Thinking ahead, I want to do/get something to protect the paint on my new bike's gas tank. In the past I have used tank bras, but wondering what else there is to use nowadays. I was thinking of maybe using this stuff I see people put on the front end of cars. I can't remember what it is called, but it is clear, thick looking plastic, clear bra I think is what it is called. Anyone got some suggestions?
Local body shop uses a 3M product on high end car rocker panels to protect against chipping. I will be getting them to wrap my tank and seat cowel. Once I know for sure I'll share the actual name. Maybe check with your local auto trim companies.
well, i use a adhesive rubber product that i found at the track that adds a massive amount of control by being able to stick a knee into it and have it stick like glue mid corner.
i had a mag knight, it sucks. its a slippery bastard on the knees, gets dirt stuck around the edges and causes wear marks on the tank, and is easily stealable. i cut mine up and just use the center 4" as a crotch rub protector.
i got the original stuff they made which was a laser etched micro pattern, they stopped making it and went with molded ones. :-( i think it cost too much to produce. ill never let mine go though.
they are a strong adhesive, but leave it in the sun and you can peel it off and re-use it, so not permanant. but not stealable eitehr, someone did try once, didnt realize it may take 5-10 min.... \oh, get the generic panel and cut your own as big as will fit for best protection.
+ 1 on the Tankslapper. I put one on my tank, and also bought the protector that they make for the plastic headlight lens. I cant say enought about the service at Tankslapper.biz I am a returning customer, and Lucas always provides outstanding service and a fantastic product.
Go with the tankslapper, you cant even tell its there when applied.
didit, May 20 2007, 12:47 AMLocal body shop uses a 3M product on high end car rocker panels to protect against chipping. I will be getting them to wrap my tank and seat cowel. Once I know for sure I'll share the actual name. Maybe check with your local auto trim companies.
It's called Scotchgard. You can get it at most paint supply stores.
I too have the tankslapper on. You can't even notice it when it's brand new. Now going into it's 4th year on my silver vfr...I can notice it. The what was once a clear plastic film has turn a tint of yellow. Still works great at proctecting from scratches. fing02.gif
Compares the 3 M with tank slapper, is a little biased as it is from the tank slapper site.
The Tankslapper uses the 3m for the headlight protection on the vfr. I tried that and it turned out like crap. I am probable to blame but like the website says one use only on the 3m stuff. The tank protection was much, much easier to install. I still love their product tho!
USMCDad, May 27 2007, 08:47 PMTo those of you with experience with both versions: Which do you recommend?
- Dad
Static cling version. Easy to apply, since you use water mist on the tank and the product, slide it around until it's just right, then squeege the water out. Or peel it off in flash and do it again and again until you get it right. I've applied it to a number of tanks and always had great results, but it does take some patience to get it to "cling" on tight radius curves, since the film starts life totally flat. But so would the adhesive kind, and you wouldn't want to get bubbles under THAT!
I use a cheapo plastic squeege thingo that's sold at any AutoZone type store for speading Bondo. Works great. Use plenty of water mist (with a little rubbing alcohol) all the time as you work the film into place and zap the bubbles from underneath.
Also, I'll add that the cutting/shaping of the Tankslappers is spot on, following all the edges perfectly. No need to trim any excess film....it comes perfect and ready to go. And it's kinda thick, so it protects that tank from belt buckles very well. I had one that was 3 years old and was beginning to look a little scuffed and had a few scratches in it. So.....I broke loose with another $20 and bought a new one! happy.gif
For those of you with the Tank slapper installed, how does it grip? I have mesh/textile pants and I can't grab the tank at all with my pants right now with nothing in place. I'm debating between the tank slapper and the ST1300 rubber grip pads (black and don't look as good on my red tank, but the grip is most likely better - but I'm not sure if I could use my magnetic tank bag with those on there either).
the tankslapper works great, you can get protect for the front, sides and area for a tankbag for under $40 USD. it doesn't provide any grip though, slippery just like the tank would be.
if you take your time with the install it's completely invisible, and apparently they say, can be moved and reused unlike some of the other types of film products.
Would anyone want to fathom a guess as to how the static cling would work on a non-clearcoated Asphalt VFR? I'd think the satin-ish finish of that color would not provide a surface to cling to.
captainchris13, May 23 2007, 11:47 AMwell, i use a adhesive rubber product that i found at the track that adds a massive amount of control by being able to stick a knee into it and have it stick like glue mid corner.
i had a mag knight, it sucks. its a slippery bastard on the knees, gets dirt stuck around the edges and causes wear marks on the tank, and is easily stealable. i cut mine up and just use the center 4" as a crotch rub protector.
i got the original stuff they made which was a laser etched micro pattern, they stopped making it and went with molded ones. :-( i think it cost too much to produce. ill never let mine go though.
they are a strong adhesive, but leave it in the sun and you can peel it off and re-use it, so not permanant. but not stealable eitehr, someone did try once, didnt realize it may take 5-10 min.... \oh, get the generic panel and cut your own as big as will fit for best protection.
pics in my gallery i think.
+1.gif on that!!! I had the Snake Skin (tried the high fusion as well, but didn't hold up after riding through the winter) and loved it. I think it looks good as well and man, did I have some grip!! The link to the page for the honda kits is here
End of thread · 24 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 11 Jan 2008