Tank bag vs. Backpack for commuting to work

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flaminllama

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Anyone commute on a sport bike? I want to take the bike to work this week and can't decide if a Tank Bag is better than a backpack.


Any pro's and/or cons I need to be aware of? I'm only going to be transporting a pair of shoes, wallet, phone and maybe lunch.


I'm leaning towards a tank bag because some have that clear pocket on top where you can put a map or phone. Also, easy access to the contents on a tank bag as opposed to the backpack.
 
flaminllama said:
Anyone commute on a sport bike? I want to take the bike to work this week and can't decide if a Tank Bag is better than a backpack.


Any pro's and/or cons I need to be aware of? I'm only going to be transporting a pair of shoes, wallet, phone and maybe lunch.


I'm leaning towards a tank bag because some have that clear pocket on top where you can put a map or phone. Also, easy access to the contents on a tank bag as opposed to the backpack.
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I've always used a tank bag. Way more comfortable not carrying it on your back, especially when it's warm. Also, most come with a rain cover so if you do ride daily it's easier to keep dry, and less hassle than trying to fit a backpack over your gear.

My bike is old enough to still have a metal tank, and I love having a bigass two-part magnetic tank bag so I can use the small part or the whole thing. If it's not magnetic, then you have to look at different types of fastening mechanism, some of which will have to remain on the bike, maybe visible. Another option is a tail bag.
 
I would second Emefef's suggestion of a tail bag. It's out of the way, and most likely will give you more space. I always used a tail bag until I got hard cases for my bike...never really liked a tank bag as I always felt like it was getting in my way. But either tank / tail bag are definitely better than a backpack IMO...you don't want anything strapped to you should something happen and gets very uncomfortable over longer distances and when the weather heats up.
 
mimico_polak said:
I would second Emefef's suggestion of a tail bag. It's out of the way, and most likely will give you more space. I always used a tail bag until I got hard cases for my bike...never really liked a tank bag as I always felt like it was getting in my way. But either tank / tail bag are definitely better than a backpack IMO...you don't want anything strapped to you should something happen and gets very uncomfortable over longer distances and when the weather heats up.
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People ask me all the time if the tank bag gets in my way. Sometimes if it's not positioned quite right and I'm practicing figure 8's at full lock, it's a little awkward with my throttle hand right close to the tank. Otherwise, it's never in the way. I'm getting ready for a trip and making a strap/buckle combination to use an old tank bag as a tail bag and attach it to my saddlebags. My wife thought I would prefer that to the tank bag. I said no, I'll take them both. "I thought you wouldn't want that tank bag in your way for a long trip." I guess it looks it's in the way, but I've used a tank bag since the 80's and never worried about it. The PITA is carrying it for any distance when get off, but many of them are convertible into backpacks.
 
Weight on your back or not, hmmmmmmmm?

Tank bag every time. Backpacks seem to be the fashion now though. My magnetic bag never gets in the way, has a built in handle, clips to attach the included shoulder strap, and built in backpack straps. I have never used the backpack straps, never encountered a need.
 
Especially in the summer heat, and in traffic, back pack = back sweat.

My last bike had a top case which was really convenient -- but on the ZX I make due just fine with a tank bag.
 
I use both depending on what I am bringing.
My tank bag is only big enough for a 12 of cans :D
So when I have my lunch, shoes and rain gear or am hitting up the backroads on the way to work I use my backpack, if not its the tank bag.
Backpack has alot of weight on your lower back as well as some act like a small parachute on the highway on strong head winds again straining you lower back.
Daily use a tank bag and have the backpack for when the need arises.
 
What brand tank bag do you guys suggest? Does it matter? And the best place to pick one up? I'd prefer a store in the east end of the city.
 
flaminllama said:
What brand tank bag do you guys suggest? Does it matter? And the best place to pick one up? I'd prefer a store in the east end of the city.
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I had a Joe Rocket two part bag for several years - after a few repairs it finally was too much too fix. My current one is Rapid Transit Recon 19. http://www.rapid-transit.com/TankTailBags.htm

There are lots of good bags out there though.
 
Tankbag. Do you honestly want to risk wiping out and landing hard on your back wearing a backpack?
 
concern with magnetic tank bags is gotta be careful magnets don't pick up other stuff when you put it down,
cuz then when you attach to tank it could cause scratches etc..
 
Tankbag or tailbag, backpack as a last resort.

I've got a small bilt tailbag, picked it up on sale 2 years ago.
http://www.cyclegear.com/CycleGear/Accessories/Luggage/Tail-Bags/brand/BiLT/Tail-Bag/p/36656_60116
works great for odds and ends, raingear, camera.

And the older 2 pc Joe rocket tankbag I've had since 03. The only issue with the JR tankbag is when using both pieces it can block your speedometer or gps if the mount is low enough. And as mentioned, be careful when you put it down, the magnets will pick up little pebbles off the ground if your not careful.
 
Apollo95 said:
concern with magnetic tank bags is gotta be careful magnets don't pick up other stuff when you put it down,
cuz then when you attach to tank it could cause scratches etc..
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Yup! Got a nice scratch on my tank when I didn't see a paper clip that got stuck to the magnets....
 
Magnetic tank bag all the way.

I have two piece my wife gave me over 10 years ago. I rarely zip on the second section but if I do there's enough room for a weekend plus trip (if not camping).

As mentioned be careful where you lay it but I've used it on at least 4 or 5 different bikes and can't recall any scratches of note.

Lastly it's pretty cool to just rip it off at the gas station and plunk it on the seat to fill up. No doubt the cagers are wondering what the heck holds it in place. ( Safety straps? safety strap shmaftey strap)
 
Hands down the best accessory I have bought for my motorcycle has been my Ogio Tailbag. Anything is better than a backpack for commuting! I don't like the idea of the inevitable scratches that will come to my tank from using a tank-bag, so maybe I would consider a tank-bag that uses the gas-tank-ring attach method.
 
I use a backpack when commuting. Short trip. When touring, tankbag

Sent from my tablet using my paws
 
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