Tank and tail bags

[baffa]

Hey all.
Looking for ideas.

Currently commuting about 40-45 minutes each way on a sports bike, with a back pack, and looking for alternatives.
Just need enough space for a change of clothes and a few small odds and sods, anyone got a suggestion for a tail bag or decent tank bag to suit a sports bike, that isn't obtrusive or annoying to remove?
Bike is a 2015 gsrx600 for the record.

[nzspokes]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/180306-Honda-ST1100-for-sale-urgent?highlight=st1100

[pritch]

My bike is currently set up for Givi soft luggage but if I wanted something less capacious I'd consider this range.

www.kriega.com.au

[JATZ]

My bike is currently set up for Givi soft luggage but if I wanted something less capacious I'd consider this range.

www.kriega.com.au

Buy local

http://motomail.co.nz/estore/category/luggage/soft/seat%20bags.aspx

[caspernz]

Easy, have a look at Ventura. Done the same with my Busa, pack rack bag is about 30 litres.

http://www.ventura-bike.com/product/Suzuki/GSX-R-600

[mrchips]

Givi Monokey is the only way to go... it's hard luggage, lockable & most importantly... 100% waterproof.

You can store heaps of good functional shit like spare gloves, Rainsuit, tools etc + when you go long ridies you've got somewhere to store a flask a spare pair of skid free undies & some grub...

So bloody functional you won't belive .. soft luggage for commuting is for pussies

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[Old Steve]

capernz is on the ball, Ventura makes a great range of soft bags for sissy bar frames etc. And they're NZ owned and operated.

[EJK]

Yep. Any soft tail/ saddle bag is good.

Magnets on tank bag scratches the paint a lot.

[Laava]

You can get some nice tank bags that just clip onto a ring or horseshoe thing mounted to the gas cap. You have to remove to gas up and you may be restricted to size but it is very convenient having all your stuff so quickly removable etc. not secured to bike by locking tho.
http://www.motomail.co.nz/estore/style/gitalobag.aspx

[5ive]

Hey all.
Looking for ideas.

Currently commuting about 40-45 minutes each way on a sports bike, with a back pack, and looking for alternatives.
Just need enough space for a change of clothes and a few small odds and sods, anyone got a suggestion for a tail bag or decent tank bag to suit a sports bike, that isn't obtrusive or annoying to remove?
Bike is a 2015 gsrx600 for the record.

I commute 1000km each week, and use a Kriega US-30 Drypack: http://kriega.com/bikepacks/us-30-drypack

Easy to attach and remove via 4 clips that attach to removeable hooks mounted to the bike's subframe. You can also use a converter kit that mounts to your fuel tank instead, if you want.

100% waterproof, and it can carry quite a lot, but can be minimised easilly when empty/not full. Also comes with a carry strap to carry it around if you're off the bike for a while.

[baffa]

Thanks for the awesome suggestions all, apart from nzspokes =)

I've ordered a tailbag from motomail, I might do a quick review when I get my hands on it.

[pritch]

Magnets on tank bag scratches the paint a lot.

I had a bad experience with a gravel chip from a stretch of roadworks and my tank bag. Consequently I haven't fitted the tank bag to my last three bikes.

[Maha]

If you have a tank bag you need one of these..http://motomail.co.nz/estore/style/gitbbf07.aspx

[russd7]

Magnets on tank bag scratches the paint a lot.

not my experience and been using magnetic tank bag on the zzr since new, used to faff around with strap around steering head but magnets are so good these days that i don't bother anymore.

[rastuscat]

Yep. Any soft tail/ saddle bag is good.

Magnets on tank bag scratches the paint a lot.

Yes, cheesed me off on my R1150GS.

Factory tank bags are best, if dear. The Givi ones that first via a lock ring are the best if oem is beyond your budget.

I don't take my tank bag or top box off. It's just too handy having somewhere to throw gear and groceries.

[nzspokes]

Thanks for the awesome suggestions all, apart from nzspokes =)

I've ordered a tailbag from motomail, I might do a quick review when I get my hands on it.

My answer is the most practical.

[Gremlin]

If you have a tank bag you need one of these..http://motomail.co.nz/estore/style/gitbbf07.aspx
Just be aware that tank lock bags can still sag down onto the tank if the bag is big enough to flex (ie, not the 5L ones that sit right on top). I've got the 308 or something, and the back can sag down onto the tank.

[Big Dog]

Soft luggage versatile.
Hard luggage more practical if it is sized right.

Pack rack I had several bags to choose from. Top box I have to limit my load to what fits.

