Paint area protection

donlon · 08-01-2008, 2:21 PM

I have noticed that my paint is kind of worn or damaged right where my thighs is touching the tank, on both sides.

Is there any "paint protection thing" to put on, besides Tankslapper and tankbras ???

I was thinking like a tankbra, but only on the lower part where the problem is ...or something !!!!

Any word of wisdom ???

Thanks

John

SilverBrd · 08-01-2008, 6:50 PM

I would definetly try to find out why your paint is wearing on your tank. Are you cleaning and waxing your bike on a regular basis?

Get you a bra for the tank.

Strek · 08-01-2008, 9:05 PM

There are many options for tank covers. Tank Slappers, Tank Bra's, Magnetic protectors (I think the company is called MAG Knight ) and then full tank covers like Bagster. I have a Bagster on order currently which is a full tank cover option. It allows you to attach bags to the tank cover and looks to have some extra padding around the leg contact points of the tank.

motorsports1 · 08-01-2008, 10:19 PM

3M makes a clear protective adhesive film that is almost invisible. This product can be cut into any shape and has very good conformability. It is also easily removed if needed. This product is expensive, but it is cheaper than refinishing a tank.

Strek · 08-01-2008, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motorsports1

3M makes a clear protective adhesive film that is almost invisible. This product can be cut into any shape and has very good conformability. It is also easily removed if needed. This product is expensive, but it is cheaper than refinishing a tank.

Motorsports1 This sounds very similar if not the same as the Tank slapper products.
Tank slappers are clear protective sheets. They have kits that are cut to fit bikes but I believe that you can also order it in sheets and cut it to your preference. Pretty cheap as well.
I think that I paid about $20-25 for the kit for my XX. I've decided to go with the bagster because I want to also attach a tank bag so I might use this on my Hurricane instead.

Nutter67 · 08-01-2008, 11:11 PM

John01XX has used a film on his bird and is happy with the results. Do a search and try to find his thread (unfortunately I am on my way out to a 3yo birthday party and dont have much time right now.)

donlon · 08-02-2008, 5:10 AM

Thanks guys, I think I'll go for the protective 3M film.
I have contacted The Tankslapper, but they don't make kits for Blackbirds !! - guess I need to google it then :-)

Silverbrd: It was this way when i bought it, the paint is not totaly worn through, but there is clearly wear streaks ...probably from riders pants

donlon · 08-02-2008, 5:42 AM

I just bought the 3M stuff here CycleShield - Motorcycle Paint Protection Film.

I hope it's easy to put on :-)

CanadianBird · 08-02-2008, 7:33 AM

Phillip Lockheart tank bra, for me. Can you use a clay bar to buff it out? My tank has some skuffs from my tank bag and I just life with it. If you do a great deal of touring it happens. It's difficult to keep the Bird in pristine condition if one tours a lot, and I do. All that being said, the clear shield is a good idea. Good luck

donlon · 08-02-2008, 7:38 AM

Yes it is difficult to keep it "perfect" ....but I will for sure do my best ..:-) :-)

Strek · 08-02-2008, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donlon

Thanks guys, I think I'll go for the protective 3M film.
I have contacted The Tankslapper, but they don't make kits for Blackbirds !! - guess I need to google it then :-)

Silverbrd: It was this way when i bought it, the paint is not totaly worn through, but there is clearly wear streaks ...probably from riders pants

Tankslapper does make kits for the blackbird. Well I was able to order one. I got a set about 2 months ago. I suspect that they have a somewhat standard kit that works on multiple bikes as these are cutouts and would seem to work for many different bike applications. I haven't used mine yet. I bought the tankslappers with the thought of removing the 1/2 tank bra that I have on currently. One thing that I noticed with my current 1/2 tank bra set up is that I was making contact with the tank above the bra when I had my jacket open a bit. I do like to get close to the tank. That is why I purchased the tankslapper. When I got the tankslapper set up I found that the piece that protects that part of the tank (the center cutout piece) was about the height of the 1/2 tank bra set up. You can position the tank slapper where you want it and up higher on the tank but then you start to expose the lower part of the tank closer to the seat contact point. In comparing them I did feel that I would be able to find a position point with the tank slapper and get better tank coverage protection but I have since decided to go with the full coverage bagster set up because I want to add a tank bag.

donlon · 08-06-2008, 10:10 AM

Cancelled my order from Cycleshield, I didn't heard a anything from them and all my e-mails came back with an error ....damn !!!

I ordered a 3M "Full tank protection" from Tankslapper, apperently they had that for a Bird (thanks for the info to Streak)

.

Strek · 08-06-2008, 12:22 PM

Good luck. I'd like to hear what you think about it when you do get it and put it on the bike. The folks over at Tankslapper were responsive and quick when I purchased mine. I'll probably put my tankslapper on my Hurricane since I have the bagster coming for my bird.

donlon · 08-06-2008, 1:25 PM

Thanks, I will post an update when it arrives and i get it on the bike

KiwiBird · 08-06-2008, 4:47 PM

See the photos in post #10 of: Tank Protection Pad

The 3M film IS virtually invisible. I didn't buy a kit though. I got an auto detailer (the type of outfit that does pinstriping and tinted window film) to custom apply it from a sheet. They did the top of the front guard, the front fairing panel behind the front wheel, a small area at the front of the the fairing side panels near the lower intakes and the tank cutouts and tank rear. Watching the pros do it was amazing. After cleaning the panels thoroughly with solvent, they used water from a spray bottle to help slide it around whilst they cut it exactly to shape. Took them about 1.5 hours and cost me the equivalent of US$150. Perfect job - I couldn't have done it. Have also attached another photo of the front of the bike where you can see how good the edges are. It extends round the headlight for a width of around 3".

Geoff

PH005 · 08-07-2008, 4:22 AM

Just a little Tip if you are going to apply the 3M film yourself. Get o small plastic squirty bottle . Fill it with water. Add a couple of drops of dish washing liquid. Spray a fine mist onto the section before you apply the 3M film. You can then move it about. Use a plastic spatula to wipe out most of the air bubbles. Dont worry about a few little bubbles left behind, they will shrink out when it dries. I have done lots of bikes this way. Its very easy.