Tank Bags

[TOIVOK]

Fortunately the weather is cooperating!! Spring can't come quickly enough. I need to get a tank bag for my '03 R1150R. Any suggestions? I'd rather not buy BMW brand..................

T.J. (Toivo)

[tlwood28]

My pick was the Engage bag by SW Motech:

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/ezimagec ... 00x600.jpg

It has the advantage of sitting on a ring that bolts into your gas cap. The bag doesn't touch the bag so the paint doesn't get scratched. It goes on and come off in a snap, and it follows the contour of the tank as if made for the bike. You can electrify the bag, and add a number of accessories to it such as a map case and even a GPS or radar mount. My only criticism is that the bag requires a rain cover. I wish it was rain proof.

Can't say I really comparison shopped, but it seems very pricey. With all the accessories it gets pretty out there, but I think it is the best bag out there. Since I use it on every ride, it was worth it to me.

[tcm92678]

Well, if you're trying to get the best value for the best price, here's a link to the Dowco tankbag I recently purchased:

http://www.amazon.com/DOWCO-Mount-Boule ... =8-1-spell

I recommend you read the reviews because I share the same exact feelings as the customers wrote in their reviews. For a $25 tankbag, I have friends who have bought tankbags for their bikes for around $100 and wish they had bought mine. It has a great carrying capacity. I can put a couple college textbooks in there as well as some notebooks for school. I bring a huge lunch with me in this bag everyday to work. I can put my motorcycle jacket in there along with my raingear. When empty, you can shrink it down until you can barely see it on your tank. The material on the bottom is made so that the magnets won't even scratch your paint. The magnets are strong and your bag won't budge and I ride mine like I stole it. Oh and one more thing the article doesn't mention is that it comes with a carrying handle if you want to take it off your bike and walk around with it.

[Dr. Strangelove]

My pick was the Engage bag by SW Motech:

+1
Had mine for a few years; never disappointed and would buy again without hesitation.

Although I have the Engage I would look at one they offer that is squared, expandable with rounded corners--don't know the name; but I saw one once and it looked interesting in design for my needs.

John

[macx]

I bought saddle bags and a tank bag for mine just after I bought it (an 04) in 08 -
budget was important.

I'm very happy with this one - very strong magnets, no tank scratching, expandable,
all kinds of little pockets plus a waterproof see thru map pocket on top, not waterproof
but comes with a waterproof liner, and has a handle.

When expanded will swallow a 12 pack.

http://s719.photobucket.com/albums/ww200/macx351/

The brand and model info are in text on the pics

[wncbmw]

The SW Motech bag linked to earlier is by far the best tankbag system I have ever used. They use a gas cap bracket that keeps the bag off your tank and make for quick and easy tankbag removal for gas stops. I currently use a Held bag that uses this set up (the SW Motech setup is utilized by other bag makers also) and love it.

What size and features you want are dependent on your usage but whatever type of bag you get, I would recommend looking at the SW Motech connection system. No more worries about tank scratching or fooling with straps!

[tlwood28]

The SW Motech bag linked to earlier is by far the best tankbag system I have ever used. They use a gas cap bracket that keeps the bag off your tank and make for quick and easy tankbag removal for gas stops. I currently use a Held bag that uses this set up (the SW Motech setup is utilized by other bag makers also) and love it.

What size and features you want are dependent on your usage but whatever type of bag you get, I would recommend looking at the SW Motech connection system. No more worries about tank scratching or fooling with straps!

Are you sure about other manufacturers using the SW Motech connection system? I checked Held and they advertise only magnetic bags. I also went about 5 pages into Google and found nothing other than Bags Connection bags.

I agree though 100% that the connection system is hands down the best setup. Fortunately the Bags Connection bags are too, but more selection (and price competition) is always good.

[wncbmw]

My post unfortunately was not complete. Yes, Held no longer sells the SW Motech version of my tankbag. I have seen others use it but can't come up with one at the moment. Sorry.

But just to prove I ain't senile! (Yet )

[tlwood28]

My post unfortunately was not complete. Yes, Held no longer sells the SW Motech version of my tankbag. I have seen others use it but can't come up with one at the moment. Sorry.

But just to prove I ain't senile! (Yet )

Your post led me to re-read mine. It looks like I didn't say what I intended to say either. To re-write my thought for anyone interested, I think the connection system is the very best set up. I think the Bags Connection bags are really good too--but unlike the connection system I wouldn't call them exceptional--therefore more selection (and price competition) is always good.

I think that's what I meant to say. Isn't it?

[tlwood28]

Great looking bike by the way. In fact...it looks just like mine!

[chibbert]

I only had a HELD and I loved it - quality was good and functionality was good as well. Good luck.

[joe bar]

I've got the new Wolfman Express Tank Bag, not too big, not too small, easy to take on and off. I like it a lot.

[rdsmith3]

I have one of the SW Motech bags, also. It is a great connection system -- better than the Big Mak tank bags.