I only scratched my tank once in 120,000 kms across 2 bikes. Once was still fucking annoying.
Nail some how found is way onto the magnet. A very small nail that left a very small scratch that I had look at daily.
Mostly frustrating because I normally run my hand underneath to clear the magnets before putting it on and peel it off when done. But that day I was running late for a funeral threw or on and dragged out off.


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[PistonBlown]

Soft luggage versatile.
Hard luggage more practical if it is sized right.

Pack rack I had several bags to choose from. Top box I have to limit my load to what fits.

I only scratched my tank once in 120,000 kms across 2 bikes. Once was still fucking annoying.
Nail some how found is way onto the magnet. A very small nail that left a very small scratch that I had look at daily.
Mostly frustrating because I normally run my hand underneath to clear the magnets before putting it on and peel it off when done. But that day I was running late for a funeral threw or on and dragged out off.


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Have had the same happen with mine, tiny little screw that did a a z shaped scatch. What was really annoying was the bike in question had a plastic tank so I'd been using the D ring straps to fasten it anyway, just hadn't bothered removing the magnets.

[pritch]

Soft luggage versatile.
Hard luggage more practical if it is sized right.
Pack rack I had several bags to choose from. Top box I have to limit my load to what fits.



OK, so the OP has made a decision and a purchase. Having read this thread I noticed something, and it's not just KB where this occurs.

The above quote is an example of an open minded and informed opinion reflecting relevant experience. Sadly this isn't always the case, some pillock pops up saying his solution is best and implying everybody else is an idiot or whatever.

Having had some experience I will add the following in case anyone is interested. Or not.

At first I had a tank bag and a pack rack. The retailer advised me not to buy the Ventura pack so I bought a bigger one of another brand. As stated earlier a gravel chip got between the tank bag and the tank and did damage. The damage was skilfully polished out but the tank bag still marked the tank so I stopped using it.
The pack was large, and lugging it into a flash hotel made me feel a bit self conscious and I lusted after hard cases which seemed more classy.

When the VFR came I fitted hard cases with the inner bags so that all I had to carry into the Chateau Tongariro or similar was the inner bags. A more elegant solution. The disadvantage of this system became apparent one rainy morning when I was travelling down SH1 between Porirua and the ferry terminal. The traffic was moving at about 25kph and I couldn't filter because of the width of the cases. When I got to the ferry I was greeted by name, I was the last passenger - and was just in time.

There wasn't a Givi hard luggage option for the Ducati so I went for the soft luggage, and because I already had the bags I used them on the Triumph too, just bought a new mounting rack. If you fill the bags completely, fully expanded, as for a tour of the South Island, they droop and look fucking stupid. On shorter trips they look fine. They can be fitted to the bike in a minute or so. Take the seat off, throw the bags over, put the seat back. Job done.

I will not use a top box, I just don't like the look of them. They are obviously convenient though. I would consider a small Kriega bag because my current arrangement is all or nothing. Without the bags fitted there is no storage. It'd be handy to have somewhere to put a hat and sunglasses, or whatever. The tank bag currently isn't an option because there is a radar detector mount on the petrol cap fitting to allay any temptation to use the bag.

If I buy another bike? Your guess is as good as mine, it'll depend on the bike and the intended use but I may just about have come full circle and prefer a pack rack..

/RANT

[Ocean1]

It'd be handy to have somewhere to put a hat and sunglasses, or whatever. The tank bag currently isn't an option because there is a radar detector mount on the petrol cap fitting to allay any temptation to use the bag.

Something like this?

323388

Can be made to fit most machines fairly easily.

[Big Dog]

Without the bags fitted there is no storage. It'd be handy to have somewhere to put a hat and sunglasses, or whatever. The tank bag currently isn't an option because there is a radar detector mount on the petrol cap fitting to allay any temptation to use the bag.

/RANT

Yet to work out where to mount it but I bought one of these for just that purpose. http://www.trademe.co.nz/1132667736
Just need to work out where to mount it.
2 actually. One to wire up with a phone charger to keep my phone in on longer trips when wired charging will be required to use GPS because I don't like having my phone on the bars and don't want to drill holes in my top box.
The other was an accident but I will probably mount it on one of the other bike's.

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[caspernz]

Thanks for the awesome suggestions all, apart from nzspokes =)

I've ordered a tailbag from motomail, I might do a quick review when I get my hands on it.

Good stuff, we all have our own approach. Look forward to your review :scooter:

[pritch]

Couple of interesting suggestions there.

Big Dog's item reminds me of a system Two Brothers Racing were selling for the Hornet called "The Stash" or similar. It had the two high level mufflers but only one was connected to the pipe. The other one, which appeared identical, was a storage container for ummm whatever.

