FlipSide Graphics Give Matyka Bike a Wrap with Mojo

Although they haven’t yet gained the popularity of van, truck or SUV wraps, motorcycle wraps certainly can provide graphic edge. FlipSide Graphics (Wausau, WI) has provided numerous wraps and decals for Matyka Racing, a Wisconsin-based team that competes on the American Motocross Assn. circuit. Racing-team owner Wade Matyka wanted to represent his team in his own unique fashion on his Yamaha R1 street bike, and FlipSide obliged.

“Bikes are definitely more challenging than cars because they have so many contours around the body and gas tank,” FlipSide’s Russ Voigt said. “But, with air-release vinyl, they’re become much easier. I definitely think working on them has made me a better installer. I don’t want to do quick installs with a bunch of sloppy seams around the edges. I want to do them right, with few or no seams.”

Using vector files, the shop completed the design with Adobe Illustrator; some parts were made custom, and some were developed through clip art. FlipSide completed the wrap with 3M Scotchlite™ IJ680CR-10 removable, reflective vinyl that comprises air-release channels that facilitate installation. Voigt said, “With air-release vinyls, I don’t think you need [adhesion] primer anymore. You just need to follow the curves’ direction and think ahead before you lay down vinyl.”

FlipSide decorated the film on a Mimaki JV33-160 solvent-ink printer and Mimaki SS21 solvent inks. To keep the wrap intense, the shop coated the wrap with 3M’s Scothcal 8518 glossy overlaminate, which was uploaded with a Seal Ultra laminator.

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