Protect your tank!! [Archive]

lightstorm

27th May 2003, 09:16 AM

Just took delivery of my Tankslapper Total Protection Kit
( <b><a href="http://www.thetankslapper.biz">www.thetankslapper.biz</a></b> )and fitted it to the SV1000s.
Very happy with the finish with only a couple of fine adjustments needed.

Covers the tank spine, knee pockets, top of tank for tank bag ( 3 pieces ), front of belly pan ( 5 pieces ), headlight covers and rear ducktail where legs and straps can rub.

All for less than $50 USD - $78 AUD.

I also ordered my tankslapper kit in all 3M adhesive to make sure it stuck.

Important to follow the install instructions from the web page!!!!

I will still fit a carbon tank protector and rear hugger when they are available from www.geelongcarboncraft.com.au.
These guy do great carbon products.

Cheers

Nico

27th May 2003, 10:30 AM

Yes Lightstorm,
I agree the Geelong Carbon Craft Stuff is good I have had tank protectors for my previous two bikes from them, very good fit and finish. I have already placed an order with my local dealer so hope they arn't far away.

Nico. :niceone:

Flange

28th May 2003, 09:07 AM

Squint hard and check out this tank protector...

BJAM

28th May 2003, 04:30 PM

Hi, have found after 900 miles that the immediate sides of the tank (groin and inner thigh area) scuff really easily. Most of my miles were in the wet and the road grit and grime must build up between your legs and act as an abrasive. I have ordered the Tankslapper kit - still waiting for it to arrive. Until then I am applying ample polish to try to protect. If the paintwork ends up looking tatty I will respray all panels with something a little less cheap and more durable.

fugaziiv

28th May 2003, 09:48 PM

that tank protector is smooth...

Nico

29th May 2003, 03:12 AM

Very nice, where did you get it or is it home made?

Flange

29th May 2003, 06:45 AM

Home made. Also did the Suzuki "S" symbol on the sides of the tank, plus the fairing and bellypan. The stuff I used is .1mm thick & it's called ORACAL SERIE 651 INTERMEDIATE. Got it from a local signwriter for $10 per 600mm wide meter length - another signwriter tried to sting me $100 per meter! What the bike shops sell is normally .4mm. If anybody's inclined to give it a try let me know & I will send them what I know, but warning - it took me two days solid work.

Cheers
Flange

BMWDavid

8th June 2003, 04:34 PM

I had a 1/2 tank cover on order from Targa at my dealer. It was on back order and due to ship on 6-10. I stopped by the dealer on 6-6 to pick up an order and asked how the tank cover was looking for shipment. Dealer said it was still on back order and shipping was still unknown. Then he said "wait a second" he brought a box that Suzuki had just sent him. In there was a 1/2 tank bra for the SV. It has a carbon fiber look with an embossed SV logo on the top. It looks great and fits perfect. It is better looking than the Targa cover due to the SV logo. So if any one is looking for tank protection check your Suzuki dealer for this.

BJAM

8th June 2003, 05:31 PM

Hey David, sounds great. Do you have a digital camera so we can see what your talking about? Did the cover have a part number?

BMWDavid

9th June 2003, 12:41 AM

I don't have a digital camera, sorry. The Suzuki part number is: 99950-64045 price is $39.95. My dealer sold it to me for $31.00 as they only received one SV for the year and I bought it. He was glad to sell it to me at a discount and not have to send it back to Suzuki.

rjk

9th June 2003, 05:49 AM

Just got the tankslapper full kit a few days ago. Definitely, take your time and clean your bike! It isn't hard, just don't rush it. The finished results are nice...no one can tell they're on unless you point it out. As for durability, it's too soon...only have 230 miles since application. So far so good.....

BJAM

9th June 2003, 07:16 AM

Hi Rik, just fitted my Tankslapper kit and couldn't agree with you any more about keeping everything clean! Did you have any difficulty with the middle of the tank in the crotch area? Mine keeps bubbling up do to the compound curve there and, short on refitting it, I'm not sure what to do.

rjk

9th June 2003, 03:27 PM

BJAM66...that middle section was tricky. I was just persistant with the squeegy. Mine's not perfect...a couple small bubbles, but nothing to worry about. I use a magnetic tank bag and after my 220 mile trip yesterday, I did notice some marks imbedded on the top "slapper" likely due to dirt. Better to mark up the tankslapper than the paint though! Will update how this holds up over time.

Rain in the forecast for next weekend :angry: Bummer.

BJAM

10th June 2003, 05:42 AM

My worry rik is that if you get caught out in the rain or wash your bike this Tankslapper product will start to peel off again. Not a problem somewhere hot and dry but in the UK...... I will just have to wait for that inevitable rain shower.

rjk

10th June 2003, 02:29 PM

I live in the Pacific North West...and we are not known for hot & dry conditions :ryan: The tankslapper site does say you can wash your bike so I think it will do fine in the rain. You just want to be careful not to pull up a corner. Looks like mine are sticking pretty well :niceone:

rjk

7th July 2003, 06:50 PM

Have had the tankslapper on my bike for about 2000 miles. Through 5 or so washes, it looks to stay in place just fine. Some dirt staining where my tank bag rests...but better than paint scratches. :niceone:

BigThumpa

7th July 2003, 07:00 PM

Had my Tankslapper (http://www.thetankslapper.com) kit on for a couple of weeks now. Very happy with it and also with the service from the California based outfit.

It took 5 days to arrive from the initial order. One of the side panels was slightly marked, I think due to abrasion from the squidgee I ordered at the same time on its long journey to me.

I e-mailed Tankslapper.com and told them - got an apology and two replacement panels FOC through the post 5 days later. A few UK companies could learn some lessons about service here! :D

Total cost after P&P - under £16.

BigThumpa

7th July 2003, 07:03 PM

By the way, don't bother ordering a squidgee - an old credit card works even better.

Also, read the instructions carefully, and if you're in the UK you'll probably need a hairdryer. They say it's best fitted on a day that's damp, still and the temperature is above 70. Dunno about where you live, but where I am I get all those three, but never on the same day!

WISV1K

8th July 2003, 02:56 AM

I used clear vinyl that a local sign company uses for stactic window clings. Comes off and goes on easy but stays where you need it. Just cut to whatever size you need. Almost impossible to see too. Then I got a silver color tank bra from Second Look. A bit expensive but fit is awesome and the silver color looks better than black ones. I can't seem to post a pic but I would be happy to e-mail it to someone to post it for me.

BigThumpa

8th July 2003, 06:09 PM

Pix posted on behalf of WIS1K:

BigThumpa

8th July 2003, 06:12 PM

And another

BigThumpa

8th July 2003, 06:13 PM

And finally

hung_mother

8th July 2003, 10:43 PM

Just had a look at the Second Look (http://www.second-look.com/Store/index.html?catalog632_0.html) site....nice!

Can't wait until they've got a photo of the blue one.

:beer:

rocket190

9th July 2003, 12:56 AM

I also have the tank slapper. I've even power washed my bike with it on at the car wash. Stayed on fine. I highly recommend it.

rjk

9th July 2003, 03:07 AM

I guess I've never been a huge fan of tank bra's...I like to be able to see the paint. :ph34r: The SL looks to be a quality item but I'll stick with the Tank Slapper. :niceone: