I am using a ProGrip tank pad from years ago. I bought two, in some stroke of wisdom, and the one currently on my CBR1000RR was in storage for years in my garage. When I got this latest CBR I was glad to be able to use the same comfortable pad that I had for years on my 929. Except that it's showing it's age, and degrading faster than normal.
I ordered foam floor tiles from FoamTiles.com. They will send you samples before you purchase. Not full size ones, but enough, actually, to make the tank pad from two pieces if I wanted. But I bought one black, one orange full size tiles and I'll decide when the time comes.
Now I have to find some type of adhesive (silicone?) or double-sided tape to keep it on. And make a cut that will allow it to bend over the tank and not buckle. I'm bummed that the only tank pads available now are the thin, clear ones that look like they're modeled after the Alien. I searched all over but I can't find the nice fat ProGrip one anymore. If you spend a lot of time down on your tank, like I do in cold weather, or on long rides, a plush tank protector is nice to have.
Hopefully I can do a good job with these floor tiles.
Floor tiles on a bike....seriously? Don't sit against the tank too much....the bike will handle better if you adjust your position more backwards. Use your upper body to transfer weight to the front.
Oh of course, forgive me! That's so wildly silly. Not artistic, or even practical... like fur.
The Tech-Spec web page has got some good stuff, BTW. Thanks for the suggestion!
I lay down on the tank all the time. When it's COLD, when I'm TIRED, when I go long distances with the Throttlemeister... pretty much whenever I feel like it. I routinely lock the throttle, fold my arms and lay down when there's minimal or no threat from other vehicles. I also snug up to the tank close and low at very high speeds.
Do you people RIDE your bikes? Or just play Valentino Rossi for 5 mins at a clip?
The tank IS an effective little "couch", in case you have never tried. And the floor tile is gonna be cool because I can cut it to fit - from the seat all the way up to the filler cap. I'll have a very cushy, durable padded comfort zone, especially on top where it will do a lot of good. I hit road knuckles the size of speed bumps all the time, and at night you can't always see them coming. A cushy tank pad takes some of the jolt out of those hits.
As for your advice about body position and handling, imagine for a second that sometimes I'm just RIDING, and not going balls-out trying to pass as many people as humanly possible before the off ramp.
Then there's the economy of making my own pad. Look at the size of one piece of high-tech foam you can buy for $5. And then go to TechSpec and look at what they provide for $35.
Also... the aesthetic. Look at the checkering on the foam. That's a very cool texture. I don't think the "Alien" plastic things look much better. The orange is a poor color match though. Looks like black it is.
It took 45 mins of rubbing with Goo-Gone to get the old adhesive off the Repsol tank cover. Maybe THAT'S why ProGrip doesn't make that pad anymore... the adhesive is nearly impossible to remove.
I cut the foam out after taking some measurements, and using a CD to help with the curves. I'm no artisan, that's for sure.
I cleaned it up with 50/50 alcohol and water, and did the same to the underside of the foam. Then strips of 3M 20lb outdoor mounting tape, and some heat gun action to warm it all up - and BAM! Just about the ugliest tank pad I've ever seen. Ha!
But... I think if I do it over in 1/2" thickness, it will look much better. No doubt I'll ride it for awhile like this, but when it starts to come off (which I'm sure it will) I'll order the 1/2" tile and try again. But it is comfortable!
