Anyone have a tank bag?

I hope this is the right section of the forum to ask this, but when researching for a backpack to wear when motorcycling, I came across some recommendations for tank bags. I haven't done a lot of research on them, but they are strapped to your gas tank via magnets (maybe other methods as well) so you can store whatever you would like in them. The argument was that if you were riding with a backpack and got in a wreck, you could possibly be injured from anything in the backpack itself. Not to mention the wind drag you can pick up too during normal riding.

I found some bags for sale here: www.aerostich.com/packing-it-in/tank-bags

I tried doing a search on the forum, but nothing came up. What do you guys think? Anyone own one and recommend it?

I use a magnetic tank bag on my 77 KZ1000. I have used this bag on several different bikes with no trouble, but I have to be careful on the KZ that the wind doesn't blow it around. The bag has a safety strap that I wrap around the handlebars. I have really watch it if I just waxed the tank!

Ha! Glad they have safety straps, or else that could cost you losing the bag and your luggage. Do you have any pics of it on the bike? Also, what brand do you have??

I use a magnetic tank bag as well. Never had any issue, but used it mostly on sportbikes, so your arms surround it, which give peace of mind that it won't fly away.

They have some cool transformable turtle shell magnetic tank bags, that convert to backpack. A friend has one and I liked it.

I have a Wolfman tail pack I use on a Yamaha WR250R enduro. Wolfman are made in USA and excellent. I used tank bags on the KZ1000 during my 10,000 mile rides years ago and they are pretty much a necessity for long rides. Over time though they do goof up your paint to some extent. I waxed every day when I used one.

I have a tank bag on the bike almost every time I ride.
I keep some spare parts (cables, elec tape etc.) in there just in case.
It's got a map pocket plus tons of storage. It expands to carry large items. I'll sometimes bring an extra pair of pants and shoes if I ride to work and wear leather pants and boots while riding.
It unzips from the base and can be carried as a backpack as well.

Over time though they do goof up your paint to some extent.

That they do. I've got some paint damage.

i use one all the time on my bike as wellgreat for long trips for all the reasons stated already plus you can lean on it when your getting cramped up and stiff from long hours in the seat. mine is magnetic which is fine but be careful at speeds aproaching 100 and beyond they will lift off by the way mine is an expandable joe rocket bag owned it for about 6 years and it is on the bike all the time.

I have a tank bag too. It works great. Held on with magnets and a strap around the front. Here's a pic of my old 550 with a tank bag.

I thought that I had a pic of my tank bag on the bike, but I can't find it. It's a Tourmaster that I've had since the mid '90s. It's held up great. I used it on a couple of Ninja's and it stayed in played at any speed. On the KZ there is no fairing to cut the wind, so you have to be careful.

I've never had any paint damage from mine. I think the big thing is to make sure your tank is clean and there is no metal stuck to the magnets of the tankbag.

A tank bag is a much better choice than a backpack, in my opinion. Unfortunately on longer trips I have to use both. I usually put heavier things in the tank bag and clothes in the backpack.

Here's my packing including tank bag. Not a great picture, but the official way to travel.

I use a model called Laguna by FirstGear that I'm really pleased with. Not only holds all my junk but cellphone, mp3 player and gps. Check that one out too if your not already sold on one in particular.

i always just re-threaded my back packs straps around my superbike bars and restrap em to the pack..some packs even have a nice waist snap that i can snake under the tank above the valve cover and snap.....zipper pocketts padded underside, and they cost 15.00 but hey....what fun is having a cheap easy fix on this site????

better order top of the line...use it twice i bet!!!!!



backpacks work great....set em right and you get a free steering dampner too!!!:woohoo: