Favorite Tank Bag?

[Guest]

I´ve used tank bags since 1976 and I really like them. I´ve worn out three, the last two being Eclipse bags, which really did it all for me. Recently I bought a small(ish) magnetic tank bag and don´t like it at all. It doesn´t sit right on the tank and the magnetic flaps come down over the Suzuki side badges and fail to make a good grip there. Before I go back and buy another Eclipse, does anyone have a better recommendation?

[marvinsc]

I have gotten excellent service from all of my Nelson Rigg gear. I prefer a magnetic tank bag and have tested all of mine at well above legal if not sane speeds with no failures yet.

[lurch12_2000]

I really liked my cheap magnetic tank bag and it never moved out of place at triple digit speeds. But I gave that to my son and use an older strapped expandable Fox bag that I got with one of my GS1100s. Even though the zipper is a little kludged, it is great. Both have the plastic window for my travel notes and maps along with keeping my cell phone in view(not to use but I can quickly glance down at traffic lights) while charging it. The little zippered pocket is handy for toll booth money too. I wouldn't go on trips without a tank bag.

[850 Combat]

I recently bought a Nelson Rigg from Dennis Kirk for under bucks. Its a real good copy of an Eclipse, but bigger, and expandable. Only thing not as nice as my Eclipse bags is the rear pocket is a bit cramped for the stuff I keep there, and the rubber strap in front isn't made from as good of a rubber (my brother tore it). Its a strap on, and doesn't fit on my Concours. Works bitchen' on a big gas tank like a GS. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nelso...item439ac55d6d Here is one on Dennis Kirk Auctions. Mine said used, but it was new. I got my brother one, and his was new too.

I use a piece of that expanded foam for RV cupboards under the strap on bags sothey don't move. Rolls of it at the dollar store.

I bought a Moto Pak magnetic like this one also from E Bay, new. It works great on the Connie, and I used it on the Skunk when I took the train up to Everett and rode it back.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Magnetic-3-Layer-Motorcycle-Tank-Bag-NEW-MotoPak-GT-35_W0QQitemZ160370199388QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2556cf0b5c

I think I paid close to a hundred for that one, I think.

Both are kind of new for me to know for sure how they will last, but I have one over 5000 miles on the Moto Pak. My brother used a Nelson Rigg on our cross country tour las summer, and commutes to work with his lunch in it every day, so he probably has 10,000 miles on his plus a couple checked baggage airline trips.

If you can use a strap on, that big Nelson Rigg is a scream'n deal for the money.

[tas850g]

i bought the Gearz Explorer bag. it has 2 different bags. Each bag has a clear window, 1 bag is expandable, the other has the ridged side walls. Magnets hold the bag on very well at high speeds. It also has a loop that goes around the steering stem so if you go as fast as Lurch12 it will stay on. Got mine from Parts-unlimited.com

[bwringer]

Whatever magnetic bag is on sale... there really aren't any bad name brand bags out there.

I do prefer the ones that have a way to expand -- that's VERY handy. And I require a clear map pocket.

I think mine is a several year old Nelson-Rigg, but I need another. This one is faded, beat up, worn out, full of holes, and the padding on the bottom between the magnets and the tank is just about shot. No fault of the bag -- it's been through at least five or six years and who knows how many miles and days of abuse, overstuffing, and even one wreck (it stuck just fine as the bike went down the road in a shower of sparks...)

Nelson-Rigg, Eclipse, TourMaster, and many others make excellent bags. Take yer pick.

I do agree that it can be hard to predict which magnetic bag might fit your tank best. Sometimes, you can't even find a photo or dimensions of the magnetic "apron", so unless you can buy locally (good luck with that... the only luggage I can find around here is studded leather), there's no way to know whether it will fit your tank without awkwardness.

