|
Tankbags
I am looking around for a good tankbag. The one I have now is hindering me when I have to stand up. And since I am planning to go riding around Marocco... lots of standing up.
Ideally I want to leave me tankcover on and place the tankbag on it, just strapping it on with straps. So a magnet-model is not an option. I have looked at the Touratech models and I do like them. Anyone experiences with them? Would be great if anyone knew a dealer or somebody in or around Belgium were I could get a good tankbag. |
Hi Fireboomer,
What kind of bike is it for, what do you have now, and do you have a model that expands upwards? Just wondering if it's the height or the placement towards the rear of the tank that's preventing you from standing up. I use a Touratech Enduro tankbag, and I like it a lot. The only problem is that there isn't always a neat way to strap the bottom plate on to the bike, so I'd get one made specifically for your bike if there's one available. You should be able to purchase from http://www.touratech.de, no? I have several friends who use Wolfman tank bags, which are priced similarly, and really like them: http://www.wolfmanluggage.com/ It appears that you can have those bags shipped outside of North America and Canada, from their order page. On trail bikes like my XR650L, a big tank bag doesn't stop me from standing up but gets in the way of steering since the tank has very little space to put a bag. So if you ride a similar bike, you might want to take that into consideration. I was at the BMW shop the other day and was shocked to discover that BMW and Wunderlich are charging $250 and up for tankbags! Cheers, Wright |
Hi Fireboomer:
I bought a Chase Harper Eurosport 1501 tankbag last summer. I have been very happy with it. The bag is well constructed, intelligently designed, and very sturdy. After 18,000 km's of riding, and removing it and schlepping it into the hotel every night, it shows no signs of wear. The 1501 Eurosport is the largest volume tankbag Chase Harper makes. When fully expanded, it holds a lot, over 25 liters. But it does collapse down to a reasonable size for day trip use if you don't want to stuff it to full capacity. I bought this tank bag through Aerostitch in the USA, because they had the best price I could find for it. (Note that this was an unusual surprise for Aerostitch, it is not often that they have the lowest price for anything). Their service was great, no problem with international shipping. Below is a picture of the bag, fully stuffed. http://pics.tdiclub.com/members/PanE...da/tankbag.jpg [This message has been edited by PanEuropean (edited 16 February 2002).] |
I recently mounted a nelson-rigg expandable tank bag on my klr650. My main problem was the rear mount strap - had to attach it under my seat and therefore the buckle is under the seat so i cant remove the bag unless i remove the seat - which is not handy. But other than that the bag is nice. Almost bought the large eurosport from Chase Harper, like the one above, but i saved money and put it towards a new tail trunk. woohoo!
------------------ :) Happy Riding :) Ian aka "Maniac" 93' KLR650 |
Thanks for all the info already. I have a Honda Transalp XL650.
For the moment I have a Bagster tankcover wich I really love. It protects the tank, gives extra padding to my knees (also when standing up) and I like the looks of it. BUT... the tankbags that Bagster make really suck. I have a really big one from Bagster that I use for the express-courier riding. But I can't use that one when I go to Marocco. It hinders me when I stand up because of its position is a bit far to the back. And as Wright mentions it sometimes also gets in the way when I have to take real sharp turns. I am hoping to find a tankbag that I can strap on on top of the tankcover. Touratech is a option and I'll take a look at Wolfman and Chase Harper. (20min later) I looked around on the websites. Out of the three options (touratech, wolfman and chase harper), touratech comes out with the best deal I think. [This message has been edited by fireboomer (edited 17 February 2002).] |
Hi,
I like the VP45 from touratech. It has 2 sidebags on both sides off the tank. It also takes your knees out the wind. I've the BMW model witch fits on my KTM-Adventure. Freek (NL) |
hi,
does the vp 45 offer a kind of protection for the legs etc ...? is it not too heavy too ? how many liters, what do you put inside for example ? does it fix correctly to a big tank, like 35 l original bmw for example ? no risk to fall down : how are the fixations ? did you ad something to the original fixations ? in fact, i would like to avoid to put too much weight at the rear on the suspensions, i'm lloking for an alternative to alu boxes (see on bmw tech) thanks a lot freek, |
Freek,
I love the idea of the VP-45. But isn't their a risc of making your bike top-heavy? Although I guess you could put all the light stuff in it. And (this might seem a stupid question, but it can give me a better idea of the thing without really seeing it): what do you put away in it when traveling? Is their a way to secure the zippers? For ex with a little U-lock? Has anyone ever tried it on a Honda Transalp? |
Hai all,
Take a look at this place: http://storage.atic.org/accessory/ac..._tankbag1.html I got myself a "Tuareg large" from Hein Gericke. It's really good quality and straps on very tight. It has two side-bag's and all bags can be taken off with zippers. Maarten |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I used the BMW model first on my Yamaha super Tenere 750 and now on my my KTM-Adventure,(without changing fixations) so a big tank wouldn't be the problem Quote:
On the rear I use a luggagerol(waterproof) for my tent, sleepingbag and mat. (10 kg) and I use the saddlebags from Ortlieb also waterproof. ------------------ quotes fixed by Grant - you need to put Quote in front, and /Quote at end of quoted piece. Both "Quotes" inside [ ] of course. [This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 19 February 2002).] |
Quote:
Your right; I use it for (rain)clothes and other soft luggage. Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
quotes fixed by Grant [This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 19 February 2002).] |
thanks freek for your answer :-)
thnaks too mmaarten, very good page, the hg looks perfect and cheaper than touratech :-) on which bike or tank do you put it, i have a big tank, 35 l bmw original. safe travels , |
Thanks for all the info!
