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I thought after using my new Cortech bags on the Maine ride last weekend that I would post a review. We need more product reviews here, I find them very usefull.
My previous system was a different tank bag (more on that later), and one of 3 different size backpacks lashed to the sissy bar on my rack. The tank bag left something to be desired, and the backpack system was a real PITA to mount up. It seemed like a new adventure each time, and was a hassle to access or add anything to the baggage. That and the fact that it looked so Mickey Mouse convinced me that I needed some real luggage. Not to mention the long distance tours I have planned this year.
Anyway, I ended up buying some Cortech bags made by Tour Master. I have seen lost of Tour Master gear, and everyone seems to say good things about it. The bags also looked real nice and unassuming, so I decided to give them a shot. The two bags I have gotten so far are the Super-Mini Tank Bag and the Tailbag. Here they are mounted on the bike:
I'll start with the tank bag. I had a previous tank bag, a Chase Harper model of which I can't remember. It has served me well, but my biggest complaint was that it didn't hold it's shape at all. It was almost like a rucksak with a pull string closure that stuck to the tank with magnets. Everytime I wanted to get in the bag, I had to fold up the whole top of the bag. It did have a tiny front zipper pocket that I could easily access, but it was way to small for even my tiny camera. Additionally, when it was packed with stuff, it flopped around like a Dr. Suess hat. I added a bungee, but it made it even more of a PITA. The Cortech Super-Mini is fairly rigid, I can easily open the bag even when it is completely empty:
The bag is a magnetic type, and comes with a lanyard to wrap around the steering yoke. I tested the holding power of the bag while it is full at 120mph winds (in a wind tunnel, of course) and it stuck like glue. It was windy as all get out on the way to Maine also, no problem. The picture above shows the bag with little to nothing in it. It's pretty small, but I can't stand a big tank bag. I just want to put my wallet, a small spray bottle of windex and cloths, my ciggys, a flashlight, my camera and a small notebook in it. It's the perfect size for those small items.
As you can see, it has the main top pocket, and a smaller sleeve type pocket at the front. I put toll money in there as I forgot my EZPass tag in my old tank bag, it worked well on the Maine Turnpike. That weird rubber patch on the side is so you can run a haedphone wire out through it and still keep it fairly well sealed. The top flap has quite a few nice pockets, convienient for lots of items.
It also comes with this nice rain cover which I was forced to use last Saturday in a short shower. It goes on in seconds with a elastic draw string closure and stayed on even after the road dried out and I started to turn it up a notch. It packs down small and would make a great shower cap.
I paid $59.00 at the local Honda dealer. I'm sure it's cheaper on-line, but I wanted to see these in person, and once I did got that instant gratification gland going. All in all I would rate the bag 5 stars out of 5. I'll update this thread with a report on longterm durability.
My previous system was a different tank bag (more on that later), and one of 3 different size backpacks lashed to the sissy bar on my rack. The tank bag left something to be desired, and the backpack system was a real PITA to mount up. It seemed like a new adventure each time, and was a hassle to access or add anything to the baggage. That and the fact that it looked so Mickey Mouse convinced me that I needed some real luggage. Not to mention the long distance tours I have planned this year.
Anyway, I ended up buying some Cortech bags made by Tour Master. I have seen lost of Tour Master gear, and everyone seems to say good things about it. The bags also looked real nice and unassuming, so I decided to give them a shot. The two bags I have gotten so far are the Super-Mini Tank Bag and the Tailbag. Here they are mounted on the bike:
I'll start with the tank bag. I had a previous tank bag, a Chase Harper model of which I can't remember. It has served me well, but my biggest complaint was that it didn't hold it's shape at all. It was almost like a rucksak with a pull string closure that stuck to the tank with magnets. Everytime I wanted to get in the bag, I had to fold up the whole top of the bag. It did have a tiny front zipper pocket that I could easily access, but it was way to small for even my tiny camera. Additionally, when it was packed with stuff, it flopped around like a Dr. Suess hat. I added a bungee, but it made it even more of a PITA. The Cortech Super-Mini is fairly rigid, I can easily open the bag even when it is completely empty:
The bag is a magnetic type, and comes with a lanyard to wrap around the steering yoke. I tested the holding power of the bag while it is full at 120mph winds (in a wind tunnel, of course) and it stuck like glue. It was windy as all get out on the way to Maine also, no problem. The picture above shows the bag with little to nothing in it. It's pretty small, but I can't stand a big tank bag. I just want to put my wallet, a small spray bottle of windex and cloths, my ciggys, a flashlight, my camera and a small notebook in it. It's the perfect size for those small items.
As you can see, it has the main top pocket, and a smaller sleeve type pocket at the front. I put toll money in there as I forgot my EZPass tag in my old tank bag, it worked well on the Maine Turnpike. That weird rubber patch on the side is so you can run a haedphone wire out through it and still keep it fairly well sealed. The top flap has quite a few nice pockets, convienient for lots of items.
It also comes with this nice rain cover which I was forced to use last Saturday in a short shower. It goes on in seconds with a elastic draw string closure and stayed on even after the road dried out and I started to turn it up a notch. It packs down small and would make a great shower cap.
I paid $59.00 at the local Honda dealer. I'm sure it's cheaper on-line, but I wanted to see these in person, and once I did got that instant gratification gland going. All in all I would rate the bag 5 stars out of 5. I'll update this thread with a report on longterm durability.
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It's all just a clever ploy to brag about my new luggage! I pick up the saddlebags today, but likely won't get to use them for a while.
8-[ 
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