Tank bag
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
One thing I used to do on my Sporty was to take a dry erase marker and mark major turns on the inside of the windshield. Clear windshield, wrote turns (ex R exit 98) then would wipe off with my thumb. For those of you with a clear windshield may want to consider that. Also my tank bag has a clear top panel that I can place map or route sheet in and can visually see it when riding. I do not get into the bag for anything when moving. But that's me.....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,243
Likes: 3,267
From: west Michigan
I used a tank bag on my Airhead Beemer for several years for solo and two up touring. I think they're great but not really practical for bikes with gas tank mounted instruments. You might be able to find a small tank bag that will fit behind the ignition switch and speedo.
I have a windshield bag on my Road King.
I have a windshield bag on my Road King.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 653
From: Atlantic Canada, eh
I know where you can get some free magnets for your tank bag,. (may smell like gas)
Cross thread points !
Sorry OP--no help (I know, I know) ;-) I wouldn't ever use one - be scared of marking up the paint on the best looking part of my bike.
Good luck (seriously)
Cross thread points !
Sorry OP--no help (I know, I know) ;-) I wouldn't ever use one - be scared of marking up the paint on the best looking part of my bike.
Good luck (seriously)
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,556
Likes: 1,846
From: Albuquerque, NM
I did a search of the forums and didn't find anything of value.
Anyone use a tank bag for long rides?
Are they more trouble than they are worth?
I don't want anything to obscure my Heritage dash.
I've seen some reviews on a Nelson-Rigg NR-150,
Seems like a decent bag that will allow for my Heritage dash to still be visible.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1
Anyone use a tank bag for long rides?
Are they more trouble than they are worth?
I don't want anything to obscure my Heritage dash.
I've seen some reviews on a Nelson-Rigg NR-150,
Seems like a decent bag that will allow for my Heritage dash to still be visible.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1
"More trouble than they are worth?" They work for me, but I don't try to put things in or take things out while riding. If that's your goal, you may find them more trouble than they're worth.
Good luck with whatever you do.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
When I rode metric sport bikes I used a tank bag. With a Harley-Davidson, the tank bag doesnt play nice with the tank mounted instrument panel so I dont anymore. If I needed some up front storage, Id use a windshield bag.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 63
Likes: 36
From: Spring Grove, IL
I've used tank bags on several bikes, including my Sportster and Vrod Muscle. I've found them handy for any number of items that I like to have access to without having to get off the bike. I don't currently have one on my Road Glide because I haven't found one that fits well and leaves me room for me. I'm still looking, though.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 912
From: Omaha
Yes, I've used one for long rides. I wouldn't want to access it while riding at 80mph. In order to keep your speedometer and warning lights visible on the tank console, you have to mount the bag down low on the tank, close to the seat. So if you want to get things out of it while riding, you have to look pretty much straight down, taking your eyes off the road much more than you do when glancing at the speedometer.
"More trouble than they are worth?" They work for me, but I don't try to put things in or take things out while riding. If that's your goal, you may find them more trouble than they're worth.
Good luck with whatever you do.
"More trouble than they are worth?" They work for me, but I don't try to put things in or take things out while riding. If that's your goal, you may find them more trouble than they're worth.
Good luck with whatever you do.
Looks like a tank bag is not in my future
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,556
Likes: 1,846
From: Albuquerque, NM
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 278
Likes: 244
From: AZ
Check out the YouTube channel Two Wheels Big Life. In a recent posting the husband put a nice tank bag on his HD. Nice bag with soft underside and magnets. Not too big. I just watched it last week so its a pretty recent post.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 455
Likes: 134
From: Martinsburg, WV
I use one for my Iron Butt rides to carry power bars, energy shots, aspirin, Motrin etc... It is easy to grab something out of it and consume while moving safely. I will also put a written route map for reference at fuel stops so I can check my pace. When I get to where I am going most of the time it ends up in the saddlebag or trunk.