Does tank bag size matter?

[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...

[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.