The time has come for me to buy a tank bag -
Open to thoughts, ideas, suggestions -
Suggestions can include tailpacks, backpacks, I'm a budget, please keep that in mind.
Stopped at http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/ (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/) in Smithville, Mo - they said the Eiffel Tower was very popular.
(http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/dir/image.php?id=28364)
Quote•2 bags for one low price - use one, the other or both at once!
•Carbo ballistic 1680 denier waterproof nylon outer shell
•Vinyl covered, non glare. Velcro Zip fastened map holder on both bags
•Internal pockets to organize your gear
•Back pack shoulder and waist straps in zip closed base pocket
•Removable Covered 8 piece magnetic base
•Reflective piping on front and side of both bags
•Base Bag: Length 18", Width 16", Normal Height 8.5"
•Top Bag: Length 15", Width 10.5", Normal Height 4.5" Expanded 6.5"
I prefer a tank bag small enough to hold a can of Plexus, a few bottles of water, a few energy bars, my cell phone and a Wallet. If I need more than that I rely on a tail bag or saddlebags.
I use a bag from Nelson riggs and after 4 years it still looks like new. Model number is CL300. http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/extras/motorcycle+luggage/nelson-rigg_classic+cl-300+mini+magnetic+tank+bag (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/extras/motorcycle+luggage/nelson-rigg_classic+cl-300+mini+magnetic+tank+bag)
I have 2 different tail bags and a set of saddlebags from the same line.
Seems like they have a tank bag for about any budget over at New Enough... :good:
Randy T
Indy
This is the Givi T434 Arrowbag Large Magnetic Tank Bag 18-23 liters, with matching Givi Arrow T431 saddle bags 19-25 liters each.
In the pic, the saddle bags are full and expanded, the tank bag is about 2/3 full--the top is not expanded in the photo. I can get quite a bit of baggage in them and they are holding up well overall. The tank bag is probably as big as you'd want as it really drapes the entire top of the tank, although, you can fit a lap-top computer or Manila folders in it, which may or may not be a consideration. The magnetic flap folds up and out of the way when you take it off the bike, it has a good carry handle, and overall serves well for a bike 'briefcase'. They retail in the $130 and $145 range respectively--which may be on the higher end but I found these on Craig's list a few years ago for about half of that.
The only weakness I've found is the hard plastic that forms and supports the shape of the saddle bags (inside)had to be replaced with tougher vinyl . (home made from some vinyl siding)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/150_02_10_09_8_38_29.jpeg)
I really love my motopak. It retails for $75 but the vendor also lists them on a popular auction site. I think I paid $28 (plus shipping). You can get one anytime for under $40 and usually closer to $30. They also sell larger or smaller depending on what you need. High end? probably not, but it's well made in my opinion, the zippers are strong and smooth. You mentioned a budget. For about $50 total... Works for me! :good2:
http://www.motopakluggage.com/gt27.html (http://www.motopakluggage.com/gt27.html)
Quote from: the fan on August 17, 2010, 05:58:39 PM
I prefer a tank bag small enough to hold a can of Plexus, a few bottles of water, a few energy bars, my cell phone and a Wallet. If I need more than that I rely on a tail bag or saddlebags.
I'm with The Fan.
I have a Joe Rocket Blaster tank bag lie this:
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:XcJGMrMDHQ60_M:http://www.motorhelmets.com/pics-products/joerocket/luggage-joerocket-tank-bag-blaster.jpg&t=1 (http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:XcJGMrMDHQ60_M:http://www.motorhelmets.com/pics-products/joerocket/luggage-joerocket-tank-bag-blaster.jpg&t=1)
that holds just the basics, but can be expanded to hold a bit more. I almost never expand it, once or twice I did to stuff my full rain suit in, which it held, in addition to the other sundry items, with no drama.
Additionally, magnet attachment rules (providing your tank is metal). Straps are just a pain in the ass in my experience.
Dan
Nelson Riggs makes several differant size tank bags. They are well made and affordable. I have two of their magnetic tank bags an smaller one for weekend trips and a larger one for extended trips. Check out New Enough online
http://www.newenough.com/ (http://www.newenough.com/)
Tons of great deals on riding gear and luggage...sign up for the email specials.
I just picked up the larger tank bag for 39.00 dollars when they were on sale a couple of weeks ago.
http://www.newenough.com/parts/closeouts/luggage/nelson_rigg/cl350_large_magnetic_motorcycle_tank_bag.html (http://www.newenough.com/parts/closeouts/luggage/nelson_rigg/cl350_large_magnetic_motorcycle_tank_bag.html)
Eric M
I'm on my 4th Harper Chase Stealth bag..... #s2&3 were free, under thier warranty. #4 cost me $30, because they said #3 was repairable. It was worth it, the new design is a LOT nicer! It now has some mesh pockets w/zips stitched to the inside of the top 1/2, and magnets attached to the buckles, so you don't need to use the straps with a steel tank.
Did I mention that Chase Harper has a GREAT warranty? :yahoo:
Quote from: markmartin on August 17, 2010, 06:42:16 PM
This is the Givi T434 Arrowbag Large Magnetic Tank Bag 18-23 liters, with matching Givi Arrow T431 saddle bags 19-25 liters each.
In the pic, the saddle bags are full and expanded, the tank bag is about 2/3 full--the top is not expanded in the photo. I can get quite a bit of baggage in them and they are holding up well overall. The tank bag is probably as big as you'd want as it really drapes the entire top of the tank, although, you can fit a lap-top computer or Manila folders in it, which may or may not be a consideration. The magnetic flap folds up and out of the way when you take it off the bike, it has a good carry handle, and overall serves well for a bike 'briefcase'. They retail in the $130 and $145 range respectively--which may be on the higher end but I found these on Craig's list a few years ago for about half of that.
The only weakness I've found is the hard plastic that forms and supports the shape of the saddle bags (inside)had to be replaced with tougher vinyl . (home made from some vinyl siding)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/150_02_10_09_8_38_29.jpeg)
I need your help - I have those exact saddlebags but all but gave up on trying to get them mounted. Can you provide pics/info on how you mounted yours (strap position, etc) and exactly what you did to reinforce them?
Thanks everyone for the great info!
I think it's a popular choice... I also have two tankbags.
One of them is a generic-ish $80 ebay thing (this brand (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Magnetic-Motorcycle-Tank-Bag-MotoPak-GT-27-NEW-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ370419555936QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories) but bigger.. not really recommended for quality though). It's a three part setup; the base is magnets and a map pouch, then there are two bags that each have a map pouch and can be used in various combinations. It doesn't get used much, and no matter what kind of magnets you have in a bag that ends up so tall, it WILL be tipsy a bit and not very comfortable. Holds a bucketload though, and I drag it out if I'm going for a weekend trip, i.e., riding 6 hours, staying someplace (and leaving it there while I ride that day), then riding back a few days later.
The other is a Joe Rocket Manta XL (http://www.newenough.com/parts/luggage/tank_bags/joe_rocket/manta_xl_magnetic_motorcycle_tank_bag.html) which is absolutely perfect for daily use. It's big enough to exactly stuff a standard sized magazine in without folding, and/or a 10" laptop, holds drinks, faceshields, etc quite well. Absolutely adore it and use it pretty much every day.
Quote from: RichBaker on August 18, 2010, 06:40:52 PM
I'm on my 4th Harper Chase Stealth bag..... #s2&3 were free, under thier warranty. #4 cost me $30, because they said #3 was repairable. It was worth it, the new design is a LOT nicer! It now has some mesh pockets w/zips stitched to the inside of the top 1/2, and magnets attached to the buckles, so you don't need to use the straps with a steel tank.
Did I mention that Chase Harper has a GREAT warranty? :yahoo:
Chase Harper..... (http://www.chaseharper.com/TankBags/TankBags.htm) My Stealth bag literally lives on the FJ, I only take it off to wash her or put gas in.
[/quote]I need your help - I have those exact saddlebags but all but gave up on trying to get them mounted. Can you provide pics/info on how you mounted yours (strap position, etc) and exactly what you did to reinforce them?
Thanks everyone for the great info!
[/quote]
UJM, check this out in the 'Files' section http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1823.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1823.0)
This link should explain most of it .
Also, I found the only way to get the Arrow bags to fit the bike properly was to mount them backwards....the reflective triangle is facing forward. This puts the 2 top straps in a better location, with the back strap fitting neatly around the back of the seat. The middle strap (the non-velcro strap) is under the seat, just forward of where the 2 seat 'bumpers' rest on the support bracket. This middle strap extends about 3-4 inches out past each side to each bag before the seat gets put back on.
After the bracket is built and installed and your straps have been adjusted to where you want them and the bags are mounted, I've tied off the bags with plastic wire ties to hold them down. I'll post a picture of this later today.
Mark
Thank you Mark!
QuoteI need your help - I have those exact saddlebags but all but gave up on trying to get them mounted. Can you provide pics/info on how you mounted yours (strap position, etc) and exactly what you did to reinforce them?
UJM - Here's another simple idea --> http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2355.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2355.0)
Quote from: UJM on August 18, 2010, 09:00:10 PM
Can you provide pics/info on how you mounted yours (strap position, etc) and exactly what you did to reinforce them?
Plastic wire tie from the front tiedown to the rear footpeg bracket:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/150_19_08_10_7_22_48_0.jpeg)
Small plastic wire tie from the back tieoff to the support bracket:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/150_19_08_10_7_22_55_1.jpeg)
Front view of velcro strap over the seat, front strap; and just behind seat, back strap:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/150_19_08_10_7_23_02_2.jpeg)
Back view of velcro straps. Also, I use a short black bungee from top handle to top handle to furthur secure the bags, as the bungee kinda holds the bags together and takes out that last bit of 'bounce' in the bags when riding. I remove this bungee when I have my wife riding pillion, and use a slightly longer bungee which I run from the carry handle around back of the backrest and to the other carry handle.
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/150_19_08_10_7_23_10_3.jpeg)
The middle strap is of course run under the seat just in front of the seat "bumper" suport bracket(not shown).
I went ahead with the tall bag -
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t317/UJMsRule/FJ1200/Pecan.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t317/UJMsRule/FJ1200/tunnel.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t317/UJMsRule/FJ1200/BurrOak.jpg)
Luckily the individual bags are removable so I only have to use one or the other.
Both at once blocked the gauges, but I was able to pack more than enough for a long weekend.
Lesson learned.
Next issue is my knee, need to try to the stock seat, the factory option Corbin might be too low for my 6'4" frame.... The pain was interesting, to say the least. Stock seat should allow for more room to move about, at least I hope so......
I wondered about the height of the Corbin too. I'm 6'6" and don't need to sit any lower either. I still have a stock seat on mine but did talk to Corbin about this. They can adjust for it. They said they could raise or lower, move forward or back, and even add more or less padding. Maybe you could talk to them about sending it in for modification.
Like the bag setup. Don't know about blocking the gauges though. I have saddle bags and a rear rack, so the medium tank bag I have is more than enough. Do you have any other plans for more bags?
Quote from: Scooterbob on September 06, 2010, 08:50:34 AM
I wondered about the height of the Corbin too. I'm 6'6" and don't need to sit any lower either. I still have a stock seat on mine but did talk to Corbin about this. They can adjust for it. They said they could raise or lower, move forward or back, and even add more or less padding. Maybe you could talk to them about sending it in for modification.
Like the bag setup. Don't know about blocking the gauges though. I have saddle bags and a rear rack, so the medium tank bag I have is more than enough. Do you have any other plans for more bags?
Part of me wants to keep the stock factory accessory corbin stock, but I do need more legroom and if they can add a few inches to it, that is a great option, thanks as I did not consider that.
I've got a pair of Givi soft bags, I can not get them to look or fit right no matter what I do (maybe with the stock seat, hummmmmmm), not sure I'll be adding more storage capacity, I prefer to travel as light as possible.
Great motorcycles, these FJ1200's.
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t317/UJMsRule/FJ1200/FJ1200_1010.jpg)
UJM,
You did good & bought probably the most versatile tankbag on the market - sold unchanged for probably 5 years now.
I've been collecting tank bags for different bikes I've owned depending on tank size/shape. My Concours14 "tank" is
half plastic so I had to buy #2 below to work on that bike. Of course the FJ accomodates all of them! Samples:
#1 Tiny fannypack sized magnetic with belt loops, 3 top pockets, a main compartment large enough for 2 VHS tapes or
a rolled up magazine for example.
(http://torno.smugmug.com/Other/FJ1200-For-Sale/1003824/996996637_GLbxL-L.jpg)
#2 Magnetic tankbag by Cortech (Tourmaster) I had to buy for the Concours14 half plastic tank.
(http://torno.smugmug.com/Other/FJ1200-For-Sale/1003829/996996678_z4WgM-L.jpg)
#3 & #4 The same bag UJM bought but one bag at a time.
(http://torno.smugmug.com/Other/FJ1200-For-Sale/1003832/996996715_PV6og-L.jpg)
(http://torno.smugmug.com/Other/FJ1200-For-Sale/1003835/996996763_ppiq3-L.jpg)
Whatever you do...............do NOT try to ride through that tunnel! :dash1:
Unless... you are the Roadrunner!
Just a followup on this. As far as brand, I can vouch for Nelson Rigg. They replaced entirely a set of saddle bags that had a bum zipper, no questions asked, quickly, and professionally under their lifetime warranty. All things being equal I will certainly buy from these folks again. I was really very impressed.
Dan
personally I don't like tank bags -- here is my posts on the Tail bag...
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=3477.msg29412#msg29412 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=3477.msg29412#msg29412)
Quote from: moparman70 on March 22, 2011, 08:36:46 PM
personally I don't like tank bags -- here is my posts on the Tail bag...
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=3477.msg29412#msg29412 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=3477.msg29412#msg29412)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/1/596_15_02_11_4_53_33.jpeg)
I bought this bag based on your review Moparman. Got it day before yesterday.
Hope you like it Skyfive ... I mounted mine to the frame underneath the seat in the front and obviously on the grab rails in the back. When you undo the front clips you can lean it up on the back ones and still remove the seat without having to take it all off.
There was one report of the bag getting prematurely gray -- that person called OGIO and got their money back so the customer service seems pretty good. As for me -- gray will just match the bike better so bring it on
steve
Quote from: moparman70 on May 12, 2011, 11:43:55 PM
There was one report of the bag getting prematurely gray -- that person called OGIO and got their money back so the customer service seems pretty good. As for me -- gray will just match the bike better so bring it on
steve
Wish I could get a refund on my gray, apparently I did not come with a warranty, sold as is.
My refund was done through the dealer that I bought it from. No big hassle. Just sad that it faded so fast.
If I had wanted gray I would have bought gray. Black should be ........... Black.
You could try some spray "fabric dye" to spruce it up some :drinks: