Hi,

I've been planning since I bought the bike to change its looks.
It wasn't bad, just reminded me of how WalMart child bicycles look..

Then I saw these German Decals on a white wee, done by s_boy (and his son who I think serves in the air force):
http://www.stromtrooper.com/dl650-sp...ite-wee-6.html

s_boy's bike looked amazing! It was minimalistic and cool looking.
But I then had a strong flash back/desire to have something similar to Top Gun (I'm a 'visual' guy..)


So inspired by the German Decals design and by Top Gun, I designed my own (similar) decals that had a Military font. I did not fancy much the round fonts used in the German Decals, or the very small 'trom' after the S. The V-STROM had to be much more pronounced.
Of course Maverick (and Iceman and all other pilots in TopGun) had their call sign on the side of the airplane.
Ever since I was 18 and entered the Army my code name given by comrades was 'Bigman'. At some point it was odd to me when people (civilians..) called me by my first real name. The call sign had to be there to make it 'my bike'.

So then I wanted to design my Helmet to fit the bike helmet.

Anyway..nuf said..

So first I stripped the stock decals,
Then wiped out the areas very well with a clean rug and alcohol (91% - $2 from CVS): ('Vanilla' bike)


I started with a dry position run and used a white board marker (which is easy to remove with Alcohol later) to mark the alignment points. This is a very critical step to ensure correct positioning:


As I learned, it is very important BEFORE peeling the decals to first press the decal on their top using a credit card. This allows easy separation of the bottom carrier paper:


After this step the bottom carrier was gently removed and I carefully held the sticky decal and positioned it against the alignment markers I drew on the bike.
Once the decal was on, I used the credit again this time from center out to take ensure strong tight bond, and then used the soft rug for a final press:




Then the top layer of the decal has to be gently peeled off:


The final results:







And the helmet: (There is also my callsign on the front,not in picture)


It wasn't so cheap, but I like the end result, so it doesn't matter (to me, my wife mumbled something that sounded like "..waste.. of money..", not sure what she meant)

Janice Clanfield, did the printing and she did a fabulous job.
Her communication skills are fantastic, I do like enjoy with people who answer quickly and straight to the point. Highly recommend her! (No affiliation what so ever, just happy customer)
Thanks Janice!

There are an extra DANGER and US Military Star that will go on the 2nd helmet.

"Iceman: You can be my wingman any time.
Maverick: BS! You can be mine. "

__________________
Stromputer - A V-Strom Computer and display - Now taking orders for V3 PCB
---------------------------------
2013 Northeast V-Strom Rally!
2011 DL650 ABS ( "White Pearl")
--------------------
Stromtrooper Wiki!

I like it very cool!

__________________
K4 DL650

Looks great. Especially on a White Wee. Any possibility Janice could release the Template to you? I've had a local guy in Seattle do decal work for me before and he deducts a little bit if he doesn't have to do the design and just print. OR...I bet there may be some Stromtroopers who would be interested in a set (I personally am interested in the DL-650A Adventure decal) Would she do a discount if say 5 or more Stromtroopers wanted a set??

These look great.
How hard was it to remove the factory artwork?
I always get a queezy feeling in my stomach when I attempt to work on a painted surface lest I manage to destroy it.

See How do you remove safety stickers?

__________________
Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

Thanks!
The 'Template' was created by me. I consider it 'Open-Source' and would be glad to give it to anyone.
(That been said, I take no responsibility for the final result..)
Also I would also be happy to help you and change the decals/graphics so you have your call sign (or remove it), of course free of charge.
As for pricing - talk to Janice..Not my business literally

Here's a PDF, true to size:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8780406/VStr...lsBigMan_3.pdf

Here are the sizes (DO NOT USE FOR FINAL PRINT, JUST SHOWS SIZES!):
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8780406/VStr...an_2_Sizes.png

And here is the source SVG: (I use the fantastic Open Source SVG Editor Inkscape)
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8780406/BigManArmy5.svg

You also need to download the military style GunPlay font font.

I suggest you follow the method I used - print the decals on plain white paper (true to size, NOT fit to page or any resize), cut them using scissors and put them on the bike with some tape.
For example: (My initial prototype using paper decals and some photoshop)


Good luck!

__________________
Stromputer - A V-Strom Computer and display - Now taking orders for V3 PCB
---------------------------------
2013 Northeast V-Strom Rally!
2011 DL650 ABS ( "White Pearl")
--------------------
Stromtrooper Wiki!

It is easy a piece of cake and takes 2 minutes - you have nothing to worry about.
Get a hair dryer - gently heat up the place.
After 15-30 seconds use your nails or a guitar pick to go under one of sides of the decal. The just peel it off while heating the decals. NO need to overheat - they come off easily.
I had my doubts, but you have NOTHING to worry about - just don't use any sharp tools. Your fingers are all you need.

And take Greywolf's advice- make sure the tank is not full! it really helps since a full tank takes away the heat and makes it much harder. A warm day also helps a lot.

I then cleaned up the surface from the little adhesive left with some clean rug that had a small amount of alcohol 91% (Isopropyl).
No paint came off..it is safe for the bike and helmet.

Don't be afraid - just do it.

__________________
Stromputer - A V-Strom Computer and display - Now taking orders for V3 PCB
---------------------------------
2013 Northeast V-Strom Rally!
2011 DL650 ABS ( "White Pearl")
--------------------
Stromtrooper Wiki!

Thanks Very Much!!!
Seems simple enough even for a klutz like me.

I think I will play with this.
But instead of your DL650A I will do a DL650K7
Mike

__________________
2007 Blue DL650 V-Strom - running out of farkle's to do so bought the VEE
2006 SILVER DL1000 - Riding on the Darkside!!!!!
2007 Suzuki M-50 (wifes)
Las Vegas, NV

[quote=BigMan73;687873]Hi,

I've been planning since I bought the bike to change its looks.
It wasn't bad, just reminded me of how WalMart child bicycles look..

Then I saw these German Decals on a white wee, done by s_boy (and his son who I think serves in the air force):
http://www.stromtrooper.com/dl650-sp...ite-wee-6.html

/quote]

Wow! I'm really happy they turned out so well for you. Great write up and pics too.

We can do discounts for StromTroopers. It's fun to see our products when they're installed...

__________________



1979 GL1000 Goldwing / 1992 Nighthawk 250 - Baby
2003 DL1000 - Priscilla / 1997 Concours - Ms. Piggy
2002 DL1000 - Fluffy the Torque Monster (Deceased)
2003 DL1000 - Freya, Leather Winged Demon of the Night