R1200RT BMW Tank Bag

13486 Views 25 Replies 20 Participants Last post by Sleuth, May 29, 2012

tbuckli

Discussion Starter · May 21, 2012

So what are your thoughts? Bag too big? Does it interfere with turning the handlebars? Does it attach and remove easily? Did you have the separate bag (vario)insert to get multiple compartments?

1 - 20 of 26 Posts

lkchris

· #2 · May 21, 2012

Can't think of any reason for the compartment insert.

Bag is best I've ever had--removes with just a squeeze of button, easiest ever. (Well I once had a magnetic bag that removed as easily, including by itself while riding--not a problem with this one)

Doesn't interfere with bars--it's made for the bike, after all.

Height is adjustable.

If you mount your Navigator IV in center of handlebars you may not be able to see it with bag installed ... especially if adjusted to tallest height.

bikebits

· #3 · May 21, 2012

tbuckli said:
So what are your thoughts? Bag too big? Does it interfere with turning the handlebars? Does it attach and remove easily? Did you have the separate bag (vario)insert to get multiple compartments?

Good capacity, absolutely no interference with the controls, the best mounting system of any tank bag ever. Literally set it in place to attach it, grab the handle and touch a tab to remove it.

I use dollar store pouches to sort/separate contents.

Lopaca

· #4 · May 21, 2012

Bag too big? Absolutely Not - was a godsend on my Alaska ride

Does it interfere with turning the handlebars? - no

Does it attach and remove easily? - are you kidding - have you tried one?

Did you have the separate bag (vario)insert to get multiple compartments? no -

It's a great bag - but in all honesty, I do have a smaller bag that I mounted onto a baseplate (I just love how easy it goes on and comes off) for day rides - which are rare for me. It's pricey though.

ka5ysy

· #5 · May 21, 2012

Lopaca said:
Bag too big? Absolutely Not - was a godsend on my Alaska ride

Does it interfere with turning the handlebars? - no

Does it attach and remove easily? - are you kidding - have you tried one?

Did you have the separate bag (vario)insert to get multiple compartments? no -

It's a great bag - but in all honesty, I do have a smaller bag that I mounted onto a baseplate (I just love how easy it goes on and comes off) for day rides - which are rare for me. It's pricey though.

Where did you get the base plate? Is there a part number ? TIA

Lopaca

· #6 · May 21, 2012

ka5ysy said:
Where did you get the base plate? Is there a part number ? TIA

I bought a used one Ebay and took off the bag - took about 10 minutes. Then mounted a smaller bag in its place.

AntRT

· #7 · May 21, 2012

I bought the soft tail bag. Fits right on the luggage tray straps down with ease, well worth the money imho.

http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=71802

05Train

· #8 · May 21, 2012

It's awesome, and I miss it's ease of removal on the GS/A. I still have mine if anyone's interested.

Sleuth

· #9 · May 22, 2012

I bought my BMW Tank bag last year, and I find it to be fantastic. This is the case especially when I go touring. It does not have any effect on the handlebars, especially the horn, at either of the full locks.

As for ease in getting on/off - you wonder if it is secure because it is so easy to mount / dismount. I wish more bikes had this sort of railing.

The only physical downside is: I mount the bike while she is on the centre stand, then push her off the centre stand. This is a little harder when there is a tank bag.

As has been said it is expensive, but I think it is better than the others because of the mounting system.

Tracus

· #10 · May 22, 2012

No major complaints on mine. I wish there was a clear rain cover since the zippers and drawstring closure aren't that effective for rain protection. (Most of the stuff inside is in waterproof containers anyway.) Occasionally when turning the handlebars full left, the bag hits the volume control and changes my radio station. After 5 years, there is some discoloration on the map case window. I have been told that using a UV protection cleaner for vinyl products can help prevent/reduce this. Overall, I rate it 8 out of 10. (Yeah, it is pricey.)

twkBMW

· #11 · May 22, 2012

I like the bag, I use it for day rides and leave the top case and side bags off. I can fit a jogging suit in the bag to use under my gear so I am coverd from about the 60's to 100+ degrees.