I just checked the Two Muthas site and the search window doesn't recognise the word "stash".

[granstar]

I have a cheapo Oxford ( has ford in it's word....) tankbag with no straps as were gone when bought secondhand and now the magnets are near gone (as well the zip, time to toss it). Had a few times riding along in wind where it let go and i've caught it between my arms (maybe didn't have enough piss in it). As I have raised bars on my old bike (mini ape hangers if ya loike) my arms were in a good spot to catch it, but then is a bit awkward to then slow down and ride in that position until stopped to re-attach it. With low bars it would have been gone, so now don't use it.
My other steed I prefer the Givi monokey top box. Had a cheapo top box from TOPmark, it was crappy and not long after the plastic retainers failed on a ride and I lost all my cold and wet gear and a few tools with the box to roadside never neverland. Said company refused to repay at a minimum a refund for faulty gear (let alone my gear) and then went on to blacklist me from buying from them, hence my rant and rave here and they can go FT. But yeah my fault for buying cheap stuff, their product is only good for round town scooters like the Givi monolock ones, and I shouldn't have used it for open road use. Caveat Emptor, buy the good stuff from people who stand by their sales.

Stuff that comes off the back you hardly realise until you get to the destination, i'd be strapping anything behind your arse such as a tailbag, really good.

Safety ... in the good ol days the max bungeed on bago'rally gear that slipped over and down and near into the rear spokes was saved (with my arse) from good chaps who I ride with who pointed that wee defect out.

So bungee cords, over them. Have since seen a few unfortunate people with nasty eye hits by them. I now use short length Aerofast camlock ties for securing gear across the rear seat,they have yet to fail me.

[Banditbandit]

Easy, have a look at Ventura. Done the same with my Busa, pack rack bag is about 30 litres.

http://www.ventura-bike.com/product/Suzuki/GSX-R-600

I have a Ventura pack rack and a sports carrier (interchangeable fitting on both bikes) .. and a Ventura Bag and this sports bag - swap around as I need them.


http://www.ventura-bike.com/Sport-Pack-III

[Ulsterkiwi]

Having just bought a new bike and having to go through the pain (in terms of $$) of again getting hard luggage to fit, I can see the advantage of soft luggage from that angle alone. Buy good stuff, buy it once.
As I see it, soft luggage has two main disadvantages though, weatherproofing and security, or lack thereof. The way me and the BH use our toys, we need to be able to lock stuff away and know there is a reasonable chance it will be there when we get back. Soft luggage reduces that chance significantly. With a hard case you have some tough ABS (or aluminium) and a lock to fend off all but the determined thief, who if we are honest, will always get what they want anyway. Don't know about the rest of you but the idea of having to pull over to put a rain cover on my gear does not attract. Yes there are some soft luggage options that are waterproof but the vast majority come with separate rain covers. I have a seat bag I hang on to. It has a well patched rain cover and it hasn't had that much use. Wouldn't want to count on it in a downpour.

Hope the OP is pleased with their purchase. Its another satisfying facet of bike ownership, getting the choice of how to carry shit just right.

[Banditbandit]

. Yes there are some soft luggage options that are waterproof but the vast majority come with separate rain covers. .

I put a black plastic rubbish bag inside my Ventura bag ... great option ..

[caspernz]

I have a Ventura pack rack and a sports carrier (interchangeable fitting on both bikes) .. and a Ventura Bag and this sports bag - swap around as I need them.


http://www.ventura-bike.com/Sport-Pack-III

Must admit, I got the Sport Pack from Ventura as well when I got my current bike, only use this small bag on short day runs though.

Has anyone got the Ventura top box that can be fitted onto the same L-brackets as yet?

[Big Dog]

Must admit, I got the Sport Pack from Ventura as well when I got my current bike, only use this small bag on short day runs though.

Has anyone got the Ventura top box that can be fitted onto the same L-brackets as yet?
Yes, I got a ventura top box adapter kit from techmoto.co.nz. Slots into the ventura pack rack uprights.
In theory I can swap between top box and soft luggage if I need to with just the two round bolts.

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[caspernz]

Yes, I got a ventura top box adapter kit from techmoto.co.nz. Slots into the ventura pack rack uprights.
In theory I can swap between top box and soft luggage if I need to with just the two round bolts.

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So did you get the top box from Ventura then? Curious about quality compared to say a Givi?

[Big Dog]

No. Ventura seemed flimsy and I couldn't find a rubber gasket in the seal.
Givi with its more rigid construction even for the entry level 47l "simply" model.
Also, the givi was cheaper in the 50l +/- 5l category.

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[Big Dog]

The adaptor just gives a sturdy mount to put your plate on.

