imperative to buy the finest, high-grade wrap which will of course be expensive.
  
• Lastly, who will be wrapping the motorcycle? If you are doing it yourself, labor will not be part of the total cost. However, if you are getting your motorcycle professionally wrapped, you have to take labor costs into account.

The area where the professional vinyl installer is situated also plays a role. In some states, the cost of vinyl wrapping is higher than in others.

We will be looking at each of these in great detail, so you know exactly what you are getting into

Quality Of The Wrap

You can find vinyl wraps at varying price points but in this case, do not opt for a cheaper wrap as you can harm your motorcycle. The complete wrap job by experts with labor and a high-end vinyl can cost you around $4000 depending on which type of vinyl you opt for and what finishes as well.

A wrap job for your bike with an average vinyl will be priced around $1500-$3000, which also depends on your choice of vinyl. A low-end wrap can cost you $1000 or less, but it will not last long and easily peel off as well.

At VinylFrog, we make our wraps using the finest polymeric vinyl with a high-grade pressure-sensitive adhesive. You will not have to worry about peeling or fading and will find our wraps to be of the best quality.

Type And Finish Of The Wrap

There are numerous types of vinyl wraps available on the market, each with its own specialities that will make your motorbike stand out. However, these different films have varying costs. Here are some popular choices for motorcycle wraps and their estimated costs.

Metallic

This vinyl embodies the sleekness and sheen of metal coupled with its own highly reflective properties. Metallic wraps are in demand like never before and you can find all sorts of colors in this category. The baseline cost of this wrap is around $169 to $179 for 5ft x 10ft depending on the shade you have chosen.

At VinylFrog, metallic wraps are available in different finishes and the price may vary accordingly. These include Glossy, Candy, Rainbow, Glitter, Matte, and Brushed Metallic. The surface of each gives a different look and is mesmerizing in its own way.

Glossy

This is a standard vinyl wrap and one which is also sought after due to its shiny appearance. The cost for a glossy vinyl wrap is $169 for a 5ft x 10ft roll. This makes it the most affordable and readily available option that is closer in look to the original paint of your bike.

Glossy vinyl wraps are available in super and high glossy series. The difference between the two is in their shine. Super glossy is more shimmery than the high one. At VinylFrog, we also have the Glossy White Chameleon series that has different color undertones such as gold, purple, and blue visible in light.

Chrome

This is a unique vinyl wrap with its own distinctive mirror-like reflective surface. Chrome vinyl wraps are all the rage these days. The price for this is $179 for the 5ft x 10ft roll and is likely to rise depending on which chrome vinyl you choose.

Three categories of chrome vinyl are available at VinylFrog, Mirror, Opal, and Satin. Mirror and Opal Chrome have reflective and iridescent properties respectively and are high on sheen whereas the Satin Chrome vinyl has an elegant, smooth, silken finish that will add glamor to the overall look of your motorcycle. It is neither too shimmery nor completely muted.

Matte

A classy and modern matte wrap on a motorcycle is unbeatable. It attracts significant attention due to its unconventional look and finish, and it exudes suave and style. For this vinyl, you should expect to pay $159 to $179 for a 5ft x 10ft roll.

Carbon Fiber

This textured wrap is unique and therefore is more expensive as well. A carbon fiber wrap is around $179 to $189 for a 5ft x 10ft roll. This wrap is mostly used for partial wrapping or in contrast with other colored wraps.

Partial Or Full Wrap

Partial wrapping is a great option if you want budget-friendly customization for your motorcycle. This means that instead of wrapping the entire exterior of your motorcycle, you can opt for just a portion of the body instead. This will be much cheaper than a full wrap as the quantity and labor required will be significantly smaller.

You can choose to get the gas tank, fenders, side panels, or the front portion of your bike wrapped for a unique multicolored look. This will only cost you a few hundred dollars as opposed to thousands for a full wrap. For example, the cost of just the motorcycle tank wrap along with material and labor will be anywhere between $1000 to $1500.

Custom Wraps

If you cannot seem to find the perfect fit for your motorcycle or want something that is tailored to your taste, a custom wrap is a great option for you. However, keep in mind that this process is both pricey and time-consuming.

