Clear bra

S

Scudrunr_imp

First service completed
Thread starter
Folks,

I have been thinking about having some clear bra installed where my thighs rub on the tank. I was wondering if anyone else has had this done and if they would do it again? My concern is the black tank will show little scuffs from my jeans. I experienced this before on the black tank of the VFR. I was going to have a professional do the install using the good 3M stuff. Thoughts on thickness? Long-term looks?
 
Scudrunr, I too was considering the option you propose. I watched a number of Youtube videos showing how the 3M material can be installed on cars, but thought it may be better to have a pro do it. I'd want it perfectly installed, expertly trimmed and fit with no bubbles whatsoever, and the "grief factor" for me makes the pro option desirable.

So I went to 3M's website and punched in the product and my zip code, and it listed a number of installers in my area.

As soon as I get my CB1100 back from the Honda repair shop in another week or three, I'm going to take it over and see how much they'll charge me to do it.

Scudrunr, do you have a local person in mind to do it on your CB? How much did they say it would cost? Just curious . . . .
 
There were some threads on this. And pics too. Search around, you'll find them.
 
I cut a paper template of the area I wanted covered. Then I got some thick clear vinyl from a sign company. Traced the template onto the vinyl and applied to the sides of the tank. With a few drops of soap mixed in the water, it's very forgiving to apply. You can soak the tank and vinyl enough that you have plenty of time to position it just right. Simply using a credit card I worked out 95% of the bubbles. A good hot day took care of the rest.

You can't even notice the vinyl on the tank sides. It's holding up well with no signs of peeling or discoloration.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I followed Scoobynut's how-to-do thread and had good results. It requires patience and heat to ride the learning curve.

I am very happy with the panel I installed. I placed a sheet where the seat abuts the tank and it is very difficult to see. There is a blemish which is my fault-I trimmed the top margin off hastily and have a ragged edge peering out above the seat. But only if the light hits it perfectly does it show.

It is doable. Just pay attention to the instructions. What took a while was learning to STRETCH the material to eliminate the bubbles. Also spray that soapy stuff liberally and learn the art of the squeegee. Do it in the sun. My bike is red and the clear bra works very well.

If you are a poser wrencher like me, it might be fun to try it yourself. In my old age I am trying to take the mystery out of things I have formerly left to "experts"- to be able take care of the peripheral aspects of the bike.

For me it has been satisfying to attempt some of the mods for our new bike. Kind of makes you feel accomplished and independent. Besides, if you do not like the clear bra just remove and install another. No harm no foul.

Go Arizona!

George
 
This thread is not at all what I was expecting. Very disappointing.

With that said, I've used a product by tankslapper on some of my other bikes. My VFR has it on now. It's easy to apply (you can definitely do it yourself) and is removable/reusable and inexpensive. They sell pre-cut kits for certain models but I haven't looked into whether they have kits for the CB. They also sell generic pieces that you trim yourself.

Here's their website: The Tankslapper: Paint Protection
 
metallyguitarded_imp said:
This thread is not at all what I was expecting. Very disappointing.

With that said, I've used a product by tankslapper on some of my other bikes. My VFR has it on now. It's easy to apply (you can definitely do it yourself) and is removable/reusable and inexpensive. They sell pre-cut kits for certain models but I haven't looked into whether they have kits for the CB. They also sell generic pieces that you trim yourself.

Here's their website: The Tankslapper: Paint Protection
Click to expand...
OK, it's not much money, so I'll order a kit. Metal, here are the options for the CB1100. Since you have some experience with this product, I just wanted to see if you had any recommendations as to what to buy. You recommend the straight up tankslapper product or an upgrade - I was leaning towards the 3M upgrade. Thoughts? Also, what about the "squeegie" model - any recommendations on that?

Love to get your thoughts on this. I'll order one up and when I give the install a shot.

bd0e91e6e97a8e0c1b25e73c531167ac.jpg
 
treytexag_imp said:
metallyguitarded_imp said:
This thread is not at all what I was expecting. Very disappointing.

With that said, I've used a product by tankslapper on some of my other bikes. My VFR has it on now. It's easy to apply (you can definitely do it yourself) and is removable/reusable and inexpensive. They sell pre-cut kits for certain models but I haven't looked into whether they have kits for the CB. They also sell generic pieces that you trim yourself.

Here's their website: The Tankslapper: Paint Protection
Click to expand...
OK, it's not much money, so I'll order a kit. Metal, here are the options for the CB1100. Since you have some experience with this product, I just wanted to see if you had any recommendations as to what to buy. You recommend the straight up tankslapper product or an upgrade - I was leaning towards the 3M upgrade. Thoughts? Also, what about the "squeegie" model - any recommendations on that?

Love to get your thoughts on this. I'll order one up and when I give the install a shot.

bd0e91e6e97a8e0c1b25e73c531167ac.jpg
Click to expand...
OK, it's not much money, so I'll order a kit. Metal, here are the options for the CB1100. Since you have some experience with this product, I just wanted to see if you had any recommendations as to what to buy. You recommend the straight up tankslapper product or an upgrade - I was leaning towards the 3M upgrade. Thoughts? Also, what about the "squeegie" model - any recommendations on that?

Love to get your thoughts on this. I'll order one up and when I give the install a shot.

a3e47644c8caf8e798856fad9b7d23ee.jpg

I went with their standard/basic product. It held up nicely for a few years but then discolored a bit. It's so inexpensive, I just ordered another kit once that happened. The 3M version may be better but I was being cheap. And, seriously, the standard stuff does a great job.

I'm not sure what you mean by the "squeegee model" but you're supposed to use a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water that you spray onto the film and surface of your tank then squeegee out the alcohol/water mixture and any air bubbles. I know they sell a squeegee for this but I simply used the felt side of those Velcro strips with adhesive and trimmed it to fit around the edge of a plastic hotel key card I found lying around. Works perfectly as a squeegee.

I'll take a look at the website again and see if you're referring to something else. I hope this helps!

Edit: Oh, I see now that they sell a squeegee for $5.69. You'll need some form of squeegee whether you buy theirs or just make one like I did.
 
There was a technical "glitch" in my shipment from Tankslapper, although I must say Lucas is providing excellent customer support. When I emailed he responded almost immediately, and when I called the number the next day, Lucas himself answered the phone.

So long story short, after Lucas "intercepted" my package being mistakenly sent to some bloke in North Carolina, he has resent it to my address in Houston - I have received a USPS tracker, but have not received the package yet.

I hope to receive the package soon - but it doesn't really matter, since I don't have a DLX to install it on. My brand new DLX has been at Powersports 59 Mancuso in Houston for repair since the beginning of last week. . . . They're pretty slow on work there on new Hondas.

If I ever get my brand new DLX fixed and back from Honda warranty repair, I'll attempt the DLX install and let y'all know. I do hope it fits well . . .
 
Papa,

Please PM me pics if she does...
 
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