Topic: Suitable tank pad?

[Jimcg]

Has any of you found a center tank pad that fits older Hondas, style wise? I don't want a modern look, "spinal type".

All I find are of the same style and shape, most of them with carbon effects, like this one:



I think I might have to mount one to hide one of my paint failures. Fixing the failure would of course be an option but I've given up on that for now. These last failures occurred when I tried to fix the ones I caused earlier so I won't do anything more at this time. There will be pictures about that in my project thread later on.

/Jim

[BenelliSEI]

Jim...... I have a small, magnetic tank bag that does exactly what you need! It’s only about 9” x 14” and a few inches thick. Great for glasses, keys and wallet. My old K1 is in great shape and I don’t want to repaint. The bag hides a few “oops” marks perfectly.

[Jimcg]

Jim...... I have a small, magnetic tank bag that does exactly what you need! It’s only about 9” x 14” and a few inches thick. Great for glasses, keys and wallet. My old K1 is in great shape and I don’t want to repaint. The bag hides a few “oops” marks perfectly.

Thanks, "Oops marks" was a good description! Creating them seem to be what I'm best at during this bike project.

I was thinking more a rubber one, permanently attached closest to the seat - to hide my mistake and also to protect against scratches from rubbing clothes while driving. In my mind a magnetic bag could and would move and create new scratches? Do you remember where you bought it?

/Jim 

[Alan F.]

You might be able to make your own tank pad from some inner tube rubber and use a gentle adhesive like rubber cement to stick it on.

Magnetic tank bags are soft underneath and when kept clean they don't move around or scratch. But you'll probably need to remove it when you fuel up.

[PeWe]

I have applied transparent tape to avoid scratches from trousers, jacket zippers when leaning over tank. Good where seat is tight to tank too.

I have a rather thick tape, not that gluey. Paint will not follow the tape when removing it.

I'm sure you can cut own transparent tape made for cars below doors.

[Jimcg]

Thanks for your advice and ideas!

I have a rather thick tape, not that gluey. Paint will not follow the tape when removing it.

That sounds interesting! If I'm lucky the seat will cover the overspray but I'm certain that the seat will push against rear part of tank so your idea would be useful. Do you happen to remember what tape it is?

/Jim

[PeWe]

The tape I use is made by Tesa.
Thick and durable. I got it from a friend that work as a carpenter and used it on a house build. I guess it cost some. My roll free of charge.

I just used 2 stripes beside each other on tank after the seat.

https://www.tesa.com/en/consumer/tesa-extra-power-transparent.html

There are several models of paint protection films for cars and more.

Like this

https://www.amazon.com/Scotchgard-Clear-Paint-Protection-60-inches/dp/B004VG8DS0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=paint+protection+tape&qid=1619195751&sr=8-3

[Alan F.]

We in the States probably can't find that brand, but we'll likely all find this: https://www.gorillatough.com/product/crystal-clear-gorilla-tape/

Thanks for the tip!

[PeWe]

Made in USA printed on the roll
Car parts/tuning parts shops have paint protection films.

[Jimcg]

Many thanks again, guys!

Now I'm sure I can solve the avoid scratch from clothes and rubbing from seat issue. Also measured the seat and I think it will cover my paint failure. 🙂

/Jim

[PeWe]

Here how my tape look like after a few years on my K6. It was almost invisible from a meter when I applied the tape.

Both my bikes have it. Better whith visible tape than scratched paint.
Time to fix it again.  I hope it is still easy to remove. Some tapes sits really hard.
I do not think that hairdrier is needed to warm up the tape.

[Alan F.]

That idea looks like a keeper for sure, thank you.

How old was your paint before you applied the tape?

[PeWe]

That tank is a Yamiya tank, at least 3 years until it got tape.
It had got a small scratch after a zipper so I realized it needed to get protection.

The tape I use is thick and not as thin and tacky as packing tape.

My K2 got tape after a few months. It has thick layer of 2k clear.

Test where seat cover tank.
Maybe paint need a month to cure to be sure?

[Jimcg]

Test where seat cover tank.
Maybe paint need a month to cure to be sure?

Thanks, I'll give it some time!

/Jim

[BenelliSEI]

That idea looks like a keeper for sure, thank you.

How old was your paint before you applied the tape?

On the “tape topic” I bought a roll of 4” wide clear tape from a supply company at a local airport (go there to buy AN fittings and Grade 8 nuts/bolts/ washers for the race car). They call it “helicopter tape”, specifically designed for the leading edge of helicopter rotor blades, to protect them from nicks and scratches. I think it’s a 3M product. We use it across wings and noses on formula cars. Keeps the paint intact, and stop bits from flying off if you get “under” the car in front. Very durable and never comes off!

[PeWe]

Can be something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07F3CN5CY/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07F3CN5CY&pd_rd_w=EQO9b&pf_rd_p=8ec87fd0-a81e-44bb-b1cf-e8234e67baab&pd_rd_wg=0zld4&pf_rd_r=60ZQ95RRPD4XZ3CR9J0B&pd_rd_r=d8b63403-65b3-4a50-a5b1-cb6794293af7

I replaced tape today. The thick Tesa tape was not hard to remove.
Paint was newer under tape. Darker blue with no thin scratches. Only the marks that inititated the use of tape as protection.

I had to use a quick light rubbing followed by polish&wax to make the tank to look equal.
Side covers too.

Tape pita to get OK.
Do not stretch tape and use soapy water before tape as with graphics.
It is easier if not too wide area when the curved tank make it trickier.

I think same shape as seat will protect enough.