Im in the market for one. Who uses one and which one? Pros/cons?

Thanks.

I have both Joe Rocket Manta bags - the smallest and their "XL" model. The small one holds onto my tank better (remember: not a GS5 tank though) but it holds very little. The main compartment holds 2 cans of Rockstar and maybe my wallet. The XL model has more magnets on the bottom but my gas cap interferes with the magnets in the front. I've still had it up to 80 with no problems. And I recently got it and haven't had a chance to really test the capacity of it.

I've used them. They work well for what they are.

Some issues I've encountered:

- The biggest tank bags can get in the way while riding. Make sure you can maintain a comfortable body position, that it doesn't interfere with your handlebars.
- They tend to dull and scratch up the paint somewhat. The best bags use fleece or another soft material on the bottom to protect the tank. Getting a tank bag designed for your bike helps, since it will rest more evenly.
- At high speeds or in high winds, it's possible for them to lift off the tank. Some bags have a forward direction where the leading edge has stronger magnets. Making sure this side is forward helps. This is less of an issue on F models than E models.

Look for a bag that also has straps. A lot of bikes now come with plastic tanks, so having straps means you can still use the bag if you change bikes.

Some bags have a base that attaches to the bike, and unzips. These can be handy if you want to take the bag with you. The base may have a clear map pocket, allowing you to keep directions even if you aren't using the tank bag.

Look for a map pocket on top of the tank bag. Most have em. Good for touring.

Look for a hole for earphone/charging wires. I don't ride listening to music for safety, but it could be nice for charging your phone, etc.

Look for zippers that are easy to use with gloves on.

Look for waterproofing features.

Ive got some Alpinestars MX5 boots I ride with. While I do love them and they give great protection, they are big. I want to find something to store my regular shoes in and be able to swap them out when I get where Im going. Ive got a big Suzuki riding jacket with armor in it that I also ride with so a back pack inst feasible. I worry about a bag behind me on the rear cowl since I cant keep an eye on it.

But basically, something water proof, big enough to put my boots and gloves in. Im not too much worried about anything else. I am aware they can/will/do scratch the paint.

http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/tech_aero_tank_bag/web1000519

I have this bag and it is awesome! Had it for about 16 months (10,000 miles) now and it never goes more than a week without being used.

I've loaded it up with two massive textbooks, binder, a change of clothes including shoes, all my accessories, phone, wallet keys, flashlight, air gauge, and more little stuff and busted it down the highway at 75 mph. And I do this pretty regularly.

It's pretty low profile. With the expansion chamber closed, I never even notice it. If i do have to load it up all the way with the expansion open, it still doesn't get in the way but you are not tucking in. Makes a nice pillow to lean against for long trips.

It has the main chamber that's expandable, two side pockets, and a clear thin pocket on top with a headphone pass through (usually put my cell phone in there). The magnets are on a zip off portion that has an over-sized map sleeve ( 10"x 12" ), and the top then becomes a very comfortable back pack.


And a built in rain cover as well.

Just outta curiosity, I stuck this bag on my steel door with the load out i described above, and it didn't move one bit. It held 20 pounds + on a vertical surface. It's not ever coming off your tank.



I'll say it again, I FREAKING LOVE THIS THING!

The Oxford ones got great reviews in the Brit mags. I've got a cheaper Kappa bag that works great, my only concern is that if I've got a lot of stuff in it the handle for carrying isn't as reinforced as I'd  like, but that's my only issue and that's with a 6pack and 2 bottles of wine in it..it hasn't ripped or broken and I can fit several days of grocerys in it.

I have an 05 tank, and have two kinds of magnetic tank bags. One is the Manta XL. Love it. Medium size and very unobtrusive. I don't even know it's there while riding, and never a concern that it would fall off. Cell phone pocket and "media player" pocket, which is actually round, about the size of a portable CD player. Holds everything I need on a daily basis.

