I recently had a the zipper replaced on my favorite riding jacket. Unfortunately I didn't consider specifying a nylon zipper and didn't think twice when the tailor replaced it with a metal one. DUH.

So I go off on weekend trip and take my second gas stop and I see the tank's clear coat is gouged with three good sized scratches. The plastic tank protector wasn't wide enough I believe I must've scratched it getting on or off the bike.

So I realize I have problem and go to the Dollar Store and get some clear packing tape. And it actually does the job and I didn't do anymore damage to the tank and enjoyed 1200 miles of riding.

Yesterday I took the bike to shop that puts on vinyl paint protector bras on cars. So I had him do the back and top of the tank as well as the rear seat cowl. It looks great. The scratches are barely noticeable since there is another clear coat over it. He also got rid of that ugly tank protector that was already looking a little ratty.

We'll see how it holds up but it looks nice and shiney.

 

Yesterday I took the bike to shop that puts on vinyl paint protector bras on cars. So I had him do the back and top of the tank as well as the rear seat cowl. It looks great. The scratches are barely noticeable since there is another clear coat over it. He also got rid of that ugly tank protector that was already looking a little ratty.

We'll see how it holds up but it looks nice and shiney.

I've been considering this myself - what was the cost if I may ask? I am not a fan of the cobra-shaped protectors and also am worried about the passenger seat cowl as I frequently carry a backpack.

 

I have this stuff on my bike. It works well and is virtually invisible.

 

certainly a cheaper alternative vs paying to have a custom job. I looked online but couldn't find a kit like that.

 

Have some 3M film put on it.

 

Tank Protector

Ducati make a nice black carbon protector with a small Ducati badge on it. They also make a clear protector.

 

Ducati make a nice black carbon protector with a small Ducati badge on it. They also make a clear protector.

Thanks...

A search on Amazon finds this clear one for the Panigale. Haven't found one yet for the SuperSport.

 

Back at it. I posted somewhere that I put on another tank protector. It was a cheap Chinese thing and delaminated. I can't find the photo that I posted here. Anyway, I took it to my vinyl guy today and had him put clear vinyl over the nose. While I was there, I asked him to pull off the old Chinese protector and wrap it with CF vinyl. Luckily, he was able to get the old stuff off and didn't have to wrap the the tank again.

So here is the CF over the clear vinyl. (The front is good too. I didn't want more road rash on it.)

 

I have tried the clear Ducati Panigale tank protector and it bubbled up at the inside radius and looked like an old flake of skin after a few rides. I also tried a cheap multi-colored knock off Ducat (yes, the maker dropped the "i" off of Ducati) and it looked like a trashy tramp-stamp on the beautiful curves.

I finally bought some Xpel clear film on Amazon and installed a truly invisible, durable tank protector that keeps the stunning looks of the bike. I love not seeing it.

On the other hand, I also added the Ducati Pocket Tank Bag, which adds a hideous black ring to the fuel filler door. It's extremely convenient to use. But it detracts from the looks. Everytime I see it, I want to stir fry some vegetables in that wok!

 

I have tried the clear Ducati Panigale tank protector and it bubbled up at the inside radius and looked like an old flake of skin after a few rides. I also tried a cheap multi-colored knock off Ducat (yes, the maker dropped the "i" off of Ducati) and it looked like a trashy tramp-stamp on the beautiful curves.

I finally bought some Xpel clear film on Amazon and installed a truly invisible, durable tank protector that keeps the stunning looks of the bike. I love not seeing it.

View attachment 41940
On the other hand, I also added the Ducati Pocket Tank Bag, which adds a hideous black ring to the fuel filler door. It's extremely convenient to use. But it detracts from the looks. Everytime I see it, I want to stir fry some vegetables in that wok!

Get yourself a Givi Seatlock. It is the same fitting but you strap it to the pillion seat, giving you the ability to have your small tank bag attached as a tail bag. It’s an excellent luggage solution.

I have tried the clear Ducati Panigale tank protector and it bubbled up at the inside radius and looked like an old flake of skin after a few rides. I also tried a cheap multi-colored knock off Ducat (yes, the maker dropped the "i" off of Ducati) and it looked like a trashy tramp-stamp on the beautiful curves.

I finally bought some Xpel clear film on Amazon and installed a truly invisible, durable tank protector that keeps the stunning looks of the bike. I love not seeing it.

View attachment 41940
On the other hand, I also added the Ducati Pocket Tank Bag, which adds a hideous black ring to the fuel filler door. It's extremely convenient to use. But it detracts from the looks. Everytime I see it, I want to stir fry some vegetables in that wok!

