What's your advice regarding tank bags on long trips

[mark vb]

Wouldn't be without a Bagster/Bagster on my Africa Twin after 20yrs+ with it. And as a bonus, the protective tank cover stays on when the bag is off. It expands to a massive volume if needed, has a clear cover for maps etc., has 3 secondary pods for odds & sods, and converts to a rucksack. It has also served as a pillow/foot stool. No others are a patch on it, imo, love it!

[Scott_rider]

if u want a left feild option ..ive been usung pushbike bags off ebay ...6 quid including a free bycycle lock ...i bought 4 of em about 4 years ago and they just stay put even ont trail bike these ones have i think 5 good fixing points stiched on to them

they arnt too bad room wise for general stuff have a phone pocket on top which is handy for a tenner /toll tickets and amaxingly they have proved very tough and highly water resistant ..tbo i dont care as long as it works
room for sunglasses wooly hat ear plug case bag of sweets motrway ribena carton on the move antything you want realy ..mabe not for the fashioistas of this world but it just plain works and for 6 quid its hard to complain

anyone wanna bycyle lock ?

not a lot to lose if you want to try one ...latest one have a bigger phone pocket ...a tenner


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Handlebar-Wate ... 31&sr=8-30

That's a good idea...I've just ordered one...should be delivered tomorrow

[chipy]

if u want a left feild option ..ive been usung pushbike bags off ebay ...6 quid including a free bycycle lock ...i bought 4 of em about 4 years ago and they just stay put even ont trail bike these ones have i think 5 good fixing points stiched on to them

they arnt too bad room wise for general stuff have a phone pocket on top which is handy for a tenner /toll tickets and amaxingly they have proved very tough and highly water resistant ..tbo i dont care as long as it works
room for sunglasses wooly hat ear plug case bag of sweets motrway ribena carton on the move antything you want realy ..mabe not for the fashioistas of this world but it just plain works and for 6 quid its hard to complain

anyone wanna bycyle lock ?

not a lot to lose if you want to try one ...latest one have a bigger phone pocket ...a tenner


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Handlebar-Wate ... 31&sr=8-30

That's a good idea...I've just ordered one...should be delivered tomorrow

I have a couple of these on different bikes too. Keys, phone and anything else you want to keep handy

[Richard Simpson Mark II]

Crikey...I first used a tank-bag in 1979.

A 'Eurodesign' on a Moto Morini 3 1/2 Strada, if anyone's interested (thought not).

I've now got a KTM tankbag in regular use on my 950 Adventure...because of the brilliant KTM twin tank design, you don't even have to move it to refuel.

Providing you don't go down the massive 'peer over the top' tankbag route, I think they work well.

[mark vb]

Crikey...I first used a tank-bag in 1979.

A 'Eurodesign' on a Moto Morini 3 1/2 Strada, if anyone's interested (thought not).

Providing you don't go down the massive 'peer over the top' tankbag route, I think they work well.

Haha, I too started out with a Eurodesign bag on my GT380. And their rack.... and their soft panniers! I beg to differ on the massive bag issue, though - at full stretch my Bagster can accommodate two lots of rain trousers, 2 sleeping bags, a stove and probably a kitchen sink, too. It can be useful to lean against in windy conditions and also provides a rain shield. But normally I have it at a sensible half height.

[92kk k100lt 193214]

Using them since I got my first bike in. . . . . .. . 1972.

Best thing ever for things like phone wallet glasses drink snacks etc etc

And a map on top. . . . .

[diggermanbob]

Giant loop do a good bag , harness on the tank and the bag zips on and off easily , I have used mine lots of times waterproof as well

[v8mark]

I. Have giant loop Diablo. Unzip half way and it flips out the way for filling up convenient and roomy.

[Magnusson]

I'm considering getting a tank bag for my 1250 GSA to use on our European trips. I've never had a tank bag before on any bike, but I like the idea of having documents, camera and essentials close to hand instead of having to get off and go into the hard luggage each time.

What is the advice and/or experience from members of this forum? I know I should avoid the ring mounted bags with the GS, and I'll probably need a rain cover, but that's it. Is there a better alternative?

I'm wondering why you "should" avoid ring mounted bags? I'm Givi ring type fan myself. Have a small tank bag for short trips (holds camera, phone, sunglasses, ear plugs) and bigger one for longer trips. I've used them on many different bikes without issues.

[gbags]

I ride a GSA too and always use a tank bag on big trips.

I’ve never had anything in them get wet, even on the 800 GS which has a smaller screen. The GSA screen will certainly keep it all dry.

Same for handlebar lock; it works fine. Not an issue.

Scratches? It doesn’t happen with the right bag. The Beemer tank bag has a soft bottom. If you can afford a GSA, buy their own tank bag and panniers. I have 50,000 miles on mine, probably a quarter of that off road in rough countries with the tankbag on and my tank isn’t scratched at all

Re-fuelling. The BMW tank bag needs one clip popped to swing the bag back onto your seat. Fill up, clip it back in.

The other obvious positive is to move some weight forward.

Personally, I always choose one with a map pocket on top to give yourself the geographical awareness that the Satnav can’t give you.