Query Moved and Approved.

I think the tank bag and knee guard issue should be discussed separately.
Here's why.
1. Old fuel tank with teflon coating + tank bag = No scratch marks.
2. New fuel tank + tank bag + Knee guard = Scratch marks.

Using Knee guard even on old tank with teflon could potentially scratch your tank.

Incidently I use both knee guard and tank bag daily. No teflon coating. When I started using my tank bag, initially I noticed scratch marks on the tank.
Now, I do not know if all tank bags are similar. Mine is cramster. I wrote to cramster regarding this issue and they responded that issues has been noted. Cramster tank bag bottom part (the side that meets the fuel tank) is made of three parts. The middle section is made of some sort of harder synthetic material, while the outer two sides are made of softer slightly furry materials. Sorry, I don't know what they are actually called. Anyway, I found out that the middle portion was making the scratch marks. Respond from Cramster says that middle portion was made so due to complain from "Bullet" riders that the fuel cap of bullet damages the bottom. Well, My bike is not bullet and I am having issues, so I overcame the problem by simply keeping a piece of cloth handy to cover the middle portion. No further scratch since. I intend to stitch the piece of cloth over it. Perhaps taflon coating may help too in this case.

Now the knee guard issue. product is same, Cramster again, the bionic knee guard. I don't know which brand you use. But if you are using Cramster and have the habit of hugging tank or the knee touches tank often. You, in all likelyhood will scratch the tank. Causes, The bionic knee guard has exposed metal rivets. This will scratch the tank as attested by other users. Fortunately I came to know of this issue before I used and already took measures to ovrecome them.

Now I mentioned to discuss the issue separately as in this case, Teflon coating will not protect against metal.

Solution 1: Use underneath pants. I can do so with all my pants. I don't wear tight pants. Am not that ...err ..shapely.
Solution 2: I did this. Cut tyre rubber tube the same size of rivets and paste them over it with glue. Working like a charm. I wrote about this issue to Cramster too and suggested my technique. They replied newer models will come with rubber covered rivets. So if anyone see these rubber covered rivets in Cramster bionic knee guard...well...ahem..you know.

thanks kaynmantis..
that's a perfect answer and also to the point..

so, I am not the only one facing these probs

will implement as you said..

@Nitin--if you can up-grade to full riding pants, nothing like it, i know it shall be a pain to commute in, but safer and scratch-free option(loos are abundant for a quick change)

keeping a cloth under-neath the tank bag shall prevent visible marks, but will continue with swirl and tiny marks, a regular polish(not teflon) shall keep you happy

and i use a back-pack, i know it is inconvenient but seeing scratches on my tank shall make my heart bleed

thanks sheelpriye..

I always tour with my wife as pillion.. thanks god her knee pads are not scratching anything on bike.. so backpack is out.. have cramster saddle bags.. but you know, how much stuff a married man need to carry for 400KMs tour ..
And tank bag was my first touring accessory after bike.. Am totally in love with it.. can't bear to see the tank without it .. will try to keep soft cloth there..

riding pants (read anything above 2k) is out of budget here..

understand

but once you can go for one, please do

I salute you for extending protection for your wife as well. Often we see pillion/wife without any protection. How often have you seen an entire family on a motorcycle and ONLY dad is protected .

I use my car whenever both me and wife have to travel. But on those rare occassion when we use bike. I de-armour myself and use only helmet and gloves and the same for wife. I don't like the idea of fully protecting myself and less protection for wife. I need to get more protection for wife but I'm not doing it so far for two reasons. 1. We hardly use motorcycle together. and 2. It'll take some serious persuation to get her all armoured . She would rather use the car in this case.

well.. in my case she is more conscious about safety gears..
she have two helmets.. one for touring one for city riding on her gearless..
and I still have to buy my city riding one (read wearing my heavy Vega boolean even in city.. )

maybe I ride bad enough, that she prefers safety first.. LOL!!!

Interesting discussion guys..

I am a bit confused about knee guards...

I am waiting for non-Bionic Alpinestar knee guards to be in stock at planet dsg, coz I can wear it inside trousers so it can be used for daily use. (Don't wanna look a like Bike Riding Robot on the streets)

Alpinestars Defender Knee Protectors - Rs2,990.00

Do you guys have any feedback about non Bionic Knee guards; pros/cons against the Bionic ones???

as a cheap alternative, get matt black stickering done in the approximate zone where your knee brushes against the tank. Cleaner looking, and will cost u barely 50 bucks.

Sorry for hijacking the thread guys, wanted to know if there are any strap on knee guards available, the kind that cyclists wear albeit better. The bionic ones make u look like you've come out of star wars

Not exactly sure what your confusion is. Anyway, bionoc ones are two/three piece(depending to brands) held together with rivets. The guard will bend according to your elbow/knee joints. Non-bionic ones are single piece and does not bend.
Pros (Bionic)
Better protection as they fit snugly even while bending joints. Covers more area.
Cons (Bionic)
More expensive. Bigger and some(like alpinestar bionic) will not fit inside pants.

Pros (Non-Bionic)
More affordable. Smaller and will fit inside pants easier.
Cons (Non-Bionic)
Lesser protection and can be prone to sliding down the leg and covers lesser area.

I think there are strap on available. For instant, mine has three straps on each guard. Two can be fasten/unfasten easily through velcro. But for reason I cannot fathom, Cramster has decided to make the third strap fixed, meaning no velcor. I'm sure there should be some where all can simply be fasten/unfasten. I thought I saw one but cannot be sure.

Regarding "star wars", you got to be kidding. I look like robo-cop. Now I even say "thank you for your co-operation".

Well the confusion was which one to get... Thanks for your reply, it does give me a better idea.

I had an accident while going to office on my Pulsar in September and busted my knee. Now I have got myself a Ninja so want to be safe then sorry.

Since I want one for daily use... I think I will go for the non bionic one... would have to settle for less protection considering ease of use.

Thanks again.

Re: [Help]: Bike scratches and Knee pads


Hi, i think there are tank pads and thigh pads available in the market, i personally recommend the one from Autographix. They protect the tank and look great. Last i checked the price for the same was around Rs.250, so rather than investing on rubberized stuff and cloth and stickers and what not, i would suggest this option.
www.autographix.com thats their website.