New graphics are like new shoes: You just feel faster with them on. But if Nike relied on me to make sure its Swoosh was correctly aligned and bubble-free with perfect stitching, the shoe giant would have better luck selling at Payless than it would sponsoring James Stewart.
Nobody likes putting graphics on. So why bother? Many graphic companies offer install services and complete plastics packages nowadays. RidePG.com supplied new plastic for our 2009 CRF250R and a 2007 KX450F with complete custom graphics installed.
In a week a full package of custom shroud, front and rear fender, fork guard and swingarm decals showed up as well as personalized number plates. Did I mention they were installed already? Well, not the swingarm sticker, but you get the idea.
What's the catch? Well, it's not free. A set of custom graphics (not including number plates) with your logo or industry logos will run you $199.95. I added the patented Gripz material because I love the way it feels, looks and holds up; that added $24 to the price. Then you add $69.95 for the custom named and numbered preprint backgrounds for your number plates. That's pretty standard pricing for a complete cosmetic makeover-especially a full-custom job.
But how much is installation? Installation is free! All you pay for is the plastic. For the CRF250R and KX450F we tested, the cost of a complete Acerbis plastic kit was $154.90 ($129.95 for the kit and $24.95 for a front number plate which doesn't come in the kit). Added up that's $448.80. Which looks a little scary. (Note: you can drop about $150 off this by foregoing the Gripz and using a generic graphic package.)
However, if you need plastic, want custom graphics but don't like putting the two together, then RidePG.com's service totally makes sense. The price will be close to the same if you go separate, but you'll swear more in the garage. -Jesse Ziegler
| HARD PARTS |
91.0 |
| Installation |
20/20 |
| Function |
45/50 |
| Durability |
9/10 |
| Design |
10/10 |
| Price |
7/10 |