Already did a search and found a little info but I'd like more direct info.
I'm looking for a bag for weekend trips. It's tough riding 5 hours let alone wearing a backpack the entire time. That means, time for some luggage.
I think I'd prefer a magnetic tank bag of some sort. That would probably be easier to get on and off for gas stops. I would be carrying a pair of jeans, t-shirts, and a few other odds and ends. Maybe an extra pair of shoes here and there but nothing crazy. I try to pack lite. A pouch for my phone would be great. Perhaps expandable?
To be honest, I'm not entirely sure if I would like a tank bag over a tail bag. I haven't any experience with either.
That being said, what are the pros and cons of both? And of course, any FHE or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
What kind of backpack are you using? A moto specific one? If not you might want to try out the Kriega backpacks... I've worn mine over 5 hrs with a solid amount of weight in there and due to the way it's set up it doesnt fatigue you like a normal one does.
http://www.revzilla.com/kriega (http://www.revzilla.com/kriega)
I have the R30 but in retrospect I would get a R25 and then pick up a dry back from REI instead. I use the R30 to commute to work with a laptop in there so having it 100% waterproof was important to me... but dealing with a rolltop is a bit more annoying than a easy zip up on a daily basis. The R25 with a seperate dry bag would be the best of both worlds imo.
But if you're set on a tank/tail bag, you can also look at the Kriega tailbags... they are really well made and are fully waterproof and attach and detach really easily. I have the US20 and that can easily fit everything you listed in your req's. You also have the option of buying more of their bags and expanding the capacity by attaching the bags to each other.
But if you gave me the option of choosing btwn a tank bag or a tail bag for a trip, I would choose a tank bag because on a longer ride you can rest your chest on the bag to reduce the strain on your lower back. If you have a steel tank, a magnetic bag is pretty hard to beat and I have a nelson rigg one that I use... it's huge and can fit a full face helmet inside there. I forget the model number though. Just remember that if any bits of iron/steel dust get stuck your magnets they can rub into your tank and scratch it... I use some toolbox liner to pad the magnets.
+1 on tank bag if you have a metal tank [thumbsup] Easy on and off.
The Cortech Super 14 liter will be enough.
http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/SUPER14/TOURING-LUGGAGE/SUPER14.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/SUPER14/TOURING-LUGGAGE/SUPER14.html)
I use a hiking backpack. It straps around the stomach and chest. It has worked for quite some time now, but I recently picked up a 1 pc. suit and the hump on the back makes backpacking a PITA.
Aside from the discomfort, I'd like to have something that isn't a chore to get on and off at rest stops. It's hard enough shimmying into a full suit let alone getting a backpack on and off :P
How are the tank bags for comfort as far as spirited riding in concerned? I will be riding out to WV with the local DOC guys and much of the ride just getting there will be good twisties. Would a tail bag be a better choice or no? I'm using the stock S4 set-up which is like hybrid clip ons with a decent amount of rise. I don't hang off the bike much but I don't want to feel cramped moving around on the bike a bit.
Quote from: stopintime on July 09, 2012, 11:40:56 AM
+1 on tank bag if you have a metal tank [thumbsup] Easy on and off.
The Cortech Super 14 liter will be enough.
http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/SUPER14/TOURING-LUGGAGE/SUPER14.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/SUPER14/TOURING-LUGGAGE/SUPER14.html)
I was looking at the 18 liter bags from Cortech. The 14 liter sounds reasonable but given the chance, I might lean towards just a little bit more room.
Is that the bag in your avatar?
Try out the Kriega if you can... watch the videos on revzilla and you'll see that since it's designed for riding it's really easy to get on and off. I use it with my rev'it tarmac jacket which has a hump and it works with it.
Tank bags might get in the way if they are the larger ones for spirited riding. If you're crawling over all over the bike they will def restrict movement. Tailbags are better in this respect but they also (if really heavily packed) can make you notice that there is all of a sudden a lot more weight really high up. But since you say that you'll be packing pretty light, that shouldnt be an issue.
Quote from: lazyjinglin717 on July 09, 2012, 02:12:37 PM
...........
Is that the bag in your avatar?
