scratch protection

be_are_why · 03-23-2006, 11:06 AM

scratch protection for our S.

Came across this on ebay, they get $156 for a set, crazy money in my opinion. Need to get some flat sheets of the 3M clear and make a template, should be dirt cheap.

Rapid Dog · 03-23-2006, 11:19 AM

..some of that stuff I hheard is O.K., some even has non-sticky application...but on a light coloured bike when the dirt gathers around the edges with the sticky stuff, it looks worse than none at-all...

SergioK · 03-23-2006, 11:30 AM

Kinda late for those of us who's bike already have niks and scratches. This would be great on a new bike since existing marks are practically amplified when you put that stuff on.

be_are_why · 03-23-2006, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SergioK
Kinda late for those of us who's bike already have niks and scratches. This would be great on a new bike since existing marks are practically amplified when you put that stuff on.

That's what I was afraid of. Guess I will embrace my weathered patina on my 1999 S.

I will learn to love it's "character" lines. My favorite "used" look that must be earned, is the streaks rubbed out of a 70's Huskies red tank, from your knees grabbing it.

Effervescent · 03-23-2006, 12:51 PM

After 40,000 1100S miles, the only place I really see a need for this is on the area of the tank just north of the seat's front lip.

I have placed a rectangular 40mil clear 3M skin there about 15k miles ago.

-Eff

Rootboy · 03-23-2006, 01:26 PM

I've seen cheaper kits somewhere...pre-cut for where the knees and whatever comes in contact with the tank area....I'll search around

ErricZ · 03-23-2006, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Effervescent
After 40,000 1100S miles, the only place I really see a need for this is on the area of the tank just north of the seat's front lip.

I have placed a rectangular 40mil clear 3M skin there about 15k miles ago.

-Eff

Yup, that's exactly what I did on both my R11S and my TT600.

1100prep · 03-23-2006, 04:50 PM

Tankslapper.com is where i got mine 3m stuff. 15.00 dollars.

scott

wildgift · 03-24-2006, 10:57 AM

i highly recommend the stuff made by an outfit called the tankslapper. it's cut to fit the bike, and was VERY reasonably priced. it is the film that goes on with water, so it can be removed, cleaned, and remounted

very nice

lht · 03-25-2006, 09:20 AM

I have the three piece Tankslapper on my 99. Works great.

ckcarr · ckcarr's Garage

What ever happened to a decent wax coating ?

SergioK · 03-25-2006, 09:38 AM

Waxing still doesn't prevent scratches, not if you are a nut about paint. I did a varied step process (clay, meguire's ScratchX, cleaner wax, polish, final wax) and the scratches still show. Sure it does a damn good job of getting the shine out but not scratches. Too late for my S anway, she's got too many miles and too many battle scars.

lht · 03-25-2006, 09:39 AM

How does wax prevent scratches???

ckcarr · ckcarr's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by lht
How does wax prevent scratches???

I own lots of things that I wax consistently but would never put a sheet of plastic on and I am a nut about paint (OK, Maybe the invisible bras they make now).

Regular waxing with a high quality carnauba or synthetic wax will create a barrier that protects against small scratches and wear on the paint. It also "feeds" the paint and helps keep it from becoming more brittle and prone to chipping.

I'm not saying medium or large scrapes or scratches, but the large percent of minor stuff that happens. A big scratch is going to show regardless.

Sergio, at first I never waxed my bike. Now I do, and its 100% better looking than it was. Maybe yours is just the best it can be due to the miles you put on, and far better than before you did it.

spoilsport · 05-16-2010, 04:51 AM

The URL given in previous post is incorrect.

Clear 3M panels for the 11S are available from TheTankslapper.biz - The Product

poldar12s · 05-18-2010, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SergioK

Kinda late for those of us who's bike already have niks and scratches. This would be great on a new bike since existing marks are practically amplified when you put that stuff on.

I purchased a cheaper version of the protective film and noticed it make the surface look glossy. Perfect if you put on light scrathed panel since it will look clean and shiny. Maybe kinda too early to put on.

spoilsport · 05-19-2010, 05:24 AM

This kit is under $30 and easy to install. No adhesive, so easily peals off if you change your mind.

johnvalls · johnvalls's Garage

Poldar, where'd you get your for the 12s --- Tankslapper doesn't have it for our bikes ...
TIA,
jv

poldar12s · 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnvalls

Poldar, where'd you get your for the 12s --- Tankslapper doesn't have it for our bikes ...
TIA,
jv

I purchased thru ebay in 08. Not pre-cut. Came with several sheets and you have to cut by yourself. Can't remember the price but were really cheap (probably $20 range). Since you need to spend time to cut, it is cheap.

If you want to use this type of sheet, you better use a very thin tracing paper to form (or indent) the panel by pressing the boundary. Then, you cut a bit smaller than the tracing paper (about 0.5" smaller). After cut just need to spray water to attach the film... relatively easy job since you can move around a bit to position.

After two years of use on canyons where I hang off alot, I lost only right side on the tank due to constant touch with my thigh. One thing to note is that this type of cheap films do show wears by losing its glossy reflection (my RT had better films on when purchased.. think pre-cut ones.. it is much harder and won't loose shiny glossy look). I attach one photo when I put new. The R12S paint surface was dull a bit since I used without any protective films but as you can see once attached the film new.. it is glossy. So, I plan to attach again when remodel time.