tank bra for 1993 GS?

[asifnyc]

Hi,
I've been searching the internet looking for a tank bra for my '93 GS.  Can't find one.  Suzuki Accessories has one but only for 2001 and up models.  Does anyone know where I can get one for my '93?  Thanks.

-Asif
San Rafael, CA

[Kerry]

Asif, I'm coming up empty too.  I bought a Targa tank bra for my '99 (same tank shape as your '93) a couple years ago.  I'm pretty sure I got it from Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse (MAW), but they don't list ANY Targa stuff anymore....

My Dennis Kirk Metric Bikes 2003 catalog lists Targa tank bras, but the only ones for the GS500 are "Carbon Fiber Look" and are also for 2001+ models.

I wonder if Targa could help you out if you contacted them?  There's GOTTA be some leftover inventory sitting around SOMEWHERE...!

=================================

Stop the presses!  I found the Targa web site (http://www.targa-acc.com/ and located what I think you're looking for:

Targa 1/2 Tank Cover GS500E 89-00
Price $34.50
Part No: 27-313

I did a "Search By Bike" from the POWERSEARCH page and found the entry on page 5 of the search results.

Hope this helps!

[asifnyc]

Found it and placed my order.  Appreciate the help!

-Asif

[Kerry]

Asif, have you installed your Targa tank bra yet?  I meant to get back with you on some installation tips, but I kinda forgot....

When I first got mine, it came with 4 strips of "hook and loop fastener" material that were folded around short, thick plastic "straws".  All I could figure was that the "straws" were intended to keep the adhesive on the Velcro from sticking to itself all the way to the fold.  I was able to get the Velcro unstuck from itself, and then I stuck it to the side and bottom of my gas tank.  It was a messy process and I wasn't very satisfied with the result.  To top it off, I left the bra on the bike and under tension all night, and then headed out the next day through a brief rain shower.  Two of my Velcro strips slipped as a result, and eventually came unstuck.  Frustrating!

I have since read that maybe I should have left the "straws" where they were, and used them as a way to attach the bra in a non-permanent fashion by somehow sliding them between the gas tank and the frame.  ()

But I finally found what I think is a nearly permanent solution to the problem.  I started by buying some "industrial strength" waterproof-adhesive-backed Velcro.  Then I fit the tank bra onto the bike and noted where the Velcro bits were sewed onto it, and where they mated with the surface of the gas tank.

I cut out pieces of the industrial-strength Velcro to match, peeled the backing off, and put them into place.  I pressed down HARD on each piece until I felt it was securely attached.  Then I let the adhesive cure for about a day WITHOUT the tank bra attached.

Here is the result on my '96:


These small "tabs" hold everything in place very well.  The fact that they are "black on black" is an added bonus, but I think I will redo my yellow '99 the same way.

I'm torn between switching the hooks and loops, though.  The loops wear out before the hooks, so I'm trying to decide whether I would rather sew new Velcro swatches to my tank bra periodically, or de-goo and replace the swatches on the tank.   Since I don't know how to sew, it's a tough choice....

EDIT: Changed link(s) from sisna.com to bbburma.net

[rprata]

I bought the one from Targa-acc.com and am very happy with it.  Easy to install, stays put, and looks good.  'nuff said