Tankslapper

[KitsapFJR]

Hi,

Has anyone tried the "Tankslapper" tank protector film? It's this clear film that goes over the back of the gas tank to protect it against zipper and button scratches. Having a brand new bike and already seeing a few very small surfacy scratches, I'm thinking about it.

Any other ideas on how to protect the tank? I'm not into the look of those stick on protectors. I'd prefer a clear solution.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[SkooterG]

I got the kit for my 04 several years ago. It ain't perfect. Hard to install, and sometimes with the right combination of poor installation, rain, and wind, pieces can come off. But, I liked it, and it worked. I would get the 3 tank pieces in the optional 3M film, not the tankslapper stuff. It's harder to install, but will last a lot longer.

 

[weekend rider]

To protect your tank I use and prefer the 'MAG KNIGHT 'thank protector been on since I got the bike in 05. mine is carbon fiber look

weekend rider

 

[KitsapFJR]

Hi Weekend,

I saw the Mag Knight ones online and I like the look of it. It even comes in a blue color, though I'm not sure how close it matches.

Have you tried to take it off? Is it adhesive, or magnetic? Are they all magnetic or just the expensive ones? I've had some magnetic things in the past scratch the paint if even the smallest bit of dust is under it. Finally, if magnetic, how well do they conform to the tank? Are there wrinkles, or does it lay down pretty well?

The whole idea is to protect the paint, but if it's impossible to take off then what's the use?

Steve

 

[huchieglide]

I have the tankslapper kit on my 06. I was difficult to get "right" at first but with some practice I sorta got the hang of it. Also the first cuts on the 06 tank pieces were inacurate and I had some overlapping on the tank. . They have since sent a replacement tank kit but I have not put it on yet as the original kit is on and doing its job but the overlap can been seen. Oh well. The real pain was putting it on the saddle bags. Huge hassle. I messed with it for a long time before it was acceptable. One leading edge on the bags has since lifted in a rain storm but it went back down fairly easily. For the money it does the job. Inexpensive enough to redo every few years.

 

[beardo]

I seem to agree with most of the comments above. It can be difficult to install the first time, but once you get the hang of it it's not too difficult in my opinion. I also think that a hair dryer is necessary for the areas of complex curves... you need to get the film warm in order for it to form right. I've had the kit on my 04 for about 3 years now. I did replace one of the top side case pieces once. However, I've now lost both of the top side case pieces and have not replaced them. I guess I just drive TOO fast, as they blow off. The kits is fairly cheap. So for anyone considering it, I say go ahead and try it... only if you are the patient type though since it may seem to be difficult to install the first couple of pieces.

That's my 2 cents,

BeardO

 

[FjrVfr]

Kitsap,

I have the MagKnight on my '06 and I'm pretty happy with it. I almost returned it at first because I couldn't get a good fit. Then I watched the video they have online and found out that a heat gun is essential to get it right - no wrinkles at all. The color is close but you can see a slight difference in the right light. As I recall, they have some pictures online (though I could never get past that beautiful gal with her Kawasaki).

To answer your questions, it's completely magnetic (no adhesive) and can come off anytime. I've pulled up either side for cleaning and I see no evidence of scratching. They're a little pricey but overall I'm pleased with it.

Good luck.

 

[motorgod]

I've had the tankslapper for 2+years on my '05. I have never had a problem with it up to 144mph...and numerous trips past 100. It was easy to install...lots of water with a tinge of soap to help move it around.

 

[FJRME]

On my 05, the tankslapper has worked well for over a year. I bought the tank kit, plus paid I think $5.00 extra for the pieces that cover the silver side panels. I have kevlar gear, so I didn't want to scratch the finish. It has to be reapplied every so often, but for a little over twenty bucks, very worthwhile. I remove it when I want to wax the tank(wax the tank before installing the slapper also), then reapply. The 3m stuff is good, but you'd better get it right the first time with no bubbles or it will look like shit. And with that stuff you don't get a second chance. It does not remove and reapply very well. The magknight is cool, but pricey($100), and takes a little massaging and blow dryer work to get it to lay down without the inside corners sticking up. Dude, for twenty bucks, give it a go. If you don't like it, you're not out that much. their customer service is very good also. Call them and they will give you very patient detailed instructions on how to apply. But here's the best tip: Take the fuzzy side of a piece of velcro and adhere it to a credit card with the velcro half off the edge of the card. This application tool and a dryer, alot of water, and some patience, and the slapper will be nearly invisible.

