This is without doubt the best money I have ever spent on an accessory. Gripster tank pads from Tech Spec in the USA.
Apart from protecting the paintwork from getting scuffed up they provide fantastic grip so that just gentle pressure with your legs / knees "locks" you in place greatly improving the feeling of control and surprisingly, at least to me, comfort as you feel planted and not wanting to slide onto the tank.
If you like to move around a bit no problem either - I know I sound like I work for the company that makes them but these things are absolutely bloody fantastic.
(http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg513/maxway1/BikeStuff020.jpg)
(http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg513/maxway1/BikeStuff021.jpg)
(http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg513/maxway1/BikeStuff027.jpg)
They look very grey in the pictures but in the flesh they are definately black - they really do look good on the black bike IMHO.
They come with a conventional tank protector for the back of the tank but I've left the Kawasaki one in place at this stage - the other thing I almost forgot is that they are designed in such a way that they can be peeled off and re applied without loosing strength from the adhesive, up to 4 or 5 times I think.
Like the look of these
Here's the website link: http://www.techspec-usa.com/
they look superb, thanks for the heads up on that product :goodpost:
Maybe that link could be added to the Accessory listing ?
On the right side of the bike, looking forward do you have to cut out for the bolt hole, or does it come like that?
P.S. you have a dead hamster or something where your seat should be!
No the hamsters not dead, he's just asleep :laugh:
There is no cutting required as they are specifically made for the bike and fit perfectly straight out of the box.
Tempted to get some if they come in black
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on April 23, 2012, 10:35:58 AM
Tempted to get some if they come in black
The ones in the photos are black.
Quote from: Lonewolf on April 23, 2012, 10:39:01 AM
The ones in the photos are black.
I must be going colour blind. Looked grey to me!
Anyway, here's the UK supplier. I'll add them to the accessory list tonight.
http://www.speedycom.co.uk/shop/product.php?productid=18809&cat=0&page=1
Whats with the new Photo Mr Wolf ??
Max, did you buy them from the USA or UK site?
I got mine from the Australian site - www.techspec-aus.com.au. They cost $76.00 AUD delivered. The ones I got are the C3 material.
I know they look grey in the photo but they are black ( not full on jet black but much darker than the photo shows ). As soon as I can I'll get a photo in natural light and the colour should be better.
Regards
Max.
:huh: But dont they do just the same job as the Kawasaki ones, which when fitted show the colour of the bike beneath. Because I have long legs I fitted two sets, first one as per normal and then a second set on the fairing. I think this set up suites the bike, as they have horizontal silver lines impregnated into the gel. :smiley:
Looks like you have the Kawasaki pads on as well.
Since they come as a 3 piece how did you get the two side pieces off without damaging the paint?
Quote from: mecki on April 24, 2012, 08:09:21 AM
Looks like you have the Kawasaki pads on as well.
Since they come as a 3 piece how did you get the two side pieces off without damaging the paint?
They just peeled off easily without a problem.
I took my kawasaki tank pad off without a problem ----- warmed it up with a hairdryer and it peeled off no problem !
will wait for better photos ---- If they're nearly black, they should look ok on a dark green bike !
( just looked at the website and the snakeskin ones look the business ! ---- far too pricey though - almost £100 !!! )
- btw - the official kawasaki side protectors ( part of the set of 3 ---- are useless - far too small and dont really protect the correct area ! )
Quote from: seniorminnion on April 25, 2012, 09:30:37 PM
I took my kawasaki tank pad off without a problem ----- warmed it up with a hairdryer and it peeled off no problem !
Now what would I be doing with a hairdryer :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
A better picture in natural light:
(http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg513/maxway1/padsandreflectors001.jpg)
on the website it only lists Councours 1400 form 07-09 ?? - will they fit any year ? ( specifically the bolt cut-outs ?
Quote from: Max Way on April 22, 2012, 10:41:10 AM
This is without doubt the best money I have ever spent on an accessory. Gripster tank pads from Tech Spec in the USA.
Apart from protecting the paintwork from getting scuffed up they provide fantastic grip so that just gentle pressure with your legs / knees "locks" you in place greatly improving the feeling of control and surprisingly, at least to me, comfort as you feel planted and not wanting to slide onto the tank.
