How to remove clear coated tank decals?

[codys21]

I've looked around on Google, YouTube, and these forums and haven't found much on how to remove tank decals. I have the white 2009 FZ6R and don't completely mind the decals but would rather have custom decals. It doesn't seem too difficult to remove the decals from the side fairings but the clear coat adds the extra challenge. I found a couple videos of people taking an exacto knife and then using the blowdryer/heat gun method of peeling the decal off. So, that wouldn't be the worst but then after removing the decal, there is a "hole" in the clear coat. How do I go about taking care of that? Can I wet sand it and apply another layer of clear coat? Or is it more difficult than that? Or is there another method to removing tank decals?

Thanks ahead of time!
Cody

 

[MistahT]

Probably too much time and effort for not-as-good a result as you want... especially if you're like me, kind of a perfectionist.

I'd say find a gas tank on ebay from one of the earlier bikes that didn't have the decal on it. It's the only way you'll be totally happy with the results. Well, that, or have the entire tank stripped and repainted.

Good luck. If you try to cut it out, take pictures!

 

[latony007]

i agree with mister T. I wanted to take off the black ones and put on red ones of the same type but did not want to mess up that pretty clearcoat and sparkly paint