What's your advice regarding tank bags on long trips

[Richard Simpson Mark II]

"Scratches? It doesn’t happen with the right bag. "

Very true. And the right technique....clean and polish the top of the tank before mounting the base of the bag, and make sure the bag can't move by doing the harness correctly.

Not had a magnetic bag, so can't comment on those.

[AlanHolt]

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.

The fuel cap bolts are metal threads in a plastic tank, and if the tank bag isn't filled well, and weight can move around, it puts strain on the ring which can pull on the thread inserts.

[AlanHolt]

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.

Despite the bike being just 3 years old, the correct BMW tankbag is now a discontinued item. I managed to find one at a dealer in Kent who is posting it to me. We set off for France and Spain on the 19th May. I'll post on here when i'm back about my experience with the tankbag.

Many thanks to all who took the time to reply.

[AlanHolt]

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[AlanHolt]

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[Magnon]

Used to use huge tank bags which often caused problems by shifting to one side or the other. Those problems have probably been overcome by Bagalux type tank covers which hold the bag more securely.

These days I just have a small bag which is much easier to lug around when off the bike. The only annoyance is that a smaller bag has a smaller map pocket and I like to use a map most of the time, only using the satnav to navigate around towns.

[AlanHolt]

https://spanishmotorbiketours.co.uk/wha ... tank-bags/

[vRSG60]

By ring mounted do you mean the Givi Tanklock type?
I’ve used one on both my GSs no problem at all.


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[AlanHolt]

By ring mounted do you mean the Givi Tanklock type?
I’ve used one on both my GSs no problem at all.


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A lot of people have used the ring mounted bags without any problems, but some have had problems. I guess it depends on what goes in the tank bag and where you ride. On tarmac, the bag is unlikely to be shaken sideways like it would be on rough trails.

[ABRMAN]

Don't like them myself!