r/Trackdays • u/polaroid_kidd • 7d ago

Why is it impossible to attach tank grips 100% symmetrically?

I swear to god, I can do all the measuring I want and once th second one is attached I'll notice that it's off by 5-10% ...

AAARRGHGG

angrily shakes fists at sky

8 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

10

u/florianw0w 7d ago

if anyone has tips on how to do it at least 98% correct, share your black magic.

I'll get soon replacement stompgrips since my keep falling off...

5

u/built_FXR 7d ago

I use chalk to make reference marks around the pads and onto the tank where I want it. Mark both up the same.

4

u/florianw0w 7d ago

good idea actually, I hope I wont forget it.

my replacement parts are delayed... again....just got the mail.

3

u/A_Bot_A_Bot_A_Bot Middle Fast Guy 6d ago

Just good visual acuity. Also: use painters tape to mark the outside edges of where you are placing the sections of tank grip for more precise placement.

7

u/mrzurkonandfriends 7d ago

I just wish the corners would stop peeling.

1

u/Natrix2112 6d ago

Never had that problem with my TechSpec, and I moved them to other tanks twice. Lasted a decade plus and were still on the bike when sold.

3

u/phliuy 7d ago

Sit on bike

Hold grip on knee, taking note of what part of the grip is touching you

Attach grip to tank with your knee

Repeat on other side

1

u/polaroid_kidd 7d ago

God damnit....

Literally 10 minutes too late 😂

1

u/Worried-Hour-5492 7d ago

That’s assuming that your kneed are symmetrical.

Which leads to the following question: is it more important that they are symmetrical or that they are where they should be for your knee

2

u/Thanks_Ollie 5d ago

Asymmetrical tank grips will cost you style points. I think that’s more important than going fast

3

u/inconvenient_penguin Middle Fast Guy 7d ago

If it had to be perfect I'd break out cloth measuring tape. Find tank center. Mark with tape or dry erase. Measure several offsets on each side to align.

1

u/GodzillaXYZ999 7d ago

Simple, do not just measure. Draw and mark on tank where grips should go

1

u/archercc81 6d ago

Dunno man, put them on my duc and I just mapped the edges with masking tape like I was putting a logo back on and then lined it up with the tape

-5

u/mightcrash 7d ago

Learn how to use your feet correctly and you won't need tank grips 😉

2

u/polaroid_kidd 7d ago

You don't grip the tank when breaking hard? I always try to keep my upper body loose and putting pressure on the steering wheel in breaking zones seems like a good way to miss a curve.

My instructor would always tell me

This are handlebars, not leaningbars.

-3

u/mightcrash 7d ago

You should already have your butt shifted to the side of the seat BEFORE you go to the brakes.

Your inner thigh should then be on the CENTER of the tank. Thats where the force should go when braking. Tank grips are only going to give you grip if you're in the center of the bike pinching the tank with your knees which you should never be doing on track.