The avatar bag is this http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/5682/ITEM/Tour-Master-TB-12-Magnetic-Mount-Nylon-Tank-Bag.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/5682/ITEM/Tour-Master-TB-12-Magnetic-Mount-Nylon-Tank-Bag.aspx)
The Cortech is similar in size, but rounded off and with more pockets and stuff.
I would recommend to keep it small - easier to pack compact/light and doesn't get in your way.
My two week trips have all been done with 14 liter tail bag and the Cortech Super Mini tank bag (custom snap mounted) I'm the Packing Light King 8)
I have the Kriega US30 combo which comes with a 10 and 20L bag and both can be used for either a tank or tail bag, and you can combine them both together on the back if you want. They work well and I use the 20L as a tail bag almost all the time, but have used the 10L back there as well. To use either as a tank bag there's an adapter that I bought, but haven't tried yet. I prefer having the stuff on the back instead of covering the tank filler.
I also have the Kriega R25 backpack and it's a great bag and far more comfortable than a normal backpack while riding but the longest I've worn it is about 2 hours.
Here's the 20L loaded and strapped down on my 2011 796.
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c185/steveogs/eb5975bf.jpg)
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c185/steveogs/5c6ed2d9.jpg)
SteveO: it might just be me but that looks HUGE in the first picture but no so much in the 2nd.
Stop: I'm gonna check out small tank + small tail for more space and less intrusiveness.
Things I like to look for in a tank bag is also a clear map pocket on the top... I know a lot of people have GPS now but I like to have some reminders in there that I can glance down and see. Thats why I also dont like using the Kreiga bags as tank bags... they have no provisions for that and using a roll top bag as a tank bag is kind of annoying. Zippers work way better in that case.
I've been using Cortech tank, tail, and saddlebags for ~8 years.
They're functional, trouble-free, and decent priced.
IMO, backpacks suck.
I've not tried any hi-tech recent backpacks.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8019/7539607344_d4fb937249_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/79721557@N02/7539607344/)
I run a small nelson rigg tail bag that is just big enough for rain gear. Then I got a wolfman 3 point stap bag for my tank and I run it all the time. It has enough space for what I need for work or rain gear/clear sheid some tools, zip ties etc. Pockets for phone, kick stand thing for hot asphault and stuff like that. Between the two I could easily do 3 days, if I take flip flops instead of shoes. Also I have a wolfman mini duffle that I've never used but looks like it would do for a month +. I really like tail bags but my tank bag is very conveinant.
That kregia looks really good and being water proof is a big plus
Good info guys [thumbsup]
How are tail bags typically attached to the bike?
Quote from: lazyjinglin717 on July 10, 2012, 05:33:34 PM
Good info guys [thumbsup]
How are tail bags typically attached to the bike?
I think most (all?) have four straps or bungee cords attached to the passenger grab rail.
Similar to this:
(http://i329.photobucket.com/albums/l394/stopintime/Tour%202011/Tour2011020.jpg)
Quote from: lazyjinglin717 on July 10, 2012, 05:33:34 PM
Good info guys [thumbsup]
How are tail bags typically attached to the bike?
The Cortech tail bag comes with integrated bungees and hooks. The Kriega bags have adjustable straps and clips. There are a couple different sorts of straps you can get for them depending on the application/config you need. Currently they ship with the kit seen in SteveOs photos. Older version came with two straps, that each had two male clip ends. The new version has the possibility of being a little more fussy in some ways, but does allow for more possible use of the straps w/o alterations or a different set.
Quote from: stopintime on July 10, 2012, 11:28:09 PM
I think most (all?) have four straps or bungee cords attached to the passenger grab rail.
Similar to this:
(http://i329.photobucket.com/albums/l394/stopintime/Tour%202011/Tour2011020.jpg)
I am pretty certain I know where that pic was taken
Quote from: Slide Panda on July 11, 2012, 05:42:25 AM
The Cortech tail bag comes with integrated bungees and hooks. The Kriega bags have adjustable straps and clips. There are a couple different sorts of straps you can get for them depending on the application/config you need. Currently they ship with the kit seen in SteveOs photos. Older version came with two straps, that each had two male clip ends. The new version has the possibility of being a little more fussy in some ways, but does allow for more possible use of the straps w/o alterations or a different set.
