Does tank bag size matter?

[SNF]

I want to ride to work a few days a week but I need to take my shoes and stuff with me so I need to get a bag. Rather a tank bag than a backpack, especially since I'll be on the motorway. Is there a generic size, was thinking something like this http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/panniers-luggage/auction-550530537.htm

[ellipsis]

...it's not the size I've heard, but the way you use it...

[onearmedbandit]

...it's not the size I've heard, but the way you use it...

Says those with small tank bags.

[FJRider]

That is pretty much "Top of the line" type bag. Smaller ones (read cheaper) are about. Second hand ones show up now and then.

A better deals here ...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/panniers-luggage/auction-550620097.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/panniers-luggage/auction-550789809.htm

[george formby]

You really got to try before you buy. Tank bags, particularly bigger, fuller ones can make it harder to reach the bars, change your riding position for the worse & reduce your steering lock if the handlebras or your hands, wrists hit the bag. I,ve only ever had satisfaction from a small one for wallet, waterproofs, toll money & sat nav. I would have to put my #11's on the back or use them as out riggers.

[Mully Clown]

Consider buying a pair of shoes to leave at work. Far easier than lugging the things around every commute. Personally I'm a backpack guy but I've yet to try a tank bag out.

Other option would be a tail bag if you're not 2up.

[FJRider]

Consider buying a pair of shoes to leave at work. Far easier than lugging the things around every commute. Personally I'm a backpack guy but I've yet to try a tank bag out.

Other option would be a tail bag if you're not 2up.

Magnetic tank bags can scratch the paint if a soft cloth is not place under the bag.

I thought the same way once. I got given a tank bag ... then changed my mind fast. Seldom go far without it now.

A 5 litre bag is ample unless you are using it to tour. More than that ... a pack rack and bag is better.

[FJRider]

You really got to try before you buy. Tank bags, particularly bigger, fuller ones can make it harder to reach the bars, change your riding position for the worse & reduce your steering lock if the handlebras or your hands, wrists hit the bag. I,ve only ever had satisfaction from a small one for wallet, waterproofs, toll money & sat nav. I would have to put my #11's on the back or use them as out riggers.

That would depend more on the bikes tank (and bag) size/shape ... as I use one all the time and this is never an issue. (A 23 litre flat topped fuel tank helps though)

[george formby]

That would depend more on the bikes tank (and bag) size/shape ... as I use one all the time and this is never an issue. (A 23 litre flat topped fuel tank helps though)

T'is true. Hence the try it first bit. My old Kwaka had a coffin sized (& shaped) tank and I used a big tank bag until it came adrift with a dozen beers in it. So yeah, na, yeah, weight is another consideration.

A mate got one for his Fireblade, a morning to fit, 15 minute test ride & straight onto trade me. He struggled to reach the bars. Arms like a gibbon are a bonus.

[FJRider]

T'is true. Hence the try it first bit. My old Kwaka had a coffin sized (& shaped) tank and I used a big tank bag until it came adrift with a dozen beers in it. So yeah, na, yeah, weight is another consideration.

Yep try first. 5 litre bags should be ample. Bigger than that just creates other issues .... and shoes will fit in one of those.

[Spazman727]

I've got an Oxford First timer small tank bag. It easily fits a pair of shoes, book and work uniform, or a 6 pack, plus a bike lock in one side pocket and some tools in the other. Doesn't get in the way on the 550 but did a wee bit on the 250, bit I think it was worth it for the handy storage.

As was said before, the magnetic ones do scratch the tank a bit if you aren't careful about making sure there is nothing stuck to the under side of the bad.

I almost always use mine, and its handy to have the clear pocket for a map, phone or GPS.

[imdying]

This'll be me next: http://www.google.co.nz/search?q=tank+lock+tank+bag&oq=tank+lock+tank+bag

Screw straps and magnets!

[mulletman]

Ive got a ventura Sport-Pack http://www.ventura-bike.com/products/bikepack/p0110.aspx with
http://www.ventura-bike.com/products/sportrack.aspx , works well for me, ive had 2 large vienna
loafs,puncture repair kit, sunglass case and a garage remote with a bit of room to spare.It has a seperate zip compartment for keys and shoulder strap etc.

[paturoa]

Yes, size does matter.

