Best motorcycle tank protectors

There are a couple of good reasons you might want to fit a tank protector to your bike’s fuel tank, both cosmetic and practical.

On the first hand, one on the very rear of the tank will help protect it from scratches in the paint (whether metal or plastic) from zips on your trousers or jacket as you move around, particular if you’re riding quickly and sliding back and forth on the seat, or are on a sportsbike where you lean forward much of the time.

Secondly, pads on the side can help you grip the tank with your knees when you’re riding or cornering and prevent the same sort of damage from the edges of your trousers seams or inside of your leathers.

Finally, if you use a tank bag, they can help protect your bike from the rigours of fitting and removing it whether magnetic, strap-on or if it uses a locking ring, as well as helping stop any damage due to movement while you’re riding or during fuelling.

Related: Best motorcycle crash protection

Fitting tank protection takes moments but can have a much longer benefit and can be as visible or invisible as you want. Some people may use the opportunity to add a little modern tech with a carbon-fibre finish.

You may also want to add some manufacturer branding or be more subtle and use clear protection that can barely be noticed.

The choice is yours and here are a few examples of how to keep your tank sweet.

Its standard ‘spine’ design means it should fit well to tanks that use a compound (two-directional) curve on the back of the tank and it’s self-adhesive, meaning fitting should take just moments.

Pros:

Self-adhesive, so fitting easy

Protect tank from clothing damage

High-tech carbon-fibre look

Cons:

Only 1mm thick, so some damage may still occur

There are a selection of pieces to stick to the outer rim of the mounting assembly, as well as one to fit to the cap and one to the opening tab, for near-complete coverage.

Pros:

Protect fuel filler from damage

Designed specifically for key models

Should offer full coverage

Cons:

May have an effect on functionality

Pros:

Complete package of protection

Designed specifically for one bike

Trademark Kawasaki green

Cons:

Might be a bit full-on for some

Pros:

Protect retro or classic fuel tanks

Rubber compound help insulate vibrations

Improve grip on tank with knees

Cons:

Does not say whether self-adhesive or separate method required

Being clear, they won’t affect the overall look and feel of the bike but give invisible protection. The company has protection for a range of bikes, as well as screen covers for the new generation of TFT dashboard displays.

Pros:

Invisible so won’t spoil look of bike

UV protection to prevent sun damage to paint

Made from stone-chip protection film

Cons:

None we can think of

It is fitted with 3M self-adhesive backing to make sure it stays in place once fitted and can be trimmed to size if necessary. It is, of course, weather resistant as well as to oil and chemicals including, one would imagine, petrol in case of minor spills.

Pros:

Thick to offer good protection

Easy to trim to fit

Universal fit

Cons:

With 3M adhesive, you may not be able to remove and reposition if you fit it wrong

Available either in black or with a Union Jack design, they are self-adhesive and are finished with a gloss top coat. They get good reviews online.

Pros:

Should fit a wide range of motorcycles

Two colours options available

Good reviews online

Cons:

Gloss finish may not be to all tastes

Pros:

Allow paint and graphics to show through

Prevent knee damage to tank

Quick and easy to fit

Cons:

Could be a bit larger

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