Do not use soapy water, Windex, application fluid, or any other wet-installation solution—even if you have installed other brands of graphics that way.
Some motocross graphics are designed for wet installation. Ultracurve X1 is not. Its FLO air-release channels move trapped air out during installation. Liquid in those channels traps moisture, reduces adhesion, and can cause edges to lift prematurely.
Installation involves cleaning products, hand tools, removing and reinstalling plastic panels, and using a heat gun or hair dryer. Anyone under 18 must be supervised by a responsible adult during installation.
Any cutting or trimming must be performed by an adult. A heat gun should also be operated by an adult.
Turn off the motorcycle and allow the engine, exhaust, and plastics to cool completely. Follow all product safety directions, work in a well-ventilated area, and keep flammable cleaners and heat tools away from fuel, fuel vapors, sparks, and open flames.
Before using heat at any point, allow all cleaning products to evaporate completely and move cleaners, containers, and used towels away from the work area.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- Mild dish soap and clean water
- 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol
- Clean, lint-free microfiber cloths
- Plastic-safe adhesive remover if stubborn old adhesive is present
- Soft or felt-edged squeegee
- A credit card wrapped in a clean, soft cloth if a squeegee is unavailable
- Hair dryer with a low setting, or a heat gun operated by an adult
- Masking tape
- Basic tools for removing the plastics
- A clean towel or blanket for protecting the panels
- A fresh, sharp blade only if minor overhang needs trimming—adult use only
Do not use cleaners or plastic-detailing products that leave behind wax, oil, silicone, polish, or other residue.
Optional cleaner for new or oily plastics
Substance recommends Maxima Suspension Clean for removing surface residue from new, oily, or heavily contaminated plastics.
This optional aerosol cleaner should be handled by an adult. Solvent-based cleaners can affect some plastics, rubber, and painted or coated surfaces. Test it on a hidden area first, follow the product label, and work in a well-ventilated area.
Always finish the surface preparation with 70% isopropyl alcohol and a clean, lint-free cloth.
PREPARE YOUR WORK AREA
Install the graphics indoors in a clean, dry, well-lit area between approximately 65°F and 80°F.
Allow the graphics and plastics to reach room temperature. The plastics should feel cool to the touch. Do not install graphics on panels that have been sitting in direct sunlight or are still hot from riding. Hot plastic increases the initial tack and makes positioning more difficult.
Place the motorcycle securely on a stable stand before removing any plastics. Do not work on a motorcycle that could tip or roll.
Removing the plastics from the motorcycle is recommended. Working on a clean bench gives you better control around curves, vents, bolt holes, and outside edges.
Place each panel on a clean towel or blanket. Wash your hands before beginning, avoid touching the adhesive or cleaned plastic, and organize all hardware so every fastener returns to its correct location.
INSTALLATION STEPS
Remove the Old Graphics
Skip this step if you are installing the kit on new plastics.
- Use a hair dryer or heat gun on low to gently warm the old graphic.
- Lift one edge and peel slowly at a shallow angle of 60 degrees or less.
- Keep the heat moving ahead of the area being removed.
- Remove remaining adhesive residue with isopropyl alcohol.
- If stubborn glue remains, use a plastic-safe adhesive remover according to its directions.
- Wash away all adhesive-remover residue before installing the new graphics.
Clean and Prepare the Plastics
Proper cleaning is the most important part of the installation. New plastics must be cleaned too. OEM and aftermarket plastics can contain mold-release residue, oil, silicone, fingerprints, or packaging contamination even when they look clean.
- Wash the plastics with mild dish soap and clean water.
- Remove all dirt, mud, grease, chain lubricant, fuel residue, and old adhesive.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow the plastics to dry completely.
- If needed, use a plastic-safe surface cleaner on new, oily, or heavily contaminated plastics.
- Finish by wiping the entire installation surface with 70% isopropyl alcohol and a clean, lint-free cloth.
- Dry the surface with a second clean cloth.
- Inspect the surface for remaining residue, dirt, lint, or hair.
After the final cleaning, do not touch the installation surface with your fingers. Deep gouges, stress cracks, heavy scratches, and badly weathered plastic can reduce adhesion and may remain visible underneath the graphics.
Inspect and Dry-Fit the Kit
Lay out every graphic and identify the panel where it belongs. Before removing any backing paper:
- Confirm that the kit matches your exact motorcycle model and year.
- Confirm whether it was ordered for OEM, aftermarket, or restyled plastics.
- Verify that your rider name and number are spelled and printed correctly.
- Position each graphic over its corresponding panel.
- Use bolt holes, vents, corners, body lines, and panel edges as alignment points.
- Identify difficult curves before beginning.
Do not expect every graphic to cover the plastic completely from edge to edge. Small, even borders of exposed plastic may be intentional. Large uneven gaps, incorrectly positioned bolt holes or vents, or a noticeably different outline may indicate incorrect fitment.
Recommended installation order
For most kits, begin with the front number plate. If it has a complicated shape, begin with a flatter fork guard or swingarm piece. Install simpler pieces first and save radiator shrouds or panels with strong compound curves until last.
Begin the Installation
Do not remove all the backing paper from a large graphic at once.
- Position the graphic over the plastic with the backing paper attached.
- Use at least two reference points, such as a bolt hole and panel edge.
- Peel back only a small section of the backing paper.
- Lightly tack the graphic to the flattest area of the panel.
