[GnarDoggs]

Has anyone found any clean simple looking tank pads? I'm not talking about some with skulls or flames on them lmao. I can't find any that are cut for the R7.
The only thing I honestly hate about this bike is that it's so new there's really no aftermarket parts for them. Prolly not till next year 😭

 

[Vansmack]

Tech Spec says they are working on it, to be announced "soon". I am thinking of getting universal pads for now and trimming them as needed. With the shape of the tank, if you have long enough legs, you can anchor your outer leg pretty well by pushing up on your foot from the peg into the tank "overhang". That was in jeans and it was hot and sweaty, no experience with other materials yet.

 

[Rider902374]

Is a tank pad necessary for the R7? This is my first sportbike so pardon the noobie question. I understand the purpose of a tank pad but on the R7 it seems the center is more of a plastic material versus straight-up paint so I would imagine it would be more resistant to scratches. I rather not have a tank pad for personal taste but wouldn't hesitate to put one on if this area is indeed going to get scratched up. I just got my bike a couple of days ago and have a couple of hundred miles on it so far without issue but would like to hear others' thoughts

 

[Vansmack]

The pads on the sides of the tank are meant to be used to help grip the tank with your knees during cornering, braking, etc., not necessarily for scratch prevention, although it does that too.

 

[GnarDoggs]

We're talking about the sides of the tank and they are 100% necessary, they also look wierd if you don't do the full tank (including the center piece) for scratches and grip for a passenger also.....

 

[Vansmack]

We're talking about the sides of the tank and they are 100% necessary, they also look wierd if you don't do the full tank (including the center piece) for scratches and grip for a passenger also.....

I believe they are always helpful, and 100% necessary, for me, but I am sure it's like saying which is the best oil, there will be as many differences as there are choices.

I have been looking at the Monkeygripp.com product too. It sticks on to the back of the tank and gives you what is supposed to be a much better grip. That or a tank extender shroud. Too many choices, and none available for the R7 yet.

 

[GFromThe6ix]

Is a tank pad necessary for the R7? This is my first sportbike so pardon the noobie question. I understand the purpose of a tank pad but on the R7 it seems the center is more of a plastic material versus straight-up paint so I would imagine it would be more resistant to scratches. I rather not have a tank pad for personal taste but wouldn't hesitate to put one on if this area is indeed going to get scratched up. I just got my bike a couple of days ago and have a couple of hundred miles on it so far without issue but would like to hear others' thoughts

I'm a novice rider too, had R3 for a year, and the black 2020 model has a gloss finish on the tank, which I understand is similar on the black R7. I never put pads on, but scratch wise I can say I wish I had put on the center pad. It's nothing drastic but I do see signs of mild wear on the tank. You are likely going to wear jackets, maybe a protector vest, and over time just inadvertently create minor wear on the tank when you lean. So for that reason I would get a center pad. (Although perhaps a good waxing can take care of mild wear, as well.) I also hear though that pads (I think side pads particularly) help with grip. I have not yet tested that myself, but I can see side pads adding that extra grip comfort. Planning on having center and side pads on the R7, when Tech Spec makes some.

 

[Pocket-Rocket]

I'm a novice rider too, had R3 for a year, and the black 2020 model has a gloss finish on the tank, which I understand is similar on the black R7. I never put pads on, but scratch wise I can say I wish I had put on the center pad. It's nothing drastic but I do see signs of mild wear on the tank. You are likely going to wear jackets, maybe a protector vest, and over time just inadvertently create minor wear on the tank when you lean. So for that reason I would get a center pad. (Although perhaps a good waxing can take care of mild wear, as well.) I also hear though that pads (I think side pads particularly) help with grip. I have not yet tested that myself, but I can see side pads adding that extra grip comfort. Planning on having center and side pads on the R7, when Tech Spec makes some.

Welcome to the forum @GFromThe6ix! Are there any other accessories/mods you're looking at for the R7?

 

[GromWill]

I bought this tank pad Product Details (shopyamaha.com) from Yamaha a about a week ago and it looks good enough for me. The fit is also pretty good since its split into two pieces so I can get better coverage where my pants/zipper tend to be and also where I tuck into.

