Tank baggery

[arkline]

To tank bag or to not tank bag? That is the question.

I've owned just one tank bag in my career and found it to be a pain in the backside. It had umpteen straps to bind it to the tank and was a serious time consuming effort to put it on and take it off. Quit using it because of that.

Now it looks like I'm gonna need something and I've been browsing the web and the catalogs.

Any body have a recommendation? Magnetic vs. straps? Or just stow that stuff in your pants pockets?

[BobFV1]

Ron - I have been using the Big Mak system on my RT for about a year and a half and have been pleased with it. The advantage is that you can lift the whole system up on a hinge and fill up your gas tank without completely discombooberating the tank bag. You have to mount the base to the gas tank with four screws, so it is sort of "permanent". THis is not a problem with the RT, because it is covered in junk anyway but it might break up the nice lines of the Roadster.

I have a magnetic bag for my Ducati I bought at CycleGear, not sure of the make, but it stuck on and worked just fine on a long trip from Arizona out to LA and back.

I'm a tank bag fan - they come in real handy and I prefer them to having something behind me or to wearing a backpack.

[Wild Will]

I haven't used a tank bag in years. Too much of a hassle at gas stops and messes up the tank, and flops from side to side when you have it full of those cardboard boxes of fermented grape juice.
So, I've used a tail pack made by Marsee, a Bavarian, which sits on the rear of my GS in lieu of the rear seat. They work well also when fastened to the rear seat. I no longer use luggage for a weekend ride, this thing holds it all, and I've noticed several of the rag tag rapscallions I ride with have followed suit.
The onlyy thing I miss is the map window, so I got a Road gear magnetic map holder that blew off the tank on the freeway, despite seemingly powerful magnets, and there went my favorite, out of print maps.

[socalrob]

I have a Big Mac on my R1150R. Sort of looks like hell, but it is great for maps, garage door opener, ear plugs & all kinds of crap.

My complaint about the tail bag (or any top box) is that it makes it much harder for me to get my stiff leg over the seat when getting on or off the bike. At least the tank bag is no issue there.

I also think the tank bag in combo with the BMW sport screen helps give quieter air & helps keep some air off my chest. Function over form for me. I have a magnetic tank bag I'll probably slap on the HD I'm renting for the Hill Country ride. HD's do have steel gas tanks don't they, or are they cast iron?

[Dallara]

Here's my two cents, Ron...

I actually HATE tank bags, but often on long trips (or when you don't want to carry your system cases) they almost become a necessity.

I much prefer my Wunderlich rear seat "tail bag" for all around use.

That said, I did experiment with tank bags a bit with my R1150R, and I'll pass along my conclusions. First off, though, I have not tried either the Big Mak, Lid Locker, Marsee Corona, etc. type bags that Bob mentioned that attach to some sort of mounting flange mounted on the fuel filler boss. I was set to buy a Big Mak until I found out that on an R1150R you have to partially slide the bag off its mounting panel on an R1150R in order to flip it far enough forward to actually refuel.

I have two tank bags, one with the option of using straps of a magnetic panel. This one with optional moounting is a Marsee "Teardrop". JUst as you say, the strap mounting system on the Marsee is a technicolor nightmare... No matter how I tighten it, or mess with the straps, it simply will not remain in one place while riding. It is convenient to refuel with using the strap base, as you simply undo the fastec buckles at the front and flip the tank bag back on the seat and open the fuel cap. However, that convenience is not worth the bag constantly shifting around on the bike while in flight, especially when it's loaded up.

The magnetic base works TONS better!!! It grips so solidly that you'd swear a nuclear blast couldn't unseat it. In fact, it works so good that I never even bother with the *safety strap* anymore when using it. And it has NEVER scratched the tank.

That said, the grip of the magnets is also this rig's biggest drawback. It grips so damn hard that it is a royal pain in the arse to pull it off for refueling! You almost have to wrestle with it to get it loose, and then, unless you're real methodical, it is actually a bit of a pain to get it back in place without having to fiddle with it a minute to get the base *ears* situated properly. The bag does zip to the base (which is what allows it to be mounted on either the strap or magnetic base), but this is off little use refueling as there is no hole in the base to get to the fuel cap.

