New Commando tank paintwork wearing.

Joined
May 4, 2014
Messages
17
Hi out there,
Has anyone on here had problems with the paintwork on the tank of their new commando?
Mine has shown distinct signs of wear at the base of the tank with the seat. Also on the right side where the cut-away ends.
This wear is clearly caused by my clothing and my knee rubbing the tank, but I don't think it should be evident at just 800 miles.
Does anyone else have experience of this?
 
Given the shape and length of the tank, you definitely need a tank protector. I installed mine immediately expecting this to be an issue given I tend to ride on the tank, particularly in the twisties.

I have over 2,000 miles and haven't noticed anything yet, but will inspect the sides when I get home and revert.
 
Just checked and mine has no marks whatsoever. I have a smallish tank protector that does the job and my knees apparently don't come in contact with the sides.
 
Tank protector fitted first day! I wear a claymore wax jacket with a belt which would destroy that tank in 5 minutes....

I cant get my knees to touch the side of the tank anyway.....
 
I'm guessing this is more a cafe racer issue than Sport issue? I never fitted a protector to mine as I realized I was hardly touching the tank when on the road. At 4k miles the tank did show some signs of light scuffing where a pad would have been, I guess this was done when getting on and off the bike. Done 500 miles with the new tank fitted and it's 'as new' :)
 
My bike is sport model, purchased in Nov last year.
I have other bikes, particularly a Triumph Thunderbird 900 & a Bonnie with similar styles of tank, neither of which have a tank protector, and neither of which have a similar paint scuffing issue.
The tank will go back to Norton and hopefully get put right. My plan is to then have it fitted with a protective film from - http://www.invisiblepatterns.co.uk/shop/Cafe-Racer/
Does anyone out there have any experience of these people?
 
Could it be a the difference of plastic tank vs. metal. Possibly a softer paint?
 
I have never seen a tank that would not dull or scratch when the bike is ridden aggressively. That is why hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of tank protectors are sold every year. I have never seen a Bonneville or Thunderbird that had the same tank shape as a 961!
 
Dozer said:
Tank protector fitted first day! I wear a claymore wax jacket with a belt which would destroy that tank in 5 minutes....

I cant get my knees to touch the side of the tank anyway.....

Hi Dozer,

Did you purchase a commercial tank protector or go with a film?

Thanks,
ollyoop1
 
I bought a large tank protector that covers the rear spine of the tank, that's the only bit that touches.
 
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