Tankguard/kneeguards: TechSpec First impressions

[crashmasterd]

First impressions of the TechSpec tank grip panels I just installed.

First of all, Dean at TechSpec was very helpful and responsive when there was a problem with my credit card. Note that it was my mistake, not theirs. Once the credit card problem was solved (late in the day) the product shipped the next day and was here in 4 days. I expect it would have been shipped the same day if I had called in the morning.

I chose the Snakeskin pattern, and it is an interesting match with the seat fabric. Some of the pictures don't do it justice. It's very grippy, but without being snaggy. I'm not sure if I like it yet, but I'm giving it a chance. There are several other choices.

The quality of the general sheets that I used to cut the side panels was very good. However, the buckle guard/tank pad was less so. I don't know how they cut them but some of the diamonds had edges broken off them in the process. I think I'll replace it with something else later.

I made paper patterns, and altered them until I got what I wanted. Cutting the material with scissors was fairly straightforward, but this is probably not the best method. If I did it again I think I would pin the stuff down to a board and use a sharp knife of some kind. Scissors left small bits of the white backing paper stuck to the edges and it was very hard to remove.

The directions recommend using a grinder or rotary tool to chamfer the edges. I didn't do so, but after installation I think it's a good idea. I'll have to remove them and do that later. The tank pad/buckle guard comes that way, and I tried it with a bit of remnant. It's easy.

The adhesive is the great thing about this product. You can easily remove the panels and re-stick them if they aren't in the position you want. It actually doesn't leave residue on the bodywork and if you stick it on some waxed paper it will be fine until you want to re-apply it. Technically a good and versatile product. Note: The adhesive will remove easier if it's warmed up with a hairdryer or something.

I haven't had it on the road yet because it's pretty rainy and nasty today, and I'm just getting over a cold. First impression is I like them very much. More to follow.

http://techspec-usa.com/index.html







[ This message was edited by: crashmasterd on 2006-05-29 08:35 ]

[TrackerOldGuy]

I would like it better on a BLACK bike ( but I am NOT
criticizing the Crashmaster as I was already yelled at )

Here's a black bike for you.

I second all of Crash's opinion with two exceptions:

1. I had no problem trimming with a pair of sharp scissors.

2. I don't notice a need for altering the edges.

Both of the above may be more to the credit of I went with the "High Fusion" texture/pattern instead of the snake skin.

Anyway, I only have about 400 miles on these "skins" but I do like them, both for protecting my tank and their functionability. Squeeze with your knees, and they feel velcro'd to the tank, until you release pressure and then no problems.







One of my riding buddies asked If I had put "Non-Skid" on my tank.... :razz:

[kuhlka]

I installed my techspec pads today on my new flat black bodywork and they look pretty good. I'll have photos later today after I do a bit more to it and sort through all my parts I'm going to sell.

[crashmasterd]

On 2006-04-16 15:51, KurtMB wrote:

Both of the above may be more to the credit of I went with the "High Fusion" texture/pattern instead of the snake skin.

I think you are right here. The Snakeskin looks to be at least twice as thick as the High Fusion, and much rougher around the edges. I avoided the High Fusion because I thought it looked like traction tape, but that's just me.

I did go for a little ride today. Stupid April weather. The sun came out and dried all the pavement. I got 20 miles from home and it starts raining heavily. Then it alternates: rain/sun glare all the way home.

"Sticks like velcro" is right. I like it a lot. I just wish I'd cut the pattern so it tucked under the seat. Maybe later I'll re-do it.

Tracker: I didn't yell did I? Sometimes I have a loud voice but that's ridiculous! Criticize away! Blue is fastest, Car oil is okay, break in your engine gently, my favorite tires are Pilot Powers, and Turbo-busas are silly.
:-D

[TrackerOldGuy]

I thought I heard you , but Vancouver IS a long way
from Florida


:chug:

[HiVel]

Just got my High Fusion kit today and it does loook sort of like skateboard tape but I think it will look good on my White bike, will put it on this week ASAP

[crashmasterd]

Update:

Okay, I removed the Snakeskin to chamfer the edges and reposition the knee pads. It made a world of difference. If you get the Snakeskin then definitely sand or grind down the edges. It's messy but worth it.

The bad news, after four days on the bike and a couple hundred miles, removing the material did leave some residue on the tank. It really wasn't an issue for my purposes, because my pads went right back on. If you were removing them to paint the tank or something it might be a concern. I think the residue would come off easily enough with a little mild solvent. e.g. naphtha.

Still love the way they grip when you want them to. Also, rode through a driving rainstorm which didn't effect them at all. Wish I could say the same for my boots.

[kuhlka]

Techspec Gripster, 'high fusion'
Good grip, low profile makes them look less obtrusive on the eyes. Not as grippy as the Stomp pads, but they work well enough. Only major complaint is that they don't stick anywhere near as well as the Stomp Pads. I already have a few spots where the adhesive isn't holding. Gonna order a second set and reapply if they get worse.


Stomp Pad (looks kind of like those rubber shower mats, eh?)
Better grip, but killer on the insides of my knees in jeans. In leathers they're simply beautiful whilst pulling wheelies, stoppies, or breakneck acceleration.

[crashmasterd]

Hey kuhlka,

Did you clean your tank thoroughly with alcohol or naphtha before applying? I used both and have had no problems with the adhesive. I've even had it off and re-applied once.

Had the bike at the track over the weekend and had scads of great comments about the pads. Met one guy that had done his tank with that spray-on pickup bed liner stuff. I had considered it, but decided against it. Now I'm happy I did it this way. It's much better looking.