Anyone use a tank bag? Any recomendations? I have used a strap on (keep your heads out of the gutter ) bag in the past, but I want to get a magnetic bag with a shoulder strap or backpack straps so I don't have to leave it on the bike. A map pocket would be nice too.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks
Matt

 

I have a Chase Harper magnetic tankbag that I've found extremely useful. It's big and not sleek, but it's functional. And in a pinch, I can lie against it when tucked in on the highway. It also has a map "pocket," which is really just a clear plastic piece held down using velcro on each end.

It's also ugly, so no one would think to steal it.

http://www.chaseharper.com/TankBags/0700.htm

It kinda looks like that ^ , but isn't the same model (mine's a lot older).

 

I was always afraid of magnetic ones until I got one cheap off ebay but it was small. Sold it and got a big one that expands. WAY more useful. No problems scratching the tank if you always fold the flaps closed when you remove it and keep the tank surface reasonably clean (it doesn't have to be spotless).

Yup, map pocket is the way to go. Another must have for me is a small external pocket(s). Great way to store items for quick access such as air gauge, cell phone, lube, shield spray, etc. Things that on a trip you'd have to dig for at every fuel stop since tank bag law states the item you need the most will have sunk to the most difficult location since the last time you opened it!

 

I have two motopaks the big 27 liter (way too big for everyday use), the the motopak mini (perfect for short rides where you just need the essentials: carrying papers, and a cell phone), and I am thinking about either getting an Icon Primer bag or the Motopak 20 liter for regular everyday use.

 

I have a Marsee magnetic tank bag. It has served me very well for about the 7 years that I've had it. I think it is 15 liter that expands to 20 liter in a pinch. I can fit a spare helmet in mine when it's fully expanded. It has a clear zipped sleeve on top for maps as well, although I think most tank bags have that. I can't find a pic of the one I have since they've since made newer model versions. These bags are more of an oval shape. Here is their site

http://www.marseeproducts.com/

 

I have 3 tankbags:

1. Venerable locally-made strap-on one, bought for a BMW in the mid 1970s. Harder to fit the straps to a modern bike, but the most convenient of the lot because the clips are still just great and it never scratches anything. If the straps are long enough, as on this one, it is easy to put on and take off the straps as well as the bag: took me on average less than a minute to put the strapping on the old BM, nearer 5 on a GSX-R.

2. Magnetic one - my son swears by it, but since I do a lot of riding on gravel roads and in dusty conditions, I find it causes lots of scratching (not arguing with the previous post - I agree that you can take measures to save scratching; just be careful where you go.) I find the extra weight of the magnets a PITA.

3. A Bagster bag that fits on the model-specific tank cover on my Varadero. The most secure of the lot on the bike, carries a good load, but tank covers are bloody ugly and I would never have one on my SH. I can tie other things to the tank cover, though...