"Tank gripper" - fairing protection

I have been pondering options on how to protect the plastic fairings and also add some tank gripper.

One option I am trying is 3mm neoprene rubber with a self adhesive backing.

Made up a paper template to get an idea of what shape I wanted then cut out the rubber with a bit extra on the top and bottom edges so it could be trimmed after fitting.

Cleaned the panels down with some isopropyl alcohol then stuck the rubber on.


As this is only 3mm thick I was able to wrap the rubber around to the back of the panel on both the top and bottom edge. This will allow the top edge of the rubber to sit between the panel and seat which should stop the edges from rolling back when I sit on the bike. This went on easier than I thought it would, got a couple of bubbles initially which I used a pin to burst and then smooth out.

The bike is in bits having a few mods done but have temporary placed the panel on to give a rough idea of the finished product.





Panels back on.

Ohh i like was watching some on the bay was dotted with raised clear bits to grip tempted but $$

Yes that stuff is expensive, this only cost me $5 for a large sheet, have enough left over to make a few more if these get tatty.

Went for a ride this afternoon, definite improvement on the polished plastic, feel more "attached" to the bike. Money well spent.

Looks very tidy too good job i like it.

Geeza, that bike is way too clean. Go get it muddy man...

can you provide a link for the stuff you used Geeza?

Hi, brought the stuff from a local foam and rubber distributor, it is listed as neoprene sheet 3mm self adhesive.

Sorry I can't help more than that

No that's great, thanks man!

Looking good.
That's Clarke's Rubber you got the stuff from?
Noticed some "blinding/dulling" after only the first 200k's of dirt....for a few bux it'd be worth the effort, I think.

god dam that electronic thing with its rain cover looks shit on the right of the engine . what sort of company lets nigel no thought position it there

Thats a regulator by the looks of it, no reason why you cant relocate it

IF you relocate the regulator, you can position the plastic cover in the bolt holes where that was, and what you end up with is the original BMW part in the place that BMW intended.

Feedback on neoprene rubber tank gripper I fitted a few weeks ago.

The rubber is staying stuck so the adhesive is working very well and is not showing any signs of wear or moving.

Big improvement on shiny panels, especially under braking and hard cornering.

Ace will have to stick some on my enduro ride just where to hide it on yellow and blue plastics....