Tank bra or Tank pad

Hey all...been trying to decide if I want to go with a tank bra for my 2000 Kat or just a tank pad. I've seen both many times, and just trying decide which way to go here. I like the tank bra look, but Im concerned as far if I leave it on for awhile, and then decide to ever take it off, will there be a noticeable difference in paint as far as any fading is concerned..and with a tank pad, if I ever need to replace it, or decide to get rid of it, does it come off easy, with a hair dryer? Bike is kept in a garage unless im riding it.

Don't know about tank bras, but car bras have been known to scratch paint. Just a thought... :cheers:

Don't know about tank bras, but car bras have been known to scratch paint. Just a thought... :cheers: I agree..if something gets under there and you rub up it and later take it off...there you go..a few nice scratches. :mad:

I use a bra on my car for long trips only and when I do I make sure to apply a nice coat of wax first. I'd do the same for a bike.

I use a bra on my car for long trips only and when I do I make sure to apply a nice coat of wax first. I'd do the same for a bike. Good tip. You the man. LOL :)

im probably gonna go with a tank bra I think...but not use it all the time..I like the tank the way it is, but now and then it would be a nice change...and I've had up to about here with decal ahesive anyways.. :nonod:

Be careful, it may change the color of your paint.

Here's some pics of the a tank pad and a tank bra on my bike. You decide which one looks better. :) I used a tank bra for years and never noticed any problems with the paint under the tank. If you go with a bra, check out either a Second Look (http://www.second-look.com) or Targa (http://www.targa-acc.com/) bra as the Lockhart ones are crap.

oooo..I like that tank pad..im used to seeing the small ones that cover a small portion of the tank..thats not bad at all :thumbs: and I could put the pad on, and use a bra whenever I felt the need for a change..hhmm, will have to ponder this over a nice long ride. :bike:

The pad isn't removable, it's stuck on with double sided tape. It's true carbon fiber from Geelong Carbon Craft (http://www.geelongcarboncraft.com.au ) located in Australia. They are a great company to work with and you can order directly from their website. You'll have to convert their prices to find the US equivalent as they are listed in Australia Dollars (AUS). If I remember, they're about $70.00 USD. Did a quick look, but I don't see a listing for products for your model, Need4Speed750. :(

The pad isn't removable, it's stuck on with double sided tape. It's true carbon fiber from Geelong Carbon Craft (http://www.geelongcarboncraft.com.au ) located in Australia. They are a great company to work with and you can order directly from their website. You'll have to convert their prices to find the US equivalent as they are listed in Australia Dollars (AUS). If I remember, they're about $70.00 USD. Did a quick look, but I don't see a listing for products for your model, Need4Speed750. :( well damn...that sux ..but I'll keep looking..my only gripe with the pad is the adhesive..as mentioned previously in this forum..i've about had it with decal/adhesive stuff :mad: :lol:

Bras and pads are for other things, not motorcycles. Why not put something useful on the tank, like a tank bag. I've used tank bags for over two decades and they are so handy. Water bottle, rain jacket, etc. Plus, you can actually bring home groceries when you tell the spouse that you are taking the bike to the store. Much better than a dorky backpack. The bag on my 79 has been on there since almost new. In 25 years, the paint hasn't discolored, but some paint has peeled from around the cap. Probably from the rubber pad holding sloshed out gas or gas fumes against the paint.

Bras and pads are for other things, not motorcycles. Why not put something useful on the tank, like a tank bag. I've used tank bags for over two decades and they are so handy. Water bottle, rain jacket, etc. Plus, you can actually bring home groceries when you tell the spouse that you are taking the bike to the store. Much better than a dorky backpack. The bag on my 79 has been on there since almost new. In 25 years, the paint hasn't discolored, but some paint has peeled from around the cap. Probably from the rubber pad holding sloshed out gas or gas fumes against the paint. Good point!! It would be handy.... I just dont know if I could part with my backpack :D It's been my riding companion for so long. Im just mainly going for looks and also to protect the back of my tank from scratches from zipper on my leather jacket.

Now the newest thing is the Static Cling tank covers. You can order it specifically for your bike and it comes with a tank side and end covers. Some even come with the top covers for a couple extra. But it looks great, as in you can't even see it! Static cling to boot, so no worries on the glue factor....

