Tank protection

I have a rwb 2007. Love the paint scheme and wait to keep it that way without covering it up. What should be used for protection? I have a tank bag(magnetic) which I am worrisome about scratching. Is the best option to get a bra and cover the beautiful 25th anniversary colors? Would just a tank pad suffice?

 

82Greasemonkey had a similar question a few weeks ago. The long story short there are a few tank bag options that will mount to the tank, via the filler ring, but not actually touch the body of the tank. Here's the thread for his post...

http://vfrworld.com/forums/6th-generation-2002-2009/37323-quick-release-tank-bags.html

 

I have had the 3 piece clear "Tankslapper" kit on my 2004 for about a year and I'm very happy with it.
The kit I have doesn't cover the tank top to protect the paint from a tank bag, but they do make something for just that purpose.
The material is clear and is still almost invisible after the year of use.
Here's a link: The Tankslapper

 

I'll second the Tankslapper kits; I have one on my VFR1200 and (with patience putting it on) it is nearly invisible ...and the 3M one is tough as nails (they have a softer, reusable version for slightly less money.

I think their website is TheTankslapper.biz - The Product

...excellent customer service, by the way; and they even include enough Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo to mount the kit (it's important).

 

A trick I use when i put on my tank bag is just cover it with duck tape, then remove it once i get to my destination

 

This mounts super easy & never touches anything. Comes in 2 sizes (I chose the smaller of the 2), and has additional accessories to suit your needs.





Heres the manufacturers link- just don't buy from them (eBay is cheaper...) Cortech :: Luggage :: Dryver Tank Bag

You can run power into them super easy too...

 

I use the Chase Harper "Stealth" tank bag. No problems yet, just make sure the magnets are clear of crap before placing on the tank and when removing gently lift straight up.

 

I know some guys on this forum are in the "100% anal" class about protecting their paint. I'm in about the 95% category. I detailed vehicles years ago, and I've watched some members on this forum - who still detail by trade - provide tips and tricks.

Speaking from experience with my bag that's been on my bike for 3 years, if you put on a nice carnuba wax, followed by a coat of synthetic wax, and topped with a second spray on synthetic polymer, you won't have any hazing, swirls, oxidation, stains, spider webs, or whatever else. Do this once every couple months and it'll be fine. Just my opinion...

 

...so you're saying my regimen of spraying the bike down with orange pledge and buffing it off with a micro-fiber towel isn't *the* best wax solution?

 

A possible option

Walmart carries a static cling dot matrix pattern sun screen seasonally. It isn't usually in stock during the winter months in my area.
I think the brand name is Sunspot.
A piece about 12" x 16" was less than $4 last year. Cuts easily with regular scissors or a paper cutter. Using the paper cutter gave me a more finished look
It won't stand up to the use the Tank Slapper will, but I used a piece of it over theTank Slapper on the rear of the tank where I would sometimes slightly scuff the Tank Slapper material.
I actually used it as my only tank protector until I decided what one I wanted to use for sure.
Stays in place and definitely prevents/reduces scuffs.
It may not be durable enough to use under the tank bag, but for $4, it might be worth a try.

I also use a strip of it across the top of my helmet face shield as a shade.
Blocks most of the sun and while it does impair vision slightly when you look directly through it, your vision is about the same as when you look through the OEM dot matrix used on lots of cars.

 

Pledge??? say it isn't so, Zen. You're killing me!