I’m glad someone has finally acknowledged the damage seats do. My friends all either say I’m just too fussy or it’s because my bike is poorly designed.
Mate, your videos are a class act. I particularly like the pace you deliver your content. I spend an awful lot of time watching other videos where I find constant pausing and rewinding is mandatory if I want to follow what’s being presented. Not with yours. Cheers.
Brilliant Stu, thanks for this as i hadnt heard of it before. I will definitely get some and be doing the same to my fleet, including my orange interceptor which i finally got last week after almost 18 months of waiting 😃👍
Just got a brand new Kawasaki Ninja 650, and have to back the thing 40 foot down an entry which is only 1" clearance either side of the bars, also there's a corner to negotiate too at the far end, so I was looking for something like this to protect the paintwork 🙂 Thanks for the advice and I just ordered the same stuff off Ebay, but it's gone up to £12.99 now
Sir, you are the motorcycle grandpa god we all needed. The amount of knowledge I've gained just by grabbing a coke and watching your videos on maintenance is staggering and priceless and just want to say a big thank you for sharing this, Thanks again.
@@abhishekpm1038 Hey man!! It’ll be my first bike too.. taking the delivery next week.. do you have suggestions or any flags or things to keep in my generally??
Often, it ought to be possible to cover the contact patches between seat front and tank rear without it being visible once the seat is reinstalled. As I typed this, Uncle Stu made exactly this point!
Good vid. I use this kind of tape on my mountain bikes. What i tend to do in order to stop corners lifting is to round them off when and where necessary. This definitely makes them last longer and prevents lifting.
This is great stuff used before myself dose take patience and time to get it right though ,and your right don't buy the cheap crap as it discolours after a while goes like a Smokey yellow , that was a lesson learned , great video as always Stuart 👍🏻
Looks like I've got my work cut out for me once the lockdown opens up here. Thanks for an introduction to this amazing product. Stay safe and take care, Uncle Stu!
The same tape is used on the leading edges of some aircraft surfaces components to protect them from rain, hail and salt. It works! My only suggestion to improve to your method would be to round the corners of the tape. It makes it slightly less obtrusive, prevents snagging and makes it easier to clean the edges.
Didn't know about this stuff, but now realise I've come across it without really registering! Helicopter tape! It could take off!.... I'll let myself out. Thanks for that👍
Dear Stuart, following your channel for sometime and today i subscribed it because i´ve always learn something when i look to your videos. Thank you and kind regards from Portugal.
We use this type of film on aircraft, works well although has to be replaced often in certain applications where you can’t prevent the airstream from getting under the leading edge
Hi Stuart, Thats great film and cleaner, I have used the cleaner before, keep the great videos up, also you have said about the government going to cause us all issues with cars, bikes as its about time someone told people about this, I have been for myself how things have changed towards us bikers and car drivers, just hope we can shame the government now all the best.
I've used this method on my old honda tank to seat contact area and although I used clear Fablon ,it works well and has lasted for years. I even covered a small rust spot that the seat had made which, I had treated back to bare metal first. As the area was not visible with the seat on I left it as was and just used the fablon to cover. The area has not rusted. I guess because there is no air getting to it to cause oxidizing. It is slightly visible so I guess this stuff will improve on that. I'll get some for the Enfield's. Thanks Stuart.
I placed an order a couple of weeks ago (it's been dispatched, but still in transit) for 7 items, 5 of which are brass. Which these were on the site at the time! :)
Thanks now going to order some have been useing a different product which does the job but only comes with pre cut piece stuck on shiny paper stay safe
I've never heard of helicopter tape, thanks for teaching us about it. I can think of a few places on my bikes that needs it as well as a few other applications.
I use sticky-back-plastic for protection of the tank against my thighs. The frosted glass version also provides a little grip and can be removed without damage and applied easily.
Thanks Stu. Just ordered the film and the Upol using the links you provided. This will save me a fortune as I was contemplating having the front of my wife's Boxster covered professionally as it is prone to stone chips. There should be some left over for the Bonneville. 👍
Bikes are made to ride, not to wash.😲 Thank for this info. Have the same problem on my Bullet. Will certainely do the same to my tank and other problem zones. Love your vid`s.
