[Ozonewanderer]

I haven't seen much discussion of tank pads, but I would like to share that it was one of the best comfort and control enhancements for my RT. With side tank pads installed, squeezing the tanks with my knees gets a good grip on the bike that assists in control during hard acceleration, braking and cornering. Without tank pads, my pants just slide around on the tank during any of these maneuvers.

Gripping with the knees during normal cruising also helps relieve pressure on the wrists and lower back.

I recommend them highly. Here's a description from one vendor:
http://techspec-usa.com/product_overview.php?osCsid=a23c0b406fa4b5e708b1081d79298423

I think they look cool too.

This specific brand of pads, Tech Spec Snake Skin, is removeable and reusable. However in truth I have not ever removed them.

 

[beech]

I use those same ones on my K bike. I never realizes how much they help until I noticed the other day they are wearing smooth to some extent. Nice to keep from scuffing the paint too.

 

[Sotys]

I ordered mine last week from Wunderlich. The main reason was when I saw the brand new paint damaged

 

[150flyer]

I like mine as well. I also added the pad at the rear of the tank.

 

[cessna]

I like the look of these! Does the adhesive really stick? In the desert we have problems getting things with adhesive to stay put. The heat softens the adhesive and then if any pressure is put on the object (like you knees will to this) the part tends to slide out of position and leaves a gooey residue exposed.

Regards,

 

[lkchris]

Probably if wore leathers slipperiness wouldn't be a problem.

In addition I think most of todays cordura-like pants can be a bit more abrasive to tank paint than leather, too, i.e. another thing in favor of tank pads.

 

[beech]

Leather might be an answer but the only weather proof stuff I know is the product from Aerostitch. Leathers in the rain on a tour really suck. The storage room for a rain suit also, takes too much valuable space. That was the old days for me. I am very careful to take only what I need and then less.

 

[Ozonewanderer]

I like the look of these! Does the adhesive really stick? In the desert we have problems getting things with adhesive to stay put. The heat softens the adhesive and then if any pressure is put on the object (like you knees will to this) the part tends to slide out of position and leaves a gooey residue exposed.

Regards,

My tank pads are from TechSpec and they have been great quality. However I can't speak to hot weather performance. I'm in cold weather country.

OTOH I have not heard of any hot weather adhesive problems with any tank pads. They are used by all racers so I imagine that if they can withstand the heat of a race track they should be fine in AZ.

 

[MattWhite]

I like the look of these! Does the adhesive really stick? In the desert we have problems getting things with adhesive to stay put. The heat softens the adhesive and then if any pressure is put on the object (like you knees will to this) the part tends to slide out of position and leaves a gooey residue exposed.

Regards,

I've had the Techspec Snakeskin on my bike for almost a year now.
I try to ride year round on my commute and it's been as cold as 16
and as hot as 112. They haven't budged yet.

 

[cessna]

Thanks for the comments on the adhesive guys! I think that I'll have to give them a try!

Regards,

 

[BlackDenis]

I put the TechSpec pads on my R1200RT. I could not get a good fit...more than likely my fault, but they didn't conform to the curve well. I have ordered the Wunderlich pads. They look thicker which will be a plus.