Improving Grip on Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Motorcycles with Fuel Tank Grips

Improving Your Grip on a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Motorcycle

Having a good grip on your motorcycle is crucial for control and safety. For riders of Kawasaki's popular supersport Ninja ZX-6R, adding tank grips can greatly improve grip and reduce hand and arm fatigue on longer rides.

Why Add Grips to Your ZX-6R Fuel Tank?

The Ninja ZX-6R is designed for high performance riding, with a relatively aggressive seating position that places more weight on the rider's hands and arms. The smooth surface of the stock fuel tank can become slick with sweat or rain, causing your hands to slip during braking or turning. Quality tank grips add traction and support for your hands, enhancing control.

Tank grips also reduce pressure points on your palms and fingers by distributing weight over a larger contact area. This helps reduce hand fatigue, especially for taller riders who need to support more of their upper body weight with their hands.

Choosing the Best Grips for Your ZX-6R

When shopping for ZX-6R tank grips, you'll find a variety of shapes, materials and installation methods.

• Texture - Grips are available in smooth rubber, textured rubber with ribs or tread patterns, and materials like silicon with a tacky feel. Consider your riding style and conditions - a smoother grip offers more versatility while textured grips provide more traction.

• Shape - Contoured grip pads hug the curve of the tank for comfort, while flat grips are simpler to install. Make sure any curved grips match the tank shape properly.

• Attachment - Adhesive grips stick onto the tank surface, dual-lock grips use interlocking fasteners, and some grips attach with small screws. Adhesive options tend to be the easiest to install.

Popular brands like Stompgrip, Techspec and GB Racing offer ZX-6R-specific grips designed for a perfect fit. Look for a grip material and design that suits your riding needs.

Installing Tank Grips on Your Ninja

Putting grip pads on your ZX-6R fuel tank is a relatively straightforward process you can tackle in your garage. Here are some tips for smooth installation:

• Start with a clean, dry tank surface to ensure the grips adhere properly.

• Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for grip placement templates or measurement guides.

• Apply rubbing alcohol to clean and prep the tank surface before sticking on adhesive grips.

• Take your time pressing the grips onto the tank to avoid trapping air bubbles underneath.

• Let adhesive grips cure for at least 24 hours before riding to allow the bond to fully set.

• Adjust hand positions during the grip break-in period to prevent uneven wear.

Adding tank grips is an easy upgrade you can do in an afternoon. Proper installation will ensure maximum grip and durability from your new pads.

Ride Safer with Improved Grip

High performance sportbikes like the ZX-6R require riders to maintain solid contact with the bike during all kinds of riding. Quality tank grips are an inexpensive way to enhance your grip and reduce hand strain and fatigue.

With the right set of grips adhered to your Ninja's tank, you can push your riding harder and farther, knowing your hands will stay planted when you need them. Keep the rubber side down and grip on!

FAQs

Do I need any special tools to install tank grips?

Most tank grips can be installed with very basic tools like scissors, razors and microfiber cloths. Adhesive-backed grips simply stick on so no other tools are required. Grips that attach with screws will need a Phillips screwdriver.

How long does installation take?

Installing tank grips takes 30-60 minutes for most sportbikes. Taking the time to properly clean the tank and apply the grips results in the best adhesion. Let adhesive grips cure overnight before riding.

Should I get textured or smooth tank grips?

Textured, ribbed grips provide more traction for aggressive riding styles. Smooth grips are more comfortable for longer rides and allow you to slide your hands across the tank more easily.

Will tank grips damage my bike's paint?

Quality tank grips are designed to adhere securely without damaging the paint. Avoid inexpensive grips with harsh adhesives. Properly installed grips will not damage the finish.

Can I customize my tank grips?

Many grip manufacturers offer custom colors and designs. You can also trim grip material to create your own shapes. Just make sure to round off any edges so they don't lift.