The new Kriega straps secure to the subframe vs the passenger seat so they are more secure and can take heavier loads without you worrying that your passenger pad will just fly off. They also made to be semi permanent so you can just tuck them away under the passenger seat when not in use. So when you need to use a tail bag you can just untuck the straps and quickly clip the tailbag on and off.
S21Folgore wrote a really good review of it here so you can see exactly what I'm talking about:
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57686.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57686.0)
The tank bag I have is the nelson rigg cl1030:
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/luggage/tank_bags/nelson_rigg/cl1030_touring_tank_tail_bag.html (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/luggage/tank_bags/nelson_rigg/cl1030_touring_tank_tail_bag.html)
It's pretty versatile as you can use it as either a tank or tail bag and it's huge. Like I said before you can fit a full face XXL shoei rf1000 in there with no problems. I like it and it's not too expensive and one bag has a lot of different mounting options.
Quote from: thought on July 11, 2012, 06:42:51 AM
The new Kriega straps secure to the subframe vs the passenger seat so they are more secure and can take heavier loads without you worrying that your passenger pad will just fly off. They also made to be semi permanent so you can just tuck them away under the passenger seat when not in use. So when you need to use a tail bag you can just untuck the straps and quickly clip the tailbag on and off.
Catch is that on some bikes, like my KTM there's no subframe to secure the new style too. The older school ones work better in that application. But I agree the new set up would work better on the monster with the tubes to loop on.
My Cortech tailbag came with 'built in' bungees with plastic hooks.
I removed 'em and lost 'em. :P
I nearly always use it with the saddlebags.
The tailbag has adjustable length straps with plastic snap-buckles that snap into mating units on the saddlebags.
So you can unhook the bottom straps that attach the bags to the bike, and lift the whole enchilada off as a unit.
I have a MotoCentric strap tank bag I like and Cortech saddle bags. On my S2R I strap a Pelican laptop case to the seat then put the saddle bags over that to keep the bags up and off my high pipes.
I also have one of those daypack tank bags that click into the horse shoe mount on that gas tank but the bag looks funny floating and isn't very big. I might try modifying a magnet bag to use the mount so it would look like I have a magnet bag with the wings cut off.
Quote from: thought on July 11, 2012, 06:42:51 AM
The tank bag I have is the nelson rigg cl1030:
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/luggage/tank_bags/nelson_rigg/cl1030_touring_tank_tail_bag.html (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/luggage/tank_bags/nelson_rigg/cl1030_touring_tank_tail_bag.html)
It's pretty versatile as you can use it as either a tank or tail bag and it's huge. Like I said before you can fit a full face XXL shoei rf1000 in there with no problems. I like it and it's not too expensive and one bag has a lot of different mounting options.
Ding ding ding
I might start with that and see how I get around with it. Looks large enough to hold what I need and expandable for even more room. I like the idea of being able to use it with magnets on the tank or straps on the tail.
I suppose that with the quick release, I could just use straps all around... yeah?
Btw, so you dont make the same mistake I do, it comes with the strap mounting options already. I thought it didnt as it stated that you need to buy the other mounting kits separately.
[thumbsup]
Good to know. I was wondering how to order both the magnets and strap mounts
I use an ancient firstgear tank bag. I love it, but I find it to be a little small to for more than an day/overnight trip. I like to carry tools and emergency supplies as well as some clothes. I find it a little difficult to fit an extra layer and all that other gear. I imagine most would rather carry less than I do on such a short trip. So take my advice with that in mind. :)
I have used magnetic and non-magnetic tanks bags and if you have a metal tank there is no reason to not go the magnetic route. Filling up at gas stations every 150 miles is SOOOO much easier when you can just hang it off the side of the tank and not have to worry about all the clasps of a non-magnetic tank bag.
For anything longer I use a motofizz seat bag. It came with straps that I attach to the passenger grab handles. This thing expands big enough that I can fit all my camping gear in it with clothes. But If I just want to carry an extra sweatshirt or something the normal size is about the width of the bike itself.
