Cost to Wrap a Motorcycle [By Bike Type & SQFT]
Wrapping a motorcycle is the ultimate customization, with endless options for which parts to wrap and what types of materials to use. Best of all, it’s not a permanent change, so if you don’t like it you can just remove the wrap without damaging the bike.
So, how much does it cost to add wrapping to your motorcycle? The cost to wrap a motorcycle may be anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000.
The cost is ultimately dependent on how many different parts you have wrapped, how labor-intensive the job is, and the type and quality of materials you choose.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Wrap a Motorcycle
Wrapping a motorcycle may seem like it would be a fairly inexpensive modification, given the size of the vehicle as compared to a full-sized car, truck, or van. However, it can be just as costly (or even more expensive) to wrap a motorcycle because of the tedious labor involved in getting around the different contours of the bike.
However, the type and quality of the material that you choose have the largest impact on the total cost to wrap a motorcycle. Other factors include the make and model of your bike, where you have the work done, and your geographic location.
Cost to Wrap a Motorcycle
| Low-End Price Estimate | $600-$900 |
| High-End Price Estimate | $5,000+ |
| Average Price Range | $1,500-$2,500 |
The typical materials options for wrapping a vehicle include
- Cast Vinyl – Available in three finishes: matte, glossy, metallic
- Wrap Material/Film – Largest variety of finish and texture options, including matte, gloss, matte metallic, brushed metal, carbon fiber, and many, many color options.
- Real Gold/Silver – Some shops offer a vinyl product that is made using 22k gold or non-tarnishing silver. These products are available in many finishes and patterns.
The motorcycle’s small size can be beneficial when it comes to cost as compared to larger vehicles, but only for the materials alone. Let’s take a look at the cost of some of the basic materials that most shops offer.
Cost for Motorcycle Wrap Materials
| Material | Price per Square Foot |
| Vinyl Matte | $2.00 – $3.50 |
| Vinyl Gloss | $1.50 – $3.50 |
| Chrome | $8+ |
| Carbon Fiber | $3.00 – $7.00 |
So, as you can see, the most affordable option is typically vinyl gloss, as it starts as low as $1.50 per square foot. However, that does not include other fees, taxes, and installation (labor) charges.
To give you an idea of how the cost compares to other vehicles, a small car (like a two-door coupe or a small sedan) starts around $2,000 for a full wrap.
Even though the area is larger, the work is done in bigger portions, as opposed to the small parts and curved contours of a motorcycle that’s much more tedious.
If you want the look of a wrap, but don’t have the budget for it, another option is a partial wrap. Partial wraps include just wrapping one or more parts of the bike, such as the tank, fairings, or trim.
Doing a partial wrap is a good way to try it out and see if you like it before committing to a large expense. Partial wraps usually start around $300, depending on what area(s) of the bike you’re wrapping and what materials you choose.
If your motorcycle has any physical damage, it could increase the price significantly. The wrap needs to be applied to a smooth surface, so the installer will have to do some repair work if the surface isn’t in good condition.
In that case, you should plan to pay for whatever materials they use to repair the bike as well as the labor. If your bike has damage, make sure to discuss this before the shop starts the work, and make sure your price quote includes addressing any damage as needed.
Wrapping a Motorcycle Versus Painting a Motorcycle
Wrapping a motorcycle is typically a less expensive option than a custom paint job. Having your motorcycle professionally painted can cost anywhere from $2,500 up to $8,000, depending on the type of paint, paint method, and what kinds of designs you choose.
Very detailed designs can cost even more.
You could potentially have your motorcycle wrapped with vinyl film for as little as $1,200.
Many people choose to go with a wrap because of the cost difference and the durability. Your wrapping can easily last for 5+ years with proper care and maintenance. Other benefits of wrapping your motorcycle include:
Protect Resale Value
Using a vinyl wrap protects the factory paint job, thus protecting the resale value of the bike. A custom paint job isn’t reversible like a vinyl wrap, and many people prefer the stock paint job versus your personal preference for a custom design.
Faster Installation
It can take as much as two weeks to have your motorcycle painted, depending on how complex the design is and how busy the shop is. On the other hand, you can have your motorcycle wrapped and back on the road in just a few days.
