Tank Bags

BeBob · Derestricted Danger Joined: 01 Jun 2011 Karma :

Hi all,

I would be interested in a bit of advice as to tank bags. I'm looking at getting a relatively small tank bag that would be suitable for week/weekend/overnight trips and would fit comfortably on a YBR without feeling too 'oversized'. I have the capacity to travel light so it wouldn't need to have to fit 20 pairs of shoes. I'd prefer something tried and tested and don't mind paying a bit more if it ups the quality.

There seems to be a massive variation in the market, so any pointers as to what's worked/hasn't worked/has leaked in the rain etc. would be greatly appreciated.

This one seems to be able to accommodate small animals...

https://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo.aspx?catRef=572908&tduid=7fee398802daa3efb9943ac6b44bfe54&affId=1506797

...is this common in the biking world?

Thanks for reading

dk

pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

How much?

I got mine from Lidl and it cost me around a tenner. Works a treat too.

Oddly enough looks quite like the one shown.

https://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcScao4XuwqrvWJjPo1NNjsnYlfusizsfudDeafXnBi4H61J_rTl&t=1

EDIT: Review at the bottom:

Gazz · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 May 2009 Karma :

[quote="pinkyfloyd"]
https://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcScao4XuwqrvWJjPo1NNjsnYlfusizsfudDeafXnBi4H61J_rTl&t=1

[quote]

About 90 - 95% users of this forum have that bag. Laughing

Agree with above, it is a great bag and excellent value for the price.

Dazbo666 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Jun 2004 Karma :

I have a Hein Gericke Pro Sports tank bag that I would recommend is worth while checking out.... (however, looking at the HG website, it looks like they've re-branded/updated their luggage range. Mine is similar to their new Streetline range).

It has strong magnets in the base, but was also supplied with removeable straps for use with a plastic petrol tank.
The top is a transparent map/document pocket, and the side is also expandable for extra storage. There's also an integrated rain cover...

So, as with most bike kit, the cheapest end of the market tends to be a false economy. From experience, the cheapest kit tends to wear out and/or leak very quickly - so personally I'd avoid the cheapest Oxford branded luggage. [EDIT ...although I have no experience of the Lidl option mentioned ^]

From memory I paid ~£40-£50 for my current tank bag 2 or 3 years ago, it's been used regularly for commuting and for short breaks, and is still being used daily Thumbs Up

____________________
1st bike (Sept'06 - May'10) : 1991 GPZ500S / Current bike (since Nov 2009) : 2003 Suzuki Bandit 600N
Word of the day : DILLIGAF

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Another vote for the Lidl one for value-for-money. Mine is 2 years old, used daily, no problems, and is a reasonable size for a 125. I've never actually bothered with the (integral) rain cover, since I dry-bag anything in it that needs to be kept dry.

The one flaw is that the transparent map pocket on top does leak a bit, and condenses up a treat, making it fairly useless for its intended purpose if it's wet out.
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Dazbo666 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Jun 2004 Karma :

Moo. · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Karma :

I have a lidl tank bag with a zip gone that im chucking out Razz

if you can repair a zip, and supply postage, its yours Wink

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ws4936 · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Sep 2009 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

I have a Lidl B-square tank bag and it is absolutely superb. I got a couple of spare ones last time they were on sale incase they stop making them.

Expands big enough to hold a full box of beer. Stays put up to the top speed of a VFR750 with magnets alone.

This is it stuffed full but not expanded, it'll go twice the size if required.
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f216/stinkwheel/tramps/01420022.jpg
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ws4936 · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Sep 2009 Karma :

I would probably feel more at ease with it full of beer - but then again, precious cargo......
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pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

I've never had a problem with mine wanting to lift off. Been up to 90 with it on and only then it was my own paranoia of it lifting that made me slow down some.

Granted the shape doesnt let it hold a great deal but it does expand and is big enough for a set of clothes and a pair of shoes.

I also bought one of the big biker rucksacks they done at the same time. Thats the bollocks too. Rode home with my work gear in it the other day in a downpoor and the thing stayed dryer than my waterproofs!
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DrDonnyBrago · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Jan 2010 Karma :

I have the lidl one posted up the top somewhere, it's pretty awesome for the money. Mine it usually strapped to my rear seat rather than stuck to the tank but is great either way.

I have had a box of wine and three bottles of wine in it when it was held to the tank by magnets alone. Highly recommended if you can track one down on ebay etc.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I've had my circa 8-year old cheap oxford one (it's actually MC city, but same bag) at 140mph on a pretty much naked bike and it's been fine.

CaNsA · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

Dazbo666 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Jun 2004 Karma :

Been around the ton mark with the HG bag on my naked Bandit and its remained solidly in place. No issues at all with it Thumbs Up

____________________
1st bike (Sept'06 - May'10) : 1991 GPZ500S / Current bike (since Nov 2009) : 2003 Suzuki Bandit 600N
Word of the day : DILLIGAF

Louise · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 May 2006 Karma :

+1 for lidl

Still use it now for the tank, Had it almost 5 years now Thumbs Up

nowhere.elysium · The Pork Lord Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Karma :

Got a Bagster for my birthday last year. It's awesome. Definitely worth the money. Build quality is so much better than anything else I've used.
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BeBob · Derestricted Danger Joined: 01 Jun 2011 Karma :

Thanks guys that's awesome, amazed that lidl comes out so well, but if it works - hey what's not to like. Am going to check a few of these out.

Stinkwheel - that is exactly what I'm looking for - good magnetic staying power at speeds *cough* somewhat more then 70 with a full crate of beer on board. Looks like a nicely balanced bike.

Now, do they make TuffMaps of Mongolia? Very Happy