posted
maybe somebody else has the "real" answer, but if nothing else, you can easily pick up the manufacturers catalog (or just surf over to their website) and use pictures of the bikes. they usually have a specifications page you can use to figure out the length of the bike.
-------------------- :: Scooter Marriner :: :: Coyote Signs :: :: Oakland, CA :: :: still a beginner :: :: Posts: 1356 | From: Oakland (and San Francisco) | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I just make a visit to the manufacturer's websites, leach the images from their site and make a note of the basic dimensions.
Then I load coreldraw, import the image and crop it right to the extremeties of the vehicle then make the image the same dimensions as they specify on the spec sheet.
This is how I make templates for all the jetskis, ATV's, dirtbikes, crotchrockets (streetbikes) snowmobiles, etc. etc. that I do graphics for. It's not 100% accurate but then again, neither are the outlines for sale on CD.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I made a trip to the motorcycle shop yesterday for a cataloge that will serve me well. I walked in with a Big Cheif, a #2, and a tape measurer. I talked to someone I had never met before and they lead me right back to where I could get my measurements after giving me a real slick brochure. Measured 3 bikes there and then 1 trike in the showwroom.
posted
Hey guys, I'm an avid dirt biker and from experience I have to say that making them out of normal sign vinyl isn't always the best option. Unless you have some really good ( thick ) 3M Scotch or VHB vinyl and or clear to cover the graphics you make they just aren't going to last long. The abuse that some dirt bikes go through can really tear up teh graphics fast. Pre made graphics are thick and durable, and usually at least 12 mil. They are screen printed from behind on clear Scotch or VHB so that they stand up to the abuse. Also the Fuel tank sections come perforated so that the fuel vapors that migrate through the plastic can escape causing less bubbles to form. Trust me, 2-3 mil sign vinyl will usually bubble very badly on plastic dirt bike fuel tanks.
So, If your really set of creating your own graphics for a dirt bike still, just make sure you also lay a nice thick Clear sheet over them, and if possible try and avoid the plastic fuel tanks.
The options you also have is to have your customer order them custom printed from DecalWorks ( also known as SoCal-Decal) . They will make you custom Screen printed graphics for a somewhat reasonable price. It's not likely to make you a profit, but your customer might be happier.
Here is my bike and the One Industries graphics I installed ( with Rapid Tac II of course). They are over 8 months old now, and have stood up to everything and perfectly. I also run American Flag decals on the radiator shrouds just below the Yamaha Logo(made with a PC-60) on top of them, but have to replace them every ride because my knees wear off the ink.
As Far as making the outlines, the best thing to do is measure it out, then make a wire frame in Corel or Illustrator, and add your own look form there. Good Luck.
[ April 24, 2002, 05:31 PM: Message edited by: Jeff Bailey ]
-------------------- Jeff Bailey Rapid Tac Inc. Grants Pass, Oregon Posts: 231 | From: Grants Pass, Oregon, USA | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic