In the exhilarating world of sport bikes, achieving maximum control and stability over your machine is paramount. One accessory that can vastly enhance your bike’s handling is the tank grip. Properly applied, these grips will transform your riding experience, enabling you to maintain high levels of control and stability even when you are pushing your bike to its limits. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of applying tank grips correctly to your sport bike.
Understanding the Importance of Tank Grips
Before diving into the application process, it’s crucial to understand why tank grips are such a vital accessory for your motorcycle. Tank grips serve more than just an aesthetic purpose. They can significantly improve your riding experience by providing additional grip and control.
Sport bikes are mean machines designed for high-speed performance and sharp manoeuvres. The engine power, gear shifts, and the thrill of leaning into a turn can be exhilarating. However, they also demand an exceptional level of control from the rider. This is where tank grips come into the picture.
Tank grips are essentially patches of high-grip material that you apply to the sides of your motorcycle’s tank. They interact with your riding gear, providing increased friction that offers you superior control over your bike. This can drastically reduce the strain on your wrists, arms, and shoulders, especially during long rides.
What’s more, tank grips enable you to maintain a secure posture on your bike without having to grip the handlebars too tightly. This can lead to a smoother ride, better fuel efficiency, and greater safety on the road.
Selecting the Right Tank Grips
Choosing the right tank grips for your bike is the first step in the application process. The market is flush with a variety of tank grips options, from universal grips that fit a wide range of bikes to bespoke grips cut specifically for a particular model.
When selecting your tank grips, consider factors such as the material, the adhesive quality, and the thickness of the grip. High-quality tank grips are typically made from durable materials like synthetic rubber or polyurethane. They offer a superior grip, are resistant to wear and tear, and can withstand the rigours of sport riding.
The adhesive quality is crucial as it determines how well the grip will stick to your bike’s tank. Opt for a grip with a strong adhesive that can withstand high temperatures and pressure.
Lastly, the thickness of the grip plays a role in how comfortable it feels under your legs and how well it absorbs vibrations from the bike’s engine and the road.
Preparing your Bike’s Tank
The next step is to prepare your bike’s tank for the application. This involves thoroughly cleaning the surface where the grips will be applied to ensure they adhere correctly.
Start by washing the tank with soap and water to remove dirt, oil, and grime. Rinse thoroughly and dry the tank completely. Follow up by wiping the tank down with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will remove any wax or polish that might prevent the grips from sticking properly.
After cleaning, inspect your tank for any scratches or damage that might interfere with the grip’s adhesion. If you find any, you’ll need to repair them before proceeding with the grip application.
Applying the Tank Grips
Once your tank is clean and dry, it’s time to apply your tank grips. Start by peeling the backing off the grip. Be careful not to touch the adhesive side, as oils from your hands can weaken the adhesive.
Position the grip on the tank, ensuring it aligns correctly with the contours of your bike. Once you’re happy with the positioning, press the grip down firmly, starting from the centre and working your way out towards the edges. This will help to eliminate any air bubbles and ensure a smooth application.
After applying, give the grip a firm push to make sure it’s securely affixed. Repeat the process with the other tank grip.
Maintaining your Tank Grips
After you’ve applied your tank grips, maintaining them will ensure they stay in prime condition, providing maximum control over your sport bike.
Keep your tank grips clean by washing them regularly with soap and water. Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive brushes, which could damage the grip material.
Check your grips often for any signs of wear or damage. If they start to peel or lose their grip, it’s time to replace them. Remember, a well-maintained tank grip is essential to your safety and the performance of your bike.
In conclusion, tank grips can enhance your control over your sport bike significantly. By selecting the right grips, preparing your tank correctly, and maintaining your grips properly, you can enjoy a safer, more enjoyable riding experience.
Enhancing Your Riding Experience with the Right Gear and Accessories
Having the right gear can make all the difference in your sport bike riding experience. In addition to tank grips, other accessories like utv atv parts, dual sport tires, and handlebars controls can greatly improve your control and stability on your sports bike.
When it comes to riding gear, it is important to prioritise both comfort and safety. High-quality race suits, gloves, and helmets can provide crucial protection in case of accidents. They can also enhance your control over your bike by reducing wind resistance and improving grip.
As a rider, consider investing in sturdy ply tires that can handle the high speeds and sharp turns characteristic of sport bikes. Similarly, a good set of handlebars controls can significantly enhance your ability to steer, accelerate, and brake efficiently.
In addition to enhancing your ride, these accessories also demand regular maintenance. Just like you would check your tank grips for signs of wear and tear, inspect these accessories too. This will ensure that they continue to function at their best, keeping you safe on the road.
Shopping for OEM Parts and Accessories
OEM parts, short for Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, are components produced by the same company that made your sport bike. These parts are designed to perfectly fit and function with your bike. This can range from atv parts, transport storage accessories, or even drive transmission parts.
When shopping for OEM parts, be sure to verify their compatibility with your specific bike model. Websites like Revzilla offer a wide array of OEM parts and gear for various sport bikes. Revzilla photos can be a helpful resource to understand what a part or accessory looks like before you make a purchase.
In the end, investing in high-quality parts and accessories can enhance the longevity and performance of your sport bike. Be it your tank grips, ply tires or women gear, ensure that they are well-maintained and replaced when necessary.
Conclusion
To sum up, tank grips are an essential accessory for any sport bike rider, offering enhanced control, comfort, and safety. However, their effectiveness is reliant on proper selection, application, and maintenance. Complementing your bike with other key accessories and riding gear, like utv atv parts, ply tires, and high-quality race suits, can further elevate your riding experience. And remember, whether it’s OEM parts or aftermarket upgrades, always ensure that they are compatible with your bike. So, gear up right, maintain your equipment, and enjoy the thrill of sport bike riding in the UK with full control and safety.
