Hi,

I'm looking for a full tank bra for the 500r? Any idea who would make this and where t?o get it. A google search doesn't turn up much. Thanks.

btw, I have a 2005 500r. I saw on craiglist a tank bra that came off of a 1997 Ex500. Will this work? I think they changed the shape of the tank in 2004, did they not?

 

Yes, they did not. (Errr... no, they did not.)
The shape of the fuel tank has been unchanged since at least 1994 (and I suspect a pre-94 tank-bra would probably fit on a 2005 as well.)
Peace!
-CCinC

 

Thanks.

Seems like no one is using tank bras on their 500s. Why? I've noticed that there is some scuffing on the side of the tank where I place my knees. Is this not something I should be concerned about?
Wonder why there is so little aftermarket support for this item for the 500r. I've seen some made for the 250 and every other Ninja model but not the 500. What gives I wonder?

Also Chris, thanks for your advice (in another thread) on using the choke to start up the bike. I was opening up the choke fully, letting the bike idle till it hit 4000 rpms, and then closing the choke (at which point the bike would idle at 1500 rpms). I've been doing this for about 2 months, riding twice a week. So, what's the long-term effect on the engine? Want to make sure I haven't damaged the engine permanently. Also, what is the symptom of fouled plugs?

One more thing. I've heard you should notidle the bike while on it's side stand (something about the engine not getting oil to all to allof theparts uniformly when the bike is tilted). To add insult to injury, I was doing that as well while the choke was full on. Oy, live and learn.

Thanks for your knowledge. Have learned lots reading your posts.

 

Thank you Rlew.
Tank bras are usually just a blingage-item for bikes like the Honda Superhawk, where one's zipper (or genital piercings) are constantly chafing the paint:

I don't believe my testis have come into contact with my 500s' tanks once after more than 26,000 miles on them.
I suspect the reason there isn't as much aftermarket support* for the 500 is because most 500 riders are too sensible. There's plenty of sparkly crap for sale if you buy a 600SS, and even more if you have a Harley. The only time I've ever found aftermarket support wanting was when I discovered last year that Ohlins didn't make a shock for our bike. Meh, I've been happy enough with the Works Performance shock.
It's generally best to be sitting on the bike when you start it, with the bike level between your knees. Why? Because with the bike on the sidestand, the oil up in the cylinder head is pooled over to the left side. By standing the bike upright, you're letting the oil spill over uniformly in that head chamber where the valvegear is. But don't beat yourself up about what you've done in the past. At least the 500 has a centrally-located camchain, unlike most I-4 engine configurations that have the cam chain at the far right of the engine, (on the opposite side from all the pooled oil.)

Notice the camchain on the far right of this '02 ZX9R, (which is typical with most modern I-4's):


And here is the 500's open head with the camchain centrally located:


This is probably splitting hairs, but the better you take care of your horsey, the more miles he'll probably carry you.
Peace!
-CCinC

*I like how companies are supposedly "supporting" us by selling us a bunch of worthless blingage like frame sliders, eirie glowing lights and clear turn signal lenses that we really don't need, but are somehow fashionable, because we bikers must buy these things in order to "make our bikes our own." (?)

 

Here you go......

http://www.1tail.com/sa/p/TARGA_1_2_...X500_87-05.htm

Its about $50 and its a 1/2 cover. I was thinking about getting one of these myself. I've definitely scratched the front area on mine just getting on/off etc. Easily fixable with a little Honda Polish of course....

 

i had a bra on my civic and it did more damage than good, is it different on a tank?? the only mark i have on the tank is right in the back where it looks like the guy before me had a chick on the back with a watch or something and put some scratches on it, any full covers??