Tank Bag on Harley?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
I've posted several times about a tank bag. It is a must have item anytime I hit the road.
Absolutely love it.
What questions do you have about them?
Here is a copy from a recent post that may help:
I never travel without a tank bag and have one frequently on the bike locally.
I've used a tank bag for years my thoughts are:
Find a bag that has back-up straps in addition to magnets. Mine has a strap that loops around my handle bar riser and back to clip on the front of the bag. There is also a strap that loops around the frame between the tank and seat and goes up to clip on the back of the bag. They can blow off.... I had mine try to blow off on the interstate with a strong wind from my left and passing an oncoming truck.
Get a bag that is basically water resistant/proof. Some bags come with a built in rain cover that you can pull out from underneath the bag while you ride and is held on over the bag by an elastic strap. Get one that is rain resistant and has a cover.
Get a bag that can expand. The more you use the bag, the more uses you will find for it. It is amazing how much they can carry if it comes with a second zipper you can unzip and get another couple of inches of height.
My tank bag has become as much of a necessity as my saddle bags or t-bags when I travel. In fact I have left the t-bags at home or saddle bags off before but never my tank bag.
The bag I use was really pretty cheap and I've used the hell out of it in all weather over thousands of miles for years and is still in good shape. Shop around and find a good bag, you won't regret it.
Last note. Go buy a roll of rubber cabinet/drawer liner from Wal-Mart and cut a piece off to lay on your paint before throwing your bag on your tank. I do this and have never gotten a mark from the bag.
Absolutely love it.
What questions do you have about them?
Here is a copy from a recent post that may help:
I never travel without a tank bag and have one frequently on the bike locally.
I've used a tank bag for years my thoughts are:
Find a bag that has back-up straps in addition to magnets. Mine has a strap that loops around my handle bar riser and back to clip on the front of the bag. There is also a strap that loops around the frame between the tank and seat and goes up to clip on the back of the bag. They can blow off.... I had mine try to blow off on the interstate with a strong wind from my left and passing an oncoming truck.
Get a bag that is basically water resistant/proof. Some bags come with a built in rain cover that you can pull out from underneath the bag while you ride and is held on over the bag by an elastic strap. Get one that is rain resistant and has a cover.
Get a bag that can expand. The more you use the bag, the more uses you will find for it. It is amazing how much they can carry if it comes with a second zipper you can unzip and get another couple of inches of height.
My tank bag has become as much of a necessity as my saddle bags or t-bags when I travel. In fact I have left the t-bags at home or saddle bags off before but never my tank bag.
The bag I use was really pretty cheap and I've used the hell out of it in all weather over thousands of miles for years and is still in good shape. Shop around and find a good bag, you won't regret it.
Last note. Go buy a roll of rubber cabinet/drawer liner from Wal-Mart and cut a piece off to lay on your paint before throwing your bag on your tank. I do this and have never gotten a mark from the bag.
Last edited by Jonesee; May 5, 2015 at 06:46 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 25
From: Central Nebraska
Tank Bags are a yes
I was like you until recently and decided the good of a tank bag was too much to give up so I purchased a Kuryakyn Grancruise bag and have loved it ever since. It has magnets and straps, expandable with a rainfly and map view window.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 22
From: right down from the FloraBama
Picked up a small Cortech bag in '05.
I only use the magnets, didn't find the straps necessary behind a windshield.
Very handy for essentials that need to be handy.
But be careful, magnets and dirt can lead to paint scratches.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: south bend, IN
thanks
I am heading out Monday. I ordered one through Amazon prime / 2 day and JUST now am getting back to reading these! But THANK YOU so much. That was a very kind offer! dan Now to get the wife to keep about 3/4 of her stuff at home......
In 2007 I did a cross country trip on my 2006 FLHX. I am not sure where I got it but I used a magnetic tank bag I found on the web, it was made for the Street Glide and had a recess for the tank chrome. It had a clear front pouch for maps. It worked great and I did not care what anyone thought. It did "mar" the paint a little but I was able to polish it out.
I have it somewhere in my garage, I only used it once for about 7000 miles, I am not sure what you ride or when you are going but if I can find it and you pay postage back and forth I would be willing to let you use it. Just LMK.
Safe ride..
I have it somewhere in my garage, I only used it once for about 7000 miles, I am not sure what you ride or when you are going but if I can find it and you pay postage back and forth I would be willing to let you use it. Just LMK.
Safe ride..
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: south bend, IN
bag behind windshield
saw that. any better pic? What is it? How is it attached? I "did" ruffle through and find an old middle type windshield bag. I attached IT. It does not fit real good as it is JUST too wide for the two vertical braces. if it were wider it'df be ok, or a little narrower, but it is like 1/2 an inch. Oh well, I will take it off after trip anyway!
saw that. any better pic? What is it? How is it attached? I "did" ruffle through and find an old middle type windshield bag. I attached IT. It does not fit real good as it is JUST too wide for the two vertical braces. if it were wider it'df be ok, or a little narrower, but it is like 1/2 an inch. Oh well, I will take it off after trip anyway!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 22
From: right down from the FloraBama
saw that. any better pic? What is it? How is it attached? I "did" ruffle through and find an old middle type windshield bag. I attached IT. It does not fit real good as it is JUST too wide for the two vertical braces. if it were wider it'df be ok, or a little narrower, but it is like 1/2 an inch. Oh well, I will take it off after trip anyway!
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