The Marsee has one other ENORMOUS drawback... The map pocket is the absolute worst I have ever encountered on a tank bag. It is weird shaped, hard to get into and out of, and the way it zips to the top of the bag is so flimsy and cheesey that it blows around in the wind like a kite. I have a local guy working on an alternative it is so bad... But since I may need this bag for the upcoming Yamaha I have to try and find a solution.

That leads to my other tank bag... BMW's factory tank bag. All I can say is it is the best designed, most well thought out, and with the most convenient and ingenious attachment method I have ever seen. It does use straps, but not in the conventional sense, and it doesn't move or shift, or scratch the tank... and it is ultra easy to refuel with.

Attached to the front of the bag is a strap that extends forward to the front edge of the fuel tank. It has these neat hooks that grab the front edge of the tank very, very securely. At the back a separate piece has hooks that attach to the rear of the tank in a similar section underneath the front of the seat. This piece extends up and forward (and has a sticky tape attachment underneath it to help hold it in place) about four inches up the tank. It has a leather piece that has two female fastex-type buckles with tension adjustments on them. At the back of the tank bag are two male-end fastex-type buckle ends..

You hook the front of the tank bag to the front edge of the tank, sanp the rear fastex buckles into the attachment piece on the back of the tank, cinch down the straps, and off you go. Takes all of about ten seconds even with the bag fully loaded. To refuel, you simply pull up on the rear buckle straps to slightly loosen them, unsnap the buckles, and lift the entire bag up (unhooking it from the front of the tank) and set it on the seat... again, about five or ten seconds total. Then reverse to get going again. Slick as a whistle.

An additional benefit of this arrangment is that you can easily dismount the bag to take inside with you and it leaves nothing on the bike that can be stolen. I simply leave the little rear strap from under the seat/tank juncture on all the time, so I can mount the bag whenever I need it in seconds.

It holds a ton, is built plenty tough, is expandable, never gets in your way while riding, has a neat little very useful mesh pouch on the back with another mesh pocket on top of it that is great for cell phones and stuff, the map pocket is a joy to use, and it looks positively fantastic compared to any other bag I've seen or used.

Only drawback it has... It's pricey as hell, but then I got my *used* from a guy who actually never used it but then sold his R1150R and didn't need the bag any longer. I paid about 2/3rds of retail for it, and it's been one of the best purchases I ever made. I only hope it will somehow work with the Yamaha FJR when it gets here.

Here's a small pic of one:


http://www.bobsbmw.com/parts_accessories/luggage/images/IMG_2370_F.jpg


Bob's BMW lists them at $259.95, which is pretty close to Chicago BMW's price of $258.40. BMW's list price is $323.00.

Here's a link to Bob's page where they have the bag:

http://www.bobsbmw.com/parts_accessories/luggage/l_R1150R.html


Personally I think BMW's tank bag is worth every penny.

Hope this helps!

Allan (Dallara -NACD)

[socalrob]

Allan,

I do not have to do anything to my Big Mak to refuel other than to flip it up. Takes approximately 0.67 seconds. :)

My big compaint about the Big Mak is that I'm not real anal about using the centerstand, and the bag now leans a bit to the side. For along time I rode without the systemn cases and only the Big Mak, lately, to help the conservative look, I've been riding with the system cases on too.

[DarthRider]

I don't "like" tank bags, or any other luggage, or anything at all stuck on my bikes but reality & necessity dictate other wise.

So I've ended up with an assortment of bags, all with advantages & disadvantages. Strap-ons are inconvenient & ugly as hell. But My Speedy has a plastic tank which eliminates mag bases. We're developing a new line of FirstGear tank bags at work and research showed that plastic tanks (after the miserable start with fiberglass tanks "back in the day", and BMW's infamous early GS plastic tanks that weeped gas through the plastic) are actually pretty common and their use is increasing. I understand BMW will soon, if not already, be exclusively plastic.

The reason I'm going on about plastic tanks is to say that their increasing use is driving some much better strap on systems. I have a very tiny Cortech for the Speedy that uses a loop in front that goes around the headstock and attaches with two adjustable nylon ladder-locks. The rear is a single strap that can be looped around anything in back of the tank & under the front of the seat. Again, with an adjustable ladder lock. The whole base is scratch resistant neoprene and the straps sit on top of that. The Cortech baby-bag is very well designed and built and holds just what I need for commuting or a day ride...sunglasses case, wallet, camera, cellphone, lighter/heavier alternate gloves, a pack O' Trojans, that sort of stuff and nothing more. The teenie map window is only useful if you cut out the area you want from a full map. Fortunately this is easy for me...Texas is so big that most maps are of such a scale that an area the size of Massachusetts will easily fit in the little window! A neat feature is the map window snaps & Velcros on so it can be removed when not needed. This prevents the common yellowing of the clear plastic if the bike is in the sun a lot. The little bag also has a built-in rain cover with map window.
Based on this experience I would sure Cortech on my short list.

