kawasaki tank pad set (update since my ordering the Tech Spec)

[Conrad]

Sorry for the dumb question, but I have to ask.    The snake skin appears to have deeper cuts in the material.  Does this help in any way to mitigate the heat coming off the tank, and allow some degree of air to flow through, or better insulate?   

Thanks-
Dave

I'd have to say no to all your questions. They might insulate a little better but unless you're touching those areas with your bare skin, you won't even notice.

The only negative thing for me about the Tech Spec pads would be that my jacket rubs on the center tank pad just a lil bit and since my jacket is hiviz yellow in that area the black from the pad has transferred onto my jacket in that small area. No biggie though.

[Zman]

Another source that I got good service from:

http://www.pca-one.com/productDetail.asp?productID=3575&RetURL=search&search=bike&BlockSize=20&SortOrder=Default&bikeType=&bikeMake=Kawasaki&bikeModel=Concours%2014%20ABS&bikeYear=2011&MfgCode=TES

[booger]

But then again, I am not a very patient person.

You must be under 50

[Bagger]

I ordered the Tech Spec full set pads for my 2010 before the bike showed up.  Installed them as soon as I got home.

I ride year 'round and have lots of gear that will mar the paint ... these work!  And, I like 'em alot.  Sticky in the twisties.

Now, what can we do with the right side saddle bag that gets hit by our boots?  That's a BIG deal.  I have to "shoot" my leg over the saddle ... which ain't easy with my old bod ... to avoid kicking the right side bag lid.  Crikey !

[gPink]

Maybe a piece from Techspec that matches your tank set?

[Sea Level]

Now, what can we do with the right side saddle bag that gets hit by our boots?  That's a BIG deal.  I have to "shoot" my leg over the saddle ... which ain't easy with my old bod ... to avoid kicking the right side bag lid.  Crikey !

I couldn't shoot my leg over the saddle with a howitzer.

Instead, I've mastered the "two-point half-leg exploding knee technique" after years of training with Pai Mei. Here's how it works: stand to the left of the bike, facing East and forwards. Grasp the left grip with your left hand, and bring your right foot back so that your heel gently touches your right butt cheek. Your right knee will be pointing directly down at the saddle. Then swing your hips so that your knee stays over the saddle but your leg rotates and lowers as it clears the right side luggage and steps ever so gently yet firmly onto the right peg, and you are on the motorcycle without a scuff! At that point it is appropriate to exhale and contemplate your oneness with your Connie.
 

[ZedHed]

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear but the pic you referenced was of a '09 and if you stick a pad kit from a '10/'11 to it the battery door pad will be larger than the door.

How often are you going to be taking off the battery cover?  I've had mine off twice in 3 years -- aesthetics trump occasional functionality in this case.........

[Conrad]

How often are you going to be taking off the battery cover?  I've had mine off twice in 3 years -- aesthetics trump occasional functionality in this case.........

You're right there in that you shouldn't have to get at the battery that often. Here's where Murphy's Law comes in though. As soon as you stick that pad over the battery door, your battery will go dead and you'll have to pull the cover. That's how it would work for me at least. 

[VirginiaJim]

I've got a Tech Spec Snake skin pad over my battery door but I cut it to fit (off a blank) so I can take the door off easily. 

[martin_14]

little update (I forgot to do it earlier, sorry)
Pads made it home 2 weeks ago, only 6 weeks after I ordered them. When I called them, they apologised and promised me to shoot me an e-mail when the pads were there, so I would know they would arrive shortly after that. They didn't, but at least they did send the pads. Oh well.
Thing is, in these last weeks I put some 3000 miles on the bike and winter just arrived, so I'm not in the mood to spend those scarce moments of sund and riding temperatures washing the bike to be able to fit the pads, so I guess it'll have to be a mini winter project.
A look at the pads has revealed that they look the part and will do what I want them to.
Thanks again for the advices.

[wally_games]

I emailed Tech Spec requesting info about the three optional materials that they use (C3, Snake Skin, High Fusion). I was contemplating the new C3 version. Within a few days, they sent me a package with a 1" x 3" sample of each style. The Snake Skin is the only one that I've ever actually seen in person on a bike.

I like the "gripiness" of the C3, but worry about durability as it is very soft. The High Fusion material is very thin. I'm sure it would protect from scratches, but it doesn't feel grippy at all, even though they say it is on the website.

Has anyone installed one of the options other than the Snake Skin? If so, please provide your thoughts.

[Restless]

I emailed Tech Spec requesting info about the three optional materials that they use (C3, Snake Skin, High Fusion). I was contemplating the new C3 version. Within a few days, they sent me a package with a 1" x 3" sample of each style. The Snake Skin is the only one that I've ever actually seen in person on a bike.

I like the "gripiness" of the C3, but worry about durability as it is very soft. The High Fusion material is very thin. I'm sure it would protect from scratches, but it doesn't feel grippy at all, even though they say it is on the website.

Has anyone installed one of the options other than the Snake Skin? If so, please provide your thoughts.

I put the "high fusion" version on my 2010 for the protection factor alone and because I personally didn't like the thickness of the "snake skin" version.  It offers plenty of grip with great scratch protection as well and since it's a bit smoother in design, it cleans up easily too.  I can't comment on the "C3" since it wasn't an option when I ordered mine last year.  My 2 cents, YMMV.

[martin_14]

Has anyone installed one of the options other than the Snake Skin? If so, please provide your thoughts.

Today we had a gorgeous weather here in Munich, and although there is already some snow at the sides of the Autobahn, it was in the low 50's so plenty comfy with all the proper gear. After a nice... errr... Pirelli Angel's demolishing session (it's unbelievable how much profile goes away at 150 mph) I got around installing my C3 Techspec pads. Nice piece of kit, couldn't have been easier if they sent me somebody over to install it for me. After a really good wash of the bike, I noticed how scuffed that area of the fairing was. Really heart stomping. Nothing terrible about it, just plain worn out.
Now, with the pads, it not only is protected, but it also looks nice and it's more comfortable to have a thick piece of rubber between each knee and the plastic or tank. It also does enhance grip and it's easier to control the bike with the body.
Highly recommended. 

[ZG]

Looks good Martin! 

[rcannon409]

The c3 is great. No durability issues that I can see. I believe I can get several more years form it. I tend to be tough on tank graphics and such, so its not as if I babied this stuff.

[ZedHed]

Now, what can we do with the right side saddle bag that gets hit by our boots?  That's a BIG deal.  I have to "shoot" my leg over the saddle ... which ain't easy with my old bod ... to avoid kicking the right side bag lid.  Crikey !

Order the saddlebag protectors from Tankslapper -- they are clear and you can't even see them.  You will leave boot marks, but on the clear plastic, not the paint.

[martin_14]

Looks good Martin! 

of course, it's black!!! 

[tyler1015]

They dont make them in a darker black do they? on a black bike they look grey. My is blacked out and would want them in black.