Tank Bib and Paint

[Jay Tee]

I love the look of a tank bib but I've been reluctant to add one for fear of it creating a worn spot on the paint (and I just had my bike repainted). Am I being silly/paranoid?

Not a highly technical question... this probably could have gone in General but I welcome the input.

[h13man]

Nope. I have one on mine and it has left impressions on my clearcoat. I feel the factory "water based" paint isn't as good as laquer/enamel paint jobs. Never had any problems with my 2000 ZR7 paint as I have with the Spirits. The paint just seems "soft".

[Promagnaman]

I have an American Ironhorse tank bib on my Magna and it is fine. I do take the bib off when I wash the bike. I clean the tank, wax it, and then reinstall the bib after it has been cleaned, armor-alled, and use a lint roller on the underside of the tank bib to make sure there are no bugs, sand, etc to mar the paint. Lots of work I know, but worth the effort if you value your paint...p.s., in this photo I have my hondaline magnetic tank bag installed for a trip.

[DuoDS]

I have a tank bib on my bike and it has protected the paint to the point that the area under the bib is actually less faded than the area not covered. I never really worry about it because I always have the bib on so no one can see anything is going on at all (except when washing or working on the bike).

If you want to put a bib on (and leave it on) what's the difference? as long as it does not rub all the way through the paint and allow your tank to rust. Mine has obviously been on the tank for years and has actually protected the paint under it.

I just wish the bib had a little pocket in it for my garage door opener. That would be a great place to put it so I could hit it quick and easy when I get home from a ride.

[vgreid]

The braided edges of mine leave a slight mark that you can't see unless you take it off. It's a whole lot better tho than the marks my jacket zipper was leaving on the tank.

[Dunesgirl]

Mine came with a tank bib. I'm not sure how long it's been on there, but I lifted it up and saw a lot of light scratches from what I assume is from dirt or other debris getting underneath the bib. But it looks pretty good with it on so I don't mind. I also wish mine had a pocket for the garage door opener. Maybe later I'll buy a different one.

[redneckryder]

I have one on my 02 vlx and i love it. Dosnt affect the paint at all. I do the same as promagnaman/ i take it off when i wash my bike, wax the tank and use leather cleaner on the bib and put it back on. Try it. If u like it awsome if not sell it and try to make your money back.

[Eldorado]

I've had mine on for several years, that's what I bought if for and that's where it stays, I do take it off when I have the tank off and as others have said that's when the tank gets a good polish, I do have the pocket on mine, but............no garage door to open..............

[h13man]

Originally Posted by vgreid

The braided edges of mine leave a slight mark that you can't see unless you take it off. It's a whole lot better tho than the marks my jacket zipper was leaving on the tank.

Mine is an 06' also in black. I believe waterborn paint was a standard for Honda starting about 05'. My bib is braided at the edge "Mustang".

[Jay Tee]

All good info and I feel a lot better about the idea. I just love the look of them.