I have one of the large carbon fiber look Progrip tank protectors on my 14 and up until now it has done yeomen service. I was out in the sun Saturday and noticed my jacket is scuffing up the clearcoat on both sides of the tank protector. It does a great job of keeping your zippers on your jackets and jeans from scratching the tank but around the sides it's not protecting. I hate the look of tank bras, they're just plain ugly. There has to be a clear stick on type protector or an alternative is to have flannel patches sewn on to my riding jacket in the areas that contacts the tank.

Kruz

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I'm planning on getting a "Magknight" protector which looks a lot more hightech than the tank bra I currently have (and never use). The Magknight looks like it covers about all of the contact area on the tank. If that doesn't prevent all jacket scuffs, "Tank Slapper" clear film seems like it would work. Only complaint I've heard with tank slapper is that it leaves some bubbles under the film. I would think if you were very careful and applied just a few square inches at a time, gently burnishing down and pealing the backing off in stages, you'd get the stuff stuck on with no bubbles. It would take some practice, but you'd get get the hang of it because you'd be changing the film every so often.

Rook

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/13/2009 @ 10:33 AM *

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I use Motorax Fiber Carbon and in addition, most of the time I carry Recon 11 Tank bag, which offers additional protection. http://www.zx14ninjaforums.com/messages.cfm?threadid=123CA86D-1372-66AE-3B88565A7339361B&page=1&searchTerm=tank%20bag#8

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I really like my MagKnight.http://www.mag-knight.com/

Like you, I don't like standard style tank bras, and the MagKnight was a better looking option with equal protection, IMO. I do, however, wish that the MagKnight, itself, was a bit tougher. The magnet on my tankbag has gnarled up the MagKnight a bit.

If I were to get something different, I'd go with Tech Spec.

http://www.techspec-usa.com/products/gs_kawasaki.html

Sounds like you want some Tank Slapper film, though.

http://www.thetankslapper.biz/comparison.html

The zx14 kit will only run you about $20 shipped.

* Last updated by: DogoZX on 4/13/2009 @ 12:02 PM *

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That Tech Spec setup looks really cool but it wouldn't cover enough of the tank to protect against leather, I don't think. All it takes is a few rides and the tank is dulled where my jacket touches it. This kind of thing is easy to fix but after so many rubouts, you'd polish right through the clearcoat.

I am also starting to notice a scuff mark on the frame where my calf/ankle area crosses it. It just looked like dust at first but now I see it is subtle mark in the paint surface and it doesn't wash off. Anyone else have this happenning?

Rook

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This kind of thing is easy to fix but after so many rubouts, you'd polish right through the clearcoat.

What are you rubbing the swirls out with Rook? I use Carnuba paste only when polishing my bikes, no abrasives! The carnuba will fill some of the finer scratches if they're not too deep and restore the brilliance for awhile. I've also noticed another benefit of a good wax coat and that is it prevents future scratches. Under light pressure like your jacket would apply, the wax acts as a barrier film or lubricant. It appears like you have scratched the paint but a little rubout and it looks like new again. I need to try the waxd idea first before proceeding further. I've notice that the Progrip tank protector will dull out with haze but a dab of Carnuba and it looks like new again as well.

Kruz

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I had to discontinue use of my MagKnight. At higher speeds (over 180kmh) it would seperate from the tank and peel back. At lower speeds it was great but I do have a zx-14.

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I had to discontinue use of my MagKnight. At higher speeds (over 180kmh) it would seperate from the tank and peel back. At lower speeds it was great but I do have a zx-14.

Interesting. I've never had an issue with mine. I spent ALOT of time with a heatgun getting it to fit.

180kmh is only about 110mph. That's just cruzin' on a zx14. I'd have trashed it too!

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I agree that it should not happen. But I got fed up with attempting to hold it in place with my leg. Now it lives on the side of my tool chest.

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Does anyone know of anyone that make the Side Tank protectors in GLOSS BLACK that will "blend" in with my Black bike ?
I just don't like the CLEAR

Does anyone know of anyone that make the Side Tank protectors in GLOSS BLACK that will "blend" in with my Black bike ?
I just don't like the CLEAR

Pretty sure you can order the 3M adhesive film ($30 stuff) from tankslapper in any color you want. They don't have a color option at checkout, though. You'd have to email 'em.

* Last updated by: DogoZX on 4/14/2009 @ 4:20 PM *

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Rook:

This kind of thing is easy to fix but after so many rubouts, you'd polish right through the clearcoat.

