Should You Add a Protective Film to Your Motorcycle?

Whenever we buy or restore something that is new and shiny, like a motorcycle, you ask yourself HOW can I keep it looking like this? Whether you have purchased or restored your motorcycle, it is a great idea to invest in paint protection to take on the elements and hazards you can potentially face on the open road. Similar to paint protection films that have been used on cars, this film will protect your motorcycle from rock/debris chips, bugs, scratches, or road stains. If you are unfamiliar with your paint protection options, we will go over what you need to know to determine if paint protection films are right for you.

Costs:

Protective paint film is sold by the foot in 8 mil, 12 mil, and 40 mil and also varies by the brand you decide to go with but typically 12″ wide by 8 mil thick piece costs $6.50 per foot; the 12″ wide by 12 mil costs $12.00 per foot. The 40 mil headlight protection film costs $15.00 per foot. 8 mil is commonly used because of how easy it is to install. Depending on how much you need, we’d consider it to be inexpensive when comparing how much a new paint job would cost.

Warranties:

Again, dependent on the brand that you decide to go with, it may come with a warranty. For example, 3M™ Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film Pro comes with a 5-year non-transferable limited warranty when installed professionally. Installing the film yourself may void any type of warranty, so make sure to read the company’s policies.

Professionally Installed or DIY?

This topic is all about personal preference. For those who are not afraid to make mistakes or take a risk installing it yourself is fine, we’d only recommend for you to read the instructions and some tips from other riders who have installed it themselves. In some cases, these films do not come pre-cut and will require you to make some precise geometric shapes.
Professionals will have years of experience and be certified by a quality provider. The motorcycle panels will be mapped out using a node plotter, these coordinates are sent to a computer which allows the installer to edit the design so it better fits the bike in question. You will (obviously) need to pay for this work but it may be worth it to save you time and a headache.

Additional Value?

Could you say that installing a protective film to your motorcycle adds value? We’d say not necessarily, rather it holds its value at a higher rate than the same exact model without paint protection. If you ever decide to trade in or sell your motorcycle, you may potentially receive much more or slightly more than you expected. Taking care of your motorcycle (internally and externally) will pay off in the future.

Maintenance:

The maintenance of the protective film is really interesting. For the first few days, it is important to allow the film to completely cure or dry before using any type of pressure wash or nonabrasive solution. Once it is cured, you can choose to wash it like any other painted surface. It is important to use a nonabrasive solution when cleaning. The film is “self-healing” meaning scratches, scuffs, dings or other light blemishes can erase themselves with exposure to the sun on a hot day or the heat of a hairdryer.

Recommended Brands:

We’ve done some research on some of the most popular brands for paint protection films to help you narrow down which you should go with:
Invisigard: Consists of an optically clear, urethane film that has an overall thickness of 8 mils. It is designed to protect your vehicle's most vulnerable leading-edge areas from paint-etching bug acids, stone chips, scratches & nicks and winter road salt & sand. They have some precut for motorcycles but if they don’t have the specific one you are looking for you they can create it.
3M Venture Shields: Consists of urethane paint protection film with excellent elasticity and optical clarity. It has been developed to reduce stone chip damage, scuffs, and scratches and environmental damage to motorbike paintwork. There are two kit options – (1) Tank kit which consists Tank pad and tank sides or (2) Full kit which includes the tank kit and depending on the category of motorbike offers protection to other key areas.
Suntek: Scientifically formulated to create a strong, reliable layer of protection against damage caused by rocks, salt, insects, and other road debris. Its self-healing technology repairs scratch with heat from the sun or an engine.

Alternatives:

Cleaning and wiping down your motorcycle to avoid scratches on your motorcycle is the next best way to keep it looking its best. After every ride, you could run a very soft cloth along and then store it away. Avoid parking in busy parking areas if possible. There are also different brand polish and sealants available that may be a more convenient and affordable option.

Conclusion:

Adding protective film onto your motorcycle will definitely help protect the paint from the abuse that it, unfortunately, cannot avoid like rock or debris scratches and the rubbing of certain parts. It is especially important to add some protective film to a new motorcycle to preserve it as much as you can. Ensuring your motorcycle looks clean doesn’t necessarily mean you need to add a protective film to it but it will certainly help. There are many brands to choose from so feel free to get the option of other riders who may have this film. We hope this helped you determine whether or not you think the protective film is right for you.

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