straps or magnets?

suzuki2000

suzuki2000

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I was looking at maybe picking up a tank bag, just to be able to carry some small things when commuting.

I'm not looking for touring luggage, just something I can maybe put some lunch into when going to work. i havent decided on size? I want something adequate to hold "enough" but nothing too bulky.

I know tank bags aren't for everyone, but for those that use them, do you prefer the one with straps, magnets or both?

Any recommendations on brand/style or size?
 
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I have an Icon bag with magnets. Works great, never had an issue with the magnets holding on. When i get where I'm going, i just pull it off the tank. Even has back pack straps which i thought was pretty cool. Use it all the time, would recommend.
 
What material is your tank made of? That affects your choice greatly. My last few bikes had aluminum or plastic tanks, magnets wouldn't work. Personally, i like the security of a strap, but many people use magnets without trouble.
 
I would look into the ones where you can install a ring on the gas cap so it's easy to take on and off and doesn't scratch your tank. I think they're made by bags-connection
 
I've put quite a few miles on my magnet mounted icon tank bag, never budged, even when I go north of 200 km/h. That's when I'm on a track in Mexico of course.
 
Be careful how you take your magnet bag off. After a while, i could see where the mags were 'attaching' to the tank - would finely scratch, especially if tank was 'dirty'....

So lift the flaps, don't just lift the bag off (it'll drag the mags).
 
JFD said:
Be careful how you take your magnet bag off. After a while, i could see where the mags were 'attaching' to the tank - would finely scratch, especially if tank was 'dirty'....

So lift the flaps, don't just lift the bag off (it'll drag the mags).
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Definitely something to keep in mind if you want to preserve the look. I quickly got into the habit of just yanking the bag from my tank by the handle, and over the last year it has shown. Light swirls and scratches on the tank. That being said, I hadn't washed the bike in the same time, so it was also fairly dirty.

But magnets definitely do the trick. I ride with a Contra 18L (I believe) bag, which expands to fill. Crammed full and well over 20lbs, it still holds without any trouble.
 
I had a cheap CT magnet bag pull up at 160ish. My new one is a good brand (forgot which) and it stays on even when I pass mikbusa on a track in mexico.
 
mikbusa said:
I've put quite a few miles on my magnet mounted icon tank bag, never budged, even when I go north of 200 km/h. That's when I'm on a track in Mexico of course.
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I have the magnetic ogio bag and I don't mind it at all. Good enough size to carry a fair bit of stuff and it pest drive me nuts being there.
 
+1 for ring-lock -- I just bought a Givi XS307 and am waiting for it to get here.
 
OnAnySunday said:
I thought most were magnet with a strap.
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You can secure a base of sorts to your tank with straps/edge clips. Bags can then zip onto the base.
 
Use a microfiber under the magnets and you won't have to worry about scratching your tank.
 
suzuki2000 said:
I was looking at maybe picking up a tank bag, just to be able to carry some small things when commuting.

I'm not looking for touring luggage, just something I can maybe put some lunch into when going to work. i havent decided on size? I want something adequate to hold "enough" but nothing too bulky.

I know tank bags aren't for everyone, but for those that use them, do you prefer the one with straps, magnets or both?

Any recommendations on brand/style or size?
Click to expand...

Using an 18L Oxford for years. Just refreshed it at the most recent "no tax" event at RD.
Magnets & a strap.

dricked said:
Use a microfiber under the magnets and you won't have to worry about scratching your tank.
Click to expand...

This, or as I've been using for years - kitchen cupboard lining / rubbery stuff. Works excellent.
 
TAG23 said:
I have an Icon bag with magnets. Works great, never had an issue with the magnets holding on. When i get where I'm going, i just pull it off the tank. Even has back pack straps which i thought was pretty cool. Use it all the time, would recommend.
Click to expand...
+1 for the icon primer pack. I've used many over the years, but this one is small enough to not get in the way, big enough to hold a spare visor in a sock, a sweatshirt rolled up and strapped on with the compression strap on top, and can then be taken off the bike and turned into a backpack, with your helmet chin bar attached to the compression strap. It's highly water resistant, so it shrugs off a brief downpour easily.

I've owned two, and made the mistake of giving my older one away as it didn't work on the plastic tank of my DR650E, and had to get a new one when I bought my Versys.

http://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/ico...ldVMtOSFBE2xXIUZ2TYj51t_QSgwxWStmsL8sCp_D_BwE

I once strapped a 4 litre can of gas onto it for a short ride to help out a buddy.

IMHO it's brilliant.

Cons: No map window, but I carry a GPS so not an issue for me.
 
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