(http://www.aerostich.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/450x450/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/9/2/9256_1a.jpg)
I'm also looking for a tail/tankbag combination for up to 5-7 days trip.
Almost ordered the Cortech tail bag, but then started reading about the Kriega US20, and I think it looks better and perhaps fits better on the bike (after looking on several pictures). I also like that when the 20L is to little, I can add another 5 or 10 if I like. So I think this will fit my use. But then I have started to walk in the tankbag jungle.... So I'm in need of some help here.
This is what I'm looking at right now, and it looks good!:
GIVI Tanklock Tank Bag Sytem (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_XsJScKOcc#)
I will for sure get the smallest one (TPH02) for daytrips, and I'm also looking to get one of the others, for the longer trips. I'm thinking the T489 or T491 due to the size. Don't want it to interfere with my riding. Anybody with experience with any of the givi tanklock bags?
And last question(s), will it fit my M1000 05' gas cap? I googled a bit, and found out that they fit the S2R/848 gas cap. Is my gas cap the same? And where to I buy this for the best price? So far I've seen them here: http://tourandride.com/products/givi/soft-luggage/tanklock-system/view-all-products (http://tourandride.com/products/givi/soft-luggage/tanklock-system/view-all-products)
Quote from: Niclas on July 16, 2012, 06:47:21 AM
...........
And last question(s), will it fit my M1000 05' gas cap? I googled a bit, and found out that they fit the S2R/848 gas cap. Is my gas cap the same?
Yes [thumbsup]
Quote from: stopintime on July 16, 2012, 07:40:03 AM
Yes [thumbsup]
Great =) Next step is to find the best price =)
Quote from: Speeddog on July 09, 2012, 05:36:14 PM
I've been using Cortech tank, tail, and saddlebags for ~8 years.
They're functional, trouble-free, and decent priced.
IMO, backpacks suck.
I've not tried any hi-tech recent backpacks.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8019/7539607344_d4fb937249_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/79721557@N02/7539607344/)
Hey Speeddog, is that a magnetic tank bag? Is your tank plastic? I have a 695 and love that bag, but looks magnetic which i'm assuming doesn't work on my plastic tank?
Quote from: Dwardle on July 16, 2012, 11:39:57 AM
Hey Speeddog, is that a magnetic tank bag? Is your tank plastic? I have a 695 and love that bag, but looks magnetic which i'm assuming doesn't work on my plastic tank?
Nope, tank is steel.
I don't remember if that tankbag came with straps and such to attach it on a plastic-tanked bike.
+1 on the NR-1030. fwiw, mine came with 'free suction cup mounting', straps were backordered (now available).
Traveling light is great but having all the shit you need is even better.
Also, the Kriega packs are the best to carry I've tried. If I don't have to carry a pack? Even better.
I ended up ordering this for the tank
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/luggage/tank_bags/nelson_rigg/cl1030_touring_tank_tail_bag.html (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/luggage/tank_bags/nelson_rigg/cl1030_touring_tank_tail_bag.html)
and went with this tail bag for a little extra room... I'll be making a bigger trip in October and might need extra space for some cool weather clothing
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/luggage/tail_bags/nelson_rigg/sprt20_spirit_sport_tail_bag.html (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/luggage/tail_bags/nelson_rigg/sprt20_spirit_sport_tail_bag.html)
Reviews will follow
Hey guys I just got back from a 3k 8 day ride to Nova Scotia. I ended up using a Pelican case strapped to the frame then put my soft bags over that to keep them off the pipes. I still might try and make a custom rack that mounts to the chopped frame and grab bars but since this worked I wanted to post it.
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q591/M-S2R-1000/s2r_in_field.jpg)
In this photo it looks like the bag is close to the pipe but it really isn't. They would shift around like soft bags do especially when riding in field but they never got close to the pipes. :)
I have cheap saddle bags that the previous owner had on the bike, but they rest on the pipes of my 695. I'm assuming this won't work for long rides right? He only used them around the city to bring things to work, etc.
That is really the point of my post, if you strap a box or even a piece of foam on the seat to raise the bags up you can ride across the country if you want.
