My standard tank pads/protectors are starting to peel off. I bought a great looking carbon fibre one and would like to get your advice on removing and replacing it. How do I peel off and remove the sticky grit without damaging the paintwork....and what is the best procedure to add the new one?

Hair Dryer, patience, and some goof off....Took my stock stickers off the tank the other day and put a fresh new carbon fiber looking tank protector and everything came out perfect....GL

iceman is right, I worked in the graphics industry for 8 years... heating up the pad will loosen the adhesive and help remove the pad/sticker....once it is off, you can use goof off or some citrus based cleaners...sometimes even just a strip of packing tape will work if you press it on to the adhesive and then tear it off again. Or you can go to your local sign shop and ask for a dab of some adhesive remover on a paper towel...

Once everything is removed, you will want to clean the area with soap and then you can wipe down the area with isopropyl alcohol to remove any oils....

the best way i have found to install tank pads and any graphics is to use blue painters tape to hold it on the bike and measure/align it. then put a strip of tape across one side of the graphic half on the contact paper and half on the paint. tear the tape on the opposite side as a marker to line back up. Use the strip as a hinge to then peel the backing and reveal the sticky part...now you can hinge it back and stick it on....try to work your way from the hinge to the alignment mark to reduce air bubbles... (this assumes your tank pad has an outer contact paper layer...not sure if most store bought tank pads have that or not)

If your graphic doesnt have an outer paper layer, just get a spray bottle and fill it with water. Put a drop or two of dish soap in and mix it... Too much soap and youll be in trouble. Spray the solution on the sticky side of your graphic and on the paint. put the graphic on the bike and align it quickly. Spray the solution on top of the graphic now and use a squeegee to push the solution out from underneath, causing the adhesive to stick.

Have Fun!

Thanks for the input!!! Gonna go give it a try now :)