"R" owners: is the aluminum on the tank clear coated

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RSR racer

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Jun 15, 2012
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Or in a "raw" state.

By hand, it feels raw and leaves an oxide on the white part of my leathers where they rub against the tank.

I was going to apply the TankSlapper 3M clear protective covering kit; but am not sure if this is the right thing to do if the tanks are actually unfinished aluminum.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.
 
I dont know the answer to this question, but it looks like a dull finish so im sure its not clear coated.
 
mark419ny said:
rsr if you are going to put something on your bike trust me go with the xpel ultimate paint protection. it was 650 installed. its self healing if it get scratched just pour hot water on it. also has a 10 year warranty. check it out and yes they have one for the 1199 cause i have it

XPEL Ultimate Paint protection Film self healing - YouTube

XPEL Ultimate Clear Bra Stain Resistance Demo on Audi R8 - YouTube
Click to expand...

sounds like a viable option.

Still need to know about the aluminum. If it is finished or not and can it be wrapped in either case if it's not.

Where did you have it done? Maybe I'll get in touch and they can answer some questions.
 
the problem with the R tank and these films is that where the red is painted on and the aluminum is not a smooth and flat service. There is a hard ridge and any of these clear coat protectors going on is going to have a real problem of adhesion across multiple surface types and perhaps a bubble or pocket develop there. . . It's quite annoying (the ridge) that is. The solution might be to have the clear film cut into the clear aluminum piece and cut again for the painted piece. .

But for those that don't know - if you run your hand against the tank from the clear aluminum to the painted part of the tank, you hit a clear and hard ridge (paint thickness) where the two meet.
 
Def was taking that into account as well. The tanks slapper guys said it can be accommodated with a linear swipe as its being applied. I'm not so sure.
 
It has to be coated. If it isn't it will oxidize and look terrible in a very short time.
 
RSR racer said:
sounds like a viable option.

Still need to know about the aluminum. If it is finished or not and can it be wrapped in either case if it's not.

Where did you have it done? Maybe I'll get in touch and they can answer some questions.
Click to expand...

my dealership has a guy. he also has his own place. very professional. when my lower fairing melted ducati wouldnt cover the paint protection. he did and the stuff is fantastic. no need for a tank pad either
 
Appeared clear coated to me, but if its leaving residue, it couldn't be.
 
R Tank Clear Coated?

I also don't know for certain although I suspect, like others, the tank is clear coated. Search shows a number of late 2012 posts saying, with seeming conviction, that it is clear coated.
 
The R that I looked at, the tank was raw aluminum, the only shiny part was the red paint.
If it has not been clear anodized in time it will oxidize.
 
I'm not sure for certain... but I think the aluminum part has some sort of coating... Maybe a matte clear?

I say this because, people loooove to touch the gas tank. Arrrrgh! When I come back to my bike the gas tank has finger prints and smears on the aluminum part. I had it two days and it's getting ridiculous. Anyways, the smear cleans up easily with a damp rag. Haven't used quick detailer (Maguiar's) yet but that's what I usually use to touch up my bikes between washes.
 
RSR:

I have an R... As I run my hand/fingers from the aluminum to the red paint I feel a distinct ridge at the interface...if it was clear coated, it is unlikely that you would feel such a "sharp" abrupt interface.

Also, if you are getting "oxidation" on your leathers...further tells me that it is "raw" aluminum.

I put the 3M from Tankslapper on the "crotch" part of the tank...I does cross the painted/unpainted interface. The surface of the material is shiny so it gives that part of the tank a shiny appearance. Tankslapper also has a matte variation of 3M...don't know how this would look.

The 3M material is noticeable thicker than the regular Tankslapper film...however, the 3M material is more difficult to install.

Hope this helps!
 
I agree. There is a very sharp interface and I know what brushed aluminum feels like. It has that dry and high friction type of surface which is how it feels when i check the tank

If this has some type of clear coat that is matt finish; then I would interpret that it was applied before the red paint in a two stage process, else there would not be the sharpness to touch at the red margin.

However, there is still the aspect of the Oxide like residue on my leather.

Maybe some of you guys can test your R and see what you think.

So, is it safe to cover raw aluminum with 3M?


Motociclista said:
RSR:

I have an R... As I run my hand/fingers from the aluminum to the red paint I feel a distinct ridge at the interface...if it was clear coated, it is unlikely that you would feel such a "sharp" abrupt interface.

Also, if you are getting "oxidation" on your leathers...further tells me that it is "raw" aluminum.

I put the 3M from Tankslapper on the "crotch" part of the tank...I does cross the painted/unpainted interface. The surface of the material is shiny so it gives that part of the tank a shiny appearance. Tankslapper also has a matte variation of 3M...don't know how this would look.

The 3M material is noticeable thicker than the regular Tankslapper film...however, the 3M material is more difficult to install.

Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
 
RSR:

Recommend getting your definitive Tankslapper/3M questions answered from the source... thetankslapper.biz

Give Lucas a call at: (760) 739-0100 PST SOCAL
 
The tank is most definitely not clear coated, but rather clear anodized. This will prevent it from rust and also harden the surface a bit. I am planning on just putting a clear piece of 3M 2mil plasting on mine to protect it.
 
hi guys i was told never to put a clear film over your tank as it turns yellow after some time. Im getting the carbon tank cover for mine. why would you want to cover the aluminium anyway, its beautiful as it is
 

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