Which Tankbag on YOUR RT?

[BCVBeck]

Greetings All! :wave

Am really curious which tankbag is most popular with the RT riders on this forum. Any inputs are greatly appreciated. (Incidentally, I DID search the forum for this poll subject but didn't find anything)

[ckatopodis]

Cortech Super-mini.

[PlaneGeek]

Wunderlich Tank Bag (http://www.wunderlichamerica.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WA&Product_Code=8500245&Category_Code=R1200RT-L), great value for half the price of the OEM bag. Easy to install and works great! :wave

[DaveRT]

Had the larger tourtech bag. Now have the smaller one. Tourtech "Flat Bag" fits better. Does not obstruct view of GPS. Off and on for gas is easy. Fits my video and SLR size camera with lenz. Holds all my other stuff, glasses, cleaners, tape, batteries, SD cards, gloves. Big for me is that it doesn't his the horn button when at full lock, and does not rub on my belly like the large one did.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x234/Dave1200RT/tankbag1.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x234/Dave1200RT/tankbag2.jpg

[BCVBeck]

DaveRT,

Thanks for those awesome photos. The Touratech bag looks pretty nice. I presume there is some sort of map holder that attaches to the velcro on the top? Cheers!

[DaveRT]

DaveRT,

Thanks for those awesome photos. The Touratech bag looks pretty nice. I presume there is some sort of map holder that attaches to the velcro on the top? Cheers!
Yes, it comes with the map holder that attaches to the velcro. I also got the optional rain cover that goes over the outside and has a clear top. The large bag comes with a water proof bag that goes inside the tank bag. I did not like it. Took up way to much room and was a PITA. This is a pic of the front bag mount, base mounts on the tank rails.http://www.touratech-usa.com/shop/show.lasso?sku=055-1154&-session=touratech:C67340140f1711B33Fjhh25CDEBB
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x234/Dave1200RT/zumotankmount.jpg

[R1200RG]

I've pretty much stuck with Marsee tank bags on the several motorcycles I've owned but for the RT there was no Marsee that fit it well. I went with the Bags Connection "City" bag from Twisted Throttle. The bag fits the shape of the tank perfectly, allows the handle bars to turn lock to lock, and comes with a cool quick disconnect mounting feature so no straps to mar the paint. It also has outer pockets, a rain cover, and a pocket with a cable pass through for my ipod. Far superior to the BMW bag in terms of features and day to day usability. And it's 175.00 instead of 350.00. That's my 2 cents on the subject. :bmw:

[OU812]

None. I have my cheapo Magellan GPS suction cupped to the lid. :wave

[BCVBeck]

Greetings All,

It would appear that the BMW Tankbag is the most popular tankbag. Hind sight being 20/20, I wish I had done a bit more research to offer a few more actual choices. For me, I am torn between the conveinence of the BMW attachment system and the functionality of the RKA tankbag (especially the price!) Soooo.... RKA users, which features, besides cost, do you like about your tankbags the most?

Cheers!

[keith1]

I have the Marsee Pocket Rocket 20L tank bag which they no longer make. Works like a champ. Plenty of room and can be expanded.

[RTST]

Bruce
Both my wife and I are using RKA bags (they are the ones set up for communication). We like them very much and can be expanded when needed. I had the BMW tank bag for my RT and thought it a very well thought out way to waste $350. The mounting system is a great idea but the bag is just a large space with no way to organize it, it just sorta mixes everything up when you put it in there. Mounting a better thought out case on the mount might be a good way to go but then you are getting about $500 into a tank bag.
Larry

[eng943]

Greetings All,

It would appear that the BMW Tankbag is the most popular tankbag. Hind sight being 20/20, I wish I had done a bit more research to offer a few more actual choices. For me, I am torn between the conveinence of the BMW attachment system and the functionality of the RKA tankbag (especially the price!) Soooo.... RKA users, which features, besides cost, do you like about your tankbags the most?

Cheers!

I have the RKA 16l bag. It is expandable, but low profile when not expanded. Thus I have a clear view to my GPS.

Previously, I had the BMW bag, and although the attachment mechanism cannot be beat for convenience, it was just too big.

What I may eventually do is find a cheap used BMW bag and transfer the mounting structure to the RKA. Honestly though, unbuckling a couple straps a couple times a day is no great hardship.

[yngvis]

We prefer the original bag as you can see! :wave

This little fellow: - Doggie Bjefferman, - named after the King of Queens. ("Bjeffe" means "bark" in Norwegian) enjoys the soft padding in the base, watertight and stylish!

