Tank bag suggestions?

Hello all,

Looking for a good quality tank bag for the bike. Medium size. I had oxford bags with my 93 vfr around 5 years ago but I sold them after i bought a new bike with hard luggage. Any suggestions?

Also I might want to put saddle bags on but am not sure where they would attach - I see 2 points near the passenger foot pegs but that's about it (need 2 more points). A little leery at mounting bags as I had oxford saddlebags on the 93 but wasn't too happy with them as they left black smudges on the (white) paint. Thanks.

 

Choices abound for both saddle and tank bags.

Ever try MotorcycleGear.com (the new name of New Enough) :: Motorcycle Jackets, Helmets, Gloves, Boots, Luggage, Parts and More! ? They have some in depth reviews.

I run the Nelson Rigg saddle bags on my bike, which is the same year as yours, and I have the high mount exhaust. I'm able to get the large Velcro straps under my Corbin seat, and then there are 2 nylon adjustable straps for each bag - one in the back and one in the front. The front of the bag is attached to the rear footpegs, and the rear of the bag is attached to the grab handles. Speed tested at triple digits with no issues. And no marks on my pearl yellow paint, either.

 

Right, I forgot I have the high mount exhaust with the 2 bros pipe - I guess I need to take that into account when looking for saddlebags, I'm surprised you can mount bags there at all with the exhaust...my main priority is the tank bag, I'm hoping I can get away with just strapping a seal bag on the the rear seat and the tank bag, might be wishful thinking though as I've always need a saddle bag in the past if camping.

 

I have the same 2 Bros. It took me quite a bit of experimentation to find the right saddlebag set up, but this one does work.

Not to harp on Nelson Rigg, but I'll also comment that they make their own heat shield that replaces the standard neoprene shield that protects the bag from scratching the paint. The idea is that the heat shield won't burn/melt up to like 300F, but heat can transfer through it and into the bag.

But getting back to your tank bags - there's so many choices out there, I think it comes down to personal preference.

 

I have a rapid transit recon 19 magnetic tank bag. Out of the 6/8 bags I've had bar none the best 1 yet. I've had it for 5 yrs still works as good as the day I bought it

 

This is the new model of the one I have enjoyed for many years. Gears Canada | Urban Survivor Tank and Tail Bag

 

+1 great tank bag

 

Which model Nelson Rigg saddle bags do you use? Do you use a tailbag with them? In the market for some myself.

For now I have a tankbag I picked up cheap from northern tool. It's actually better than I expected.

 

I don't like to weigh mine down with a lot of luggage so I go rather skimpy with mine. My tank bag was a Teknic but this particular model is no longer available I don't think. This one lasted me 130,000 km throught four seasons of riding. Have since replaced it with one that I don't really recommend, although it was better than many I looked at.




And fully loaded up it looks something like this:



The rear set up are all Cortech bags and I am very pleased with them. No signs of melting or even light burning, but I still have my stainless heat shields over my pipes. But my bike as you can see is a 6th gen....the one that everyone wants to have.

 

Wouldnt it just make more sense to duct tape a large cardboard box on top of the tank if you needed to haul that much gear? I mean, its obvious that looks or safety dont place high on your list. Im thinking maybe the box from a 32" television set, or maybe a microwave oven ?

 

I went with these:

Nelson Rigg CL-900 Mini Saddlebags :: MotorcycleGear.com

Over the years, I've never done any trips longer than overnight, so these work just fine (along with a tank bang). I can get a surprising amount of stuff into them. (If you read the Motorcyclegear review towards the bottom of the link, they will show you what they can fit in the bag. I'd agree with their assessment).

I don't have the tailbag, but like most manufacturers systems, it appears pretty easy to add one on.

Here's a (cell phone) pic I just added of it. You can see the large Velcro straps have no issues in fitting under my seat. I also keep the user manual, tire plug kit, box of fuses and the tool kit under the seat as well.



I purchased the NR heat shield to install on the right side bag since I have the 2BR high mount. No issues to date.

 

Thanks for the input, i ordered the recon tank bag. Will likely get the NR saddlebags too.

 

Safety!!!! That's for pussies. Fuggit I say. Besides, I can rest my chin on that puppy on the straight stretches. Catch the odd nap during these stretches too. I mean when you are doing 130 mph, bike will stay upright and staright won't it?

 

Shameless plug for Giant Loop

Got a magnetic Marsee too for just a tankbag. About ten years old. Bigass zippers, strong magnets, carry or shoulder strap ect. Good stuff.

 

I've had a 20-litre magnetic bag for many years, just the right size to be useful but not be tempted to overfill. I'm looking at the Oxford sport magnetic bag as a replacement.



I also have a set of Givi soft bags that have served me well, but I find the raincovers are really a water retention system:wink:
It's my experience that soft panniers scratch the tailpiece - it's a rule, so I lay down a towel, sheepskin or use 3mm thick clear stick-on to protect the paint.

On my KLR I built a custom frame to keep the bags off the muffler and sidecovers. Still need to think how I'd like to fit them on the VFR.

 

I have grabbed the Ventura System and find it great. Only had the Tank bag for a short time but have found that it hold well up cruise speed with no slip.

 

Ventura is good stuff. The rear racks alone are worth having.

 

I've got an RKA 26 liter expandable magnetic tankbag that is red, and I like it a lot. Excellent quality, hugs the tank tightly, and is easy to remove for gas cap access.

 

I got the tank bag a couple of days ago. Holds quite a bit of stuff and fits the tank well, nice shape to it and it's not too big. Has a real plasticky smell, but I assume that will go away in time.

There is a pocket on top for the cell phone. I would prefer it if it was not there as I do like to lean on the bag once in a while and the pocket will dig into my chest, even if there is no phone in it.

Attached a pic of the bag on the bike.