How To Attach Tank Bibs

[russell]

i need to make a tank bib for a friend but do you use mabnets to attach them or some sort of adhesive

[rdb]

I've tried the hd ceramic magnets. They worked up until about 80mph. I also noticed they move on the tank...between the movement and the normal dust accumulation they will ruin a good paint job. You're probably much better off with just a normal leather tie off on front and bottom. If you mean by gluing the leather bib to the plastic/kydex stock type bibs, maybe...but never to a tank itself!

[MADMAX22]

One thing I have also scene is velcro. This still requires the tank side to be glued down though and unless its in a very hidden place and the customer is fine with it I would be wary but they will hold pretty good.

[Spinner]

i need to make a tank bib for a friend but do you use mabnets to attach them or some sort of adhesive

For many of the aftermarket bib companies, velcro is the most common. There is an 'automotive' version you can pick up at Joann's fabrics for about $10 for a decent sized roll, includes both the hook and loop sides. The nice thing about self-adhesive velcro is that if it ever needs to be removed, a hair dryer produces enough heat to peel it back up and then Bug & tar remover will get rid of any residue without harming the paint.

Other things to consider, depending on the bike model: does the seat mount up against the gas tank, does the speedometer have enough space underneath, etc. If you can use any of the bike's parts or bolts to help keep the bib down without using additional adhesives or magnets, that's the way to go.

You can see here that I am using the seat and speedo to help secure the bib:

Here is the unmounted bib. The cutout at the top allows it to wrap around the hardware under the speedo. I used velcro at the straight parts of the "C" shape so the adhesive side will be under the speedo so even if the bib is off the bike, the velcro won't be seen.

Hope this helps...

Chris

[TroyS]

Every tank bib I've ever seen is held in place by the bikes own hardware and maybe a zip-tie or two.

Most are designed so that the top section is pinched in place by the tank console and the bottom is either attached with the lower gas tank bolt or a couple of zip-ties through holes or grommets.

Most of the time, by pinching the top of the bib under the tank console and tightening it in place, you can tug the bottom into place and it will draw down the edges of the bib and you shouldn't need adhesives on the edges.

Hope this helps...