05-04-2015, 05:08 AM
(05-04-2015, 03:18 AM)treytexag_imp Wrote:(05-03-2015, 09:35 PM)Setchman_imp Wrote: I just finished installing mine on a 2014 DLX the other day. I had installed the regular Tankslapper film on my last bike and it worked just fine. This time I decided to try the upgraded XPEL film. If you want the ultimate in transparency, this is the way to go. I know that it is more than double the cost of the standard film but unless you know it's there, you don't even notice it. You would have to physically point to the edges to show someone else that it's on your tank. It's hard to see in the picture but you can just make out the edges.
The installation was pretty easy, though. If you don't already have a squeegee than I would recommend springing for the 95mm Turbo Squeegee for $5.69. I no longer had whatever I had used on my last bike so I needed something new. What I would have spent on something locally wouldn't have saved me that much money and this Turbo Squeegee really is a great tool, much better than what I had and designed to work specifically for this application.
Use soapy water like the directions say and it should go on just fine. The first time is a little intimidating because your sure there's no way this film is going to go on smoothly and lie flat as you try to work it around the curves but it eventually does. Just keep it wet and keep working it out with your squeegee and even your hands. Just like a screen protector on your phone, it takes a day or two before it's completely dry and smooth. It looks great once it's done, or should I say it "doesn't" look great!
Here's the direct link to the CB1100 Tankslapper page:
[url=https://thetankslapper.biz/oc/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=409&search=]Tankslapper for Honda CB1100
Setchman, the install looks great. I don't see a thing . . .
BTW, I too splurged for their turbo squeegee. Glad to hear it went on smoothly. I thought I remembered reading on the Tankslapper site or maybe the 3M site that they recommended 2 squirt bottles - one for soapy water, and one for an isopropyl alcohol spray.
Idk, I haven't chased the directions hard yet. Sounds like you just kept everything wet with soapy water and no isopropyl? I like the the sounds of that better . . . .
I just used soapy water. Actually, I got lazy and sprung for the $0.50 baby shampoo they sell. Major profit for them on that one. It's just a very small amount and I could have probably substituted it with some mild dishwashing liquid but they got me. The directions said just put what they sent me into a 32 oz. squirt bottle so it's very diluted. I remember that from last time, as well. It doesn't take a lot of soap no matter what you end up using. I never read their online instructions so I missed that part about the isopropyl alcohol. Don't know why they recommended it but I sure didn't need it.
Just remember to use lots of water on BOTH sides of the film. If it starts to get dry and you want to reposition it you may end up stretching the film. And lots of water on the outside of the film helps the squeegee slide over it. As long as it stays nice and wet you can just slide the film around the tank at will and place it exactly where you want before you start squeegeeing the water out.
As you get closer to the edge of the film, especially if your going over a curvy part, the film will start to bunch up. Use your fingers at this point and work those bunches smooth. After that you can go back with the squeegee and squeeze the water out to the edge.