In my experience with Scotch tape, stubborn bubbles that won't move can be punctured with a pin to let the air out. And you're right about the eye picking up straight lines. Points - where 2 curves meet at an angle - are also easy to see.
Thanks, Stuart. I recently bought a new seat for CB750 that sits a little higher up on the tank than the old seat. I've been worried about creating scuffs that will be visible if I ever go back to the original lower seat. This stuff should help. Hopefully I can get it in the US.
Nicely done. Thank you for this vídeo. I am waiting my new bike to pick it up at Royal and I Will try to be aware of more spots tô be protected. Any more suggestions mate?
Really useful video Stuart, had never heard of helicopter tape before. My ‘vintage’ 1998 GSF1200 tank could have done with this 20 years ago the seat’s rubbed through to the metal. Will definitely apply it to the Bonnie tank! Thanks v much 👍🏼 E-Tech tape ordered. Just shy of tenner inc delivery, that’s a pretty good deal!
Hi Stuart, i placed my order for an Interceptor, feeling well informed from your insights and also the various comments from others. Thank you. I am weighting up adding a Scorpion (or other) exhaust, but cannot find your video where this topic was covered. My concern is that the exhaust would be too loud. Any help or comments would be appreciated.
Hello Stuart, hope you're having a good day. I just got the delivery of my interceptor. It has a slight buzz on the footpegs unlike when I rode the test bike. Will it go away with time? I still love it but I'm nervous because this is my first bike
Hi Stuart. Thank you for a very helpful and informative video. I’m awaiting my new bike arriving, hopefully any day and this seems to be a great idea to protect the paintwork of my new black Tiger 900 GT Pro. Would you consider this tape suitable to run up the tank from the seat area towards the fuel filler to act as a tank protector, to protect against zips etc? Or do you think it may show. Many thanks again. Keith
3M manufacture a helicopter tape in various widths,in the early days of RC model helicopters when blades were made of three types of wood,the hardest being on the leading edge of course,helicopter tape could be added to the blades on the leading edge,for obious reasons. Of course it was intended for use on full size helicopter/auto gyro blades. Its never gone away and manufactured by various companies over the years,its just that 3m is a very poular manufacturer of all sorts of tapes..many a car number plate is held on with weather resistant double sided tape.I seem to remember that Viking Tapes is a known supplier of all sorts of tapes. Yes,the mountain bike world has adopted helicopter tape as a way of protecting frames but...they don't half load the price up for such small pieces.
Thanks for this one Very handy, how would this be used to protect the touring screen on my Tracer 700? Getting the bug marks off is a nightmare and I am not sure if the solvent preperation might damage the screen?
@@RichardsModellingAdventures Hi, Yup , I have used the soggy kitchen roll for years but the little buggers always leave a mark that is really difficult to shift without scratching the plastic, any suitable products to recommend?
You can always use aluminium foil and Coca Cola to clean your metal parts. Poor a little coke on the part take a piece of aluminum foil make a loose ball and scrub clean with a circular motion. The foil and coke will clean any steel, aluminum or chrome parts (works particularly well on chrome and may not require further polish). After cleaned polish the part normally to whatever level of shine you want and then Admire your work.
Hello Stuart, Just a quick question, to clean the paint can I use Nail polish remover which we have plenty of? It's stored close to the HD01 tool Cheers Keith
Useful stuff, that’s twice I’ve heard about this tape in the space of a week. I’m assuming if you ever did want to remove it at some future point in time it won’t remove the paint with it (use of heat essential I would imagine) 👍
Personally - I just use leather from - well - Liberated from ladies Leather pants. You can tell it the leather is worthy of liberating - Silk liner - top notch - nylon liner - lower but still ok. No liner - is the thing even shaved? - Does it Bleat or bark when you jab it in the side? Finally - spray adhesive and a clean drop onto the area needing protection are a must. Edit - PS - If the tape is olive drab - look to see if there is a Canadian Flag on the label. Word has it that in 67 - the USAF heard about the phenomenal wear properties of a Canadian Forces Duct Tape and stole - well borrowed a case of tape, from Cold Lake, Alberta. Now - Recall that the Avro Arrow - Frame 105 - was a Delta Winged aircraft built in 1953. Max speed Mach 1.9 at 50,000 ft, Combat speed of Mach 1.5 at 50.000 feet and 1.84 G without bleeding energy. Now the real trouble was that this tape had had held the Avro Arrow and it had special properties - it was made with Red Mercury laced into the threads of the tape. Not only was it qualified at the Same Level as AR [ Abrasion Resistant] - 500 sheet steel, but it would decrease the weight of the object by 50%, just by applying it to the edge of an object. Well - you know - Hush Hush.. All of this quietly died out. But us in Atlantic Canada hear from those in Ireland and Scotland - about weh-ward packages - Labeled for Cape Breton, Labrador. Newfoundland or Misco.
