GS Adventure Tank Bag Options

[Adventure170]

Does anyone have advice on a tank bag that will fit the R1200 GS Adventure considering it has the crossbar? Many have recommended the Chicane bag for the GS in this forum, but before I continue my research, would like to pursue this issue first.

Same question applies to the BMW brand GS tank bag.

Thanks

[dronning]

+1 on Chicane you can adjust the front strap to clear the cross bar. The BMW bag is no where near as good a bag and you can't move it back - I have both. The TT bag is very good I have seen them mounted, but they were backordered so I sprung for the Chicane and saved $125.

Dave

[Brainfry]

Dave,

Have you tried the BMW tank bag on your Adventure?... I've heard there are clearance problems when steering fully from left to right. Any other issues? I can't imagine they'd make a bag that wouldn't work with the GSA... unless it's just the same bag from the older years and they didn't allow for the cross bar.

So you'd go with the Chicane regardless?... Which one did you get?

Thanks,

Ben

[dronning]

Dave,

Have you tried the BMW tank bag on your Adventure?... I've heard there are clearance problems when steering fully from left to right. Any other issues? I can't imagine they'd make a bag that wouldn't work with the GSA... unless it's just the same bag from the older years and they didn't allow for the cross bar.

So you'd go with the Chicane regardless?... Which one did you get?

Thanks,

Ben

Ben,

Are you buying a GSAdv? selling the LT? I thought I saw your smuggler up for sale?

I bought the BMW bag 1st - the one made for the GS and it does hit the cross bar on the '06 GSA. I didn't like the bag, too big and no side pockets, not good in the rain. The sticky tape mounting method didn't hold well in hot weather. In '07 BMW actually moved the GSAdv cross bar higher so it might be better or it could be worse.

So, I bought the GS specific Chicane (I don't have the model #) I really like this bag. I guess the only drawback is if you are a map reader verses GPS when it's raining the rain cover covers up the map - as with all the Chicane bags - but it works too I have never had anything get wet using this bag. I put a longer front starp on it and have it moved back farther that most people might.

Oh and on the Chicane at full lock left you will honk the horn, scared the hell out of me the first time when I was backing it out of a parking spot.

I still have the BMW bag and will eventually sell it.


Dave

[Brainfry]

D-

Nope, not selling the LT, just looking to add a little more "adventure" to my current stable... ha, ha. I'm looking at on '07 GSA. Wonder if I'd have the same problem you do with your '06. How much would you want for the OEM bag?

Out of curiosity, why'd you get rid of the LT?...

Also, where'd you pick up the GSA? I'm looking at Moon in Monticello as well as Chicago BMW (where I've purchased 2 of my BMW's in the past).

Hope all's well and happy New Year!!!

Ben

[dronning]

After I got the GSA the LT got ZERO ride time. Kaye even liked the GSA better riding pillion. I just couldn't see her (the LT) sitting in the garage gathering dust she needed to be ridden.

I got the GSA from Leo's South they are only 2 miles from my house and Moon had 3 or 4 pre-sold when I asked I was #1 at Leo's - I got their only GSA with ABS.

$200 for the OEM bag hardly used.

Dave

[Brainfry]

Yeah, we'll see how my gf likes the GSA compared to the LT... I still love the LT. She does too. Used to have an 01 GS that I loved too, and traded it in on the LT. Funny how these things happen, huh? As of now, I plan on keeping it.

Incidentally, I bought the 01 GS from Leo's... they knocked 2k off the MSRP, but since haven't budged on ANYTHING, so I quit buying from them. Not crazy about the service dept. either. Did they work with you on a price for the GSA? I'm curious what they went for. Or did you trade the LT in on it?

If you don't mind, hold onto the tankbag. I might want to check it out.

B

[dronning]

No movement on price there were 2 people behind me - problem when you want to be 1st on the block. Truth is I wanted the bike for my Alaska trip last summer and decided to go with the GSA verses a used 12GS or 1150GSA.

I had no intention of selling the LT but after only putting 450 miles on the LT in 3 months and over 9,000 on the GSA during that same time it was time to sell it.

I am still holding my breath on the service dept., so far so good. I had Moon do the 12,000 on the LT and they did a great job at a very good price.

I bought a service contract from Leo's on the GSA something I don't normally do but if you put on alot of miles it's a great deal. I don't pay for anything but tires. All oil changes and service work is either covered by the warranty or the service contract. I have been getting my oil changed with filters every 2,500 miles (the minimum) for free.

Adventure170 - sorry for the hijack.

Dave

[Adventure170]

No worries Guys,

I sold my LT to buy the GSA. Loved the bike but it's a lot of bike to lug around unless you're doing primarily LD riding...mine was a combination. I definitely prefer the GSA. I'm on a military assignment away from my family so everything is one-up anyway.

Incidentally, if anyone still has their LT and is interested in a BakUp backrest or BMR flatbed luggage rack, let me know.

Thanks for the info on the tankbag. Sounds like the Chicane is the way to go. My GSA is an 07 and I am not aware of any change to the cross bar that would affect the clearance of the back...hence my earlier question.

Cheers,

Jon

[dronning]

My GSA is an 07 and I am not aware of any change to the cross bar that would affect the clearance of the back...hence my earlier question.

Cheers,

Jon

Jon,

They did change/move the crossbar on the '07, it's longer, that's why they had to relocate the fog light switch to on top of the bar clamp. On the '06's the switch was next to the mirror . I don't know if this makes bag clearance worse or better.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/gixxerbitch/IMGP0659.jpg


Dave