I bought the bag and the liners for the cases when the bike was new, and thus the cost was hidden for me in a way...
The only thing I miss about it is that it doesn't double as a shoulder bag.

[lafiredr]

A lot of folks don't seem to like the BMW tank bag. I seem to remember paying less than $150 for it when I bought the bike. I love how it works with the rack. If it gets worn out(i don't use it very often) I'll keep the base and attatch some other bag to it.
:D :bmw:

[BCVBeck]

RKA Update.

Ordered the RKA 16L Tankbag yesterday. Just showed up about 15 minutes ago. Now THAT is service! Kudos to the nice folks at RKA! I really needed this unit for a trip I'm making tomorrow afternoon. THANKS!!!!

Initial impression:

- Outstanding craftsmanship.
- Like the split main compartment.
- Looks like I will adjust it so that it sits fairly far back on the tank as I am NOT using handlebar risers. Looks like the radio volume knob is going to hit the tank bag when slow steering to the left or counter steering right. I'm thinking to leave my frog toggs in the top compartment (i.e. expanded) so it may be a non issue as the expansion material seems very pliable.
-Bottom of the bag and buckle pads are REALLY soft and should not mar the paint in any way.

Can hardly wait to get out on the road! Thanks again RKA!

Cheers!

[dkjkwood]

I had RKA build a communications bag for me. It came with a Garmin Zumo 550, Starcom1, 12 volt outlet, outlet for my Gerbings heated gear. Long story short, I love it, GPS, phone, satelite radio, books on tape. Sweet....

Richard was great to work with, 2 days after explaining what I wanted, he had built it and shipped it to me. I'm pretty picky, no complaints here...

[BCVBeck]

Greetings All,

FWIW, I ended up returning the 16L tank bag in exchange for the 8.5L version. For me, the smaller bag is a better fit. On the 16L, with it adjusted as far back as I could get it to go, I managed to switch off the ASC several times. On the smaller bag, I've only changed the channel on the radio once and that was when I was riding the "box" (Range Exercise 10 if you are taking notes). At any rate, doing business with Richard and Kathy was a great experience. Have a great weekend!

[rglassma]

I use the BMW tank bag on my '05. I got it for a price I couldn't refuse 2nd hand. I just wish it had some method that we could use to lock it to the bike..

[Harleyujoe]

I have BMW Tankbag and really like it.
You can really pack a lot of things into it..
My only wish is that it pivited so that you do not have
to remove it when refilling tank..
I may this winter look into making it do just that .
And never having a tankbag before this and putting map into
clear shield on tankbag now have to make a magnifier for my helmet
shield so that I can read map...
Thinking about welding magnifiers and attaching to bike helmet..
Joe

[etracey]

Hi just another happy RKA customer chiming in. After reading this thread, I researched the RKA bags and ordered a 16 two days ago. It was at my home today! This product is well made and will undoubtedly last for years. It is made to store and organize all of your stuff, not a bag to just throw things in.

My only concern is that it may be a bit big and make sharp turns will hit a button or two. We will see!

This cost a fraction of what BMW wants to charge for theirs. Ok, I will need 5 seconds to unbuckle three straps. I will make it up on the road! :histerica

Go RKA! You guys rock.

Ed

[ChrisO83]

I have the BMW tank bag and I'm very happy with it. The only other tank bags I have used are the kind that need to be "strapped" to the tank. :mad: The BMW works great with the mounting bracket but, as said above, it would be nice to have a built in locking mechanism.

ChrisO

[keith1]

I have the Marsee 19L Pocket Rocket quick release system which Marsee no longer makes. Bummer. It is low profile which enables you to see all of the instrumentation. It works very well for me.

[Tracus]

I missed the poll, but here's my two cents. I've had the stock BMW tankbag on my '06 RT for less than two years and in plain English, it's overpriced and undermade. The clear plastic for the map case has turned the color of old parchment and is beginning to develop a plethora of pin holes, the main zipper no longer keeps its grip and has a tendency to open of its own accord and the main seam on the front (nearest the driver) is starting to let go. The bike is garage kept and the bag, although used a lot, is never overloaded. I had a stock bag on my '02 RS and it still looked new after 5 years.

I took the bag to my shop and its being replaced under warranty.

Sorry BMW, but when I pay serious moolah for equipment, I expect serious quality and workmanship.