Was thinking of replacing my OEM tank protector but went a different way,I was more so after protecting the sides as to replace the one that comes on our ZX14r with more or less the same protection but better effect for me im more concerned with dulling the sides of my tank so im waiting for these,ya know it,s stupid i searched here at a Kawasaki dealers and their is no listing for their own part number 168TPT0052 so i,ve had to go to a UK Kawasaki dealer for my genuine OEM side Tank protectors.

* Last updated by: bean07 on 1/15/2013 @ 1:38 AM *

That'ed be right.A dealer with no knowledge of a factory part here in OZ. Keating was right, we really do live at the "ass end of the world" :/

"ass end of the world" :/

is the Corbin seat WAY more comfortable than stock? To get one sent here (Australia) is going to cost me over $650.00.

* Last updated by: bean07 on 1/15/2013 @ 3:19 AM *

Can relate to the massive price difference's between Dealers and "the net". Recently bought some Mountain bike gear from a Local Dealer. Cost me over $500.00. Jumped on the net and could have got the whole lot, delivered, for $205.00. My fault for trusting the local dealer :( I understand they have more overheads than an internet based business (rent, staff, large in-store stock, council fees) but over double the price.......mmmmmm.

more overheads than an internet based business (rent, staff, large in-store stock, council fees)

Speaking from personal experience on running a business. Even "loading" up the shipping costs of an item wouldn't have covered my outgoings.......but your right, the internet has started making some retailers adjust their pricing to a more realistic price point. It really comes down to business etho's.....Do I charge more and sell less OR charge less and sell more. A smart business owner will find a balance between the two.
There are plenty of advantages to retail shops.Personal customer service, access to sizing of clothes/components/bikes... for example. Thats something the internet will never be able to offer.I actually feel bad for some "established Bike Retailers" as I went to buy shoes from a LBS and they said they don't stock shoes anymore as too many people were coming in, trying on shoes, getting their size, then leaving and then buying Online.I don't blame them for getting rid of stock. Makes me wonder what will happen when you will not be able to try-on/ride/physicalLy see anything before buying because every retail outlet has NO reason to carry stock!!!!

On the cost of Bikes here in OZ. Your absolutely correct........ why bikes here in OZ are 5-6 grand higher than overseas units still s#$ts me. Our "Dollar" is extremely strong. The government get a really nice "cut" thats for sure.

Getting off my "soap box" now. LOL

* Last updated by: svscott on 1/15/2013 @ 4:51 AM *

Tax whats that lol they just paint that with a "Levy" or GST on every process,Safety Cameras yeah right not, we got a once of save the Murray River Levy (TAX) here in SA trouble is it,s comes back every year since.

* Last updated by: bean07 on 1/15/2013 @ 4:22 AM *

I checked the Kawasaki catalog here in the U.S. and that part number is not valid for North America. I guess it's a European item. I'm sure there are some members on here that would be happy to send the items to you.

I travel to Europe quite often for my work so I might try to get a set of these for my bike. I certainly can't speak for Australia but based on currency fluctuations it's very expensive to buy items in the U.K. when converting from U.S. dollars. When I go shopping I buy in continental Europe in €'s. The British £ is too expensive and while I absolutely love Switzerland, the exchange rate with the CHF is just prohibitive.

It might serve you to send a e-mail to a French or German dealership and see what they will do on the price. Some are happy to converse in English and those that aren't usually don't bother replying to begin with.

You might try TechSpec. Also comes in sheets you can cut to size.

TECHSPEC TANK GRIPS

I have Snakeskin TechSpec. Have not applied it yet. Self adhesive like the OEM protector.

Why is it, that we seem to have a hard time getting OEM parts like the one mentioned above in the USA ?

If you have a 14R....(Bean)and you decide to pull that center protector off...be willing to go bonkers trying to get the glue off the tank...and that's no chit right there.They used some type of glue/taping somehow...you may regret trying to get that off...I did.Looks simple...until ya start trying to peel it up.SHEESH...just lucky I had enough patience and non scratching plastic 'tool' to get that off the tank...after about two hours.Never again!It does not just 'come off of there'..;)...and I was using the hairdryer,two small bottles of goo gone...alcohol....vegetable oil...shit...what a nightmare!It can also leave a shadow around that edge...the glue they used 'bonds' to the tank I think...it sure looked like it to me.Tried polishing,rubbing compound(very carefully)...Meguiar's Scratch remover/polish...none of that totally removed that 'shadow' that was there in a few spots.I finally gave up on it...turned out okay....but still...geez.