|
Just to complicate all this, and after posting a reply to Vincent Danna elsewhere on a similar thread, I just wanted to add a thought.
Over many years I have gone from a monster tank bag to a big to a medium to a little - and been happier every time! The big tank bags are in the way, even the best tend to flop around somewhat, and raise the center of gravity of the bike too much. PanEuropean can't, but most of the rest of us can put side tank bags on, getting the weight lower, out of the way, and giving physical leg protection and weather protection. You can put the really heavy stuff in there too. Have a look at Greg Fraziers rig; [img]/tech/images/0255907-GregFrazierLoadingUshuaia.jpg[/img] Note his tank bag is low and not big - an Acerbis tank is lower than stock. He carries a couple of cameras and lenses in it. My tank bag now carries ONLY camera stuff (tank dampens vibes - weight plus it's rubber mounted and the tank bag is on rubber too)plus sunglasses. Greg carries tools and spares in the front bags, and cook kit and food in the "heel" bags in front of the panniers. Just food for thought... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif ------------------ Grant Johnson Share the Dream! at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
Grant,
To be honest, it crossed my mind too that big tankbags might just be too uncomfortable. So do you think the VP 45 from touratech with 25 on the tank is ok or even on the big side? Any idea of you can buy the side tank bags seperatly? |
Hi Vincent,
I use the HG (tuareg large) on an Africa Twin. It's straped on with 6(!!) straps. I think it's bomb-proof http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif All bags come loose with a zipper. I like it a lot. Like Grant say's, with the side bag's you can put heavy stuff low and upfront. Maarten |
Who makes those 'heel' bags (see photograph above)?
I've not seen them before - are they any good? ------------------ Fuzzy Duck (I'm quackers about bikes) |
The heel bags I BELIEVE are Aerostich, as are the side tank bags. And yes the quality is excellent.
No comment on the VP45, the pic on their site is so bad I have no idea. To my mind the way to decide what size bag is to decide what you want to put in it, determine it's size, toss it all in a day pack and carry it around for the afternoon, preferably after a hard days work. Then decide if you REALLY want to have to carry it all whenever you're off the bike. Rethink what you want to put in it, then decide how big a tank bag you need. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif Anything heavy goes in the knee pockets/side tank bags. ------------------ Grant Johnson Share the Dream! at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
Quote:
http://home.planet.nl/~freekkno/page19.html Freek ------------------------- quote code fixed by Grant [This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 26 February 2002).] |
Ok, thanks Freek, as tankbags go it doesn't look bad for height imho. IF you plan on travelling with it in the low position, good. Raise it when you buy food for the evening only, and it seems pretty reasonable. Always nice to have that expansion option.
We have always had at least one daypak available that can be attached to the topbox, for the same purpose. ------------------ Grant Johnson Share the Dream! at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
Can't find the 'heel' bags in the Aerostitch catalogue - help!