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[caspernz]

No. Ventura seemed flimsy and I couldn't find a rubber gasket in the seal.
Givi with its more rigid construction even for the entry level 47l "simply" model.
Also, the givi was cheaper in the 50l +/- 5l category.

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Rogey, thank you for confirming my suspicions :2thumbsup


The adaptor just gives a sturdy mount to put your plate on.

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Gotcha, that part was easy enough.

[nzspokes]

The adaptor just gives a sturdy mount to put your plate on.

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Sturdy and Ventura dont go together.

I think I have 5 broken Ventura racks in the shed.

[Big Dog]

Sturdy and Ventura dont go together.

I think I have 5 broken Ventura racks in the shed.
They're not a second pillion seat!
Granted they are not as sturdy as a set of mono braces from Givi, but if you need entry level and want to be able to back port to soft luggage without spending all afternoon on the job it is a good compromise.

What were you doing to break 3 of them?
Just curious as I have had 3 pack racks and none broken with between them 12 years service across the last 24.

Phil at techmoto.co.nz reckons it is common to break the sport racks by putting top boxes on them and I know of a few people who's pillions broke them by leaning on them while they already had a load.

From memory the full rack is rated to 20kg and the sport to 5kg.
I have certainly tested my racks with more than 20 kg.
The top box had not been on long so is only tested to about 8-10kg.

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[nzspokes]

They're not a second pillion seat!
Granted they are not as sturdy as a set of mono braces from Givi, but if you need entry level and want to be able to back port to soft luggage without spending all afternoon on the job it is a good compromise.

What were you doing to break 3 of them?
Just curious as I have had 3 pack racks and none broken with between them 12 years service across the last 24.

Phil at techmoto.co.nz reckons it is common to break the sport racks by putting top boxes on them and I know of a few people who's pillions broke them by leaning on them while they already had a load.

From memory the full rack is rated to 20kg and the sport to 5kg.
I have certainly tested my racks with more than 20 kg.
The top box had not been on long so is only tested to about 8-10kg.

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One broke with a small topbox, one didnt like high speed with a big bag and a couple of others didnt like my VTR.

My personal thoughts is they shouldnt be swaged where they are just before the part that goes into the J Bars. I reckon it hardens them there. Ive seen heaps that have been welded there.

[Banditbandit]

Sturdy and Ventura dont go together.

I think I have 5 broken Ventura racks in the shed.


One broke with a small topbox, one didnt like high speed with a big bag and a couple of others didnt like my VTR.

My personal thoughts is they shouldnt be swaged where they are just before the part that goes into the J Bars. I reckon it hardens them there. Ive seen heaps that have been welded there.


I've had Ventura gear since the mid-80s .. (back then the bags were made by someone else) and had no issues at all with any of them ... the racks even survived a few offs ...

My current pack rack I've had for 10 years ... I recently replaced the bag, which had worn out ..

The hard top box on my BMW upset the handling over 130 klicks (bike developed a weave from side to side)

But I've been passed 200 klicks with the Ventura bag loaded with no issues at all ...

[MD]

+1 for Ventura pillion seat bag

Had years of use out of the Ventura soft/expandable bag. Four easy release clips and I carry it in to work.

Can't recall water getting inside it and used it expanded for long weekends away. They have a slightly smaller version available now.

Here it is fully loaded on my old Tiger and on current bike. It also fitted, JUST, onto the rear of my MV675 F3.

[Taxythingy]

The way me and the BH use our toys, we need to be able to lock ourselves away and know there is a reasonable chance we won't be interrupted.

Fixed that for you.

[Daffyd]

Big Dog's item reminds me of a system Two Brothers Racing were selling for the Hornet called "The Stash" or similar. It had the two high level mufflers but only one was connected to the pipe. The other one, which appeared identical, was a storage container for ummm whatever.

I saw an F650GS with this system. Went back to buy it a few weeks later and they'd sold it! Pissed me off.

[baffa]

So I got myself a 20l RJays tailbag, and yesterday and today were my first times using it.
This is the first time ive had motorcycle luggage, bar a small magnetic tailbag a few years ago.

Loving having no weight on my shoulders. I had to reach back while I was riding a couple of times to make sure it was still there, as it felt so strange not wearing a bag, and you don't feel the weight whilst riding.

It is expandable, like most out there, and has a small square piece of fabric which has four clips. It's not actually mounted, so much as under the seat where it cant go anywhere, and the four clips tightened until it doesn't move. It seems pretty secure, if a little odd.

It easily fits a change of clothes and a few odds and ends. Pretty chuffed.

[Metastable]

Good stuff - enjoy.