A custom wrap is around $15-$20 per square foot and can take a few days to make and apply on your motorcycle. It involves the services of a graphic designer to perfect the design that you want and the cost of printing. The result is something that is truly out of the box and personifies your unique taste. So, if you are willing to shed a few bucks for a custom wrap, go for it!

You can also customize your motorcycle using vinyl decals. Through these, you can add a graphic element to your ride. You don’t need professional help for this as well. Simply cut the pattern and apply it on your motorcycle wherever you like.

The decals cost anywhere from $5 each to $30 or more. There are vinyl decal kits also available in the market that come with several themed decals for $50-$120.

How Much Vinyl Is Needed For Different Motorcycles?

There are four types of motorcycles, each with a different body size and varying specifications. Here we have compiled a list of these bikes and how much vinyl will be needed to fully cover them. This means the vinyl will cover all parts from the fuel tank and calipers to fender and clutch covers. A general rule is to buy vinyl more than the size of the motorbike, so every corner is covered properly while keeping room for mistakes and mishaps.

• Cruisers: A powerful Honda Shadow Phantom is around 95”x43” so it requires 60 square feet of vinyl wrap.
  
• Off-road/ Dirt bike: The average dimensions of a dirt bike are 50.4”x 25” and hence requires 35 square feet of vinyl wrap.
  
• Scooters: A classic scooter like a Vespa has dimensions 68”x 42” and requires 45 square feet of vinyl wrap.
  
• Sports bike: On average, a Yamaha sports bike is around 80”x 40” and requires 50 square feet of vinyl wrap.
  

Professional vs DIY Application

Professional services have an added labor cost but you can be assured that they will do the job properly. These services cost about $1000 and above for a full wrap and $300 and above for a partial wrap. As you can see, this is pretty expensive, and you do have the option to do it yourself.

If you plan on wrapping a motorcycle yourself, you will need to buy tools for the process. These include:

• Vinyl. Make sure that it is of premium quality for long life and durability.
  
• A heat gun. In order to remove creases and ensure that the vinyl fully adheres to the surface of the bike it is imperative to apply heat to it.
  
• Knife. to cut out excess vinyl.
  
• Squeegee. This helps in smooth application and removal of creases.
  
• Infrared thermometer: This is needed to measure the temperature after heating. We cannot overheat the vinyl.
  
• Surface cleaner: It is required to clean the surface of the motorcycle before applying the vinyl wrap.
  
• Microfiber cloth: This is an absorbent cloth that helps in removing water and dust.
  
• Gloves: These will help to secure better grip during installation and save the vinyl from fingerprints.
  
• Spray bottle: To spray water or a cleaner as and when required.
  Isopropyl alcohol: Used to clean the surface of the motorcycle.
  

These tools are readily available and inexpensive but be careful if it is your first time applying vinyl and do plenty of research before you start.

You may also have to invest in a suitable place. Vinyl wrapping a motorcycle needs a proper garage. You cannot do it out in the open as the weather elements will negatively impact the process. If you do not have a garage, you may have to rent one for the process and that will be an added cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Should I wrap my motorcycle or paint it?

Wrapping costs less. A paint job runs $2,500 to $8,000, while a vinyl wrap costs $1,500 to $4,000.

Q. How do I prepare my motorcycle for wrapping?

Clean the surface until it is spotless, then sand out any scratches. Fix any other damage first, or it will get in the way during application.

Q. How long does it take to wrap a motorcycle?

A wrap takes a few hours to a day, while paint takes a few days. It is simple enough to do at home, and removing or redoing it is cheap and easy.

Q. What are some tricks I can use for successful wrapping?

Pick a design that suits the bike, and line the vinyl up carefully because it is hard to reposition later. Heat the wrap after you apply it and let it cure fully before you ride.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line is that wrapping your motorcycle can be a source of joy and experimentation and it helps that the process is way cheaper than a paint job. However, keep in mind the various factors that influence the cost, like complexity, size, and type of vinyl. This does not mean that you cheap out on the vinyl or tools you get for your motorcycle as it can have adverse effects later on.

Refer to a professional for a flawless, long-lasting look. At VinylFrog, we offer exciting categories and colors of vinyl that can make your motorcycle stand out. Head over to our website and browse our extensive vinyl wrap collection now.