Are they in there, hidden away somewhere? Or does someone else make them? Any suggestions welcome... ------------------ Fuzzy Duck (I'm quackers about bikes) |
Fuzzy, If they are the same application as he used on a KLR outfit, the "heelbags" are just a set of tank panniers with the strap run underneath the seat and the bags resting on the passenger pegs and ziptied to the frame. They aren't a separate catalog item. Just make sure that the back side of any bag near the exhaust has heat protection. (see article in March motorcycle consumer news if you can find one.)
|
Cheers Steve
I think you're right - a closer look shows they are similar, but not exactly the same as the tank panniers. They seem to have the corner sloped to stop it interfering with his feet. Thinking about it, I'm not sure I'd like the idea of too much lugguage around my feet - perhaps I should just pack less... ------------------ Fuzzy Duck (I'm quackers about bikes) |
Hi Guys
Have used the wolfman explorer and also the Touratech tank bag. I did not like the wolfman too high moved too much and the quality was not as good as touratech. Have also travelled with a Hein Gericke magnet tank bag which was ok for road use. I am please with the Touratch but as Grant says keep them light (I keep my documents, camera and valuables in Mine). I have a friend who's using the throw over tank bags in morrocco at present, He ended up getting additional brackets fitted bu overland solutions as he found that they moved. But looked like a good piece of kit though. I think it will depend on what type of riding your doing too as the smaller the better for off road. One to note, the wolfman would switch the kill switch off on full lock on my r100 so be careful. Julio |
hi,
the hg tuareg tank bags look great they are cheaper than others too they have a 15-25l pocket on top + also have 2 pockets on the sides of the tank are they strong ? any experience ? on the catalog, they say there may be a problem with the r100gs oilcooler fixed on the cylinder protection bar, don't know what they mean ? thanks safe travels |
In my opinion they are strong. I use it for a year now( on and off-road), and it still looks new, without any damages.
They are not waterproof. I made (with a hot needle) a gap in the lowest part of the bags, so that water can drop out. I use plastic bags inside to keep everything dry. for the topbag I have a raincover. Freek (Netherlands) |
thanks freek
so hg is not a bad solution :-) i'll take care for waterproof too do you have the large one or normal size ? on which bike ? how do you attach the side bags : zip to the tank bag or strap independant to the tank ? they say something about bmw r100 gs for the side bags : i worry about that if i should buy zip or strap thing ??? thanks safe travels http://vincent.danna.free.fr/ |
sorry, you where talking about the Tuareg and I about the Touratech.
Freek (NL) |
I have a R1100GS with the 41 litre tank. The VP45 was made for this tank. The base cover straps on to the tank on each corner with a cutout for the fuel filler. The tankbag zippers on to this and the side bags zipper on base cover. The first time I dropped the bike one of the side zippers broke and the bag was useless until I could either repair or replace the zipper. I ended up sewing the side bag onto the base cover. Hate the side bags. The tankbag didn't come with any stiffeners to make the bag retain it's shape with little inside, blah blah blah.
The next time I'm in Mexico or Guatemala I want to have made a leather tank cover with a matching leather tankbag that is buckled on not zippered. A set of leather side bags(copied from Aerostich's tank panniers) all waterproofed with something so I don't need a raincover. Might cost me all of $50 ------------------ Safe Travels Jay Kaminsky Happily Homeless http://jkam.home.att.net |
Vincent,
I recently bought the HG Touareg tankbags. But I am still experimenting with them. The fixation for the top tankbag is really good. Doesn't move at all. I am having the side tankbags reinforced by a shoemaker. I don't trust the way the straps were they hang on are fixed to the bags. Even with this in mind and the modifications the shoemaker will do it's a lot cheaper then the Touratech material. Also, the mapholder is a bit small. |
I'm thinking of getting a Bagster setup for my GS1150. Like the idea of tank protection and that you can clip tank bags on and off easily and with no damage to tank (scratched my tank a few times with magnets).
Fireboomer, apart from your tankbag being too far front is the quality OK? Want to get a 30 L "Alpha" bag thanks |
George,
About the Bagster setup. I like the tankcover a lot. It protects your tank in a great way and gives extra padding for your knees when you are standing up. BUT the tankbag I have is dissapointing. (I have the big 26 or so liter) It is not well positioned, hinders me when taking sharp turns (activates the horn when I go sharp left, hits the start button when I go sharp right). And in the same way hinders me when standing up because the top part is hanging too much to the back. I already had to return it for a reparation. One quick link just fell of. Luckely this happened with the shopowner looking at it, so he agreed quite easely do to it within garantee. But it showed the poor quality of the material that they use. (the 'leather' just teared a part on a seam) The waterproof tankcover does not have a screen, the zippers don't look too strong and I am afraid I will pull one in to pieces one of these days. For all the smaller models I have seen: you can't place a map without folding it in very ackward ways,;.. I really don't understand why there is such a quality difference between the tankcovers and the tankbags. So what I will do is leave the tankcover on and place the HG Touareg tankbag over it. Is bagster the only company who makes tankcovers and tankbags that clip on to the tankcover? |
hi,
i just bought the hg big tuareg tankbag fits very good and tight on my r100gs pd maybe the zippers are a bit light, the bag is not waterproof too (i bought a plastic cover to put on top of it) the handlebar moves correctly the two pockets on the sides are good too it's not a bad idea to buy a bagster tank cover because the hg does not cover the whole tank, only on top. if you have the sides bags, maybe not so necessary to put all my stuff, i bought a north face expedition 90L bag that i put it on the saddle behind me, attach it to the bike (not on my back!) i can put it in large or in long behind me on the saddle it's very solid/strong,many fixations straps to attach it to the bike one disadvantage compared to a ortlieb, it is not totally waterproof safe travels |
hi,
i just received the hg tuareg side bags to put on the tank i don't recommend them (i give them back) they float in the air, plus they are not confortable for the legs but if you don't bother, there's space safe travels the top tank bag hg tuareg is reaaly good though |
That's too bad.
You couldn't get them in front of your legs? Perhaps they're too big. I've used the "pockets" that backpackers use on their packs. They're a good size, and a little ingenuity and a bit of nylon strap and buckle works well. Here's a not great pic that may help (the bike was carrying a bunch of crate building materials!) http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ima...Flight-330.jpg Also a nice pocket for the job: http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/206...ges/626593.jpg US$14.00 from www.rei.com, but similar readily available at most backpack shops. ------------------ Grant Johnson One world, Two wheels. www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
hello
i left with the 15-25l hg tuareg tankbag i had to repair the zippers 3 times already in 6 months they are not strong enough for a long journey i don t recommend it if you are looking for something strong happy trails |
And I note that the big attraction of the hg (Hein Gericke) bags was that they were cheaper than others.
You all know what I'm going to say, don't you? Let's say it in unison: You get what you pay for! ------------------ Grant Johnson Seek, and ye shall find. ------------------------ One world, Two wheels. www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
I like this thread and in gneral agree with Grant's comments about downsizing tankbags. I did away with mine and boy was it great to get rid of the "old bag". Now I use a bottom off a Harro 23L bag with a home made map pouch on top. BTW the Harro bags are great in general and deserve your consideration. Anyone that names their tank bag Elephantenboy gets my vote. Try www.Harro de. but the site is in German so it takes me some time to find the tankbags. They are tough as nails and come in 23,35 and 40L sizes. The bottom is leather and the bag top is rubberized fabric. Old school construction but very strong.They are sold by Bob's BMW in the USA. In the picture of the big dog Greg Fraizer he has the 40L Harro bag on his bike. You can see it looks a little large for the tank. The Aerostitch side panniers he uses are great but they leak and if you want them waterproof you have to line them with something. I used Seal Line bags and cut them to fit to waterproof mine. These are also sold by Aerostitch which makes a dedicated bag liner available in the new catalogue. I think the heel bags were made by Bob Weiss who was an American. This guy made one off bags for speciality applications and my son has one of his tank bags on his BMW F650. The quality of his stuff was great too. One final note is that the Acerbis 11 gallon tank has threaded inserts for bolts on the top side. HPN makes a tool pouch out of hard leather just for that tank. My other son uses one on his BMW R80G/S. This is a great solution to the minimalist approach. BTW HPN also sells a leather tank bag and side panniers but I have never seen them. They look great in the picture though. Hope some of this helps. Bill.
|
I think I'm going to try and do without a tankbag at all, especially considering the problems everyone's been having! I will use a bum-bag (fanny-pack?) over the front fairing of my Tenere, to store my PDA and digital camera. Everything else goes in the boxes I think.
I think it's good advice to avoid using them if you don't have to. What about the Lowe Alpine style hip packs instead? I suppose then you have to carry the load when you're standing.... For me, the cockpit bag (supported by the headlight protector) will work well, esp. with my hydration back pack thingy. Good thread. |
I thought I would try to keep this thread going for another few months so here is my question.
Is there a product available that can be applied to a tank so that it won't get damaged? I was thinking something along the line of a big sticker that can be removed later when it has been damaged or worn through. The reason I ask is the person who I bought my bike off of spent about 1000$ painting the bike and this includes a very large mural of his girlfriend on the tank...and she's topless. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif I would hate to damage the painting with a tankbag so I won't get one unless I can protect it. Thanks, Steve |
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:47. |