Tank bib question

[Bull Durham]

Anyone have the tank bib? How do you like it, and does it mess up the paint on the tank underneath?

Use to have sport cars with the "bra" on it. Always liked the looks but if you didn't take it off regularly and clean, wax it, it would mess up the paint after a while. Moisture would stay under it, etc.

So question I have, if you have the Tank bib on your bike, do you have to keep taking it off and on so the paint on the tank doesn't get screwed up? Like take it off after every rain to let it dry out, etc.

[scott2007nomad]

http://www.classicchaps.com/My_Homep...s/Page11d.html

I have one form Classic Chaps and I like it.
I keeps my legs from rubbing the tank while driving.

I haven't had any problems with scratching the tank.
It's been on for two years, a little over 8K miles.

It fits loose enough with elastic straps that I can clean under it and it has a soft lining under the leather.

I have never done anything special for it to dry out.

[dougster]

Mine has a film that is applied to the tank. So it does no damage to the paint. I don't know what brand it is, because it was on the bike when I got it.

[Jared]

I'm going to have to go against the crowd and say it will scratch you tank. Not that it is a big deal, but sand and dust will get underneath it and will scratch the tank, unless you have put something there to protect it.

My suggestion would be to not a put a bib on your bike if you don't plan on keeping it there. And if you do plan on keeping it there, who cares if there are scratches underneath?

[Blueraven]

My tank is scratched from the BIB. I had to take it off to do some re-wiring and noticed it. It is covered so I am not too concerned. Maybe, as they said, plastic film will help. I don't know what else to say. This is my FIRST big bike like this.

[trosco]

I've gone back and forth on putting a tank bib/sock on my 2007. After 4 years and 40K miles I have some paint clear coat dulling on both sides at the rear of the take where my inner thighs touch the tank. I wonder if I would have been better off with or with out the sock?
Ricky-boy has on his bike the protector I think want but I also like the idea of a film under it. Oh well, I will look at what everyone is doing when we are at the National Rally in June.

[vulcans2]

Instead of a leather or vinyl tank bib, you might consider getting a clear 3M mask on the rear portion of the tank to protect it. Go to www.thetankslapper.biz to check out their products. I put a set on each of our Gold Wings when we had them, and I put one on my wife's 900 Classic LT. It goes on easy and their cheap--only $15.95 for the static cling version and $27.95 (I think) for the 3M one that holds on with adhesive. It's virtually invisible on the tank. I'm well pleased with the tank slapper system.

[Jared]

I have a tank slapper under my passenger seat. Put it on after the paint job to prevent scuffs. It's worked very well so far.

[Bull Durham]

Tankslappper is pretty neat, just watched the video install. Looks kind of like clear window treatment, think it would work pretty nice under the bib.

[blackdogbrian]

I echo Jared, I had a tank bra on my shadow.
When I sold the bike, I removed the bra (stripped the accessories), and there was some light scratches on the paint. Probably could have buffed them out - but if you are going to add a tankbib, I'd plan on leaving it on.

Still, depending on the bike, I like the look.
If you've got studded seats - a studded tank bib is to die for (to to mention an extra pocket for the mp3)

[lugnutz]

What Greco and Utah said. I have the TankSlapper (http://thetankslapper.biz/) film on mine as well. I put it on as soon as I got the bike because I also have a Triumph Sprint ST, and when I ride it I squeeze the tank with my knees for stability and to take pressure off my wrists and lower back. So I knew I'd be doing the same with my Nomad at least until I got used to relaxing in the saddle.

It took some patience putting it on the Nomad, though. You have to use a lot of alcohol/water spray and a blow dryer to get the film to shape around the curves. But it's worth it and like the lads say, keeps your paint looking great! ;)

I got the kit for Voyager; they didn't have one specifically for the Nomad.

[vulcans2]

The neat thing about the tankslapper is that once you've got it on and secured, you don't need a tank bib or bra. Great stuff.

[Bull Durham]

I was thinking about the bib because I like the little pocket on it, carry my ipod and such.

[nomadbehappy]

I have a tank bib and appreciate the pocket (put the garage door opener in and just press it through the material to open/close the door). I do take the bib off each time I wash the bike so so far no scratches. However, I do have some slight scratches on the sides of the tank from squeezing the tank.... wish I had of known about the tankslapper before :-( Guess I may have to get it to prevent any further scratches

[Netnorske]

Here are couple photos of the custom tank bra/bib I had made a couple seasons ago. To be honest....I have never taken it off.....so I have no clue what it looks like underneath.....nor do I really care, since I never plan to ride without it. I know it had a real soft base under it, but I'm sure that dust and stuff gets under there. I may not WANT to know what it looks like by now.... ::). I have to remove the Nacelle to remove the bib (not that that's a big deal), more a minor PIA. I do love the pocket and the look though!