CHAPS question

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Sep 22, 2008 | 12:30 AM

FatBobRay

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From: Southern New Hampshire

CHAPS question

I use to wear chaps in cold weather to extend the driving season but I noticed on a Yamaha Roadstar I use to own that the finish on the gas tank got rubbed off by the friction of my legs touching the tank. They literally rubbed off the finish! The Fat Bob is my 1st Harley and it seems to have a more narrow tank then my old rice burner. I'd love to get some chaps so i can drive an extra month but I'd rather not drive than kill my paint job. Have any of you experienced this problem with chaps rubbing the finish off your gas tanks with your Harley's?

Sep 22, 2008 | 01:05 AM

SC-Longhair

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Joined: Feb 2008

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From: Passaic County, NJ

I'd say don't worry about the finish, and just ride. It's what the bike was built for.

Sep 22, 2008 | 01:43 AM

MidnitEvil

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2008

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From: Joliet, Illinois

I'd rather ride and repaint the tank when needed.

Sep 22, 2008 | 01:54 AM

2002flstc

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 1,480

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From: Santa Fe NM

Can't say I've had the problem... even so... I would rather repaint than not ride...

Sep 22, 2008 | 04:02 AM

sporty2003

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Joined: Jun 2005

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From: Desmoines, Iowa

just ride. you should'nt have that problem i really dont see how you had that problem before but everybody rides differnt.

Sep 22, 2008 | 04:13 AM

FatBobRay

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From: Southern New Hampshire

Quote:

Originally Posted by sporty2003

just ride. you should'nt have that problem i really dont see how you had that problem before but everybody rides differnt.

Well it happened on a Yamaha Roadstar which has a very wide gas tank. With the positioning of the floorboards my legs were against the tank where it meets the seat. Harley's have more narrow tanks so I wanted to see if others have had the same problem on their Harley's. In regard to "Just riding" and the heck with worrying about the paint... you can bet I'll ride as late in the season as I can stand even if I have to wear long underwear ... but I'm not going to "just paint my tank!"

It's an 08 that I've only owned for 5 weeks. A paint job is not in the cards for some time to come! I'll freeze before I screw up the paint. But I understand what people are saying. Riding is what's important!

Sep 22, 2008 | 06:45 AM

dyna07custom

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

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From:

If your jeans dont screw up the paint why would chaps Jeans are much more abrasive I would think you had a problem with the paint on the yamaha

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Sep 22, 2008 | 08:26 AM

firefighter3666

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 770

Likes: 3

From: Maryland

Keep the bike clean, and waxed. You should be ok.

Sep 22, 2008 | 09:52 AM

#10

BluBob

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 1,393

Likes: 8

From: Ohio

Would something like this prevent your legs from rubbing on the paint? I don't know if they make them for the FB, but I am sure a leather guy could modify one to fit.

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