Kruz:

What are you rubbing the swirls out with Rook? I use Carnuba paste only when polishing my bikes, no abrasives! The carnuba will fill some of the finer scratches if they're not too deep and restore the brilliance for awhile

I used a product called Ice Liquid Claybar. It's made by Turtlewax. It removes swirls and if you rub long enough it will even take away small scratches. It will leave behind super-fine swirl lines but they are a lot smaller than the swirls that occur from normal use of the bike. The tiny lines from the Liquid Claybar fill in with the application of Ice Paste Polish. This seems to do the same job as the carnauba you are using.

I never recomend anyone use this method until the swirls become unbarable to look at, like after a year of riding. It works very well but it obviously removes a tiny bit of clearcoat every time you use it.

BTW, I've decided the only thing that is going to really protect the tank from scratches other than a full tank bra is Tank Slapper. I see the top edges of my tank are scuffed and neither half bras nor MagKnight cover that area. Damn, that leather is tough on paint finish. I haven't even ridden much yet this year and it's starting all over.

Rook

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I have the color matched MagKnight and you can barely tell it's there. Great product and absolutely no problems with extreme XXX speeds. LOL.

In addition, because I often wear Kevlar pants (very scratchy), I also covered the area directly under the seat where my thighs rub with "N-Style" adhesive products (similar to 3M). Basically, I made a template and cut out accordingly. Again, can't even tell it's there.

* Last updated by: CoolWhip on 4/15/2009 @ 7:57 PM *

Coolwhip wrote:

I also covered the area directly under the seat where my thighs rub with "N-Style" adhesive products (similar to 3M). Basically, I made a template and cut out accordingly. Again, can't even tell it's there.

That's the direction I've been leaning. None of the commercially available products I've looked at offer any real degree of protection in the areas where my jacket is scratching the clearcoat. Where can you get sheets of the 3M adhesive backed vinyl material?

Kruz

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Kruz wrote:

That's the direction I've been leaning. None of the commercially available products I've looked at offer any real degree of protection in the areas where my jacket is scratching the clearcoat. Where can you get sheets of the 3M adhesive backed vinyl material?

Kruz

Kruz, you might want to try Invisible Mask (scroll down to "Clear Paint Protection Film by the foot").

Personally, I have been using N-Style (last few bikes) & they make it in clear and various colors. Let me know if I should dig up that info. Otherwise, I think the 3M link (above) may work for you. Just verify that it is adhesive material before you order & not that silly stuff you put on with water and a squeegee.

* Last updated by: CoolWhip on 4/16/2009 @ 2:30 PM *

On the films we are discussing- The tankslapper and 3M products look like they come precut in 3 shapes to fit the back and sides of the tank. This tells me there is going to be a seam visable where the pieces meet. I see the invisable mask comes in sheets/rolls up to 24" wide. I'm having my doubts that even that could provide a large enough piece to cover the whole top, back and sides. Seems like you would need to add a piece somewhere and there would be a seam. Has anyone ever been successful covering the whole tank with a single sheet of film - no seams?

Rook

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Coolwhip wrote:

Kruz, you might want to try Invisible Mask (scroll down to "Clear Paint Protection Film by the foot").

Personally, I have been using N-Style (last few bikes) & they make it in clear and various colors. Let me know if I should dig up that info. Otherwise, I think the 3M link (above) may work for you. Just verify that it is adhesive material before you order & not that silly stuff you put on with water and a squeegee.

Thanks Coolwhip, I checked that 3M site out and this stuff looks like it might just do the trick and you can buy it by the foot at a reasonable cost. What about flexibility to make those compound curves on the tank?

Kruz

* Last updated by: Kruz on 4/21/2009 @ 7:11 AM *

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This month's Cycle World featured an article on Stompgrip Traction Pads...They also have a pic with a ZX14...It looks ok.

www.stompdesign.com

Kruz wrote:

Thanks Coolwhip, I checked that 3M site out and this stuff looks like it might just do the trick and you can buy it by the foot at a reasonable cost. What about flexibility to make those compound curves on the tank?

Kruz

When applying your customized-adhesive-templates, take your time & be patient. Make sure you apply it in a linear fashion to eliminate the air bubbles. Basically, "work it in" slowly from side to side while firmly pressing and sort of "ironing it on" little by little (hope that is descriptive enough). ...And if you fook up, the stuff is cheap enough to cut & try again. LOL. Have fun!

Cool beans, I'll give it a shot!

Kruz

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