[Mysuzyq]

I have a Nelson Rigg Mini (or is it Micro?) that several of us here bought a couple years ago, when they were offered for around $15.00 on closeout. I use it far more than the other larger expandable 2 layer Travel Bags one I have. Nelson Rigg quality is really good....the magnets are pretty powerful & the bag doesn't budge, even without doing up the extra safety strap. The ebay one linked above seems like a great deal on a full size bag, though that one does not appear to be magnetic. IMO, a magnetic bag would seem to be safer for the paint on the tank, since it does not move around at all....with the strap on items, even a bit of slack may allow slight bag movement that will quickly do a number on your tank's finish.


Tony.

[ALB80-850]

I got a new Joe Rocket "Hammerhead" magnetic bag this spring and it work very well. It fits my bike nice and doesn't move around. It's not a large bag, but hold plenty of small items(maps,wallet,glasses etc)also has a clear pouch for a GPS and cell phone. I think it was only about $55.

Andy

[gs scott]

Tank Bags

I've had my Eclipse strap on tank bag for about 25 years - works great! Map sleeve, removable change pocket, foam padding under the bag protecting the tank, the straps and bag have connecting clips to remove the bag and leave the straps in place (like overnight, or getting gas). No problems, no scratches - just make sure the straps are on good and snug or it'll slide over one side. (and make sure you do't have any cables or wires under the straps too!)

I must not ride in the rain as much you other guys my old eclipse is holding up fine!

[KGB]

I use a Cortech magnetic bag.
I swap in between bikes.
It's stayed steady at above posted speeds.
It has a clear map pocket that can be removed, it snaps onto the main bag and has it's own magnets so it can be used alone.
It does have arain cover that can be cinched down
and does expand. Not huge but big enough for a small Cruz_tools kit
and a cell phone,wallet, flash light etc.......

The stitching on it is retroreflective and has a reflective stripe
around the bag.
I think it was about $75 at Brockton cycles.

[tas850g]

if you have questions about brands just go to a motorcycle dealer(s) and look to see what they have then price out the ones you like. Doesn't hurt to look. I do this.

[Jethro]

I have a love hate relationship with tank bags. I hate having anything up there, but it's so amazingly handy to have. That is why I use an "anti" tank bag. It's tiny, but fits everything I need:



It's a Cortech Super Mini- http://www.newenoughhp.com/luggage/t..._tank_bag.html

It's been great, had it for 3 years now. I did find it in my lap once when it was overstuffed, but to be fair it happened at super-legal speeds. Very small but still able to carry the following:

Wallet
Phone
Gummy worm tire patch kit
CO2 cartridges
A small spray bottle with Windex
A Leatherman Charge Ti multi-tool
Spare earplugs
Tire Gauge
Pen and notepad
Kickstand coaster
My EZPass transponder
House keys
Spare glasses
And sometimes a ball cap

[Raven457]

Using a Cortech Super Mini here as well, really happy with it.

[lurch12_2000]

I have a love hate relationship with tank bags. I hate having anything up there, but it's so amazingly handy to have. That is why I use an "anti" tank bag. It's tiny, but fits everything I need:



It's a Cortech Super Mini- http://www.newenoughhp.com/luggage/t..._tank_bag.html

It's been great, had it for 3 years now. I did find it in my lap once when it was overstuffed, but to be fair it happened at super-legal speeds. Very small but still able to carry the following:

Wallet
Phone
Gummy worm tire patch kit
CO2 cartridges
A small spray bottle with Windex
A Leatherman Charge Ti multi-tool
Spare earplugs
Tire Gauge
Pen and notepad
Kickstand coaster
My EZPass transponder
House keys
Spare glasses
And sometimes a ball cap

That's a nice looking FZ...but I can see how any regular sized tank bag would become a chin rest on that tank.

[Rudeman]

Chase-Harper Compac 1150 is what I have. Like it a lot. It's expandable so it's only as tall as you need it to be.

http://www.chaseharper.com/TankBags/TankBags.htm