CHEAP Tank Guard?

[Mtbjay]

My gloss black tank's clear coat is rubbed off at the knees. Need a recommendation for a cheap tank guard, here in the USA. I'm afraid the fat foam like Tech Spec will make a wide tank too wide. Thinking of simple clear 2mm plastic…? Pre-cut or otherwise. I've had no good luck w/Google search.

 

[saddletramp]

When I use my non-Yamaha tank bag on my black S-10 I cover the tank with Saran wrap first. It sticks to the tank & when I remove the tank bag - no marks.

I realize it's a temporary solution but it works. ::003::

 

[fredz43]

Get the Tankslapper tank protector kit in 3M. Used this stuff on several bikes and it works great.

Thetankslapper.biz

 

[Don in Lodi]

How thick do you think the Tecspec stuff is?

 

[Swagger]

How thick do you think the Tecspec stuff is?

Absolutely. The TechSpec sheet material that I use on my bikes is ideal. It's maybe 1.5mm thk at the most. There are thicker variants of it of course but just go for the thin stuff. Easily shaped and can be applied and removed very easily. Perfect for what I want.

 

[EricV]

My gloss black tank's clear coat is rubbed off at the knees. Need a recommendation for a cheap tank guard, here in the USA. I'm afraid the fat foam like Tech Spec will make a wide tank too wide. Thinking of simple clear 2mm plastic…? Pre-cut or otherwise. I've had no good luck w/Google search.

You said cheap, so skip anything moto specific and just go down to the local ACE hardware. Plenty of those in Portland. Wander over to the where the mailboxes and outside stuff is and look for the rolls of self adhesive products. Specifically, I'm thinking of the various colors of 'gripper' stuff that are intended to put on steps, etc. I used some of that on my fuel cell luggage platform to keep stuff from sliding around and it's very durable. There are various levels of roughness available and it's cheap. Buy some, cut it into pieces shaped like you want, apply.

PM me if you want to talk about foot peg weighting, shoulder movements and pressing/lifting as implements to control bike movement.

 

[Karson]

Get the Tankslapper tank protector kit in 3M. Used this stuff on several bikes and it works great.

Thetankslapper.biz

Minor hijack - but do any of their two listed products extend up and around the gas cap area? I've tried the shelving liner, but give the amount of gravel I ride it still is scratching the clear coat.

I've spent more than the $50 in time and frustration trying to conform around the curves of the tank to make that even worth it, if needed.

 

[Hamlet]

Maybe try this? /http://mag-knight.com/

Magnetic and you can buy a sheet, cut to fit and heat to conform.

 

[fredz43]

Minor hijack - but do any of their two listed products extend up and around the gas cap area? I've tried the shelving liner, but give the amount of gravel I ride it still is scratching the clear coat.

I've spent more than the $50 in time and frustration trying to conform around the curves of the tank to make that even worth it, if needed.

I found a diagram of their total protection kit on their link to their old site and it shows a piece that goes around the gas cap area. The tank protection kit should do this also. For some reason I can't copy and paste the URL for that page. I don't ride that much gravel so just used the clear pieces for the sides of the tank and use the rubberized shelf material for the top.

 

[Ironhand]

http://3mauto.com/products/paint-defender-products

This stuff works great.

 

[Dallara]

~


Why not a very, very nice product from one of our own members?

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=1697.0

Great stuff, good price, and exceptional service.

Just FYI...


Dallara



~

 

[SpeedStar]

Thanks Dallara!

MTBJay - Let me know if I can help. I have Tank Guards for the sides, rear and also fork guards and exhaust masks in black to cover the silver shield.

 

[Mtbjay]

Looks Good, SpeedStar. Let me give it a think… I may invest in a tank bag and from what I've seen, unless it floats over the tank w/bracket, I may want something over the top as well. Do you offer a full-coverage product?

 

[Skimo]

I just picked up a sheet of carbon fiber vinyl wrap from Advance Auto Parts in the section with all the decals, a 15 by 30 sheet for 18 bucks. Use hair dryer to conform those compound curves. Watched a couple of youtube videos and this is my first try. For flat surfaces just cut a shape and stick in on there. If you have trouble with the compound curves just put some seams in it. I did mine because a tank bag and wind blow sand/grit here in Florida is bad news on painted finishes.

 

[cosmic]

This matte vinyl job cost me 15 bucks at the local graphics studio. Now that is saved, it can easily be improved a bit, or I can use some other type of vinyl.

©

 

[Checkswrecks]

You guys must like to give money away.

Most vinyl sign maker shops will give you scraps this size for free.

 

[Skimo]

You guys must like to give money away.

Most vinyl sign maker shops will give you scraps this size for free.

we sure do, see while you northern guys have that winter down time to go beg some free vinyl from your favorite shop, us southern boys are still getting seat time . I will admit I paid for convenience not to many vinyl shops open on Sunday night. Just keep in mind not all the vinyl used for signs is automotive quality, but if its free it could be replaced on a regular basis before it fades.

 

[FrontRangeRider]

Get the Tankslapper tank protector kit in 3M. Used this stuff on several bikes and it works great.

Thetankslapper.biz

+1 on the Tankslapper protector kit.

You can also buy 3M material in bulk and do it yourself. I did that to cover the tank of my R1200 (protection from tank bag and GPS power cord) since the Tankslapper kit did not include protection forthe tank.