- Step back and check alignment before applying firm pressure.
- Slowly remove more backing while pressing the graphic into place.
- Work from the center toward the outside edges with slow, overlapping strokes.
Keep most of the backing paper attached until you reach that section. If the graphic becomes misaligned, slowly lift and reposition it before applying firm pressure or heat.
Work Toward the Curves
Complete the flatter portions before working into curves, recesses, and outside edges. Do not preheat the entire graphic. Heating too early can make it stretch and move bolt holes, printed details, and panel edges out of alignment.
When additional flexibility is needed:
- Set the hair dryer or heat gun to low.
- Keep it moving and several inches away from the graphic.
- Apply only enough heat to make the material slightly more flexible.
- Press the warmed material into place.
- Hold it briefly while it cools.
Never aggressively stretch the graphic. Too much heat can distort the print, damage the laminate, stretch the vinyl, or close the FLO air-release channels.
Remove Trapped Air
FLO Technology allows trapped air to escape through channels in the adhesive. Use your fingers or a soft squeegee to move air toward the nearest edge. Work slowly and avoid trapping air in the center.
Avoid heavy pressure until the graphic is correctly positioned and trapped air has escaped. Excessive pressure or heat can close the air-release channels.
Do not immediately puncture a bubble with a knife or pin. First work the air toward an edge or carefully lift and reapply the nearest section. Puncturing the laminate creates a permanent hole and should be a last resort.
Finish and Seal the Edges
- Apply firm, even pressure across the entire surface.
- Lightly warm the curved areas and outside edges.
- Press firmly around every edge, bolt hole, vent, recess, and tight curve.
- Inspect the panel from several angles for trapped air or lifted areas.
Use your fingers or a soft squeegee for final pressure. Never drag bare metal, a sharp tool, or a hard uncovered plastic edge across the laminate.
Trimming minor overhang
Plastics vary between manufacturers, model years, and production runs, so minor overhang at an outside edge can occur.
Trimming is optional. Only trim after confirming the kit and alignment. Using a fresh blade, remove only material extending past the plastic. Work slowly, remove a little at a time, and keep the blade angled away from the panel.
Never trim to correct large gaps, an outline that does not match the panel, or bolt holes and vents that do not line up. These indicate a fitment issue that trimming cannot correct. Stop and email support@mxisland.com before continuing.
Allow the Adhesive to Set
Keep the completed plastics indoors at room temperature for at least 24 hours before riding.
Wait at least 48 hours before hard riding or washing the motorcycle.
After 24 hours, inspect every outside edge, curve, vent, and bolt opening. If an edge has lifted, lightly warm it and press it firmly back into place.
If the plastics were removed, reinstall every panel using the correct hardware in its original location. Avoid dragging tools or fasteners across the graphics, do not overtighten, and consult the motorcycle’s owner or service manual if unsure.
HIGH-WEAR AREAS
Airbox, swingarm, lower fork guard, and side-panel graphics receive heavy contact from boots, riding gear, roost, chain lubricant, and washing.
- Remove all grease and existing adhesive residue.
- Complete the final 70% alcohol cleaning.
- Allow the surface to dry completely.
- Apply firm pressure around every edge and recess.
- Recheck these areas before riding.
Do not apply adhesive remover to an already-clean surface unless adhesive residue is present.
CARING FOR YOUR GRAPHICS
- Wash with mild soap and water.
- Wipe away fuel, oil, and chain lubricant promptly.
- Avoid harsh solvents and silicone-based shine products.
- Never aim a pressure washer directly into a graphic edge.
- Keep the nozzle at a safe distance and use a wide spray pattern.
- Inspect high-wear areas regularly.
- Address a lifting edge before dirt or water collects underneath it.
Normal wear can occur where boots and riding gear repeatedly contact the graphics. The graphics help absorb that wear and protect the plastics underneath.
TROUBLESHOOTING
The graphic has an air bubble
A corner will not stay down
The graphic does not reach every edge
The graphic is crooked
The graphic was accidentally stretched
NEED INSTALLATION HELP?
Email support@mxisland.com with:
- Your order number
- Motorcycle make, model, and year
- Whether the plastics are OEM, aftermarket, or restyled
- Clear photos showing the graphic positioned over the panel
- A short explanation of the problem
Our U.S. support team answers email Monday through Friday, 9 AM–5 PM ET. Messages received after hours, on weekends, or on holidays will be answered the next business day.
INSTALLATION RESPONSIBILITY
Inspect all graphics for correct fitment, personalization, and visible defects before installation.
All MXISLAND graphics are made to order and cannot be returned or exchanged. Graphics that have been installed, trimmed, or otherwise altered are not eligible for return or exchange.
If your order arrives damaged, or you believe there is a manufacturing defect, email support@mxisland.com before installing the graphics. See our Refund Policy for full details, including reporting timeframes.
You are responsible for installing your graphics. MXISLAND is not responsible for damage to graphics, plastics, or motorcycle parts caused by improper installation, improper removal, cleaning chemicals, cutting or trimming, or excessive heat.
Damage caused by the above, by application to damaged or incompatible plastics, or by an incorrect motorcycle model, year, or plastic type selected or provided by the customer is installation-related damage and is not covered by the warranty described in our Refund Policy.
Follow these instructions and every safety direction supplied with the tools and cleaning products being used.
Ultracurve® and FLO® are registered trademarks of Substance Incorporated.
Graphics only—plastics and installation tools are not included.