When you're shopping for new MX graphics, you'll quickly notice two categories: pre-made "OEM-style" kits and fully custom designs. The price difference is real, and so is the quality difference. Here's a breakdown of what you're actually getting with each option — so you can make the right call for your budget and goals.
Pre-Made / Stock Kits
Pre-made kits are generic designs that anyone can order. You pick a colorway from a set library, input your bike make/model/year, and it ships. These are popular with budget-conscious riders who just need their plastic covered.
Pros
- Low price ($50–$100 for a full kit)
- Fast turnaround — often in stock and ready to ship
- No design decisions required
Cons
- Same design as hundreds of other riders
- Usually calendered vinyl — less conformable, shorter life
- No way to add sponsor logos, name/number, or custom colors
- Fit can vary if the template isn't exact
Custom Kits
Custom kits are designed specifically for you. You bring the vision — colors, style, name, number, sponsor logos — and a designer builds a one-of-a-kind graphic set around your exact bike. This is what professional riders use, and it's more accessible than most people think.
Pros
- Unique design that no one else has
- Match team colors, sponsors, or personal style exactly
- Add your name, race number, and sponsor logos
- Made from premium cast vinyl with longer lifespan
- Better resale appeal when you flip the bike
Cons
- Higher cost ($150–$350 for a full custom kit)
- Requires design time — typically 5–7 business days
- You need to provide artwork or direction
The Semi-Custom Middle Ground
Five18 Designs also offers semi-custom kits — you start from a proven base design and customize the colors, name, and number without commissioning a fully original layout from scratch. This hits a sweet spot: you get a personal, professional-looking kit at a price closer to a pre-made kit, with faster turnaround than full custom.
What Do the Pros Use?
Every factory team rider and most serious amateur racers use custom graphics. The reasons are practical: they need exact sponsor placement, specific color codes that match team gear, and a look that stands out in race photos and videos. But you don't have to be a factory rider to want those things.
Which Is Right for You?
If you ride recreationally and just want clean-looking plastic, a pre-made kit does the job. If you race, have sponsors, want a unique look, or are particular about quality — custom is worth the investment. The bike you spend thousands on deserves graphics that look the part.
Browse Five18 Designs' MX Graphics Kits — from semi-custom options for every major brand to fully custom builds designed from scratch.