Protects Your Paint
Wraps keep your factory paint job safe from scratches, scuffs, and being bleached by the sun. A vinyl wrap will protect your paint from many of the elements your bike is exposed to in the environment.
Customization
The possibilities for personalizing your ride are truly endless. The color options are more extensive than paint, and you can get all kinds of detailed designs. Not to mention, you can completely change the look of your bike whenever you feel like it.
Remove it Anytime
One of the biggest advantages of wraps over paint is that you can remove it anytime you want to. If it starts to fade, you can remove it. If you decide you’re tired of the design, you can remove it.
As long as you had the wrap installed correctly, it’s removable and it won’t damage your factory paint job.
Can You Wrap a Motorcycle Yourself?
It’s possible to install your own vinyl wrap on a motorcycle, but unless you’re experienced in that type of work, it will probably not turn out as good as if you have it professionally installed.
Installing the wrap takes some finesse to get it tight and smooth around the bike’s contours. You’ll also need someone to help you in order to get it on the bike with clean edges and no bubbles.
However, since it’s removable, you can definitely give it a try and see how it goes if you wish. The cost of a DIY motorcycle wrap depends on the cost of the materials.
Most of the wrap finishes that you can get from a body shop you can also find online. Let’s compare the cost for some of the different brands and finishes so you’ll have an idea of how much the wrap will cost to do the job yourself.
Materials Cost for DIY Motorcycle Wrap
| Wrap | Price per Square Foot | Total Price (10’) |
| 3M Metallic (Brushed Black) | $4.30 | $43 |
| Arlon Brushed Silver | $2.90 | $29 |
| Avery Brushed Black | $2.90 | $29 |
| Oracal Camo Pattern | $3.50 | $35 |
| VViViD Camo Pattern | $1.50 | $15 |
| 3M Carbon Fiber Vinyl | $3.80 | $38 |
| Avery Black Carbon Fiber | $3.10 | $31 |
| Oracal Carbon Fiber | $4 | $40 |
| Avery Silver Chrome | $8 | $80 |
| VViViD Gloss Chrome Black | $1.30 | $13 |
| 3M Gloss Black | $2.20 | $22 |
| Avery Gloss Black | $1.90 | $19 |
| Avery Glow-in-the-Dark | $20 | $200 |
| Oracal Glow-in-the-Dark | $9 | $90 |
| 3M Gloss Metallic Gold | $2.30 | $23 |
| Avery Matte Black | $2 | $20 |
| Avery Reflective | $6 | $60 |
As you can see, the cost for the wrap itself is pretty inexpensive for the amount that you need for a motorcycle, but you may have to purchase more than that depending on how the wrap is sold.
Vinyl Decals
A smaller-scale option than a full vinyl wrap is vinyl decals. These are other ways that you can customize and individualize your motorcycle without having to pay for a custom paint job.
Instead of covering the entire surface of the motorcycle’s body, decals are used to add graphic elements to specific areas on the bike.
Decals are popular because you can get them in whatever size you need and place the graphic anywhere you’d like on the motorcycle. You can cut the design pattern however you like and place it anywhere you want, unlike a vinyl wrap where any graphic element is fixed on the wrap itself.
You can use a vinyl decal to add extra detail and character to your existing paint job or wrap to give your bike just a little more style. Decals are a great way to make your motorcycle one of a kind.
Another reason people like decals is because you can purchase one or two and keep adding to your bike’s design over time. It can be a great way to spread out the cost of adding custom graphics to your motorcycle.
Single vinyl decals typically cost anywhere from $5 each to $30+ for singles. Some retailers offer vinyl decal kits that come with several themed decals for $50-$120.
Related Guides
The Bottom Line
Wrapping a motorcycle is an excellent way to customize your bike and add detailed design elements without the high cost of a custom paint job. However, motorcycle wrapping is still fairly expensive, with the lowest prices typically starting out around $800-$1,200.
It’s possible to save some money by doing the job yourself, but you run the risk of having bubbles or uneven edges. The best thing to do is get several quotes before you make a decision.
Be sure to consider what kind of warranty is offered and the shop’s reputation, because those are important factors when determining the value of the product you purchase. Once you settle on a shop and design, you’ll be happy to get back on the road with a bike that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