Get yourself a Givi Seatlock. It is the same fitting but you strap it to the pillion seat, giving you the ability to have your small tank bag attached as a tail bag. It’s an excellent luggage solution.

 

I like my Motographix one, color match is spot on, I use the smallest piece at the tank top to stop any scratching from my house key

 

I second these, a perfect colour match and nicely styled.

 

@mjdutch Having had 3M tank protection film on 5 of my last bikes (2 of which were sports bikes) the 3M film is no slippery than the the tank itself - in fact it might be touch less slippery.
It is outstanding at protecting the paintwork from scuffs, zip marks and stone chips. I wouldn't hesitate to get it fitted to any bike I own.

 

Ducati generally sells one specific to each model. No reason for me to believe it will be any different for the SS, although early owners might get a bike before it is available.....lets hope not. Although Ducati designs one for each bike, I did not care for the one they offered for my 1200R so I had a tank protector made and installed by one of those clear bra installers. Cost was close to a factory protector and it was virtually invisible.

Strongly advise to avoid the clear protectors. They require a 100% perfect installation to avoid showing any bubbles or adhesion defects. Most people installing one will initially gently lay it in place, anticipating they may have to make slight adjustments. With a clear one, those slight adjustments will cause adhesion defects which become permanently visible. The non-clear ones will hide those defects.

Also beware of those generic ones from the interweb. Their material and design quality is inconsistent with a Ducati.

Just monitor the Ducati web site accessory page for the SS and I'll bet a protector listing will appear before deliveries commence.

 

Wots with you guys!?!
I should have looked at the accessories page before wasting time posting the above.
Don't know how long one has been available, but it certainly is listed there now.

 

I see the carbon one...

 

Ducati show quite a selection of accessories already for the Supersport. Have you not looked?

Ducati: bikes, dealers and racing

Ok, go on to the Ducati website, US one is fine.
Look for Equipment, click on this, then accessories, then on Supersport, then a box opens up on the right hand side. Click the down arrow next to model, click new supersport, Then just click search, this will show all the currently available new parts including the tank protector which is really quite nice.

 

Definitely tons of accessories there to go through. The tank protector does look really nice as well. Carbon fiber goodness. For reference, this is what it looks like.

 

It does look good and probably much needed on the Satin White finished bikes.

 

I placed 2 small pieces of 3M clear on either side of tank protector as my nylon jacket was scuffing tank a little.

 

I wanted the protector over the top of the tank since the tank bag was scuffing as well.

 

I've used Tank Slapper before with good results. As @Derek said, patience is a virtue!

 

As LowRyter mentioned - it isn't so much the material as the skills. Badly done and you're just peeling it off and cleaning it up. Thanks for the info!

 

I bought a tank protector from TankSlapper a while ago and am just getting around to putting it on my matte white tank. It's supposed to go on before/under a tank pad. Problem is that I already have a nice and somewhat pricey Ducati pad on my tank. The TankSlapper guy thought I could pull up the old pad and reapply it after installing the film. I have my doubts about it being able to re-adhere to the tank/film, plus I'm a bit nervous about damaging the matte finish on the tank when I pull off the pad. An alternative is possibly trimming the film around the pad before installing it or maybe trim it in-place with a blade before it dries, yikes, would take some high precision to not make a mistake and make it look correct. If there are no concerns about pulling up an old pad I might be able to use spray adhesive to re-apply it. Anybody face this situation yet?

 

Yep, I had my tank pad removed. The installer said he used fishing line and heat. My bike is shiney red but you could never tell that is was ever on. Of course the pad is toast.

 

Hi, resurrecting an old thread here. I dont like the look of tank protectors so my dealer recommended a local place that can install 3m film. Will cover the centre of the tank where my jacket is wearing into it as well as where your legs would grip the tank for $100 CAD. Thought id pay that for the pro install as it includes the materials as well. My concern would be that the 3m film is glossy and more slippery than clear coat? Has anybody had this issue and had to put grips overtop?

 

ive never been a fan of tank protectors either but bit the bullet and put the OEM Ducati carbon one on, not cheap but no regrets and I genuinely think it compliments the bike, the dealer generously fitted it and got it 100% square 👍

 

It has a place. I’m happy riding “quickly” with the small bag, it’s rock solid and has enough capacity for a days riding. The bigger bag is ok for commuting but I wouldn’t go nuts with it, it might loosen the straps and come loose. That’s just a gut feeling, it’s been fine on my 32 mile commute which includes some 60mph sections.