The other was a close-out from newenough.com (now motorcylegear.com). It is the magnetic base with map pocket, and either the large or small bag zips onto that.  The base doesn't fit the tank as well as the Manta, but I never feel that it isn't secure. The large bag is indeed large! Lots of external pockets, and kind of square in overall shape. I can feel it with my fore arms when near full lock, but I don't mind it. It also has a map pocket on top, as well as zippers to mount the small bag. The small bag is expandable, but is fairly flat in either configuration. A map pocket on top as well. I have had all 3 put together, and it is a little bulky. Can't see the gauges very well.

I think most magnetic bags will work well with your bike.

I used this http://www.motorcyclepartsaccessoriesandclothing.com.au/product2453/dririder-sports-tank-bag-black-grey/
Great bag. Stayed on the bike when barrel rolled. Does put little scratches on the tank though. Love it and have use it on long trips. Works well.

Quote from: Loki76 on October 06, 2012, 02:44:37 PM
The Oxford ones got great reviews in the Brit mags. I've got a cheaper Kappa bag that works great, my only concern is that if I've got a lot of stuff in it the handle for carrying isn't as reinforced as I'd  like, but that's my only issue and that's with a 6pack and 2 bottles of wine in it..it hasn't ripped or broken and I can fit several days of grocerys in it.

I have an Oxford and its great, I can't use it now cause my 'tank' is plastic but when I had the GS it was perfect and a good price, my suggestion is have a thin cloth between the bag and tank to look after your paint.

I apologise for my poor grammar too. Left hand, single handed typing not my strong point.

This is the tank bag I use...



On rides I rake....

Small camera tripod
zip ties
ear plugs
camera
2 liters (half gallon) of water
cap
glasses
knife to cut zipties
screwdriver
Two plastic containers with $1 ad $2 coins.
Roll of duct tape
paracetamole
couple of chocolate bars
hand held UHF radio
Also has room for a cellphone (special pocket) & GPS

Michael

I used to use a set of old cortech saddlebags until I switched to a wolfman tank bag about 2 years ago.  I bought if off my neighbor when he switched from a KTM to BMW with a plastic "tank".

Tank bags are great.  They don't hold as much as my old saddle bags, but then again, my saddlebags were empty most of the time. 

If you're gonna get one, I'd recommend getting one that isn't too big, but that expands.  Mine has a zipper that allows it to expand another 4 1/2 inches, which has come in very handy when picking up groceries or what not, but I wouldn't want to ride around with a bag that big all the time.

I've had this one for about 2 years now.  Great for day trips and over nighters.  Very secure, never had any issues and cost me 65 bucks I believe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEDI-y3_aM0&feature=relmfu

I also have a smaller Joe Rocket one good for shirt day trips:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RGYAM8IYL._SL500_SS500_.jpg

I have the joe rocket manta. I use blue painter's tape under the magnets to minimize scratches. I remove the tape after every ride.   

For larger loads, I use the cortech tail bag. The newer version is probably more secure and would be a better choice for loading in a pair of boots.   

I've completely forgone these for the simple reason of tank scratches.

I have a Rapid Transit "The Stack" modular bag. Lots of cargo options and top half zips off and is how I use it most often. Even full, it does not block my view of the guages, but it does hide the indicator lights. Lean a little more forward and they're back in view. Safety strap, shoulder strap and backpack style straps included. Clean off the tank before each use and no scratches so far.

Quote from: Higgins13 on October 07, 2012, 01:12:13 PM
I've completely forgone these for the simple reason of tank scratches.

Just wax your tank once every 6 months, no scratches, that simple.

Quote from: 007brendan on October 07, 2012, 05:22:18 PM

Quote from: Higgins13 on October 07, 2012, 01:12:13 PM
I've completely forgone these for the simple reason of tank scratches.

Just wax your tank once every 6 months, no scratches, that simple.

I was my entire back before every ride...so almost daily...

Check the wiki I did a detailed write up. Love my Rapid Transit although I've gone to a tail pack. Got a little concerned about leaning over big magnets with an implanted defibrillator!


Mary

I use one of these:

http://www.frank-thomas.co.uk/index.php/collection/cargo-luggage/car023-cargo.html

Only 12L, with a map pocket, but i can fit quite a lot in it.

I cruise at 80 with it on, have hit 100 with it fully expended and it was still stable.