For me the biggest size issue (pun intended) is the width and height at the front of the bag. If it is too wide it can interfer with your bars when you are doing tight turns. If it is too tall then it can obscure your speedo. On the ride I did on Sunday just gone, a small tank bag would have been great, as I was doing a lot of tight turns etc, but couldn't use my tank bag cos it is a big un.

Length can also be an issue with shorter tanks or curvey tanks.

[BMWST?]

tank bags are teh bomb.i hate pack racks

[neels]

I've got a reasonable sized magnetic tank bag, it's excellent to just drop on and go when I need to cart stuff, and take with me at the other end.

I took the bike to the shop and test fitted a bunch of them, took a few to find one with the right size and placement of magnets to fit the shape of the tank.

[Banditbandit]

Consider buying a pair of shoes to leave at work. Far easier than lugging the things around every commute. Personally I'm a backpack guy but I've yet to try a tank bag out.

Other option would be a tail bag if you're not 2up.

Yeah .. I have two pairs of jandals at work (oh . also shoes and socks hide in the cupboard ... I thnk I wore them once last year) ... I use a Ventura rear Bag . Tank bags look ugly and might get in the way - I have never used one since I used to carry a small tool pouch on the tank rack of a Triumph 650 (Meridan, not Hinchey ..)

[FJRider]

Tank bags look ugly and might get in the way - I have never used one since I used to carry a small tool pouch on the tank rack of a Triumph 650 (Meridan, not Hinchey ..)

As has been said ... borrow one and try it on your bike. Or ... has also been said ... visit a bike shop and trial fit a few on YOUR bike.

Those that have NEVER used a tank bag ... often hold that opinion. 99.9 % of such that held that idea (then tried one) ... are very surprised at their effectiveness.

I can't recall anybody in this thread that use one ... saying they don't like them. Sort of speaks for itself really ...

[Banditbandit]

As has been said ... borrow one and try it on your bike. Or ... has also been said ... visit a bike shop and trial fit a few on YOUR bike.

Those that have NEVER used a tank bag ... often hold that opinion. 99.9 % of such that held that idea (then tried one) ... are very surprised at their effectiveness.

I can't recall anybody in this thread that use one ... saying they don't like them. Sort of speaks for itself really ...

Yeah .. I get all that ... I agree ...

BUT they are ugly and uncool and I will never use one. Cool over convenience any day ...

(Yeah - I'm a Harley rider at heart - pity I don't like riding those bikes ... )

[FJRider]

Yeah .. I get all that ... I agree ...

BUT they are ugly and uncool and I will never use one. Cool over convenience any day ...



Some may say the same about YOU. But they still find you handy at times ... and willing to overlook the ugly side ...

As for being uncool ... I can't help you there. You'll just have to live with it ...

[Hitcher]

Size always matters.

[Banditbandit]

Some may say the same about YOU. But they still find you handy at times ... and willing to overlook the ugly side ...

As for being uncool ... I can't help you there. You'll just have to live with it ...

Bwhahahahaaa .. yeah .. too cool to care ...

[SNF]

I have just been using a back pack for now. Managed to fit all the crap I have to cart to work and back on it so thats good. Time will come when I want to saddle up and go on a long trek somewhere so eventually I'll get one.

[clonak]

I have a spear one down in the garage somewhere. I was going to give it to my brother, if I ever get his bike back on the road. Well, its one of my bikes, but I dont use it anymore. its not a very big one, but should fit a pair of shoes in, but thats about it really I think. If you wanted to try it out, might be able to come to some kind of arrange me.

I have a rather large one, so she tells me. Never go anywhere with out it. It has 2 main pockets, and they unzip form each other if you only need 1. Doesnt have back pack straps, which would be handy, but oh well. Never had any problems with it getting in the way, except sometimes it kind of rides up, and I cant see the speedo with out having to lean forward. But its ok, I only get scared when I see what speed I am actually doing... :msn-wink:

[FJRider]

Size always matters.

Size only to the people that either haven't got it .... or they're not getting it ...

[quickbuck]

I have just been using a back pack for now. Managed to fit all the crap I have to cart to work and back on it so thats good. Time will come when I want to saddle up and go on a long trek somewhere so eventually I'll get one.

Just one point:
A motorcycle rider should never have anything on his back while riding....
It is not the law or anything, it is just that the contents of the bag can alter the CoG of your bike, and the worst can happen.