I have a medium size, expandable Marsee for road trips on the 50R. It is a mag mount with a lot of nice features. I agree with Allan about the map window...it is pretty big but is wider than it needs to be for two standard map section and shorter than a standard folding map so it is a real pain in the ass to use. But again, I would put Marsee on your short list to check out.

My favorite tank bag of all, though I don't have one right now, is the RevPack. It is a tear-drop shaped big with a single straight zipper down the center of the bag. It is the easiest one I've ever seen to get in & out of, you can even get in & out with one hand while blasting down your favorite road although I don't know why you would want to!?
They have a nicely sized & proportioned map window and rain cover but no other features...simple & basic. They come in two sizes and are black, but many special colors are available. I had a red & green one made for my red Ducati, a blue & silver one made for my blue with silver trim R100RS, and a black one for a red Beemer. They come in strap-on mount only, a loop in front and two straps to the rear. Great stuff if you like the simple & clean look.

The best designed one I ever used was the always-overpriced BMW bag for my R100RS.

One thing about mag mount bags...always, ALWAYS use the front safety lanyard! My magnetic Marsee, fully extended and stuffed full, once went totally airborne on the 50R at about 100 MPH! Very exciting, even with the safety lanyard that saved the day. And Marsee uses the large extra powerful magnets.

I've had a few other brands but nothing memorable. By the way, our new First Gear tank bags will come with either or both strap-on and mag bases so you can use them on steel, plastic or aluminum tanks. They will also have some unsual shapes and materials like carbon fiber panels. They are being designed by a group of riders, not a bunch of "civilians" and beancounters! Pretty cool.

Interesting thing about mag mounts...the better ones have steel "caps" over the magnets that effectively shield your electronic devices from the magnetism.

I also have a super "motorcycle dispatch rider's bag" that I really like. It has an adjustable wide, single shoulder strap that goes diagonally asross one shoulder and a securing strap that stabilizes the whole works (personally tested up to 130 MPH!) All kinds of pockets, zippers, straps and things. This is from TIMBUK2 in San Fran. Available in different sizes & configurations including one for laptops. Available in all colors & designs, including the Gay Mole Rainbow colors. They're tits!

Dave

[Dallara]

Sorry, SocalRob...

I guess I should have been more specific. I have "Ricky Bars" on my R1150R, and when I inquired on the old R1150R board if those would interfere with a Big Mak tank bag of the size I wanted one member there replied that he had "Ricky Bars" ( http://www.motomacondo.com/protaper_roadster.html ) and that they interfered with the flipping forward of the Big Mak bags.

It may not actually interfere with the "Ricky Bars", but that's all I had to go on at the time.

Thanks!

Allan (Dallara - NACD)

[Bones]

Who the hell would have thought a tank bag question would generate so much information?

Welcome to the Motorcyclist Cafe', information in abundance, and as of yet, nobody has been banned.


My thoughts on tank bags are:
1. I hate the esthetic impact. I like to look down and see the tank.
2. I love the convenience of having all that little stuff and medium stuff "right there."

When I have used them on bikes with metal tanks, I have used magnetic bags and I have found:
1. They stick just great.
2. I have never had them move even one micron, no matter how much side wind, etc. I have encountered.
3. They do not scratch the tank at all. I have scratched my tank doing something stupid, but the magnetic bag never did.
4. I have had no problems with fueling. Just lift it off, put it on the seat, then replace.

I now have a 1200GS and so a magnetic bag won't work. The strap on I have is OK, but not as nice as my magnetic.

I agree with those who have said the BMW bag is good, but it is bigger than what I want most of the time and while I have spent a ZILLION dollars on everything else, I somehow have a problem with spending close to $300 for a tank bag.

I still can't seem to post pics here, so I will email you direct with a pic showing a very large magnetic bag that works great for long trips.

