Advice on tank scuffing

[Chisanga]

Hi all,

I got a brand new bike yesterday and it is black. Whilst I am aware this will show up anything and everything in stark relief I am a little concerned that there is already a little bit of scuffing on the tank after only 36km ridden!

Should I just accept that the tank will get heavily scuffed or should I investigate some sort of protection for it e.g. 3M products etc. and does anyone know how much this costs... I would prefer a professional job rather than me doing it and it looking crappy.

Any advice will be much appreciated.

[vifferman]

Where is the scuffing and what is it from? If it's from summat that's going to happen all the time (like the front of your jacket on the rear of the tank) then definitely invest in a tank pad or whatever.

[Chisanga]

I believe it is from my leather-covered knee against the side of the tank.

[Grub]

Where's the scuffing? Have you got one of those protectors on the tank where you lean on it? I don't know how to describe it, they look like they have 'wings' and run from where the seat meets the tank up towards the filler. This protects the paint really well, all the bike shops have them. You can get different colours or a clear one. I don't think they cost more than $20 tops

Edit: ahhh if it's from your knees, you buy a clear abrasion resistance film from the bike shop. It comes in various thicknesses. The reall thick stuff works well but is difficult to put on without bubbles, especially on compound curves. The other possibility is to get stuck into the tank with a good thick cream silicone polish and layer it on, wipe it off and do it again and again until the silicone builds up a nice slippery surface

[Chisanga]

Where's the scuffing? Have you got one of those protectors on the tank where you lean on it? I don't know how to describe it, they look like they have 'wings' and run from where the seat meets the tank up towards the filler. This protects the paint really well, all the bike shops have them. You can get different colours or a clear one. I don't think they cost more than $20 tops

Hi Grub, I will be getting one of those but this is on the side of the tank where my knees are.

[MSTRS]

Get the purpose-made 3M stuff, or there are similar equivalents out there. You will not be able to by this retail, but go see someone like a vehicle detailer/pin-striper and they can either fit or sell to you. I do this stuff myself and would recommend that you get it done by an 'expert'.
Do not get that horrible thick anti-scuff crap that the bike shops sell...it is garbage.

[nodrog]

if you want somthing that is functional and protects your tank, get some stomp grip. heres a photo of it on my bike

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=101229&d=1216766298

and i believe they make a pre cut kit for a 675 (i had to fabricate mine from a sheet)

[Blackbird]

3M clear film is really good. Haven't got a photo of it on the tank sides and rear, but here's a photo of it round the front of the headlight - you can only see a fine line and NO air bubbles. I had it professionally applied by one of those auto companies that does pinstriping and tinted windows etc. They are really on top of their game. They did the front of my wife's MX 5 too and it's virtually invisible.

[trumpy]

Get the purpose-made 3M stuff, or there are similar equivalents out there. You will not be able to by this retail, but go see someone like a vehicle detailer/pin-striper and they can either fit or sell to you. I do this stuff myself and would recommend that you get it done by an 'expert'.
Do not get that horrible thick anti-scuff crap that the bike shops sell...it is garbage.

++1
Don't try and do it yourself, pay the extra and get it done properly, you won't regret it.

[Chisanga]

Thanks for all your advice. I gave 3m a call today and they gave me the number of a Tauranga based dude. I gave him a call and he came round this evening and fit some of their product on. Excellent service and you can hardly see the lines where it has been applied.

So I recommend: Alan Heath from Paint Protection Services 0800 800 817. Great guy and fantastic service. Does bikes, cars and trucks and spends about 3 days a week in Auckland.

[McJim]

Hi all,

I got a brand new bike yesterday and it is black. Whilst I am aware this will show up anything and everything in stark relief I am a little concerned that there is already a little bit of scuffing on the tank after only 36km ridden!

Should I just accept that the tank will get heavily scuffed or should I investigate some sort of protection for it e.g. 3M products etc. and does anyone know how much this costs... I would prefer a professional job rather than me doing it and it looking crappy.

Any advice will be much appreciated.

Bring your trumpy down here for the Burt Munro so we can scuff it up throuh the Catlins (20km+ of Twilight Road type corners but with better scenery and beaches :devil2:)

Congrats on your purchase. Can't believe you didn't buy an Italian twin.

[Chisanga]

Bring your trumpy down here for the Burt Munro so we can scuff it up throuh the Catlins (20km+ of Twilight Road type corners but with better scenery and beaches :devil2:)

Congrats on your purchase. Can't believe you didn't buy an Italian twin.

It was a close call between a monster, a supersport and a triumph. Best of British (with little bits made in Thailand) won the day!

Sounds bloody nice when you crank them up... not quite as loud as your beastie though :)

[McJim]

.. not quite as loud as your beastie though :)

The extra 75cc and 50 odd horsepower makes up for the lack of noise though dunnit?

[Chisanga]

The extra 75cc and 50 odd horsepower makes up for the lack of noise though dunnit?

Certainly does!! It's a tad faster than the VTR250 :)

The demo I rode had Arrow exhausts but to be honest I prefer the sound of the bog standard cans!

[McJim]

Certainly does!! It's a tad faster than the VTR250 :)

The demo I rode had Arrow exhausts but to be honest I prefer the sound of the bog standard cans!

Good. I'm glad to hear that it is everything that you want.

I have that 3M stuff on my bike but I bought it second hand like that and have no idea how much it cost.

[MVnut]

Would've thought nothing would scuff up in only 36km. good luck getting it sorted