What are Motorcycle Tank Pads For and Do You Really Need Them?
After you purchase a motorcycle, one of the first questions you might find yourself asking is: how do I protect my motorcycle tank from scratches?
The answer, thankfully, is simple: motorcycle tank pads.
These are often one of the first accessories that people purchase for their new bikes. But what are they and do you really need them?
Put simply, tank pads protect your bike from scratches and scuffs, while also providing enhanced grip for riders. They can help you to keep your bike in pristine condition – while keeping yourself in place. Depending on who you ask, they are also called tank protectors or tank grips (though some may argue that they aren’t necessarily synonyms – because of the placement of each product).
They are also incredibly easy to install – which we’ll get into later.
In this post, we’ll answer the following questions:
-What are the benefits of tank grips?
-Are tank protectors worth it?
-Do tank pads damage paint?
-Do racers use tank grips?
-What are the best motorcycle tank pads?
-How do you install a tank protector?
What are the benefits of tank grips?
As we mentioned, one of the primary reasons that you might add a tank guard is to protect your bike from scruff marks and scratches from your belt buckle, zipper, etc. Think of them as an easy way to get increased protection for both yourself and your motorcycle. Top brands like Eazi-Grip provide these for their sponsored riders because of how straightforward and functional they are to use and install.
That aside, they can also seriously enhance your riding experience. There’s a common misconception that these are only for racers – this is not true. For example, imagine when you have to brake hard. Gripping on to a slippery waxed tank is not a good time – and certainly not the safest way to ride.
Instead, tank guards give you the confidence to ride through more challenging situations. They allow your body to stay in the proper position, taking some of the weight off your wrists and feet. This happens because they allow you to grip the tank with your knees.
