Today I removed the original tank pad accessory from my 54 week old, 3000 mile bike. It is the 2012 red colour, and I was quite upset to see that the white strips in the pad have left paint bleaching on the paint from the sun. WTF? When did my bile ever see that many hours of sun to bleach the paint? Does anyone else think this is 'normal' ?
Daz
I would say that sun bleaching is not that normal on such a young bike.
however Red vehicles is really bad for the paint breaking down in the sun, I see so many red cars with sun bleach and I avoid buying anything red because of this, no manufacturer has solved the red fade problem
Is the fade possibly just in the laquer, could you try some mild cutting to see if it can be blended in?
be interested to see what kawasaki warranty have to say about it??
What made you want to take the tank pads off?
I took the pad off as I'm having paintshield protection fitted tomorrow. This afternoon I took the bike to my local dealer (but not necessarily 'preferred'), I had the details taken etc, but I get the impression Mr K will not look too favourably on me. It's very difficult to photograph but is glaringly obvious in daylight.
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Above are the pics I managed to take, can anyone else see what I can or do you think I'm being ott?
Don't think you'll have any luck with the manufacturer mate, and I'm not just talking about Mr Kawasaki.
As the tank pad was an optional accessory and not fitted as standard, it was a choice by the original owner that fitted it that has created the paint difference and would doubt very much Kawasaki will take any blame for it.
But as Viper has said red colored vehicles are notorious for bleaching, I too would think twice about buying any red vehicle.
Quote from: alibx11 on March 17, 2014, 07:05:39 PM
Don't think you'll have any luck with the manufacturer mate, and I'm not just talking about Mr Kawasaki.
As the tank pad was an optional accessory and not fitted as standard, it was a choice by the original owner that fitted it that has created the paint difference and would doubt very much Kawasaki will take any blame for it.
But as Viper has said red colored vehicles are notorious for bleaching, I too would think twice about buying any red vehicle.
although it is a genuine Kawasaki part and the bit that has faded is where the pad wasn't, id still go through the warranty route. does this mean that you cant fit a tank bag either through fear of paint fade, id put this to Kawasaki as well
the part that has faded , was a clear part of the tank pad over this or was it completely uncovered by the pad? if it had a clear film then I think you are screwed
http://www.kawasakioriginalparts.com/product.php/238369/gtr1400_2010_2013_tank_pad
The picture clearly shows the white which has discoloured on my bike. I agree with the sentiments re tank bag, another valid point for me to add
the whites lines in your paint are underneath actual part of the pad rather than the paint has faded around the pad.The white parts of the pad have magnified the light and caused discoluration, they may not honour this !
are you sure the white lines are just not adhesive burn marks in the laquer, they may cut out!
I'm not sure quite what you mean. I understand that the marks are under the white of the pads, but the dealer used cutting compound on the marks and nothing happened. There is absolutely no adhesive left anywhere and other than paint fade, the tank is unmarked. It was a genuine part which obviously shouldn't damage the paint should it?
Quote from: stig414 on March 17, 2014, 08:19:53 PM
I'm not sure quite what you mean. I understand that the marks are under the white of the pads, but the dealer used cutting compound on the marks and nothing happened. There is absolutely no adhesive left anywhere and other than paint fade, the tank is unmarked. It was a genuine part which obviously shouldn't damage the paint should it?
what im getting at is this..
if the area where the paint has faded had nothing above it at all then its definitely a fault with the paint as the paint as been prevented from fading by the tank pad in the ok areas
if the area where the paint has faded had tank pad over it ( either clear or white) then id say its a fault of the pad and it has magnified the uv light and damaged the paint. either way speak to Kawasaki about it but there may be small small print re the use of tank pads .
Pics have gone to the dealer, I'll post the reply if I get one. The ventureshield wrap I had done is fantastic btw. I recommend it to anyone
Quote from: stig414 on March 20, 2014, 05:26:37 PM
Pics have gone to the dealer, I'll post the reply if I get one. The ventureshield wrap I had done is fantastic btw. I recommend it to anyone
I did the venture shield wrap when I got the bike new, 3 years in and it is still in place and doing its job. I did get some extra and did a bit more of the panniers
UPDATE:
Mr K has decided to replace my tank pads and they will be fitted foc at the dealer. They are keen to get the original pads back as they have not come across this before apparently. On the whole I am happy, I didn't expect or want a new tank, but I'm happy they have accepted the fault and are sorting accordingly. Well done Kawasaki UK :clap:
Daz
Good result, sometimes Mr K does look after their customers, touch wood, they have with me so far.