 

[GFromThe6ix]

Welcome to the forum @GFromThe6ix! Are there any other accessories/mods you're looking at for the R7?

Thanks @Pocket-Rocket!

Yes! I’d like to look into a bunch of parts. I like the tastefully customized look and I like tinkering. Among probably the first mods - tail tidy, tank pads, and radiator guard. Down the line, exhaust slip-on, shorty levers, hand grips, tinted wind shield, fuel cap, frame/handlebar/wheel sliders, maybe even tire and sprocket change at some point. Currently single so might remove passenger pegs and get a passenger seat cowl, saving the parts for a future hot occasion . Might replace turn indicator lights - the stock ones are certainly an improvement on previous years’ lights but they look a little big. Might add a seat cover for pilot seat. Other than that, remove any unnecessary stickers/decals/reflectors, and instead install a lighting kit for night riding, especially since my bike is black. All clean and classy parts, nothing obnoxious.

If anyone has a fun suggestion for the break fluid reservoir sock, let me know XD!

 

[deadringer]

Tank pads are up on Tech Spec’s site:

YAMAHA R7 (2021-Current) SnakeSkin Tank Grips: Free Center Tank Protector Included

Precut kit includes left and right tank grips and a two-piece center tank protector.

techspec-usa.com

 

[GFromThe6ix]

Tank pads are up on Tech Spec’s site:

YAMAHA R7 (2021-Current) SnakeSkin Tank Grips: Free Center Tank Protector Included

Precut kit includes left and right tank grips and a two-piece center tank protector.

techspec-usa.com

Yes! Thank you!

 

[Red soopaman]

I recently gotten the tech spec grips they are awesome definitely feel locked in

 

[GnarDoggs]

Wish they looked better, too big for my taste. They could of made them more designed. They were just trying to rush it out to beat everyone else and make some money .....

 

[Vansmack]

Wish they looked better, too big for my taste. They could of made them more designed. They were just trying to rush it out to beat everyone else and make some money .....

I like it, from various foot positions you can find yourself in your knee is all over in that pocket, it should provide good knee grip no matter where it touches. I'll order right now!

 

[magpie]

It's nice that the design goes that close in toward the seat. I'm shorter, so tank pads need to be in close to work for me well. In the past I've had to cut & put them in a spot they weren't really aesthetically designed for so that they'd work for me.

Like this one - designed to fit the tank curve nicely, but my leg when off the bike is more on bare tank than pad. Even when braking in a tuck I don't get all that much grip in this position. Annoying.

 

[GnarDoggs]

What bike is that? A naked it looks like, but which one?

 

[magpie]

What bike is that? A naked it looks like, but which one?

Ducati Monster 1200 - that's a Google image for the Tech Spec pads that were made for it.

Here's mine with different shaped ones and where they need to be for my short self. I had to move them way up into a spot where they didn't probably look as nice, but.... oh well.
(First owner low-sided it and replaced the gas tank, hence the white 1200)

 

[magpie]

Wish they looked better, too big for my taste. They could of made them more designed. They were just trying to rush it out to beat everyone else and make some money .....

Since your bike is blue, they stand out more than on the black bikes, so I can understand wanting less obvious ones. (I like that they're long but they might not need to extend that far toward the front of the bike..?)

I bet you could find 'universal' pads that are clear that you could just cut to your liking. Just get some painter's tape and sit on the bike, mark where your legs grip when you're fully on / tucked / braking and where the leg goes when you're off the bike and - done! Once one side is done you have a template for the other side.

 

[GnarDoggs]

Since your bike is blue, they stand out more than on the black bikes, so I can understand wanting less obvious ones. (I like that they're long but they might not need to extend that far toward the front of the bike..?)

I bet you could find 'universal' pads that are clear that you could just cut to your liking. Just get some painter's tape and sit on the bike, mark where your legs grip when you're fully on / tucked / braking and where the leg goes when you're off the bike and - done! Once one side is done you have a template for the other side.

Much smaller is person. I'll post another pic with them on here in a minute.....