OEM decal removal

[AnotherGeezer125]

Currently having the time of my life painfully removing the art-deco decals Suzuki saw fit to plaster all over my GSXF and was wondering if anyone else has any magic tricks they acquired over the years that worked. I'm doing the hot air gun, plastic scraper and Goo Gone technique. I've almost got both center panels done but the clear coat creates issues once the decals are gone. I'm guess I bought those flexible wet sanding pads for a good reason.

[Joseph]

The stickers are put under the clear coat aren't they ? If they're not peeling off under hairdryer heat thats probably why

[Swiss Toni]

If you can't find an edge ... ?

[Upshotknothole]

Post some photos of the bike. Suzuki did a mix depending on the model. Some fairings are just stickers on the painted plastics, but tanks usually have clear coat over everything.

[AnotherGeezer125]

Thanks for all the input. I see that panels for the K can be clear-coated or not clear-coated. Either way, finding the flattest edge to pry up seems to be the magic. I've also added a sharp flat razor scraper to help pull the decal up once I have a little to work with. The leftover glue is the worst! Now I'm going to correct the odd angle Suzuki placed the silver two-tone line and do my color choice ( 1986 750 Katana Silver) below the nice dark royal blue metallic. The belly bubbles with be blue as well as the lower frame covers that are both now silver. The tail will be the new silver. Should look pretty unique once I'm done.

Edited August 13 by AnotherGeezer125

[Upshotknothole]

I use Goof Off for removing sticker residue off other stuff.

[AnotherGeezer125]

Took a break from the appearance mods to pull the swingarm and bearings since they were rusty (fun times for sure) and split the all the calipers for a complete rebuild. 15 years in a New York barn has earned this Kat its nickname. Barnie.

Replacing the rotors with wave rotors hoping for optimum braking on an old horse. Going to be pulling the carbs soon because those pilot jets don't clean themselves.

Then it's on to the forks.

[Upshotknothole]

If you're planning on keeping it for a while, consider swapping in an old GSXR front end. You'll get much better brakes and adjustable suspension as well as keeping the mechanical speedo off the front wheel.

[AnotherGeezer125]

Thanks for the tip. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a decent deal on one locally sourced so I can see what I'm buying. Some online sellers are pretty good at sending questionable parts.