TechSpec Snakeskin Tank Pads

[Lee]

They look nice but I'm not into the center piece. I don't grip a bike with my balls, so I'd rather have some sort of clear protector of some sort for that portion if anyone has a suggestion?

On the back part of the center tank cover where a jacket might rub I used a piece of clear 3M film.
You can get the film in matte if you don't like the shiny look.
On bikes without that black hump at the back of the center cover, the piece is painted plastic.

   

[Lee]

On the Imp Blue, the stainless panel ends just about 4 inches from the seat and transitions to the black panel insert. No paint to scratch.

Like you said I think it would be hard to accidentally scratch the unpainted stainless steel part, but the black section appears to be painted.
It's too bad BMW didn't make that piece rubber.
I put a piece of 3M film on the center of the black hump were a jacket may rub.
After 6 years I didn't have any scuff marks on the film.

   

I'll watch in the next few week to see if my jacket rubs that spot.
If it looks like I need a bigger piece I'll remove the one I have now and cut a larger piece in the shape of the red outline.

   
If you scratch the film it's easy to remove it and install a new piece.

[ESquared]

Installing these pads is on my task list for this week, so I'll see what I might be able to do with the center piece that comes with the kit. I guess I'm just not that concerned about it, as it just seems to be a piece of injection molded black plastic, but I'll scrutinize it further.

Plus, I installed the SW Motech Pro Ring and the Engage tank bag yesterday (pics to come) and that seems to act as a "buffer" between me/the jacket and the tank.

After 2+ days, this is about 6 square inches on the bike that I'm not fully versed on! Need to get with the program, huh?

[Pyrrho]

On the back part of the center tank cover where a jacket might rub I used a piece of clear 3M film.

This is what I'm looking for. Thanks for the tip.

[Lee]

On the back part of the center tank cover where a jacket might rub I used a piece of clear 3M film.

This is what I'm looking for. Thanks for the tip.

It's not bad to work with this stuff.
If you get it wrong, just remove it and cut a new piece.

[Motorhead1977]

Double plus on the 3M film. I'm going to get some and install it this coming weekend. Thanks for the info.

[ESquared]

Took this on today, and snapped a quick pic. Like GG says in his fine video, there are lots of curves going on with this tank, so basically nothing runs exactly parallel to the cut of the pad. I did my best to align it with the bottom edge, as shown in the TechSpec photo. I placed about 2" of masking tape along that line as a lower edge guide.
PanelWipe is a great cleaner for prepping areas like this - lots of alcohol and other solvents, and it dries/evaporates in seconds. The instructions also recommend a warm surface, so I ran the blow-dryer on it for a bit prior to peeling. Worked from rear to front on both sides.
Turned out fine, IMO; like that the pad sort of disappears into the paint and the shadows cast by the cut of the tank above it.
More to share, but gotta go for now!

[Grumpy Goat]

Beautiful job. Well done and the thorough cleaning of the surface will pay off big time over the years. Mine is still firmly stuck on and has not shifted.

[ESquared]

Beautiful job. Well done and the thorough cleaning of the surface will pay off big time over the years. Mine is still firmly stuck on and has not shifted.

Thanks for the endorsement. I added the set to the Scrambler above, but this was WAY more 'multi-dimensional' with all those tank angles! Can't wait to go try it out this weekend.

[Grumpy Goat]

Thanks for the endorsement. I added the set to the Scrambler above, but this was WAY more 'multi-dimensional' with all those tank angles! Can't wait to go try it out this weekend.

I have a 30” inseam and on the RS these pads are in the perfect place for a good grip with the insides of my knees. But not all bikes fit you the same. I am yet to install any pads on the Tracer because when my knees contact the bike is lower than the tank sides and more on the plastic trim below the tank. That’s a shame because I’d love to install these on the Tracer. Best pads I ever had.

Best bike for gripping with knees was my S1000R, though. Even better than the RS. That bike was a perfect fit and very comfortable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Lee]

I did my best to align it with the bottom edge, as shown in the TechSpec photo. I placed about 2" of masking tape along that line as a lower edge guide.

Good idea.