Sounds good I'll give it a shot. I don't think mine has a strap that goes over the seat though, just under it. I'll play around with it tonight.
Quote from: Slide Panda on July 11, 2012, 09:47:56 AM
Catch is that on some bikes, like my KTM there's no subframe to secure the new style too. The older school ones work better in that application. But I agree the new set up would work better on the monster with the tubes to loop on.
The other thing that sucks about the new Kriega straps is that if my US20 is empty, the straps are too long to lock it down tight. The straps you mount on the bike and leave have to be just long enough to reach out from under the seat and the straps that hook them and then click in to the bag need to be cinched really tight to keep the bag secure. Unless there's a lot in the bag, it's impossible to make it secure.
Don't get me wrong, I love the Kriega bags but the mounting system sucks on the new Monsters, unless I've messed up the install somehow. ???
i have the same issue with another company soft mounts. the seat just narrows too much.
I would love to see a photo of this bag on a monster. Anyone own one of these that can post a photo?
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/916/340/ (http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/916/340/)
I finally got around to washing the bike and taking pics with the new luggage
Thoughts....
1. I have way more room than I thought I was going to have
2. The tank bag works very well with the magnets
3. The tank bag can be removed and replaced very easily
4. Attaching the tail bag took a bit of creativity but it works and isn't too much of a pain to get on/off
I'm very happy with the bags. The tank bags is a soft shell with some neat accessories. It's not too fancy but everything about it's design seems to serve some purpose. The tail bag is a hard shell and very simple inside and out.
Here are the pics
(http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/rappevan/DSC03984.jpg)
(http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/rappevan/DSC03985.jpg)
On longer rides you'll love that tank bag... due to the size it's perfect to rest your upper body on it and give your lower back a rest.
And I wish I could use magnets :( haha
Your CF looks great! I still haven't done mine and I'm running out of excuses...
Quote from: Jimmy6tring on August 04, 2012, 07:54:17 PM
Your CF looks great! I still haven't done mine and I'm running out of excuses...
Thanks!
Getting a good clear finish on cf is such a PITA
Even after I got a good finish on it, the PPG clear coat still became very brittle. I'm still wondering how to get a more durable clear finish
Nice setup!!!! You might want to think about leaving your seat cowl at home if your doing any real traveling just to prevent it from getting scratched up. I have a vinyl cutter and made some clear pieces to go under my tank bag when I travel. This last trip I had new rev it pants and the inside knee patches scratched the tank a bit :(
Quote from: K3V1N on August 06, 2012, 12:56:00 PM
Nice setup!!!! You might want to think about leaving your seat cowl at home if your doing any real traveling just to prevent it from getting scratched up. I have a vinyl cutter and made some clear pieces to go under my tank bag when I travel. This last trip I had new rev it pants and the inside knee patches scratched the tank a bit :(
Do you have those pants with the ceramic plates bonded to the outside? Like little ceramic polka dots? I heard those ding up the paint pretty badly.
And what I use if I put any bags onto anything painted on my bike is that tool box liner they sell at lowes/hd. It's cheap, comes in a huge roll, and I just lay a good amount under the bags. It protects the paint and if you lose it or it wears out you just cut another one from the roll.
Quote from: K3V1N on August 06, 2012, 12:56:00 PM
Nice setup!!!! You might want to think about leaving your seat cowl at home if your doing any real traveling just to prevent it from getting scratched up. I have a vinyl cutter and made some clear pieces to go under my tank bag when I travel. This last trip I had new rev it pants and the inside knee patches scratched the tank a bit :(
Good call on the cowl although it's already scratched and cracked 8)
The tank bag is
very well crafted. The magnets are encased in a nice soft rubber-like material and I've no fear of them damaging the tank. Not sure what type of magnets they are but they hold tight. We use neodymium at work if I ever feel like I need more magnetic power.
The bottom of the tank bag has the same non-slip/rubbery material as the magnets and I'm not the slightest bit afraid of it scratching the tank.
On the other hand, my leathers seem to do a job on the tank and it wouldn't hurt to put some clear vinyl on there
A plug for the Nelson=Rigg magnetic tank bag. Doubles as a back-pack, comes with a rain cover.