tank decals

[Olyrider]

I apologize for bringing up a well-worn topic, but I plan on taking extra-good care of my new-to-me '13 CB1100. Part of this means maintaining my pristine red fuel tank.

I was told by a couple of young mechanics at my neighborhood Honda store that the fuel tank decals (warning unleaded fuel only, blah, blah, blah...) probably have an indentation beneath them that will show if I peel the decals off. Honestly, I don't believe that for a moment, but that's what they said.

I'm more concerned that there might be a color difference underneath the decals. They have been there for two years.

Would someone who has removed the decals on their CB care to comment if they found indentations? Also, might there a color difference if I remove the decals? The bike hasn't left the garage for a year.

Thanks!
Paul

[DGShannon_imp]

Nope. There are no indentations. Many (most?) of us have removed them. Unless your bike has spent a great deal of time in the sun, there shouldn't be any color difference.

On a side note, the adhesive that WILL get left behind is particularly resistant to removal. Use something such as [url=https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=goo+gone&safe=off&tbm=shop]Goo Gone to get it off.

[mjezek_imp]

Nope. There are no indentations. Many (most?) of us have removed them. Unless your bike has spent a great deal of time in the sun, there shouldn't be any color difference.

On a side note, the adhesive that WILL get left behind is particularly resistant to removal. Use something such as [url=https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=goo+gone&safe=off&tbm=shop]Goo Gone to get it off.

Unfortunately, I am one of the idiots,, bought a 2013 used 1 month ago and removed the white sticker , I think it was something like " Unleaded Fuel only " and YES there is a color difference and bothers me every day ....
the only good thing sooner or later, i want to switch to a bigger gas tank anyway ( like a K10 from Mr. T )

[holy666diver_imp]

I removed mine within 20 minutes of purchasing it lol No difference! I think it's so tacky to have those dumb stickers on there. It's not easy to get your motorcycle license so I think the rider is well aware of the risks and how to fuel the bike the stickers are just annoying. My last bike had them too. Try waxing the sticker areas after peeling it and it'll blend in

[Lord Popgun]

What holydiver said.

After I removed the stickers from my black ST you could tell. I used a swirl and scratch remover and then polished it a few times. Can't tell now unless the sun hits it just right. With time, should be invisible. Just don't use anything very abrasive.

And just so ya know, the stickers (or marks, as Honda calls them) are available.

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I sneak onto motorcycle lots with a can of Goo Gone and remove them from bikes I don't even own. That's how much I hate them. I wear a necklace of removed tank stickers like the ears of my slain enemies.

Whoa! Sorry guys. Switched to a new brand of coffee this morning.

[Lord Popgun]

How about hitting the car lots too. I hate those dealer stickers.

[Blockhead_imp]

I sneak onto motorcycle lots with a can of Goo Gone and remove them from bikes I don't even own. That's how much I hate them. I wear a necklace of removed tank stickers like the ears of my slain enemies.

Whoa! Sorry guys. Switched to a new brand of coffee this morning.

I was afraid you were going to say you sniffed all the seats too....

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I sneak onto motorcycle lots with a can of Goo Gone and remove them from bikes I don't even own. That's how much I hate them. I wear a necklace of removed tank stickers like the ears of my slain enemies.

Whoa! Sorry guys. Switched to a new brand of coffee this morning.

I was afraid you were going to say you sniffed all the seats too....

That's a whole other brand of coffee...

[Olyrider]

OP here.

The shop kids wanted me to point out, in their defense, they thought I was talking about the Honda emblems on the tank - not the warning decals.

We just got done removing the decals. Hair dryer on "high" speed and "high" heat. They came right off after waving the hair dryer over them for about a minute from about two inches away.

Then we used 3M adhesive cleaner to remove the residue, and Honda spray polish to finish. You can't tell where the decals were. This bike was sold almost two years ago, but it has been garage-stored its entire life. That must have helped protect the color.