Is It Worth Getting Tank Grips for Your Motorcycle?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Sometimes, tweaking your motorcycle means installing parts like steering dampers and slipper clutches. But some modifications follow the ‘less is more’ mantra. Adjusting your handlebars, for example, isn’t necessarily flashy, but it can noticeably improve riding comfort and confidence. And there’s another mod that falls into this category: adding tank grips.

What are motorcycle tank grips and tank pads for?

2012 Triumph Street Triple R with tank grips right side | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit

Motorcycle tank grips are sometimes mentioned together with tank pads. And some products use the terms interchangeably, or lump them into the general ‘tank protector’ category, Motorcycle News says. However, while the two have some commonalities, they’re not necessarily synonyms.

Typically, a singular motorcycle tank pad only covers the top part of a bike’s fuel tank, roughly around the filler cap. Its purpose is to protect your tank’s paint from getting scratched by your belt, zippers, and helmet when you’re leaning over, Cycle World explains. And, as with aftermarket mirrors, tank pads also serve as aesthetic enhancers.

An overhead left-side view of a red 2012 Triumph Street Triple R with black tank grips installed
2012 Triumph Street Triple R with tank grips left side overhead | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit

Tank grips, being pads of material, also protect your bike’s paint and change up its look. However, they’re found on the side of the fuel tank, not the top, though some grip sets have a third piece that goes on top. Also, their main job isn’t protection. While motorcycle tank pads are often smooth, tank grips feature raised bumps, blunt ‘spikes,’ or similar textures. That’s because their purpose is, well, to be grippy, Motorcyclist explains.

The slippery sides of a fuel tank often cause riders to slide around in their seats under both acceleration and braking. This messes with their body positions, which affects handling. It also means they can’t trust their knees to hold on, creating confidence issues on and off the racetrack. Plus, it means they put more strain on their arms because they can’t use their knees and legs to guide the bike, RideApart says.

Theoretically, putting tank grips on your motorcycle solves these problems, or at least addresses them. But that’s the idea on paper—what about in the real world?

How much do they cost to put on?

The rider's view of a red 2012 Triumph Street Triple R with black tank grips installed
2012 Triumph Street Triple R with tank grips rider view | Matthew Skwarczek, MotorBiscuit

Recently, I’ve been noticing the same issues noted above while riding my 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, especially the seat-sliding and arm strain ones. I’ve also noticed some right-hand numbness and tingling after long rides. Adjusting my handlebars helped somewhat with the arm strain, but not with the numbness. Neither did changing out my gloves.

But after doing some research, I figured installing tank grips on my bike could help. Reading through reviews and forum posts, I settled on a set of TechSpec SnakeSkin Tank Grips that cost me $70 before shipping and tax. There are some grip sets that cost closer to $50-$60, but the TechSpec one came with a top pad, too. And while you can save some money by buying sheets of grip material, that also means you have to cut out the shapes yourself.

Putting a set of tank grips on your motorcycle is fairly easy and usually takes no more than 30 minutes. First, clean your tank of any dust, grime, or other residue using rubbing alcohol or a household cleaning spray. Second, make sure the fuel tank is warm by either leaving it in the sunshine for a while or using a heat gun or hairdryer. While that’s going on, put your knees up in your normal riding position to determine where you want the tank grips to go.

After the prep-work is done, gently peel off a corner of the backing paper off the tank grip and press it firmly to the tank. Once it’s adhered, slowly peel off more backing paper and repeat the process until the grip is securely attached. Make sure that the edges stick, too.

Do motorcycle tank grips work?

A proper set of tank grips can be “transformative” to say the least, RideApart says. And after riding my grip-equipped Street Triple R on the street and highway, I’m inclined to agree.

With more grip at my knees, the pressure is off my arms and wrists, making the steering feel lighter and more responsive. The whole bike feels more responsive, actually, as well as easier to control and lean. Countersteering has also become easier to perform and adjust. I simply feel more connected to the Triumph than before.

Also, the arm strain and hand numbness are gone, as is some foot discomfort I didn’t realize was there until it was gone. Plus, I feel more confident riding at highway speeds due to the extra grip. And I do feel more secure leaning over with that grippy tank pad.

So, are motorcycle tank grips worth getting for your bike? Absolutely yes. To be sure, the SnakeSkin grips aren’t even TechSpec’s grippiest option, CycleWorld reports. But even street-only riders will benefit from putting grips on their motorcycles. For relatively little money, they make riding noticeably more enjoyable.