 

[ejworthen]

I just bought the 3M Tankslapper kit but have yet to put it on. Ive also been thinking about adding one of these carbon fibre tank protectors to the bike. If anyone wants one let me know. I'm trying to put a group buy together. If I can get 10 orders for carbon fibre tank protectors for ANY BIKE they will give a 15% discount.

https://www.geelongcarboncraft.com.au/store...;category_id=13

 

[caryt]

I just bought the 3M Tankslapper kit but have yet to put it on. Ive also been thinking about adding one of these carbon fibre tank protectors to the bike. If anyone wants one let me know. I'm trying to put a group buy together. If I can get 10 orders for carbon fibre tank protectors for ANY BIKE they will give a 15% discount.https://www.geelongcarboncraft.com.au/store...;category_id=13

Do the have pictures of the blue one? I didn't see it, I would be interested. How do they attach? How much in dollars?

Cary

 

[ejworthen]

I just bought the 3M Tankslapper kit but have yet to put it on. Ive also been thinking about adding one of these carbon fibre tank protectors to the bike. If anyone wants one let me know. I'm trying to put a group buy together. If I can get 10 orders for carbon fibre tank protectors for ANY BIKE they will give a 15% discount.

https://www.geelongcarboncraft.com.au/store...;category_id=13

Do the have pictures of the blue one? I didn't see it, I would be interested. How do they attach? How much in dollars?

Cary

I'm trying to find out what color the blue is and how exactly it attaches. I'll post info when I get it. The set pictured is $120 Australian dollars. With the 15% discount and converted to USD it works out to around $70.00 not including shipping.

 

[caryt]

I'm trying to find out what color the blue is and how exactly it attaches. I'll post info when I get it. The set pictured is $120 Australian dollars. With the 15% discount and converted to USD it works out to around $70.00 not including shipping.

:yahoo:

 

[ejworthen]

Here's a pic of what the blue looks like although on a different bike. They said the color is very subtle and only shows up in direct sunlight. Has something to do with how they weave the carbon fibre.

They're reply:



The coloured material that we have is Kevlar/carbon and it’s the Kevlar part that has been tinted. The Blue is in the normal weave carbon unlike the other colours which are in the larger weave Twill carbon. This means that the Blue is very subtle and only really shows up when the sun is on it, you can then see the Blue Kevlar. If you have a look on the Triumph section you can see a Large Sprint Tank Protector which is shown in the Blue.

 

[FJRMGM]

had mine on for two years and 37k miles and about to replace the top of the bags and along the side of the tank.

Mine did what it was supposed to do and protected the paint with no problems at all.

 

[pawtracks]

You can read my review here

I concur with most of the folks, it works well, most pieces are really easy to apply.

Note: the most is in italics

Hint: the lower cowling & side bags are the only areas that really gave me any trouble

I have the tough 3M material on the headlights, side bags, lower cowling under the radiator and the pieces near your heels/boots on my 2005 FJR. The rest of the bike is removable tankslapper film (take it off clean it, reapply every so often) Reapply frequency depends on how dirty the conditions you ride in are. I did live in San Diego so very little rain, a little dusty and the tank pieces would start to pull up after a month or so. They are really easy to apply on the tank (really the only pieces I ever have to mess with)

Nothing will allow you to abuse your bike and keep it looking new but the tankslapper film does help and blends in nice (almost disappears)

If you allow the bike to get real dirty, where dirt is allowed to get under the film's edges you will find it is easier to just pull it off the tank, wash both the film and tank and reapply. If it gets dirty it will start lifting off at higher speeds.

I've got 5000 miles (many at triple digits speeds) and it still gets my vote

P.S. I keep them clean and polished with some plexus spray

 

[Skully]

Had that clear slapper. After all the fuss, scratched the tank right above it.

Let me konw if you decide on the cobalt blue magnetic protector discussed above.

 

[caryt]

Put me down for the blue for my 06, looks good

Cary

 

[VicaDon]

Hi,
Has anyone tried the "Tankslapper" tank protector film? It's this clear film that goes over the back of the gas tank to protect it against zipper and button scratches. Having a brand new bike and already seeing a few very small surfacy scratches, I'm thinking about it.

Any other ideas on how to protect the tank? I'm not into the look of those stick on protectors. I'd prefer a clear solution.

Thanks,

Steve

I bought the Tankslapper kit for my bike. Was time consuming to put on. Took hours, looked good, but it did not stand up well. It collected moisture, dirt, bugs, etc. underneath as the windsteam, rain, etc. lifts it up. If you get it in the 3-M semi-permanent form it might be ok.

I am now using the MAG KNIGHT tank protector. It takes some patience and attention to the instructions, it looks good and works as advertised. I think the black makes a nice contrast with the factory blue paint.

I painted a protective stripe on my bags with black truck-bed paint. Really protects from the scuff marks, easy to clean, and looks good (as least to me).