I had some bidness to tend to up country [hillbilly for "down in the city"], so me 'n coupla Gomers went down to the edge of civilization, Gainesville, Va., to watch a bit of the Mid-Atlantic Police Motorcycle Rodeo. You know, with the cones, tight figure eights, key hole turnarounds, basically, ballroom dancing with a 870 pound partner. They're all good....some just a little bit better than the rest.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww187/vatrader01/1c731be2.jpg

While the event was dominated by a certain American produced motorcycle, I will only post images of the acceptable brands and types here to protect any children or stray damsel that might venture into this thread.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww187/vatrader01/3f69eb6a.jpg

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww187/vatrader01/9ced2a33.jpg

As I wandered about the event, I saw a familiar sight ahead...under a canopy.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww187/vatrader01/65afd96d.jpg

Not what I was expecting at an event dominated by Harley Davidson and BMW. Ya see that unmistakable profile there, behind the white table cloth?

Curiosity more than a little piqued, I investigated. Interesting discovery, and I thought I ought to pass it along to the masses here. That indeed was a Gen I KLR 650 under the canopy, and it belongs to this guy....

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww187/vatrader01/d90e31e5.jpg

That's Mike, and Mike is a manufacturer and distributor of an interesting farkle for KLRista's. He calls it the Tank Vest. You can see an example of one there on his bike.

Here's the bare bones, naked vest, without any attachments.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww187/vatrader01/a5582da3.jpg

The webbing will accept most anything that is made for Alice or Molle pack systems. The vest itself is made of 1000 denier ballistic nylon, water proof and rugged as the trails we run when we run out of road.

Tank side:

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww187/vatrader01/dc4e8d23.jpg

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww187/vatrader01/ced5c1c8.jpg

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww187/vatrader01/d45cbabc.jpg

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww187/vatrader01/6e3d20b3.jpg

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww187/vatrader01/45bad900.jpg

No drilling or modification required, it goes on or off in seconds, using webbing and synthetic buckles. Weight can be distributed as needed for balance and center of gravity. The ballistic nylon is washable and drip dries.

The Tank Vest is currently available for stock metal Gen I tanks, and IMS after market tanks. A design accommodating The Gen II ['08 and newer] KLR 650 is in the works, and should be available soon.

I can envision something like this on there:

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww187/vatrader01/5117476c.jpg


Price? Need to talk to Mike about that. I'll invite him on over to fill in the blanks, answer questions, maybe we can get him to hang at the campfire a bit. He's got another line of wares that might interest a few of you.....

http://www.extremefirepower.com/gallery.html

Check out the machine gun rental page. You can call him @ 304-433-7702, Inwood, WV. http://www.tankvest.com/

Very interesting product. I see one in my future. Thanks for letting us know about it and hoping Mike shares some details and some of his other stuff with us.

Very nice. :35a:

Nice find.... I would buy one:desismiley1:

Yep, Already on the waiting list for a green one and a black one.

VAC

VATrader, thanks for the invite. Thank you for the kind words about my company and myself. I'll be happy to answer any questions you guys may have.

Thanks!

Mike

Now that is a sweet looking ingenious product... I'm waiting to see what the gen 2 iteration looks like! :desismiley1:

Mike,
Is the back of this vest padded, so it will not rub the paint?
(I would not want to ruin the ROAD RASH I have running down the right side of my tank…..:50: )

Mike,
Is the back of this vest padded, so it will not rub the paint?
(I would not want to ruin the ROAD RASH I have running down the right side of my tank…..:50: )

Any padding that is added to the back of the vest will act as a capture point for dust and dirt while riding. The design allows the vest to be snug against the tank while making it difficult for dirt and dust to collect and remain trapped under the vest.

The Tank Vest has minimal rubbing impact on the tank but as with anything you put on a gas tank you are going to get some rubbing.

On the other side of the coin, the Tank Vest will mitigate a great deal of paint damage caused by road rash and spills on the trail. That doesn't mean that it will stop it completely but it will give a level of protection to the tank.

Mike

Good Evening Mike,

I would be interested in your tank vest. How and where can I order one? What collors do you offer? Please send me a link to your company website or information to look over.

Thank you, Snakeboy66

Our website is * (I need more posts to post a website) and thanks! Standard colors at this time are black, OD green and Coyote. We also have many other colors available and some camo patterns.

Mike

*available via Google search