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RELATED: Your Motorcycle Clutch Cable Could Use an Adjustment

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Could Changing Your Driving Habits Actually Save You Money on Gas?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

With gas prices constantly fluctuating, saving money on gas is a must. Even if you buy a car with great fuel economy, your driving habits may have shown that the fuel economy reported by manufacturers isn’t always certain. With small changes to your driving habits and practices, or minor changes to your vehicle itself, you may find yourself stopping to refuel less often, and even hunkering down on your monthly gas budget.

Check to see what mistakes could be ruining your car’s fuel economy

A man pumping gas | Indranil Aditya, NurPhoto, Getty Images

If you haven’t noticed, the fuel economy reported by manufacturers isn’t always the fuel economy you get in your vehicle. This is for several reasons, such as driving habits, but it can also be affected by the habits you’ve made by leaving things in, on, or attached to, your vehicle. Leaving heavy objects in your trunk or cargo area, for instance, increases the overall weight of your vehicle, which can affect how much gas is required to accelerate. Leaving on things like bike racks and roof-mounted storage containers makes your vehicle less aerodynamic, and several studies have even shown that leaving these on can negatively impact your fuel economy. Yes, bike racks actually ruin your car’s fuel economy.

Drive evenly to reduce the amount of gas you’re wasting

Making a habit of pressing too hard on the gas pedal to accelerate might make it seem like it makes your vehicle go faster, but your vehicle’s engine and systems are only designed to accelerate so quickly. This is why slamming on the gas pedal to accelerate isn’t always a good thing — your vehicle will allow you to waste gas while trying to accelerate, but it doesn’t make your car move any faster.

Alternatively, hitting the brakes too hard or too early can negatively impact your car’s fuel economy. Like everything in this world, cars work on basic principles of physics, so as they slow down or come to a complete stop, they require more energy, delivered in the form of gas. By driving more evenly, you minimize the amount of gas you waste by trying to accelerate faster than your car physically can and trying to bring your car back up to speed after slowing down.

Change the times you drive

You may not want to be getting up a bit earlier to go to work, but avoiding rush hour traffic can positively affect your vehicle’s fuel economy. While sitting in traffic, your car is using gas to keep the engine running and electrical systems operating. Besides that, your vehicle uses more gasoline in stop-and-go traffic as it is constantly trying to move from a complete stop or from a near-complete stop. Not only will you save money on gas, but you’ll also save yourself a lot of time and frustration.

If you are already following these basic gas-saving driving tactics and still aren’t happy with your fuel economy, it may be time to start looking at a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle, or even a completely electric one. Luckily, all of these tricks are minor, and while they can be slightly inconvenient or annoying, they are all good ways to save money on gas.

RELATED: What Does The Octane Rating of Gas Really Mean

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This Car Air Mattress Fits Hundreds of Models, Even Compacts Like the Corolla

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Summer is here, and with it comes fireflies, road trips, and camping. Traditional camping methods like RVs and tent camping are as popular as ever, but joining them in popularity is car camping. Car camping is convenient and affordable. Innovators have seen the rise in popularity and rose to meet the need with accessories. One such innovation is the Luno air mattress that fits hundreds of car models, even compacts like the Corolla. 

A man on an air mattress | Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic brought about change in everyone’s lives. It affected industries across the board. Quarantines and stay-at-home orders especially hit the travel industry hard. In particular, travelers became very wary of air travel. The idea of traveling in a cramped plane with strangers became a serious concern.

Those who wished to continue traveling took to the road to embark on road trips. According to Harvest Hosts, even now, two-thirds of Americans feel uncomfortable flying. Over 50% of those surveyed do not feel comfortable staying in a hotel. However, 76% of Americans plan to travel more in 2021 than 2020. This means more and more people are planning to camp.

The Luna Mattress is the car camping solution everyone needs

Although car camping is convenient, it is not always comfortable. If your seat does not recline all the way, you will be sleeping at an angle. Sleeping at an angle is not only uncomfortable, but it also puts pressure on your spine. However, resting flat on the back seat or trunk is not much better than the reclined seat. 

Luckily for small car owners, Luno has created the perfect solution. The Luno air mattress is durable, comfortable for people up to 6 feet, 2 inches tall, and inflates in minutes. The design is double-chambered, meaning each side is inflated individually. If there is more space and two people, both sides of the Luno can be inflated, but if space is tight and there is only one person, the option only to blow up one side is the perfect solution.

With only one side inflated, the Luno fits even compact cars like the Toyota Corolla. Luno versatility makes it compatible with over 1800 vehicles, including 40 car makes and hundreds of models. The Luno fits into cars ranging all the way from a Toyota 4Runner to Tesla EVs. Luno can even fit in a 2021 Ford Mustang.

Car camping is convenient and comfortable

Traditionally, camping brings to mind either RVs or tents, but car camping is becoming increasingly popular. RVs are expensive to buy or rent, and the gas and upkeep for RVs also add up quickly. Additionally, driving and parking large RVs is cumbersome, especially in urban locations.

