Tank Bags
August 31st, 2008
Does anyone out there know anything about tank bags? I don’t know much at the moment but I’ve spent a bit of spare time over the past couple of weeks learning about whats available and whats suitable for me and my bike.
What I know for sure is that I don’t need anything big. I’ve got a 35 litre Kriega R35 ruck sack (excellent bit of kit) for my main on bike storage. I know that I am limited on what will fit my bike because I have a plastic tank so all of the magnetic bags are obviously out of the window. I also know that I don’t want a soft bag because I will sometimes only carry a warm set of gloves, phone, wallet, ear plugs and disc lock. That means that half the time the tank bag will be half empty so I’m specifically looking for a bag that’s semi rigid so that it wont flap around when out on the open road.
I’ve set my budget to the slightly higher end bag and will pay for a product that’s right for the job. Buell make a branded soft tank bag that will fit my CityX like a glove but from my research I don’t believe its a particularly good product. Its good but there’s better available. Givi do the 440N which is technically a soft bag but due to its shape and size could be classed as semi rigid. The problem is that it looks a bit too funky for me. We’re all different but for me it’s not what I’m looking for just now. Its a good bag that’s magnetic BUT can be converted to fit the newly released TFS – tank fitting system. This converts a number of their bags into a quick release style bag for plastic tanks.
Another brand that I don’t believe is flashed around in the UK that often is Rex Marsee. RM as they will be known as for the rest of this article have been in business since 1969. They were the first company to come up with the magnetic tank bag back in 1976 although their product did not make it into production until 1979. With this kind of history I believe that they must know their stuff and therefore have put a bit of intelligence into their designs. One product that I am interested in is their 6 Liter Ciao Borsa semi rigid bag. Its obviously small and has a nice clear plastic map holder in the top. The bag zips on to a quick release base that straps around your tank. It is also available with a clever release system for bikes that have a more traditional fuel tank than my Buell. The other bag of interest in their range is the 10 Liter bag. This bag has a unique hard clear plastic lid on the top of it. A great place to store a GPS or map. It can also be powered from the bike by means of a quick release wire loom that’s wired in to the battery of the bike.
I’m currently in talks with Mission Motos to obtain an RM bag for use and review. Watch this space…
One Response to “Tank Bags”
Captain Slow September 2nd, 2008 at 4:43 pm #
Hi Paul,
The captain’s back from his hols. I thought I would let you know about my new VFR and the kit I am using on it.
On the rear seat portion I am still using the Hein Gericke Tuareg Rack Pack which I used on the Buell XB. It is held in place with two tough straps which can be laced under the seat. The main pocket is large enough for a substantial chain and padlock, while the upper pocket is handy for a side-stand puck and a micro-fibre cloth to wipe down wet seats etc. Only £12.99, I thought it was a bargain. Cheap enough not to worry about if some toe-rag does decide to cut the straps, but substantial enough to do the job. It has a rubbery bottom (ooer!) which stops it sliding around the seat.
I don’t like the thought of carrying a heavy chain and padlock in a rucksack, even though I always use my Forcefield back protector. Currently I am using a cheap, allegedly waterproof (they lied) rucksack from Infinity in Peterborough. Loads of pockets internally but I think this will be replaced by an Ortlieb Explorer Bike Roll Bag, £39.99 from HG again, and guaranteed waterproof. Finally I am topping off the seat area with an Oxford First Time Tail Pack. £29.99 from HG and loads of room and pockets, plus it comes with a rain cover and rucksack straps.
The Viffer came with a Scottoiler fitted and I look forward to reporting on this.