Best Motorcycle Tank Pads: Grip Pads and Paint Protectors
If you ride a sportbike and want knee grip, start with the Stompgrip, TechSpec Snake Skin or Eazi-Grip EVO pads. If you only want to stop zippers and buckles scuffing the paint, a plain universal pad from Factory Effex, Speedmetal or Puig does that job. I haven’t fitted or ridden with any of these, so the notes below come from each brand’s own product descriptions and from the retailer guides I link.
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Grip pad or paint protector?
Tank pads do two separate jobs, and most products lean toward one. A grip pad has a textured surface so your knees and thighs hold on under braking and in corners. A protector is mainly a barrier between your gear and the paint. Many pads do some of both.
Racers use grip pads to stay put on the tank. They are a familiar sight in British Superbike, World Superbike, MotoAmerica and MotoGP paddocks. On the road, the same grip helps you hold your body position without clenching your arms. If you are still working out what else to buy, the beginner motorcycle gear checklist covers the bigger items first.
RevZilla’s Shop Manual video explains what tank grips are and why riders fit them:
Video: Motorcycle Tank Grips Explained | The Shop Manual (RevZilla)
Where a tank wears first
XLMOTO’s guide, published on 24MX, points out that the tank is often the largest painted part on a bike without fairings. It names three wear spots:
- Rear centre of the tank. This is where the tank meets the rider. Jacket zippers and belt buckles leave scratches here, and so do belts worn with leather pants.
- The sides. The insides of your knees rub the paint. XLMOTO says the wear speeds up in winter, when riders wear heavier protective clothing. If you ride in textile trousers, see our guide to choosing textile motorcycle pants for how fabrics and fit differ.
- Around the filler cap. Regular fill-ups chip the edge, and a key can scratch the paint on bikes with a locking cap. Filler cap protectors exist for this spot.
Pads for the centre section are usually self-adhesive, according to XLMOTO. They are either universal or cut to fit a particular make and model, and they come in vinyl, rubber or synthetic leather. The slight padding helps on tanks with a steep slope toward the seat. Side pads work the same way. On a heavily contoured or very glossy tank they also add grip under hard braking and cornering.
Three grip pads for sportbikes
Stompgrip Tank Pad
The Stompgrip Tank Pad uses a volcanic bump pattern. The brand describes the material as non-abrasive, so it should not wear your riding pants. Each pad is made to fit a specific bike model. The listed features are:
- clear or black versions, with the clear one letting the paint and graphics show through;
- pre-molded rounded corners meant to resist peeling;
- a 3M adhesive back;
- made in the USA.
TechSpec Snake Skin Tank Pads
TechSpec’s Snake Skin Tank Pads are shaped to the individual motorcycle. TechSpec says the adhesive back allows removal and repositioning, which helps you get the placement right. The brand also says the pads will not damage leather or fabric pants. The pitch is less strain on elbows, wrists and shoulders, because your legs take more of the work of holding you in place.
Eazi-Grip EVO Tank Pads
The Eazi-Grip EVO Tank Pads have a half-dome shape that gives your legs a larger surface to hold. Eazi-Grip says it developed them with riders from the British Superbike series. They are made of polyurethane, which the brand describes as soft but durable. They are shaped to your bike, and the brand says they won’t scratch leather or textile pants or suits. Eazi-Grip’s stated aim is a more secure body position and less strain when braking hard.
Universal protectors and other options
Factory Effex Carbon Tank Pad
The Factory Effex Carbon Tank Pad is a universal pad with a carbon look. The listing says it resists heat, humidity, water and UV, and it protects against belt buckles and pant zippers. Installation instructions come with it.
Speedmetal Jelly Tank Pad
The Speedmetal Jelly Tank Pad is a soft, adhesive-backed pad that measures 9 3/4 in high by 6 3/4 in wide. It is sold to protect the paint and reduce slipping.
Puig Soft Tank Pad
The Puig Soft Tank Pad is a universal pad measuring 5 in wide by 9 in long. It sits between you and the tank and covers a fair area of paint.
OneDesign Universal Series 3 HDR Tank Pads
The OneDesign Universal Series 3 HDR Tank Pads are textured rubber pads that protect the paint and add grip. They measure 134 mm high by 144 mm wide, come as a pair and are made in Italy. OneDesign says the adhesive is UV resistant and bonds to metal and plastic tanks. It recommends its Adhesion Promoter Kit for a lasting bond. OneDesign also has the widest range on 24MX, from plain black and transparent pads to graphic and carbon-look versions.
BMW Tank Knee Pads
The BMW Tank Knee Pads are adhesive-backed, sold as a pair, and aimed at protecting the paint and helping you keep a good riding position. They are the obvious choice for a BMW owner who wants a factory-branded option.
Oxford tank pads
Oxford sells several tank protectors, including the Oxford Jagged Tank Pad. I can’t confirm its dimensions or material from the sources I have, so check the listing before you order. 24MX also stocks the Oxford Spine Tank Protector, the Gripper Adv Tank Protection and a universal silicone Tank Grip.
Side by side
| Pad | Main job | Fit | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stompgrip Tank Pad | Grip | Made for your bike model | n/a |
| TechSpec Snake Skin | Grip | Shaped to your bike | n/a |
| Eazi-Grip EVO | Grip | Shaped to your bike | n/a |
| Factory Effex Carbon | Paint protection | Universal | n/a |
| Speedmetal Jelly | Paint protection, anti-slip | Most tanks, per the listing | 9 3/4 in H x 6 3/4 in W |
| Puig Soft | Paint protection | Universal | 5 in W x 9 in L |
| OneDesign Universal Series 3 HDR | Grip and paint protection | Universal, sold as a pair | 134 mm H x 144 mm W |
| BMW Tank Knee Pads | Paint protection, position | Sold as a pair | n/a |
| Oxford Jagged | Paint protection | n/a | n/a |
Questions riders ask
What are tank pads for?
They stop scuffs from zippers, buckles and clothing. Paint protection film does a similar job, but tank pads are built for the spots that take fastener damage: the tank sides where your knees and thighs rub, and the tail if you carry panniers.
Are tank pads worth it?
I’d say yes on any bike you ride in leather or zipped jackets. They protect the areas that get the most contact, and extra friction helps you hold a comfortable position. How much you notice the grip depends on your bike and riding style. Our first-ride guide for beginners covers body position, which matters more than any pad.
Do I need model-specific pads?
Not for protection. A universal pad covers the main contact area. Model-specific or custom-cut pads, like the Stompgrip, TechSpec and Eazi-Grip ranges, follow the tank’s shape, so they cover its curves and edges. Check that your exact model is listed before buying.
What about covers and filler cap guards?
XLMOTO also sells leather-look tank covers for specific models. They have textile straps and brackets that take tank bags from the same brand. That gives full tank coverage plus extra luggage space, and it suits riders who want protection and carrying capacity in one product.