An obvious alternative is tent camping. Tents are affordable, portable, and fit easily in a trunk. However, tents can be uncomfortable, and setting up tents is not always easy and often frustrating. Even simpler tents are a pain to set up when arriving at a destination late at night.

Car camping is an excellent alternative to traditional camping methods. It is more convenient than a tent and more affordable than an RV. Travelers can attend car camp in campgrounds, approved backcountry camping locations, or public lands. In a pinch, car campers can even park at some big box stores. Of course, there are certain things to consider before embarking on a car camping trip. A significant concern is comfort. Sleeping in a car can be incredibly uncomfortable. Worse, sleeping without equipment in a vehicle can wreak havoc on the back and spine. 

RELATED: How do you go camping on a motorcycle? 

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Honda Civic Sales Suffered a Major Hit in Early 2021 but Are Seeing a Big Turnaround

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you Google the phrase “top 10 best-selling cars in the U.S.,” you’re guaranteed to see the Honda Civic on several lists. We’re not talking about just any lists — we’re talking U.S. News, Car and Driver, Edmunds, and the best in the business, MotorBiscuit. But, seriously, the Civic made Honda a household name.

This compact car succeeded in appealing to a broad market by offering various body styles and engine types, allowing the Honda Civic to make best-seller lists for decades. But in the first quarter of this year, the Civic’s sales numbers didn’t look so hot.

The 2021 Honda Civic’s poor sales earlier this year were surprising

2021 Honda Civic Hatchback | Guillaume Payen/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Sales for the 2021 Honda Civic were down over 13% in Q1 2021 compared to Q1 2020, GoodCarBadCar shows. Of course, most automakers didn’t begin experiencing significant losses until Q2 2020, after the pandemic took hold. Either way, the 2021 Civic’s sales numbers stand in contrast to other Q1 2021 auto sales data. We reported in mid-April that, despite a pandemic, Q1 2021 auto sales were strong, if not downright impressive.

Honda is among a group of automakers, including Mitsubishi, Infiniti, Dodge, and Fiat, facing a steady drop in sales beginning back in Q1 2019. At the bottom of the barrel, you have Chevrolet and Dodge (again) seemingly getting something wrong, and it definitely shows in their unimpressive sales figures. And considering these trends started way before the pandemic, it’s safe to say some brand introspection is in tall order.

Don’t count this compact car out of the fight yet

Short of an extinction-level event, the Honda Civic is designed to bounce back. It has a proven track record that rivals competitors in the same class. Though it only sold 15,475 units in January and 15,906 in February, March numbers jumped to 24,522. Sales figures further increased to 28,414 units in April but skyrocketed to 35,962 in May. In June, numbers slightly decreased to 32,677.

Compared to Q1 2021, the Honda Civic averaged 23,038 units sold between Q1 2916 and Q1 2020. That means the 2021 Civic suffered a 29% drop in units sold in Q1 2021 compared to the annual Q1 average. However, the sales data for Q2 2016 through 2020 compared to Q2 2021 shows an 8% increase. In other words, the 2021 Civic outsold the previous years.

The 2021 Honda Civic at a glance

No matter how many new compact cars enter the market each year, none has successfully dethroned the Honda Civic. It has remained the darling of reviewers since it entered the U.S. market in 1973. You read that right — the Civic has been around since disco music and bell-bottom jeans. And in those nearly five decades, it has matured but is still one of the most enjoyable compacts to drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it a perfect five-star overall safety rating, and Car and Driver rated it 9.5 out of 10.

The 2021 Honda Civic is at the tail end of its 10th generation, with the 11th generation set to make its much-awaited debut in 2022. So Honda didn’t change much on the 2021 model, which is pretty much how the Civic has rolled year over year. Nonetheless, you can expect a thrilling blend of performance, practicality, and comfort for a price that leaves you no other choice but to say, “Why not?” Honda prices the base-model LX at $21,700 to start.

There are three other trims after the LX, including the Sport ($23,100), EX ($24,700), and Touring ($28,300). The LX and Sport pack an inline-four engine that produces 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. The top two trims have the same engine but with a turbocharger, making 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.

They all pair with continuously variable transmissions, with the Sport and Touring equipped with paddle shifters. EPA-estimated ratings vary, but the LX and EX get the best fuel economy with 31/30 mpg in the city and 33/42 mpg on the highway.

Each model comes standard with Honda Sensing’s comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are also standard. So overall, the 2021 Honda Civic comes loaded with features at an affordable price.

RELATED: It’s No Surprise the 2021 Honda Civic Landed on This List

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