We lost a guy on Trigg road, Whenuapai many years ago through this. He was carrying car parts, but the fact remains.
Also, if you do have an off, it is another obsticle the medical staff have to over come when you may well have shoulder injuries etc.

I have had tank bags ever since i got my first road bike at 17, and had pack racks on many of them too....
Now days, the Oxford First Timer holds 35 litres of stuff that I may need while out on the 600.
Although, when it is full, then I can't see the speedo....

An awesome piece of kit, and well worth the small investment.

[pritch]

Despite my best efforts the tank bag marked the tank on two bikes so when setting up the next bike I fitted a camera mount to the petrol cap fitting. I've had the mount on the last two bikes so I can't even be tempted to put the tank bag on.

And no, I don't mount a camera. The mount serves well enough to hold the radar detector.

[bosslady]

Just one point:
A motorcycle rider should never have anything on his back while riding....
It is not the law or anything, it is just that the contents of the bag can alter the CoG of your bike, and the worst can happen.

We lost a guy on Trigg road, Whenuapai many years ago through this. He was carrying car parts, but the fact remains.
Also, if you do have an off, it is another obsticle the medical staff have to over come when you may well have shoulder injuries etc.

I have had tank bags ever since i got my first road bike at 17, and had pack racks on many of them too....
Now days, the Oxford First Timer holds 35 litres of stuff that I may need while out on the 600.
Although, when it is full, then I can't see the speedo....

An awesome piece of kit, and well worth the small investment.

good advice. I'd always wondered about that which is why, so far, I've only put light stuff in my backpack

[FJRider]

good advice. I'd always wondered about that which is why, so far, I've only put light stuff in my backpack

If you fall off with a back pack on ... chances are you will land ON it. Do you want that camera/thermos/shoes etc digging into your ribs. Even soft stuff in the pack will make your body (back) bend around it as you land on it.

Plus straps can cut/slow circulation to the arms ... and tingly fingers can result.

Bungee cords and tie it to the pillion seat is better. You do feel freer ...

[SNF]

If you fall off with a back pack on ... chances are you will land ON it. Do you want that camera/thermos/shoes etc digging into your ribs. Even soft stuff in the pack will make your body (back) bend around it as you land on it.

Plus straps can cut/slow circulation to the arms ... and tingly fingers can result.

Bungee cords and tie it to the pillion seat is better. You do feel freer ...

Good point. I take a thermos with me and i'd rather not have it stab me in the back. I'll be getting a tank bag soon - next couple of weeks.

[sil3nt]

If you land on your back with a backpack just think how much further the neck has to extend before the helmet makes contact with the road :no:

[bosslady]

If you land on your back with a backpack just think how much further the neck has to extend before the helmet makes contact with the road :no:

I wouldn't have considered that, you're right. But I see sooooooooooo many riders with backpacks, why?

[FJRider]

I wouldn't have considered that, you're right. But I see sooooooooooo many riders with backpacks, why?

They are good riders ... they WONT fall off.

[nerrrd]

I wouldn't have considered that, you're right. But I see sooooooooooo many riders with backpacks, why?

Convenience of being able to easily carry the bag off the bike? Backpacks are cheaper (in general) than 'proper' bike luggage? They don't want to spoil the look of their bikes by hanging bags all over them? They've never really thought about it?

[FJRider]

I wouldn't have considered that, you're right. But I see sooooooooooo many riders with backpacks, why?

The SAME reasons YOU had/used ... to wear your backpack on your back, when you started riding .... they use.

[PrincessBandit]

I have an expandable tank bag but would not be able to use it fully extended due to the height interfering with my sight for speedo etc, and the reach to my bars. It was great for the SI trip we did for carrying stuff I wanted ready access to although not easily accessible with the rain cover on! I was careful not to load it beyond the recommended weight limit and often found I preferred to reposition it once sitting in the saddle.

the first time I used it I wondered why my horn was blaring as I backed the bike, on full lock, into my driveway :laugh: Having said that it is easy enough to position so as to not be in the way of the horn button.

I'd much rather use the tank bag instead of a back pack. No back pack means I can sling my saxophone over my shoulder when riding (did that frequently while working as an itinerant woodwind teacher traveling to school). Now that I wouldn't want to land on if I came off! (No jokes about bent, dented horns thank you)