Now the newest thing is the Static Cling tank covers. You can order it specifically for your bike and it comes with a tank side and end covers. Some even come with the top covers for a couple extra. But it looks great, as in you can't even see it! Static cling to boot, so no worries on the glue factor.... cant find anything in a google search on those :( ...can you get them anywhere?

I think they get them from Lockhart, but I'll have to check!

I'd go w/ a bra...hee hee heee. JK. I have the tank bra. Say Katana on it. I got it w/ the bike. http://www.suzukicycles.com/Accessories/list.aspx?modelId=d523d02e-c36c-4ee6-abdc-d597acadf358&accessoryCategoryId=4d00b512-8074-4e9e-a809-b136f3d038e2 Check out my pic.

Go with the Bra Matt. It will look pretty good on your bike. :)

im thinking i'll go w/ the bra too...looks pretty sweet! mod lists just keeps getting longer and longer.... nice pic jdog :cool:

If you got with a bra, don't go black. Go with a second look bra. A guy in the club has one on his R6 and it looks just like the tank, strips and all.

You still haven't decided? :confused:

You still haven't decided? :confused: yeah, im getting the bra..but this thread keeps going on and on and on...LOL..

You'll regret getting the bra unless you replace it every couple years...hazes the tank.

You'll regret getting the bra unless you replace it every couple years...hazes the tank. yeah thats one of the drawbacks..have to keep the tank waxed for sure..and yeah, i'd replace it to keep it from lookin like Sh&$ ...After my last encouter with decal adhesive though, Im not much for slapping it back on my tank with a pad though.. :(

Either a bra or pad is only as good as the manufacturer. I bought a cheapy targa bra for under 35 bucks, (dennis kirk I think) and used it as a pattern to make my own. I went down to sew and save and bought some quality "leather-like" vinyl and put a good soft flannel on it for backing, making sure the seams were completely covered to prevent irritation for me or my black tank. I sewed in a "bungee" cord to pull it forward and used nylon clips to hold the underedge of the tank. I guess I just remodeled my stock bra into a wonder bra and it has been great. It is easy to remove when I wash the bike and no more button fly marks on my tank or covering zipper pulls with cloth tape. If I can figure out how to use this camera, I get some pics together...Any one know a 10 year old to teach me??

I say just go for the padded bra! It always makes them look better! :lol: (sorry couldn't resist)

I say just go for the padded bra! It always makes them look better! :lol: (sorry couldn't resist) u saying this from experience? :lol: :sorry: :wink:

I say just go for the padded bra! It always makes them look better! :lol: (sorry couldn't resist) No padding needed on your part. :D

Tank Bra!!! Had mine for two years now and only take it off to do maintenance. I haven't noticed any scratches or tank haze to speak of and I am pretty particular about that type of stuff. I don't even wax it that regularily, but I also don't let it get filthy dirty either. I believe Lockhart and Second Look makes them. Lockharts are usually half bras or fulls and usually plain Black. Second look is a little better, at least they come in colors. The downfall with a full tank bra is mounting a magnetic tank bag to your bike for long trips. The magnets simply aren't strong enough to work through the vinyl/cloth/padding and grab the tank really well. Before you buy, head over to a company in the United Kingdom called Bagster. They make body color full tank covers that fit like a glove. They also make various sized tank bags that clip into the bra. There are a few importers here in the states, but they will sell to you directly if you insist. You would think buying straight from the UK would save you a ton of cash, but after shipping, sales tax, and everything else, Bagster was like literally within one or two dollars from the importer I found in ??Missouri??. If you checked out the R6 at all, that's the tank cover that I am referring to. I have received a ton of compliments on it and quite frankly you just don't see many that match the factory paint and graphics like they do. As a bonus they also make seat covers for a truly unique and custom look. I didn't purchase the seat covers for the Yamaha, they had a little too much white in them for my tastes. Unfortunately they are not cheap, but from a quality standpoint, their stuff is top notch. Visit their website and check out their goods. have them send you a catalog and color swatches so you get a better idea of the color of their accesories as well as the grade of materials they use. I am sure they will also give you the name of some local reps, if not I will get you the name of the company I used.

tank bra.

ur r6 tank cover was definately sweet! i remember it well. That would be the ticket for me for sure.. so you got your's from that company overseas right? Is it breathable at all ? If I do get a half bra, I'd definately have to wax it on a regular basis, as opposed to one you have.