Ducati Desert X 2022–2025 – RACE-GOLD Decal Kit

Prepare the motorcycle

• Thoroughly clean and degrease the bodywork sections to be covered.
• Completely remove polish, wax, silicone and other care products.
• Remove screws, accessories or bodywork parts if they obstruct installation.
• Use the positioning guide to identify each decal section and test its position before application.

Tip: Even small traces of grease, silicone or wax can reduce vinyl adhesion.

Workspace and temperature

• Work in a clean, dry and preferably dust-free environment.
• The recommended application temperature is between 18 and 25 °C.
• The motorcycle and decal vinyl should have reached room temperature before installation.
• Do not work in direct sunlight or on heavily heated bodywork.

Positioning and application

• Check the position of the decal section before removing its backing paper.
• Peel the backing paper away gradually rather than removing it all at once.
• Use even squeegee strokes from the centre outwards.
• Use the adhesive’s air channels to gently move trapped air towards the edges.
• Have a second person help with larger decal sections.

Tip: If a section is incorrectly positioned, gently lift the vinyl, realign it and squeegee it down again. Do not pull sharply on the vinyl.

Curves, edges and recesses

• Gently warm strongly curved areas with a hairdryer or heat gun.
• Distribute heat evenly and keep a sufficient distance from the vinyl.
• Stretch the vinyl only as much as necessary to shape it.
• Avoid overstretching, which may distort the design and reduce adhesion.
• After positioning, warm edges, channels and recesses again and press them down carefully.

After installation

• Check all edges and transitions for complete adhesion.
• Keep the motorcycle dry and preferably at room temperature for at least 24 hours after installation.
• Avoid riding, rain and washing the vehicle during this time.
• When cleaning later, do not direct a pressure washer at vinyl edges.

The printing process

Digital printing applies the design directly to self-adhesive vinyl using specialised printers. It is particularly suitable for multicoloured designs, gradients, shading, photographic images and complex logos.

Contour cutting

After printing, the decal sections are machine-cut along their outer contours. This allows complex shapes to be produced to suit the motorcycle bodywork.

Protective laminate

The printed vinyl is then sealed with a transparent UV-protective laminate. This protects the print from sunlight, moisture, dirt, fuel splashes and mechanical wear. The laminate also determines the finish: depending on your selection, the decals are supplied with a gloss or matt surface.

Cut from vinyl rather than printed

For a vinyl-cut decal, the design is not printed onto vinyl. A cutting plotter cuts lettering, logos or shapes directly from coloured adhesive vinyl, which is usually a single colour.

Weeding and transferring

After cutting, unwanted vinyl is removed by hand, a process known as weeding. Transfer film is then applied to the design. It holds individual letters and design elements in their intended positions. After application, the transfer film is peeled away, leaving only the vinyl design on the surface.

Applications

Vinyl-cut decals are particularly suitable for single-colour lettering, race numbers, logos and simple graphic designs. Depending on the vinyl used, they can be applied dry or wet.