If you like to move around a bit no problem either - I know I sound like I work for the company that makes them but these things are absolutely bloody fantastic.
...
They come with a conventional tank protector for the back of the tank but I've left the Kawasaki one in place at this stage - the other thing I almost forgot is that they are designed in such a way that they can be peeled off and re applied without loosing strength from the adhesive, up to 4 or 5 times I think.
Completely agree with your review. I've got mine from a UK store that gets the pads from Tech Spec USA, and they are indeed much blacker than what they look in the pictures. They improve control and comfort, and also protect the bike. Best 50 something pounds I spent on the bike.
Quote from: seniorminnion on April 28, 2012, 01:43:29 AM
on the website it only lists Councours 1400 form 07-09 ?? - will they fit any year ? ( specifically the bolt cut-outs ?
Lists for later models as well
my mistake -- found them -- not as expensive as I thought - considering the small kawasaki set is £35 - then they're not too bad a price !
Max, which type did you opt for?
QuoteHigh Fusion – is a thin (.035") synthetic rubber blend with a simple ruff texture. With High Fusions rubber blend, you will feel a positive grip into your tank, less pressure on your wrists, elbows and shoulders, plus a more solid seat position. High Fusion is an excellent Grip Pad product for all riders and is also excellent for paint and surface area protection. High Fusion uses TechSpec's personal "Releasable/Reusable adhesive". True quality and a one of a kind product!
C3
TechSpec's "C3" synthetic rubber is a .100" thick Gripster Grip "Pad" offering excellent grip and the ultimate in comfort of the Gripster line. Will also assist in reduction of vibration and increase in comfort. C3 uses TechSpec's personal "Releasable/Reusable adhesive".
Snake Skin – is a basic, .125" thin "GRIP PAD" with a low profile diamond grip pattern. With Snake Skins .125" thickness and the rubber padding properties. One will not only feel excellent GRIP into the tank, less pressure on your wrists, elbows and shoulders, but could also notice a reduction in shock and vibration from the bike and road. TechSpec's Snake Skin, grip pads are an excellent product for all riders and uses TechSpec's personal "Releasable/Reusable adhesive". True quality and a one of a kind product!
I've got the C3.
I ordered and paid for a set of these tank pads in mid April. My order was 'processed' on 29th April, but they still haven't arrived
The guy at Speedycom tells me that they were sent 1st class on the 30th.. the problem is they haven't arrived yet, and I'm informed that Speedycom cannot chase up the P.O until the items have been missing for two weeks :huh:
I politely informed him that I want some action now.....I'm a bit pissed off really :hammer:
What a total dissapointment..... The pads still haven't arrived despite promise after promise and guarantees of next day courier delivery, it now transpires that they still haven't got them in stock and didn't bother to let me know :gun_bandana:
How these companies survive is beyond my comprehension...
No reflection on Max's recomendation or the quality of the product, but as far as Speedycom performance is concerned I will never use them again nor would I recommend them to anyone else :death:
So I'll try and get the pads elsewhere...
Thankfully I paid via paypal so I've got my money refunded
So they lied about sending them 1st class?
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on May 18, 2012, 05:24:08 PM
So they lied about sending them 1st class?
They said last week that they had "somehow run out of stock" but would get some from another depot and that they would definitely be couriered to my address today
They aren't here, and when I just phoned them they said they forgot to let me know that they still hadn't got any to send to me
I only ever speak as I find and I'm sure that others have had a better experience than me, but I wont ever use them again Asif
Sorry to hear you've received such lousy customer service, a bit of honesty from them would have been nice. Fair enough if they don't have stock on hand but why can't they be upfront with you from the beginning and give you the choice of going elsewhere or waiting. :hammer:
Quote from: Max Way on May 19, 2012, 07:45:44 AM
Sorry to hear you've received such lousy customer service, a bit of honesty from them would have been nice. Fair enough if they don't have stock on hand but why can't they be upfront with you from the beginning and give you the choice of going elsewhere or waiting. :hammer:
:agree: Max. and your recomendation was/is good, as the pads are a really good looking product, its just so annoyimg when these companies fail so miserably for the sake of a small amount of organisation