Tank Protection

[BigT]

Hi guys, new guy here. Have just bought a 2021 Triple Black GSA. The tank paint is already showing signs of wear and most certainly needs protection, particular where the tank meets the seat and where a tank bag would rub. Suggestions as to the best available gratefully received.

Stay safe and well,

Tony

 

[JerseyNeil]

I feel your pain. I had exactly the same issue on my new GSA Triple black. That said I thought it was a real shame to fit an aftermarket tank protector so I chose to polish out the light scratches and use a good quality polish instead.

So far so good. I have found that using Turtle wax 'Scratch repair and renew' using a soft polishing pad removes all of the light scratches made by my jacket. I then polish with Cartec refinish waxcoat. I do not put much pressure on the area when polishing in the turtle wax so I do not believe I am wearing down the lacquer too much. From now on I believe I am effectively scratching the polish so therefore not going to wear out the lacquer. Worst case scenario I can put a tank pad on if it gets too bad but I'm happy with this fix so far.

 

[GSBruce]

I bought a protector cut to the right size for the area from the gas cap back to the seat from Hornig. It it the usual helicopter tape material and I got it installed fairly easily and was able to squeegee all the air bubbles out before letting it sit to dry. That was my first go with installing this sort of protection material myself. It has protected well, and when the bike is freshly washed and waxed (I wax with S-100 Detail + Wax after every wash), it takes some effort to see it unless you get very close to it. I’m using the BMW Motorrad R1200GS small waterproof tank bag. I’ve got another rectangular piece of this material I plan on putting on the area ahead of the gas cap even though I haven’t seen any scratching there. I bought the Hornig felt scraper tool which worked very well. Both the protector and the tool are shown on the Hornig link below.

https://www.s100.com/portfolio/s100-detail-wax/

https://www.motorcycleparts-hornig....int-protection/Paint-protection-tank-pad.html

I must respectfully disagree with JerseyNeil - I think the scratch remover will ge through the wax with ease and the paint will be abraded any time you use it. I’ve used it once on a scratch on my 2000 R1150GS tank, and it works well, but I would limit its use to a one-off remedial situation.

 

[transalper44]

What a shame, I have a 2012 GS with nearly 50K on it and never suffered any scratches around the tank. Perhaps the earlier model had better paint applied before the bean counters started cost cutting?

 

[GSBruce]

What a shame, I have a 2012 GS with nearly 50K on it and never suffered any scratches around the tank. Perhaps the earlier model had better paint applied before the bean counters started cost cutting?

I don’t think so. I had one small scratch on my 2000 around 2002, none since. I ran my 2018 with no protection for a while and didn’t get any scratching. Both bikes have tank bags that contact the paint. I think the most important thing is to keep the bottom of the tank bag clean, and keep the tank clean. Dirt or sand on either or both surfaces will result in scratching. That’s what worked for me.

 

[JerseyNeil]

I must respectfully disagree with JerseyNeil - I think the scratch remover will ge through the wax with ease and the paint will be abraded any time you use it. I’ve used it once on a scratch on my 2000 R1150GS tank, and it works well, but I would limit its use to a one-off remedial situation.

Noted and I will keep an eye on it. I'm hoping that the build up of polish is having the desired effect as it does not mark half as badly as it did originally.

 

[MIKE R]

In the UK I use this company

http://www.privacytinting.co.uk/

who will sell you sheets of VentureShield so that you can so the job yourself

There must be a similar company in Austria who may apply if for you if you don't fancy a DIY

I'm taking my black F850 in next week to have protected

Hope this helps

Mike

 

[BigT]

In the UK I use this company

http://www.privacytinting.co.uk/

who will sell you sheets of VentureShield so that you can so the job yourself

There must be a similar company in Austria who may apply if for you if you don't fancy a DIY

I'm taking my black F850 in next week to have protected

Hope this helps

Mike

Hi Mike, good idea. As a stop gap I've just purchased a Tank Protector from RubbaTech on Amazon. Not cheap but its made of what looks like thick rubber made to look like Carbon. I will see and report back. Stay safe and well

 

[MIKE R]

 

[trebor]

In the UK I use this company

http://www.privacytinting.co.uk/

who will sell you sheets of VentureShield so that you can so the job yourself

There must be a similar company in Austria who may apply if for you if you don't fancy a DIY

I'm taking my black F850 in next week to have protected

Hope this helps

Mike

Did you fit your own Mike?
How easy was it?

Bob

 

[Victor c]

Did you fit your own Mike?
How easy was it?

Bob

I have a tank kit from Privacy Tinting on my GSA, which I fitted myself. Easy enough if you take your time in a dust free as possible environment and use plenty of water. Make sure it is perfectly aligned before squeegeeing it smooth. I would definitely use the same kit again.

 

[trebor]

I have a tank kit from Privacy Tinting on my GSA, which I fitted myself. Easy enough if you take your time in a dust free as possible environment and use plenty of water. Make sure it is perfectly aligned before squeegeeing it smooth. I would definitely use the same kit again.

Thanks Victor.

 

[MIKE R]

Did you fit your own Mike?
How easy was it?

Bob

No, I took my bike to them. My hands are pretty good with a pen but useless at that kind of job.

They are now based in Leigh....just been down and had my 850GS covered

Mike

 

[trebor]

No, I took my bike to them. My hands are pretty good with a pen but useless at that kind of job.

They are now based in Leigh....just been down and had my 850GS covered

Mike

Cheers Mike, I did wonder knowing you'd had them fit it in the past.

 

[JerseyNeil]

After it being pointed out to me that If I carry on using Scratch repair base to remove my light scratches and laying awake all night worrying about it (artistic licence). I ordered a tank kit from https://www.invisiblepatterns.co.uk/shop . Film came down very quickly with excellent customer service as they called me to ensure I had ordered the right bits (I had chosen all gloss film but they know that usually GSA's need gloss on the top and mat for the side panels (they were right and amended my order).

Fitted this morning. Very happy with the results. Bike still looks OEM but protected from my zip and my bony knees.......

 

[Hartley]

Nice one, you answered one of my questions about the retook being gloss and the sides Matt.
My only other concern is fitting it. Hard enough trying to get it bubble free on a phone!

 

[JerseyNeil]

It's completely different to fitting a phone screen and, if you follow the instructions pretty easy.

After cleaning the surface you spray lots of soapy water on the tank and on both sides of the film. You then squeegee the soapy water out. Whilst it is 'riding on the film of soapy water you can adjust it to your hearts content.

I can see the odd tiny mark underneath which looks a bit like glue and I think if it was not on gleaming black paint you wouldn't see it at all. When finished it is hard to see the film at all.

I am very happy with it and I'm an anal barsteward when it comes to my bike. The kit comes with a small spray bottle that you put some soapy water in and a squeegee thingamabob.

 

[Hartley]

Thanks Neil, looks like I’m going shopping again

 

[JerseyNeil]

When I fitted the side panels the film did not want to shape too easily to the front bottom part of the tank where it flares out. I just waved a hair dryer over it a little to soften the film and it moulded perfectly.