Moré good info & advice. I had been looking at the bottom end of my Interceptor tank , thinking it could do with some kind of protection. So nice one. I also had a gt185, my first bike after 50cc. This was in the around 78/79. Passed my test on it.
Not going to wash it for 3 days ? .....are you being sedated ? or tied up ? That roll is good value , most cycle ones are done in A4 sheets of pre cut circles and ovals costing £5 - £10 ! I always wear thin nitrile gloves when applying them, then if you do touch the adhesive slightly you don't get a big ugly fingerprint !
Wish I'd put this stuff on the bonnet of the wife's 18 plate Passat. Bonnet is covered in chips & small dents. Apparantly though its the cars fault and not the wife's. So that's OK then. Grrrrr
I’m glad someone has finally acknowledged the damage seats do. My friends all either say I’m just too fussy or it’s because my bike is poorly designed.
Mate, your videos are a class act. I particularly like the pace you deliver your content. I spend an awful lot of time watching other videos where I find constant pausing and rewinding is mandatory if I want to follow what’s being presented. Not with yours. Cheers.
Brilliant Stu, thanks for this as i hadnt heard of it before. I will definitely get some and be doing the same to my fleet, including my orange interceptor which i finally got last week after almost 18 months of waiting 😃👍
Thank you sir, I love your video.
Just got a brand new Kawasaki Ninja 650, and have to back the thing 40 foot down an entry which is only 1" clearance either side of the bars, also there's a corner to negotiate too at the far end, so I was looking for something like this to protect the paintwork 🙂
Thanks for the advice and I just ordered the same stuff off Ebay, but it's gone up to £12.99 now
Sir, you are the motorcycle grandpa god we all needed. The amount of knowledge I've gained just by grabbing a coke and watching your videos on maintenance is staggering and priceless and just want to say a big thank you for sharing this, Thanks again.
I just put a down payment on an Interceptor, thanks in no small part to your posts. Thanks!
You won't regret it! Running in is a bind but small price to pay. Enjoy!
So did I and this would be my first bike ever.
@@abhishekpm1038 Hey man!! It’ll be my first bike too.. taking the delivery next week.. do you have suggestions or any flags or things to keep in my generally??
Often, it ought to be possible to cover the contact patches between seat front and tank rear without it being visible once the seat is reinstalled.
As I typed this, Uncle Stu made exactly this point!
Another absolutely brilliant video, sir! Keep up the good work and stay frosty.
Good vid. I use this kind of tape on my mountain bikes. What i tend to do in order to stop corners lifting is to round them off when and where necessary. This definitely makes them last longer and prevents lifting.
Good tip, I see why that would work.
Thank you. You are a star Stuart. Good protection for tank bags too I imagine. Stay well. Pete
Perfect for that job Pete!
learnt something thanks to this, now trying to get the same stuff to Australia
Thank you Stuart. In one of those odd moments of synchronicity I was contemplating using this on my bike when your video appeared!
Much Love & Respect to you Sir Stuart!!!
love the maintenance videos that you post. I do not get these information from anywhere else. Thank you
Great tip and very well explained the step-by-step! Thanks for making all these videos!
Hi Stuart. just repainted a 77 Kawi tank, this is perfect. Thanks
This is great stuff used before myself dose take patience and time to get it right though ,and your right don't buy the cheap crap as it discolours after a while goes like a Smokey yellow , that was a lesson learned , great video as always Stuart 👍🏻
Looks like I've got my work cut out for me once the lockdown opens up here. Thanks for an introduction to this amazing product. Stay safe and take care, Uncle Stu!