The ones Rookster's showing there...those are what I got....but kept the OEM center one...and reinstalled a few inches up.Using Gorilla Glue...and that never totally sealed it onto the tank...the two top tips kept wanting to come up off the surface...even after 'bending' em to follow the contour.

I'd leave that center one on there if I were you.....

Rook said..."Self adhesive like the OEM protector"...WAY easier to install and remove than that OEM deal.WAY!.And they hold great as long as ya get all the edges and air out along the way.Better get em on there right the first time...they don't like being pulled off more than one time...but they will still hold.Long as ya don't pull the adhesive 'tape' off of the pad surface as you're removing.

That OEM center protector...it's NOT a flat surface under there....it's 'hollow'...so trying to get 'the whole thing' to attach to the tank is a real frustrating job.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 1/15/2013 @ 10:15 AM *

svscott this is it mate

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* Last updated by: bean07 on 1/15/2013 @ 7:03 PM *

I fitted the 14R/ZZR1400 specific OEM gel knee pads a while back and they're a good investment. The dealer had the 1400GTR ones in stock which looked very similar and I was going to make these fit as the dealer was still waiting for stock of the new 14R pads but decided to wait and they turned up a few days later.

* Last updated by: pegscraper on 1/15/2013 @ 12:42 PM *

I agree with Rook.

Get some Tech Spec material and cut some pads to your exact liking.

Or else get their precut pads.

Very good, sturdy material and they stay on great.

I'd leave that center one on there if I were you...

,I was more so after protecting the sides as to replace the one that comes on our ZX14r

I fitted the 14R/ZZR1400 specific OEM gel knee pads a while back and they're a good investment.

* Last updated by: bean07 on 1/16/2013 @ 12:41 AM *

I assume that hole is to go around the bolt hole in the foreman grills?

I assume that hole is to go around the bolt hole in the foreman grills?

I'd like to see a photo of those installed.

I am interested!

You know...those are the oddest protectors I've ever see...those top ones.The one(two actually) V part...that goes along the tank cover just above the foreman in the corner there?I think I can see how they go on ....interesting.Yes...pics Bean!They do look cool.....interesting.Guess you'd need to cut that triangle one off that main piece to fit it to where it looks like it would go?Or maybe it just kinda snaps off there already,and ya just separate em?That triangle piece goes over the tank cover bolt and fits in that corner on the tank cover...yes?Wonder if they have those in......GREEN!

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 1/16/2013 @ 7:04 PM *

I,ve looked around everwhere for a photo of them installed I give up I,ll see for my self in a few weeks I guess

I guess I like em so much because they are fairly similar in shape to the pads I made myself out of Techspec material, long before I knew these existed.

I like how the cutouts are somewhat similar in to the main tankpad that comes on the bike.

Yes, post photos when you can, Bean. I'd be appreciated. I wonder if they are offered in black.

And where did you order yours from, if you don't mind me asking?

* Last updated by: ZX14MAN64 on 1/16/2013 @ 9:40 PM *

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Kawasaki ZZR1400 2012 Genuine Kawasaki Knee pad set.
cradleykawasaki | 10033 | 100.0%
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?Or maybe it just kinda snaps off there already,and ya just separate em?That triangle piece goes over the tank cover bolt and fits in that corner on the tank cover...yes?Wonder if they have those in......GREEN!

These are described on Kawasaki's web site as being a clear, self-adhesive, Gel knee pad. I couldn't find a picture of them installed though.

The pads for the 2011 model look pretty good with a fake carbon pattern, ZZR1400 embossed and small, red Kawasaki lettering on the lower edge. It comes with the side and center pad whereas the 2012 bike already has a center pad installed. I might see if that one will fit on my 2012 without much issue.

2012 model part number as pictured above is: 168TPT0052
2011 and all previous models part number is: 168TPT0013