Tank Skins or....

When I got to cleaning my bike up after that 4 day weekend trip we took last month, I discovered that my pants had put some pretty good scratches in the tank around the knee area. Not sure if it was from only the pants or maybe something dirty had just gotten there and rubbed for a while. I can probably buff them out but being she is a black bike, I want to be careful with that one. (seen some people mess up black really fast with a buffer)

Anyway, point to story is.... I was thinking of maybe some sort of a tank skin to lay on the sides of the tank to protect it for in the future. The bike is black and is pretty near scratch free, I would like to keep it that way as long as possible.

I found some that look to be just like the ones on the silver bike on the main page right now but I am not sure if I want something that looks thick and with a lot of grip. I was thinking of maybe something thin and smooth. Or maybe even a tank bra but I don't really like the idea of a tank bra. What have you guys tried? Any pros or cons to one or the other?

Or should I just say to hell with it and not worry at all. Just ride on as she is.

 

First. I think you need to find out the cause of the scratches and eliminate that issue. Scratches happen but usually slower over time. Unfortunately for you, they show up most on black. The reason I did not get the initial clour that I wanted.

There are films out there from 3M that you may look at applying to part or all of your tank. I am sure you can find something if you go to 3M's website.

Another option may be to spray some clear Plastidip on the tank before you go on trips, then just peel it off when you get home. Google Plastidip. There is lots there tp read and consider.. It applies and removes as easy as they say.

 

Also. I have just accepted the fact that I am going to get scratches. Naturally I try to prevent these but I lnow they will happen . Eventually a paint jobs is on the cards if you do a lot of riding.

 

I just installed the side grips, "snake skin" version on my black '09.
Looks good and works good!
http://techspec-usa.com/magento/index.php/snake-skin-64795.html

 

I have clear stomp grips on the sides of my tank. They've yellowed a little over the past several years so I'm considering removing them and replacing them either with the same or with some of the clear 3M film Randy mentioned. I actually have some of that film on the portion of my tank where my buckle might rub or zipper if I were fully tucked. It works great and cleans up easily. I ordered mine from a company called Tankslapper.biz. The stomp grips definitely work in that they give you a solid purchase with your legs/knees on the sides of your tank but I can see how someone might not want to "hide" the paint job which happens somewhat with the stomp grips. I know some people actually like the look so, it's obviously subjective. Personally, I'm very happy with my setup (grips on the sides and film down the center). I'll probably stick with it when and if I decide to replace them.

 

I had a magnetic bra for my Suzuki & returned it. The color was a little off & there's nothing stopping anyone from walking away with it. I went with 3M clear bra. After 7 yrs its still looks like new. I also installed 3M kit on my 25th ann 07 VFR. Worthy investment IMO if you care about the finish on your bike. Its easy to see on white, but I think it looks better than the cheesy stick on protectors. 3M also makes a temporary clear bra that you spray on. Can be found at most auto parts stores for about $20 a can.

 

Another option is a vinyl wrap for the tank. Link: If you don't like the red or blue....here is option

 

Thanks for the replies guys!

I know I have to learn to live with scratches but I like to try and prevent if I can. I actually really like the metal flake in my black paint in the sun and I kind of hate to cover it up too. But I hate scratches too!!

The tank skins or shark skins are the thing that I had found as suggested above. I had seen them on the other VFR site which is why there is mention to one in my post. (copy and paste) Wish I could see those in person to decide if I wanted a set of them. I don't think they would look bad on my bike since it is already black but still not sure.

I will look into the 3M stuff too.

Thanks again

 

I bought my VFR new off the dealer's floor and as small as the scratches were, I still saw a few. After some research, I bought the rear and side stock tank pads for the Honda ST1300. I think I paid about $80 at the time. They had to be ordered but got to my dealer in a couple of days. You can probably get them on-line cheaper. I like them. They're thick and have a Honda name on the rear one. They've been on for a little over 4 years now with no issues.

 

Helicopter tape is a good shout. Does the job and transparent.

 

I used to spend some time buffing, cleaning and waxing my bike, not so much anymore. I've learned to ignore the scratches and spend more time riding instead of cleaning.

 

There are a million of them.
[DLMURL]https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=tank+protector&tbm=shop[/DLMURL]

 

From what I have seen so far, maybe the "Tank Slapper" skins might be the way for me. Doesn't look like it cost much at all and if it covers the knee area then I think it might do the job well.

Thanks for the replies guys!

 

Thump up for tank slapper.However it is a major PITA when comes to applying.

 

I ended up ordering new tank slapper film tonight after I removed my stained stomp grip pads. Going to put it on the sides and up the middle. I remember when I put it on initially, I had the spray mixture (I believe it was part alcohol and part water) and I took an old credit card and put the felt side of Velcro along the edge. I used that for my squeegee and it worked well. Spray liberally, take your time and use the squeegee to work out any air bubbles. I don't remember it being too difficult. Then again, maybe I've blocked the pain from my memory.

 

Might be soapy water, that's what's used to put the registration letters on boats.
John

 

That might work too. I just looked up what tankslapper recommends using and it's 70% isopropyl alcohol mixed with water. The mixture should be 70% water and 30% alcohol that you put into a spray bottle.

 

A quickie if a long trip is in the agenda and looks are not critical is gaffers tape.

 

I use plastic bags-doesn't cost anything and heavy wax! On my tank bag.

 

I swear you can repair almost anything with gaffers tape. Also known as 100mph tape.