An ideal demonstration, and two worthwhile products. Once again, thank you. 😊
Unexpected find on my new Hunter 350; a clear paint guard patch at the rear of the fuel tank, where the seat makes contact👍
Good advice as always Stuart, I think this could be great along my car's rear bumper for where my dogs jump in and out.
The same tape is used on the leading edges of some aircraft surfaces components to protect them from rain, hail and salt. It works! My only suggestion to improve to your method would be to round the corners of the tape. It makes it slightly less obtrusive, prevents snagging and makes it easier to clean the edges.
beautifully done , amazing idea and another practical issue covered up by you sir , thank you for these lovely videos
Didn't know about this stuff, but now realise I've come across it without really registering! Helicopter tape! It could take off!.... I'll let myself out. Thanks for that👍
Stop that
That's put me in a spin
Dear Stuart, following your channel for sometime and today i subscribed it because i´ve always learn something when i look to your videos. Thank you and kind regards from Portugal.
Welcome aboard!
We use this type of film on aircraft, works well although has to be replaced often in certain applications where you can’t prevent the airstream from getting under the leading edge
This is great Stu - I’ve never run across this material, but I will get some.
Hi Stuart,
Thats great film and cleaner, I have used the cleaner before, keep the great videos up, also you have said about the government going to cause us all issues with cars, bikes as its about time someone told people about this, I have been for myself how things have changed towards us bikers and car drivers, just hope we can shame the government now
all the best.
Been looking for something like this for my bikes..
Thank you.
Excellent 👍
One ordered
I've used this method on my old honda tank to seat contact area and although I used clear Fablon ,it works well and has lasted for years. I even covered a small rust spot that the seat had made which, I had treated back to bare metal first. As the area was not visible with the seat on I left it as was and just used the fablon to cover. The area has not rusted. I guess because there is no air getting to it to cause oxidizing. It is slightly visible so I guess this stuff will improve on that. I'll get some for the Enfield's. Thanks Stuart.
Another good, informative, useful and interesting video Stuart.
Very interesting/helpful/practical info. Thanks again.
I placed an order a couple of weeks ago (it's been dispatched, but still in transit) for 7 items, 5 of which are brass. Which these were on the site at the time! :)
Brilliant video Stuart, and the film is now ordered for fitting to the Himalayan 😃👍🏻
Thanks now going to order some have been useing a different product which does the job but only comes with pre cut piece stuck on shiny paper stay safe
I've never heard of helicopter tape, thanks for teaching us about it. I can think of a few places on my bikes that needs it as well as a few other applications.
I use sticky-back-plastic for protection of the tank against my thighs. The frosted glass version also provides a little grip and can be removed without damage and applied easily.
Thanks Stu. Just ordered the film and the Upol using the links you provided. This will save me a fortune as I was contemplating having the front of my wife's Boxster covered professionally as it is prone to stone chips. There should be some left over for the Bonneville. 👍
Great videos. Thank you.
Nice one Stuart! Excellent advice!
Spot on
Great stuff going to put some on my vfr750 fairing where my knees touch the paint.
Bikes are made to ride, not to wash.😲 Thank for this info. Have the same problem on my Bullet. Will certainely do the same to my tank and other problem zones. Love your vid`s.
I have to agree. I really enjoy it when mine is clean, but unfortunately, the weather doesn't ever seem to cooperate
Top tips Stuart, looks like great stuff 👍🏻
Absolutely
Nice, simple job and very effective!👍
In my experience with Scotch tape, stubborn bubbles that won't move can be punctured with a pin to let the air out.
And you're right about the eye picking up straight lines. Points - where 2 curves meet at an angle - are also easy to see.
Great piece of advice. Thank you.
Excellent video, I shall definitely be looking into this when I buy my next bike.
Hey Stuart, great video. Just wondering can we use the Helicopter tape to cover the entire tank?
Thanks, Stuart. I recently bought a new seat for CB750 that sits a little higher up on the tank than the old seat. I've been worried about creating scuffs that will be visible if I ever go back to the original lower seat. This stuff should help. Hopefully I can get it in the US.
Nicely done.
Thank you for this vídeo. I am waiting my new bike to pick it up at Royal and I Will try to be aware of more spots tô be protected. Any more suggestions mate?
