Tested: Eazi-Grip : By Kane Dalton
Tank grips provide stability for sports riding
EAZI-GRIP are pads that stick to the side of the tank promising better stability and feel for the rider, particularly under heavy braking or sports riding. They are used by racers including Josh Brookes and Michael Dunlop - with some even claiming the grips help reduce arm pump.
So what are they like on the road? Manx GP racer Kane Dalton stuck a set on a Ducati Panigale and Yamaha R1 to put them through their paces. Here's what he says:
I have had two road riding styles one was developed before I discovered tank grips and the other after the breakthrough. The first product I used was Stomp grip. This worked well but I found it really hard on my leathers. I wore through the leather on the inside of my knees. I had my leathers patched a couple of times but kept using Stomp as the advantages of having the grip outweighed the wear on my leathers.
A few years ago I discovered a new product called Eazi- Grip. This product offers the same level of grip and it is far less abrasive and so kinder to your leathers. Eazi-Grip has a soft durable surface and is manufactured using polyurethane. Polyurethane is flexible, durable and it has excellent anti-vibration properties. It allows for heat dissipation, and is UV resistant which means it will not will turn yellow or harden with age.
This week we were road and track testing the Yamaha R1 and the Ducati 1299 Panigale S. Before the test I ordered a set of Eazi-Grip for both bikes. When I picked up the bikes I took a slight detour and rode a few miles of country lane. Riding without the grip I felt less locked to the bike and as both bikes have an aggressive race stance I felt the pressure on my wrists.
Eazi–Grip offer two options, the Evo and the Pro. We put the (Clear) Evo on the R1 and the (Black) Pro on the Ducati to explore the differences.
The Eazi-Grip ‘Evo’ tank grip was launched in 2011 and features unique hemispherical traction domes that offer high levels of grip. The Evo was developed using feedback from leading BSB riders.
The Eazi-Grip ‘Pro’ tank grip has a circular embossed pattern, with a sleek dynamic profile. The Pro’ series allows greater movement on the bike whilst giving high levels of grip when needed, under heavy braking.
As soon as I fitted the Eazi-Grip my control increased. I had far less pressure on my wrists as my weight was taken by my knees which locked into the tank with ease. Under acceleration the grip with your knees keeps you from sliding back on the seat, if this happens you tend you hang on to the bars which makes the front light and more prone to tank slappers.
In corners you can grip the tank with confidence with no risk of slippage. You do not have to hold on with your legs and thighs as much so your legs fatigue less quickly. This is really useful on long rides or on track. The grip allows you to maintain a stable body position.
Under braking the grip really gives you a number of advantages. Locking your knees into the tank keeps the weight off your wrists and eliminates arm pump. Under heavy braking it stops you putting all your weight through the bars and forks when the front end is already under stress.
Eazi-Grip Pads are supplied pre-cut to fit a wide variety of bikes. For more unusual applications they supply universal sheets that can be cut to the required profile.
UPDATE
A few people have been in touch regarding Stomp on the wear and tear on leathers. As an advocate of using grip on the tank I used Stomp on all my bikes as previously mentioned.
I have had two sets of leathers showing wear after using Stomp. You can see these leathers (in the photo below) have been patched where they wore through around my knees.
RRP £25.99 - £29.99
For more information visit : https://www.eazi-grip.com/
