Tankpads/protectors

[Karlbristol]

All of my previous bikes have come with tank pads already attached, and now I find myself with a different bike that is exactly how it rolled out of the factory and it doesn't have a tank pad on.

I started looking around at designs instinctively thinking that I would stick one on my bike ASAP and then wondered if it's actually worth it...

Do they protect against zip marks or is it rare to get zip marks with a decent leather jacket and is it actually more of a style thing?
How many of you have them and how many think that they are a waste of space?

I'm intrigued...

I currently ride a blue and white GSX650 and am struggling to find anything that would suit it and look relatively OEM hence why I am also having second thoughts.
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Currently riding: GSX650
Currently own but rarely drive: Boring family '12 plate VRS Octavia estate

[CaNsA]

[pinkyfloyd]

[-Matt-]

They do help if you get a decent one but it likely wont be any less obvious than a lot of scratches. Dont be fooled by many ebay ad's that sell tank protectors that are paper thim vinyl, or almost paper entirely - it wont last two seconds.

I use heavy duty rubberised ones and colour match as close as possible.
https://i57.tinypic.com/96c0sp.jpg

[Ayrton]

My brothers ybr tank had loads of scratches on before he put a protector on it. he only used it about 10 times too.

[Supermoto_Fan]

Got a clear one like matts, ideal. And if I was buying new id ask for a fancy oem one.
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr

[Polarbear]

I didnlt bother with my explorer and one day I hadn't noticed the top of one of the poppers on my jacket at lower belly height had broken. I now have some lovely deep scratches on the tank

Fit one
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Baffler186]

Never had them, but always have worn textile jacket not leather. Also, all my bikes have been upright position so maybe I wasn't leaning over the tank much?
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Current: 2009 SV650 S, 1990 Kawasaki GT550
Previous: 2009 CBF125, 1998 GSF600, 2004 FZ6 Fazer, 1978 CB400a Hondamatic

[Karlbristol]

Thanks for the input everyone

I guess I will start looking for a decent one that fits in with my bike/colour scheme

Does anyone have any photos of pads attached to their tanks? - I've been advised to avoid the clear ones like the plague... Apparently they trap air bubbles and also discolour with time.
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Currently riding: GSX650
Currently own but rarely drive: Boring family '12 plate VRS Octavia estate

[daverave999]

The previous owner must have put this on, but I'm happy with it.
https://daverave999.com/tankpad.jpg
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2007 Versys 650 2001 Yamaha XJ600S Diversion
HT: Imagine a bike......A bike designed by way of crude polls, assembled by cretins using the finest hammers that Lidl had on offer.

[Knacker]

Mine came with the bike but I'd assume it was stuck on at the factory as it's on perfectly and the blue/white bits line up properly

https://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb259/Squeaky_86_2007/IMG_1116.jpg

However the 1 on my Srad was quite cool (even though I don't like Guiness, loads of people asked me where I got it from)

https://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb259/Squeaky_86_2007/postbox.jpg
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Current: Gsxr 600 Srad - GS125 - DT125
Previous: K1 GSXR 1000

[Karlbristol]

I've just bought one - it should be with me on Thursday... I will post pictures when it's on

Thanks for the advice and photos one and all it really helped

Oh and Knacker the one you've got on your GSXR looks the bog dollocks
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Currently riding: GSX650
Currently own but rarely drive: Boring family '12 plate VRS Octavia estate

[-Matt-]

[MC]

Are there any tank pads that offer nad protection?
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Yamaha MT-03 '08 (crashed)
Honda XR-125L '04

[MarJay]

The paint on my Street Triple is so thin that it scratched when I brushed the edge of a socket against it when undoing one of the bolts. I had the tank resprayed and so put a huge carbon tank protector on it. I'm not sure on the carbon but it's the largest one I could get.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[_Iain_]

[Knacker]

[Polarbear]

[defblade]

I think my next bike is non-padded as well, so I've been looking what's available.

There's a lot of skulls. Lots of skulls, and lots of demons. They've all got big pointy teeth, right where I'm about to put my 'nads. It all seems a bit wrong to me.

There don't seem to be any of girls, bent over with butt cheeks spread waiting for me, so I expect I'll go for a very plain one.
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Honda Varadero 125cc => Suzuki Bandit 650 33bhp => 77bhp =>
BMW K1200R Sport 163bhp => Aprilia Shiver GT 750 95bhp

[1198]

I'd try and get the pad warm before fitting it. It'll make it more flexible and likely to accommodate the curves, and the glue will have a better chance.
I didn't fit one to my 1198 when I picked it up as I don't like them too much. Wish I had now...

[Richy CB1000]

Next time the old tank gets a respray, I'll be using that 3M clear sheet stuff.

It's the same stuff you see on some areas of cars for stone chip protection, front of flared arches etc..

Lightly wet it, hair drier it on (like wrap) can't hardly see it when on plus would give better protection for that expensive good looking paint job.

[Shinigami]

mine came with an FZ6 branded one already on, it's really thick and gel/rubbery, will prob leave it on
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Current: Honda City Fly CLR125 2003 Honda CB600F Hornet 2008 Yamaha FZ6 S2 + 1991 Kawasaki GPZ500
"Once you realize what a joke everything is, being the Comedian is the only thing that makes sense.