Looking to wrap my Hawk GT

[ClayJohnson]

Hey everyone,

I'm thinking about transforming my Hawk GT by applying a smooth matte black color using a wrapping method. Nevertheless, I'm beginning to question the procedure. Since I've been using Viking's magnetic tank bag for some time now without any problems with the magnets, I'm a little worried about how the wrap might impact the stickiness of the tank bag with the tank. Additionally, I'm concerned about potential damage to the original paint if I decide to remove the wrap in the future.

I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on this matter.

[JackalHack]

So I attempted to wrap my bike... Turns out that watching a few YouTube videos does not make one an expert in wrapping...

The compound curves on the bike make wrapping extremely difficult - way more so than car body panels. I had to remove botched wrap several times, so I can tell you that it does in no way damage the paint. As for affecting magnetic attraction from a tank bag, I have no experience with but that should depend on the strength of the magnets.

If you do manage to get a wrap on that looks halfways decent, post a pic! Maybe it will inspire me to forge ahead with my attempts (again).
fenderwrap.jpg

My fender has some vascularity...

[ClayJohnson]

Thanks for sharing your experience, it will be helpful for me, and I really appreciate that.

[flyinelvis]

Working in the race industry, we sometimes double wrap a back-up car to serve two teams. If one of the primary cars has a practice/qualifying issue and their wrap is under the top wrap, we simply peel the outer layer off to reveal the proper car number, sponsor, paint scheme, etc. underneath (did that make sense?). No damage to the underlaying wrap. But the bottom wrap is on primer or bare carbon, so it’s difficult to assess any primary surface damage. One of the decal/wrap team members added black stripes to my ‘04 Mini (over the original white stripes) and he maintained they could easily be removed w/o damage to the original vinyl stripes or paint. Don’t know if that really helps or not, but I would venture to think there would be no paint damage.

As far as damage from the tank magnets, high quality wrap is quite durable and I doubt it would do any damage - so long as you don’t pick up a metal shaving or metallic rock before affixing the bag to the tank.

Carry on…

[ricksax]

I attempted to wrap the tank cover on my BMW R1200GS. The tight compound curves were very difficult. I watched all the videos, and finally gave up.

[69Falcon]

IIRC Bonnie wrapped her tank in purple some years ago.

[Enigma T]

IIRC Bonnie wrapped her tank in purple some years ago.

True but she's out of the Hawk game these days. More on the car side of go-fast.

[69Falcon]

True but she's out of the Hawk game these days. More on the car side of go-fast.

I haven’t searched, but I thought she had a fairly detailed build post

[rpcraft]

I have learned over time that using the right material can help the learning curve. 3M DInoc has been known to be very friendly to pulling up and reattaching with no ill effects and then smoothing out really well. You might try that and see if it helps you get over curved objects. Also many times a propane torch is a lot more effective for fast hot heat needed in shaping, vs having to hold a heat gun for longer, especially when you are working with only 2 hands and no help.

[rpcraft]

I have learned over time that using the right material can help the learning curve. 3M DInoc has been known to be very friendly to pulling up and reattaching with no ill effects and then smoothing out really well. You might try that and see if it helps you get over curved objects. Also many times a propane torch is a lot more effective for fast hot heat needed in shaping, vs having to hold a heat gun for longer, especially when you are working with only 2 hands and no help.

Also stretching an extreme anount too.

[frinesi2]

Here you go:

https://www.hawkgtforum.com/forum/honda-hawk-gt-bros-discussions/mechanical-and-technical/member-build-threads/752671-bonniekay-s-i-can-never-leave-anything-alone-build-thread?p=760716#post760716

[ClayJohnson]

So, I decided to go with my gut feeling and changed the appearance of my bike by wrapping it. But guess what? The worry I had? It actually happened. My reliable magnetic tank bag doesn't stick to the tank as securely as before. It's not staying in place like it used to, especially when I'm riding fast. This is not what I wanted to deal with.

Now, I'm searching for a new tank bag that doesn't use magnets. Since my old bag was from Viking Bags, I thought I'd see what they have this time. And I found this tank bag "https://www.vikingbags.com/viking-bo...acer-tank-bag/" from them that doesn't use magnets. The best part? It's really affordable.

I'm really curious to know what you all. Has anyone given this specific bag a try? If you have any insights or opinions, I'd love to hear them. Thanks a bunch in advance!

[Captain 80s]

Maybe look at a tank locker solution. Givi makes a good one and I use it on my Hawk, CB-1 and later VFRs. Bag doesn't touch the tank at all, snaps on, comes off with a lever pull. Not cheap tho.

[JackalHack]

I have the SW-motech tank ring/bag thing, similar to Givi I guess. Yeah, not cheap to buy into but awesome solution.

[Captain 80s]

I have the SW-motech tank ring/bag thing, similar to Givi I guess. Yeah, not cheap to buy into but awesome solution.

Those are really nice too. Here's my small one for phone, wallet, hat, etc...

PXL_20230211_214557829.jpg