Really useful video Stuart, had never heard of helicopter tape before. My ‘vintage’ 1998 GSF1200 tank could have done with this 20 years ago the seat’s rubbed through to the metal. Will definitely apply it to the Bonnie tank! Thanks v much 👍🏼 E-Tech tape ordered. Just shy of tenner inc delivery, that’s a pretty good deal!
Ive used a product called xpel before, its absolutely amazing.. i partly wrapped my own bike amd you wouldnt know it was there
is there no need to lamination the complete tank of the bike?
Great video I put it on all my bikes well worth putting on stay safe 🇬🇧👍🏻
I would definitely buy a second hand motorcyle from you. If I lived it England, that is.
G'day Stuart,
have you any views on e tech spray on protection film
Great content as normal and original!
I use 3M venture shield on all my bikes. Brilliant stuff
Hi Norman whats is it mate.?
Nice one uncle Stu .
Good one Stuart, I'll definately buy some and use as a tank protector.
Yes, perfect to make some knee pads for the tank and you can always peel and replace if they get tatty.
Thanks .
Hi Stuart, i placed my order for an Interceptor, feeling well informed from your insights and also the various comments from others. Thank you.
I am weighting up adding a Scorpion (or other) exhaust, but cannot find your video where this topic was covered. My concern is that the exhaust would be too loud.
Any help or comments would be appreciated.
Hi Stuart, very informative video as always. Correct if I am wrong but is there a protective film beneath the tank pads?
Not that I know of
Hello Stuart, hope you're having a good day.
I just got the delivery of my interceptor. It has a slight buzz on the footpegs unlike when I rode the test bike. Will it go away with time?
I still love it but I'm nervous because this is my first bike
its new it will vibrate until the engine beds in , nothing to worry about.
Hi Stuart. Thank you for a very helpful and informative video. I’m awaiting my new bike arriving, hopefully any day and this seems to be a great idea to protect the paintwork of my new black Tiger 900 GT Pro. Would you consider this tape suitable to run up the tank from the seat area towards the fuel filler to act as a tank protector, to protect against zips etc? Or do you think it may show. Many thanks again. Keith
3M manufacture a helicopter tape in various widths,in the early days of RC model helicopters when blades were made of three types of wood,the hardest being on the leading edge of course,helicopter tape could be added to the blades on the leading edge,for obious reasons.
Of course it was intended for use on full size helicopter/auto gyro blades.
Its never gone away and manufactured by various companies over the years,its just that 3m is a very poular manufacturer of all sorts of tapes..many a car number plate is held on with weather resistant double sided tape.I seem to remember that Viking Tapes is a known supplier of all sorts of tapes.
Yes,the mountain bike world has adopted helicopter tape as a way of protecting frames but...they don't half load the price up for such small pieces.
Is there any product like this for engine covers? My boots scuff the VHT paint!
Great video, but not able to buy either product in Canada
Best move to England then!
@@stuartfillingham would move back if I could afford it
Thanks for this one Very handy, how would this be used to protect the touring screen on my Tracer 700?
Getting the bug marks off is a nightmare and I am not sure if the solvent preperation might damage the screen?
it should be ok but you will need a bigger sheet!
@@RichardsModellingAdventures Hi, Yup , I have used the soggy kitchen roll for years but the little buggers always leave a mark that is really difficult to shift without scratching the plastic, any suitable products to recommend?
Awesome content 🙂
Thank you 😁
@@stuartfillingham most welcome good sir!!
Top tips thanks 👍
You can always use aluminium foil and Coca Cola to clean your metal parts. Poor a little coke on the part take a piece of aluminum foil make a loose ball and scrub clean with a circular motion. The foil and coke will clean any steel, aluminum or chrome parts (works particularly well on chrome and may not require further polish). After cleaned polish the part normally to whatever level of shine you want and then Admire your work.
Great job as always Stu. How are the new mufflers working out on the Bobber?
very well thanks. im expecting the production version in black very soon!
Hello Stuart, Just a quick question, to clean the paint can I use Nail polish remover which we have plenty of? It's stored close to the HD01 tool
Cheers Keith
no acetone might damage paintwork!
@@stuartfillingham many thanks good job I checked first.