The only issue that I have is that the bag does not lock or lock on the bike, so I wind up carrying it with me because I do nto want to leave a $300 bag (made in China :wtf: ) on my bike My friends call it my purse.

Lopaca

· #12 · May 22, 2012

Tracus said:
I wish there was a clear rain cover since the zippers and drawstring closure aren't that effective for rain protection.

I agree - I bought a wolfman rain cover for their big tank bag - I keep it folded up in insice top flap zippered pocket - works great! ($16.99 on their website)

racer7

· #13 · May 22, 2012

Good bag as noted by previous posters.
I electrified mine with power from the accessory outlet and fitted it with a power out so can use just a short cord from my heated jacket to it.

It has a waterproof internal liner with a drawstring closure and snap attachment that if used correctly will prevent rain from getting at contents though some moisture gets into the map pocket in heaviest weather and a bit can seep in through the zipper and make a small puddle on top of the linner (snaping it to the bag lid using the provided snap ensures the water rolls out rather than in when the bag is opened). Plastic is poor quality- gets cloudy and discolored too easily - any US boat curtain vinyl is 10X better

No need for adding compartments. I use some small zip mesh bags that came with some accessory to segregate cords, chargers, etc from the water bottle in the bag (that supplements my camelback in hottest weather but is the only water on board in cooler weather)..Mine also carries my camera, a pair of small binoculars, munchies like trail mix, an assortment of maps in a ziplock bag on the underside of the lid, etc.

It does obstruct my Zumo mounted in the factory location unless I tilt it up and lean forwad but then it catches too much sunlight.

No problems with it so far other than window discoloration..

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Moondew

· #14 · May 23, 2012

My OEM RT tankbag has started to ravel at the edges and show wear signs as well as the map window is yellowing badly. At the price of a new one, forget it. I really like the ease of removal/ use though.

I'm in the process of a conversion taking the RT base/frame and attaching another tankbag to it. I'll see how it works out.

BlackDenis

· #15 · May 23, 2012

I have fitted my tank bag with a Pelican Case foam insert so that all of my camera gear is at my finger tips. Nikon D5100 with 300mm zoom lens, 28-50 mm wideangle zoom, Olympus TG810, battery chargers for both, Spot GPS Messenger.
I don't have to take my helmet or gloves off to get a picture.

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patsmith

· #16 · May 24, 2012

I have a tank bag and the rear bag also. Tons of storage with both of them

patsmith

· #17 · May 24, 2012

I have the eom tank bag and the rear bag like AntRt pointed out. With both of them I have removed the rear bags for my everyday riding. Actually for most everyday riding I just use the rear bag. The only knock on the rear bag is that once it is removed the straps will beat up the rack. I kind of wish it had a mount system like the tank bag, tho I am sure it would add to the price.

Tracus

· #18 · May 24, 2012

Lopaca said:
I agree - I bought a wolfman rain cover for their big tank bag - I keep it folded up in insice top flap zippered pocket - works great! ($16.99 on their website)

Thanks for the reference. I looked at their site and did not find a picture of the tank bag rain cover. Is it a solid material or clear plastic? My original tank bag for an R1150RS had a clear rain cover, not unlike an industrial strength shower cap.

loboheritage

· #19 · May 24, 2012

when not traveling cross country, I don't use my panniers or top case. I use a T-Bag rollbag attached to my Russell backrest. works great.

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Lopaca

· #20 · May 24, 2012

Tracus said:
Thanks for the reference. I looked at their site and did not find a picture of the tank bag rain cover. Is it a solid material or clear plastic? My original tank bag for an R1150RS had a clear rain cover, not unlike an industrial strength shower cap.

The one I bought, a couple of years ago has a clear plastic top - it is not a perfect fit (runs a bit loose), but it works and has never flown off. Give them a call, they are really great to work with and will probably give you the dimensions and maybe a photo. If you like I can get one and send it to you.

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