My "regular" ones are made by Tourmaster (Cortech), is VERY reasonably priced, very well made, has a decent map pocket that is easy to use and I am happy with those products. I really thing the quality of their bags are up there with those that cost twice as much.

Jeff

[Wild Will]

My complaint about the tail bag (or any top box) is that it makes it much harder for me to get my stiff leg over the seat when getting on or off the bike. At least the tank bag is no issue there.

I hear that, but I just set my massively muscled right leg on the seat and it never touches the seat bag I use.

[DJ Down Under]

My tank bag has never seen my tank...and yet I use it all the time..:045:

DJ

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2157.JPG

[Ed K]

Hey DJ...

What tank bag do you use?

And how do you hold it down? Looks like bungie cords (?)

Is it laying on top of the rear seat, rear rack, or both?

Thanks,

[DJ Down Under]

Ed K...it's mostly on the seat...I just fold the flaps under and it's a good fit.

I use this cool velcro strapping that I buy from the local climbing/hiking shop.

It's about half an inch wide and is much thicker/stronger than normal velcro and comes on a big roll (with all their climbing ropes) and they just cut off the length you want.

I picked up my bag cheap from my local motorcycle shop..about $50..I think they're normally about $100...it also opens up to fit a full face helmet inside..bonus!.:icon_mrgreen: ..I think it's a Velo Sport brand.

Here's a few pics..sorry they're a bit fuzzy.

DJ

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2199.JPG

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2194.jpg

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2195.jpg

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2196.jpg

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2197.JPG

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2198.JPG

[Ed K]

Thanks DJ...for taking the time to take the pics, post them, and describe how you attached it.

Much appreciated.

Great idea!!

[Boxerboy]

seat bags..a little reading.

http://www.ama-cycle.org/roadride/newrider/luggage/seatbags.asp

[DJ Down Under]

Great link boxerboy...did you see the flip up tank bag that lets you check your hair and put your lippie on...:icon_mrgreen:

DJ

http://www.ama-cycle.org/roadride/newrider/luggage/images/LadyRidersWear.jpg

[R4R&R]

I have one and use it for certain situations. I rarely put it on the tank (like DJ), and will typically use it during summer commuting (when I don't have to worry about different layers of gear/raingear, and need somewhere to throw a lunch/water). On overnight trips I'll use it since it's a handy place to stow money/water/earplugs, etc. I used bungee cords to attach it to the rear seat in the past, but I like the velcro ideas that DJ showed. I'll be looking for some velcro.

This is the model I have: Motopak (http://www.motopakluggage.com/gt20.html)
The guys sells them on ebay also (which is where I bought mine - great deal, I think I paid US $55, including shipping). This brand really packs the features in, and I would buy another in a heartbeat. Great value.

BTW, I haven't had mine on since last November - I'll use the system cases during winter.

[Dallara]

I have one of MotoPak's dedicated seat/tail bags:

http://www.motopakluggage.com/gttail.html

And I liked it because it carried a lot, but its mounting method just didn't work out very well on the R1150R. The way the Roadster's seat tapers in the rear in two planes just gave me fits getting the MotoPak GT tailpack truly secure.

Have held onto it though since it will hold a ton of stuff (and even a full face helmet!) and works good on other bikes. I have loaned it to a couple of buddies and they loved it. I'll be happy to send it up to you, Ron, so you can use it on the trip... and you can just send it back to me when you get home.

The tail/seat bag I absolutely love is made by Wunderlich. Here you can see it on my bike:

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/24296595-M.jpg

It works fantastic, and it literally lives on my R1150R unless I am carrying a passenger. Here's some additional pictures from Wunderlich:

http://209.61.235.222/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/1250110.jpg

http://209.61.235.222/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/1250110c.jpg

http://209.61.235.222/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/1250110d.jpg

http://209.61.235.222/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/1250110e.jpg


It's fully expandable, and even does that in a unique and efficient way. It zips on and off the seat in seconds, yet is incredibly secure. Mine's never moved an inch in using it for two years. Though not claimed ot be waterproof nothing inside mine has ever gotten wet even after riding for two hours in a total downpour. Since I have a Sargent rear seat for passengers I just keep the Wunderlich base mounted up to the stock OEM BMW rear seat and if I want to carry a passenger I just swap the seats out.

It's a great product!

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NACD)

[DarthRider]

Dittos on the Wunderlich rear seat bag. I have the same exact bag except it is a different color and came with a rain cover. Great stuff.
A bit pricey at ~ $150 or so but worth it.
Only thing I don't like about it is it doesn't fit my Speedie...wonder if that's because it was made for BMWs?

Dave

[Deano]

Just ordered one of these:

http://www.luggagelocker.com/bmwR1150R.html (http://www.luggagelocker.com/bmwR1150R.html)

I already had the “Laptop Locker”, which works very well for getting my computer to and from the office. Aesthetically, it looks like, well, a tank bag (not as complimentary as the dedicated BMW bag). But if it works as well as the Laptop bag, it should prove to be a keeper. I’ll post a photo when it gets in.

When you call to order, the owner answers the phone. Nice guy who seems to really stand behind his product.

I also use a 35 liter Marsee tail bag. Holds a ton of stuff and attaches to the passenger seat with a zip-off base. Does not appear to fit as well as the Wunderlich, and unless you shop around, it costs every bit as much. It is also a rude surprise when you have it packed full for the first time and go to throw your leg over for a mount up! Good thing no one was watching as I am sure it was a comical sight, getting blocked and losing my balance so that I wound up falling back onto the hood of my parked car. What an idiot.:icon_redface:

[bum-bull BMW]

Hi Arkline,
Really not into the status thing, being a minimalist, I was looking for easy and effective commuting storage. I bought a softsided toolbag,made by Mcguire-Nicholas. These bags are very popular with tradesmen that I do business with, they are both durable and functional. The particular bag I purchased is #22426, a dual compartment bag with a lot of storage capacity in a relatively small package. I think for what these bags cost($25.00/Amazon.com),and how well they strap to my cargo bar, they are tough to beat.

[Ed K]

Hey Allan,

Thanks for posting the Wunderlich seat bag pics...

Just got mine today, and fits fantastic. Can't wait to put it through the paces this weekend to see how it hangs on loaded, through the twisties.

Thanks!

[taosports]

Hey Allan,

Thanks for posting the Wunderlich seat bag pics...

Just got mine today, and fits fantastic. Can't wait to put it through the paces this weekend to see how it hangs on loaded, through the twisties.

Thanks!

Hey Ed...think you're going riding this weekend? Maybe you're more optimistic than I am. Damn rain!!!
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/03/28/MNGGKHVFIJ5.DTL

[Wild Will]

I rode Sunday and the weather was superb. I had some of the best backroads in Sonoma County all to myself, and didn't see or hear 1 road vampire all day. I haven't had a ride like that in a couple of weeks with all the deluge we have enjoyed. Sometimes you just have to change your plans and ride! My woman was slightly dismayed, but she fired up her Ninja and along came anyway.

[Ed K]

Michael... well, last night the forecast indicated partly cloudy without rain, but looks like you're right, tonight the weather forecast has changed. :icon_cry:

I was, of course, out last Sunday... as Wild Will indicated...

Looks like I might get some of the work around the house done this weekend!

[arkline]

On the advice of our esteemed Simon D. I purchased a Give T-409 magnetic semi-hard side tank bag. It is just big enough to hold a camera, cell phone, and mp3 player. It has a security strap and, although the r1150r tank has an interesting shape and the bag has a flat bottom, it sticks like a squid mating with the Nautilus. No bother when filling the tank, at all. Texas, here I come. Thanks again, Si.

http://www.giviusa.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=products&id=44&cat=softluggage&catid=30&prodid=magtanks

[Ed K]

Loaded-up the Wunderlich and took it out for spin in some the most curvacious and bumpie roads today, under full throttle, b/4 the down-pour... and it hung on like a tiger. Didn't appear to have moved a mm.

Although expen$ive, very pleased with this purchase.

[Promethean]

Does anyone have experience with the SW-Motech tankbag featured here?

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/1859/441/

[DarthRider]

This is a real old thread, but I totally agree with mag bags being preferable to strap-ons...or bolt-ons.
Unless you ride a Ducati or some Triumphs with plastic tanks, then not so much!

[panthercity]

And the occasional roto-molded tank on a BMW...

[DarthRider]

And the occasional roto-molded tank on a BMW...
I try not to think about those.
I remember when those hi-tech German tanks were leaking gas under the paint...long before they were spiking our gas with corn squeezins. :eusa_whistle: