Tail bag suggestions

[noiseguy]

I've been commuting for the past few months on my GS. Getting tired of lugging a backpack around, and with it getting into the 90's here, one less thing on my back is a move in the right direction.

I need some sort of bag for my bike. Strapping the backpack down to the rear seat with bungees isn't an option; I see bad things happening as the bag drifts down and winds around the rear wheel at interstate speeds. But something like that size is what I'm looking for. Bag needs to fit a laptop and my lunch box. Maybe a fresh shirt. That's about it. Bag would probably stay installed all the time; I don't see removing it to go inside...

I don't want saddlebags. Garage is crowded as it is and adding bags on the side will be inconvenient (shuffling past them all the time). Not trying to go touring, just get the stuff off my back. If this is completely wrong-headed, let me know.

Was thinking something like this, a Tourmaster tail bag. Anyone have experiences with this type of bag specific to the GS500?

Any thoughts welcome.

[fraze11]

I cant speak to that *specific* bag, but I have this rear bag and have done about 3 trips with it and have no complaints.  Im at work but can take a pic of it on my bike tonight and re-post;

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/28888/ITEM/MotoCentric-Mototrek-Sport-Tail-Bag.aspx
I also have this tank bag;
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/28884/ITEM/MotoCentric-Mototrek-19-Tank-Bag.aspx

I find for weekend runs both of them provide me with the perfect amt of storage.

[noiseguy]

I ran across the Motocentric gear last night. So you've had good luck with that brand?

Will that tail bag fit a laptop? I read a review on it that said you can't manoeuvre a laptop past the opening.

[fraze11]

The tank bag is awesome.  Its my second one, my first one being a Joe Rocket which I disliked where as the Motocentric tankbag is big but not bulky and holds a suprising amount of stuff and has tonnes of little pockets, hydration hole, headphone jack, BIG map window etc, ... It also has a built in rain cover in the front, and a strap for easy carrying and its magnetic which I really wanted...I hate frigging around with straps.  As for the tail bag, I quite like it.  Its my first tail bag so I have no frame of reference to comare it but I can easily pack spare shoes, pants, hat, shirts etc for a weekend trip no problem, plus it expands for more room.  As for your laptop question, thats a depends answer.  I have a Lenovo x201 notebook, and it fits just fine with room to spare.  So its goona depend on what kind of laptop you have but putting a 17" would likely not fit but I honestly cant say for sure.  Hope that helps.  Look long and hard and read lots of reviews...I spent a few months looking for bags and sided with these...So far no regrets.

[Toogoofy317]

Cycle gear had a pretty cool tailbag on sale when I was in the store the other day. It actually zipped flat to the seat and when expanded holds 8 liters.

I have the Rapid Transit Recon 19 tank bag and love it. It fits my netbook, oakley vault, steel water bottle, and hat but still some room for stuff. Read my review.

Mary

[XLAR8]

i have a Ventura Euro Rally

it seems stable, and i say this in good faith due to the fact i tend to overload the a$$ off mine and its still going strong.

[vinny]

Ive got this tank bag:
http://www.twowheel.co.uk/cargo-basic-tank-bag.html
6L expands to 12, Map pocket on top. Waterproof enough for me not to to care, and magnetic base so no nasty straps.
Also, it cost all of £20. And its stable even when expanded and packed full at 90mph..
Oh, and it can hold enough for a weekend trip easily..

[jwt0480]

I'm not sure of the size of the laptop, but I have the Cortech sport trio (tailbag and saddlebags) and they carry everything I need. The tailbag carries my lunch, rain gear, tool kit, wallet, phone, etc. Although I have a targus laptop backpack that I use for my laptop.

Tailbag
http://tourmaster.com/xcart/catalog/Sport-Tail-Bag-p-148_31.html


Saddlebags (removable)
http://tourmaster.com/xcart/catalog/Sport-Saddlebags-p-149_31.html

[noiseguy]

Laptop is 13"x10"x2". Lunch is 12"x12"x5".

So, minimum size for tail bag is 13x12x7.

The Cortech bag... that's retained by bungees, right? How do those compare to a strap system like used on the Tourmaster square bag (shown above)?

[jwt0480]

The tailbag bungees are under the bag and have little pockets that the retract into. The dimensions of the bag are 8.5"H x 15"W x 13"L (16 liter) I'll try to take some pictures when I get home to show the bag and the attachment to the bike.  

You can also watch the following video review from youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWR3NoyfzS0

[Fausty0]

I bought this Bag a week ago and I personally love it.! I am a full time student and work as well and this can fit everything. Books, jacket liner, a drink, and have a clear front pocket for directions or whatever. i keep my cell phone in there to see if anyone has called, etc. http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/luggage/tank_bags/icon/urban_magnetic_motorcycle_tank_bag.html
There is the link. I think it is definatly worth the money!

[jwt0480]

Ok, Here are some images of my Cortech tail bag. Each side extends to give an extra 1-1/2 to 2" on the sides. You can see the rough dimensions of the openings and how it attaches to the bike. For these pictures, I installed it in the standard way. Typically I install it in reverse so my backpack doesn't hit the top. You can also see how the bungee straps cross underneath. The no slip pad is un-velcro-ed and pulled to the front to show this. Hope this gives a good idea of what the bag can do for you.

[noiseguy]

Thanks for all the pics! Always helps to see the bag on the bike it will be installed on (vs stock catalog photos.)