Tank bags, anyone ?

[nhmaf]

OK, so part of getting ready for a more extended ride to a rally involves taking inventory of
the equipment you have and realizing that some stuff is just plain worn out, broken/leaky,
or otherwise inadequate to the task.    What a wonderful opportunity to stimulate our flagging
economy by consuming !!

I've already decided that I'm going to shop for a new tent after my 18 year old tent demonstrated
just how unwaterproof it was at the Burlington, VT MOA rally last year, in spite of my spraying it with
waterproofing agent.    I may even get a new Mesh tex jacket upon which to attach more patches, be more
comfortable and visible than with my old school very heavy, thick black leather jacket.   These things
I already have good ideas on what to get, but I've just started looking into a new tankbag.   I want
a magnetic one, and I don't think need anything super big probably closer to 10 or 15 liters, but who knows.
So far I like the looks of the new Firstgear Silverstone/Silverstone2 bags, though pricey they seem
to have some very good features.   I bought some Nelson Rigg saddlebags last year for the R65 and they
worked very well even in the torrential downpours from last year's rally, and they have a CL300 or CL350
tankbag that is less $$ and they have a lifetime warranty, though aren't as cool with features
I found links to these at the newenough website, in case anyone is curious..
http://www.newenoughhp.com/luggage/tank_bags/firstgear/silverstone_magnetic_motorcycle_tank_bag_II.html
and
http://www.newenoughhp.com/luggage/tank_bags/nelson_rigg/cl350_large_magnetic_motorcycle_tank_bag.html

What sorts of tankbags do you folks have and what would you recommend to buy (or to stay away from) ?!!?   Do you find that
bags smaller than 10 - 15 liters are too small for serious touring use ?   I've gotta measure the real estate on my Kawasaki and
R65 to see what size might be usable for both bikes - though the Kawasaki tank is much more like an aircraft carrier than the
R65's narrow profile.

Opinions / input welcome !!
Mike
 

[nhmaf]

Ah, so NOW I checked the search feature and found the other thread on tankbags...
oh well, if anyone wants to chime in with new info or recommend other than Marsee
please be my guest ! [smiley=embarassed.gif]

[NC Steve]

Mike, it's hard to say anything bad at all about this eBay seller and his whole line of luggage.
Here's the bag I use on my R65, and it's a lot more spacious that you might think.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MotoPak-GT-MINI-Expandable-Magnetic-Tank-Bag-NEW_W0QQitemZ190123421519QQihZ009QQcategoryZ34284QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Check out all the other tank bags & such they have too. I've also bought a set of the GTS-60 saddlebags and a GT-Tail bag, both of which I think I'm going to sell because they're a little large for my tastes and the (very) occasional times I'll ever use them: both new w/tags. boxes, etc.

Having said that, also look at the Cortech/Tourmaster line ( just bought another tailbag, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Tourmaster-Cortech-Sport-Motorcycle-Tail-Bag-Black_W0QQitemZ260127240189QQihZ016QQcategoryZ84147QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem , which has a lower profile },
as well as the whole Oxford line: love their Humpback tankbags, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/76531-Oxford-Red-Water-Resistant-Humpback-Tailbag_W0QQitemZ190034345837QQihZ009QQcategoryZ84147QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem , although they have various other styles too. Of course, Nelson-Rigg and Chase Harper make nice stuff too.

Beyond retail shops, internet store websites and eBay, don't forget Amazon.com: tons of bike parts at great prices usually, and often with free or cheap shipping. They've got thousands of parts by Nelson-Rigg, Chase Harper, Teknic, Cortech, etc...

Good luck!

[Jon_P]

i have two oxford tank bags. one is small and good for easy little weekend or day trip the other is for more of the long week vacation. i like them both and would give oxfords tank bags two grease monkey tumbs up.

[thrang]

I've a small Oxford tank bag that I tend to use on day trips, but never tried riding with one of the huge bags on my tank.

[fishntxflats]

http://www.dowco-inc.com/Prod_Power.asp?seg=2&ProdID=50120-00

I have this tank bag, I like it because the BMW Tank emblem shows up well and the reflective markers on the side (especially the white and blue there are several different colors included to match your bike color or the bmw emblem) It expands alot and its not much of an obstacle to riding. plus a handy map area.  I also put my cell phone in there when somebody calls I see it flashing.  Not like I'll answer, but I can see it ring LoL.

[nhmaf]

Many thanks for the good ideas and product recommendations - I'll be sure
to check these out, too !

 [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[Lowen]

I use an Eclipse sport bag on my R65.
http://www.eclipseluggage.com/luggage/200.html

[MrRiden]

I've enjoyed using the Tourmaster Tri-bag setup with their magnetic tank bag. I like the reflective strips on the bags and the fact that there easy to mount. The tank bag also has a jillion little pockets to keep small stuff handy. Just saw the Dowco bags, sharp, very sharp.
  No one mentioned a mesh jacket. I lust picked up an Icon Taramac jacket. I wanted a grey one to match my paint but all I could find was a red. The ricky racrer look of this bright mesh jacket and the red color does seem to stand out to the cell phone talkin' SUV set. I'm very pleased. A brisk ride in yesterdays 110deg weather proved that it does vent extremely well but nothin's gonna keep you cool in this heat. Haven't tried wetting it down tho. A test for todays ride.
http://www.newenough.com/pricing/private/195

[nhmaf]

Thanks for the info, everyone.  After doing more research, I ended up ordering the
magnetic version Dowco Rally Pack Deluxe that fishntxflats recommended.   I think
it will be about the right size, and I like the features, including the map pocket in the base
feature as well as the price.   I've also got a new First Gear Mesh-tex 3 jacket already
on its way from newenough.com (in high-vis yellow and black) so I can ride cooler
and safely over to the rally - and where ever else I decide to go - this summer.

[Doug_West]

I have the Motopak GT Mini. I love it.

[Semper Gumby]

I still like my Marsee Magnetic!