Triumphrat

Caferider19

Do the tank pads help when riding or are they for looks? I'm thinking about getting them.

bmetz99

I've never been an advocate of "body steering" where you use pressure from your feet on your pegs and knees on your tank to help steer the bike (I'm a countersteering advocate) so I don't know if they're particularly helpful in that respect.

I do know that they'll keep your leathers from chewing up the clear coat on your tank. And that they look awesomely cool in a retro sort of way.

[ This message was edited by: bmetz99 on 2007-03-15 01:08 ]

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\"A motorcycle is a tool, not a fashion accessory"

My Bobber

SLOBonnie

I love them! I find them especially helpful on really "bumpy" roads or when being pummeled by the wind. When I first started riding, I really found those conditions unnerving. But now, I just "dig" my knees into the pads, "lighten up" my grip on the bars (and consequently keep my elbows bent and shoulders relaxed) and let the bike "do its thang." It's amazing how stable the ride feels. Plus, while agree with bmetz99 about countersteering--it's the right method for zipping through the twisties--I still find that grabbing the pads with my knees helps me to feel the bike better and subsequently ride with more control.

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BIR#171 / NTBF#155
'07 black (checkered) thruxton
(Mods: SB Sport Dominators, -ABox, 145/42 jets, 2 1/2 turns, -AI, Hyde steering damper, Works Street Trackers, Pirelli Sport Demons, Monza cap, Napoleon bar end mirrors, heritage badges)

monkinwitz

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oldmanjob

My dealer Myers, threw in the tank pads when I bought my Black Bonnie :-D

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Black Bonnie - 06
Looking back to the good old days is not the way out. Looking up to the God of All the Days is. (Vance Havner)

whoa

It looks like they have practical use on the Bonnie, with the position of the pegs. Since the knees are below the tank on the Thruxton, more for looks.

I like the look, although I don't have them on my bike.

Man bmetz99, I didn't realize riders steer with leg pressure, other than on a horse. Thats a new one for me.

I use leg pressure the same as SLOBonnie mentions, for stability and to keep pressure reduced on the bars.

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05 Thruxton

Sheepdog

Back in the day, firmly gripping the tank with your knees was a technique for reducing "headshake". Though I have never needed to get my T100 under control due to instability, I enjoy the reminder of less eloquent solutions...

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2003 Bonneville T100 and 2007 Moto Guzzi California Vintage

bobmig

While I don't actually steer with leg pressure, I find that they do help in the twisties when I want to become 'part of the bike'. Sounds odd, but I'm sure you know what I mean.
Bob

tcb

Absolutely helps with stability of the Thruxton in fast cornering. Almost all wallowing or headshake is eliminated with a light touch on the bars. When "hanging off", a light touch cannot be accomplished without knee contact on the tank, and the kneepads make that contact a direct connection to the bike. They're ugly, but effective!

DrEnglish

I like the look and definitely use them as a way to stabilize meself when hanging off the bike or braking hard.

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