Cheers Keith
Hi sir,
Can i use transparent Cello tape for motorcycle foot peg frame to avoid scratches from shoe / slipper ?
I don't think it will be tough enough for that job!
@@stuartfillingham Thank you sir, Any suggestion?
@@ridewithbcraja Try Automotive protection film. as shown here!
@@stuartfillingham thank you sir
Does it leave a residue though?
no
@@stuartfillingham Thanks I'm definitely going to buy it when I get the chance. Something so simple can prevent a lot of damage cheers for the tips 👍👍
I use this but know it as prop tape. I checked and there are still many suppliers selling it.
PPF is what you're talking about.
Paint protection film.
Its got lots of names but it was originally Helicopter tape!
Stuart, if you get chance can you review some uniwipe 100 huge wipes, they look good for cleaning motorcycles 👍🏻
Ill have a look Mark.
stuart fillingham, Thanks Stuart 👍🏻
Hi there mate. Lovely guide
hi I in joy your videos but fore some reason I can only watch in 360p I have gone to settings but that's the best setting available
what Dungbeetle said!
I have never used helicopter tape on my motorbikes, and I've been a helicopter mechanic for 24 years😁
Hi Stuart, I can’t help but notice you haven’t used any wax oil on your Royal Enfield’s. Is there a reason for this, or I missed something?
I have but I dont want to bore people!
stuart fillingham, Informative yes, boring never.
Useful stuff, that’s twice I’ve heard about this tape in the space of a week. I’m assuming if you ever did want to remove it at some future point in time it won’t remove the paint with it (use of heat essential I would imagine) 👍
My fork legs are satin black any thoughts re that?
if its satin it should be ok but if its textured it may be a problem.
The human eye can pick up straight lines usually, but if one has astigmatism all bets are off.....just thinking out loud.....
well actually its not down to the eyes, its the way the visual cortex perceives information.
Why not just wrap all metalic parts with ppf?
That doesnt work long term!
Btw, to polish the tank what do you suggest?
Personally - I just use leather from - well - Liberated from ladies Leather pants. You can tell it the leather is worthy of liberating - Silk liner - top notch - nylon liner - lower but still ok. No liner - is the thing even shaved? - Does it Bleat or bark when you jab it in the side? Finally - spray adhesive and a clean drop onto the area needing protection are a must.
Edit - PS - If the tape is olive drab - look to see if there is a Canadian Flag on the label. Word has it that in 67 - the USAF heard about the phenomenal wear properties of a Canadian Forces Duct Tape and stole - well borrowed a case of tape, from Cold Lake, Alberta. Now - Recall that the Avro Arrow - Frame 105 - was a Delta Winged aircraft built in 1953. Max speed Mach 1.9 at 50,000 ft, Combat speed of Mach 1.5 at 50.000 feet and 1.84 G without bleeding energy. Now the real trouble was that this tape had had held the Avro Arrow and it had special properties - it was made with Red Mercury laced into the threads of the tape. Not only was it qualified at the Same Level as AR [ Abrasion Resistant] - 500 sheet steel, but it would decrease the weight of the object by 50%, just by applying it to the edge of an object. Well - you know - Hush Hush.. All of this quietly died out. But us in Atlantic Canada hear from those in Ireland and Scotland - about weh-ward packages - Labeled for Cape Breton, Labrador. Newfoundland or Misco.
Moré good info & advice. I had been looking at the bottom end of my Interceptor tank , thinking it could do with some kind of protection.
So nice one. I also had a gt185, my first bike after 50cc. This was in the around 78/79. Passed my test on it.
Not going to wash it for 3 days ? .....are you being sedated ? or tied up ? That roll is good value , most cycle ones are done in A4 sheets of pre cut circles and ovals costing £5 - £10 ! I always wear thin nitrile gloves when applying them, then if you do touch the adhesive slightly you don't get a big ugly fingerprint !
good tip!
fork legs !
Wish I'd put this stuff on the bonnet of the wife's 18 plate Passat. Bonnet is covered in chips & small dents. Apparantly though its the cars fault and not the wife's. So that's OK then. Grrrrr
When you said how much it was i stopped watching and ordered a box straight away. I then resumed video, thanks for the heads up!