Tank Bag

[bradman]

Just off the cuff, you could electrify your own tank bag for about $10-15. All you really need is one of the 3-port cigarette lighter extension cords from Wally World or Auto Zone. Cut the male cigarette plug end off of it, stick on a powerlet connector or an SAE plug and then make an exit hole in the bag at a strategic location. You'll need the exit hole for your electronic audio cords and such anyway.
Where you'd really save $$ is in the bag itself. You can get a pretty nice, smaller tank bag for well less than $100. Take a look here: New Enough Since the primary idea is to carry your electronics in it, and only a few incidentals, you really don't want a great big bag anyway.

The one I am using on my VFR is a Yamaha Accessories magnetic mount, mini tank bag that I scored in the "Pay It Forward" thread. I can't remember what exactly I paid forward but, whatever it was, I wasn't using it any more.

Okay, I have a question about marking up the tank. I bought a Rapid Transit Recon 19 and really like it. Putting those super strong magnets on and taking them off the tank will probably scar up my tank. Any ideas on what you guys do? My bike isn't perfect and it is used, but I want to keep it in the very best condition possible.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hijack the thread.

You can put one of those clear tankslapper protection kits over your tank.

Or you can just figure it will get scratched eventually, be fairly careful when putting it on and off, and just not worry about it.

Thanks, I might just not worry about it. Thank you. I like the way you think. )

 

[blkredlinedrvr]

It depends on the size of the carry. Many jackets have inside breast pockets but will not hold a cannon. Several small 9mms & airweight 38s S&Ws are handy.

Glock 26

 

[JamesK]

Fred's idea is good and cheaper, however, if you wanted a cleaner look Powerlet has this kit for $25:

 

[Fred W]

Yes, those SAE bulkhead connectors are very sanitary. You'll still need to poke a hole in your bag for the audio cables, but that bulkhead connector can also be mounted in a dash panel for a neat install.

I recall The Axeman finding them available for much cheaper ($5) elsewhere. Here it is: Click, and ye shall find!

 

[JamesK]

Yes, those SAE bulkhead connectors are very sanitary. You'll still need to poke a hole in your bag for the audio cables, but that bulkhead connector can also be mounted in a dash panel for a neat install.

I recall The Axeman finding them available for much cheaper ($5) elsewhere. Here it is: Click, and ye shall find!

Nice find (re-discovery) Fred, I had not seen that thread before, but have bookmarked the site for future, thanks.

 

[Not a Biker]

i lay down some cleaner wax when ever i use my rapaidtransit 19 bag and have had no problems be sure to fold the magnet in when not in use to keep them clean

 

[HotRodZilla]

I use a Cortech Super Mini that I bought from MotoGearOutlet.com...A link to them is here:Click Me. The bag is small but carries a lot of stuff. I put stuff I want quick in there. Mostly lens cleaner, snacks and stuff I want quick access to. I keep my phone and expensive stuff on me.

FWIW, any "gun expert" that leaves his gun in a tank bag is not as much of an "expert" as he claims to be. As a matter of fact...anyone who claims to be a "gun expert" begs me to question their expertness.

If you wanna carry a gun and have it immediately accessable, carry it on you. Any place to carry a gun will not be over a "bony" area anyway as that would be uncomfortable in all circumstances. Over the soft areas guns are carried, I would be doubtful of any claimed increased injury. I figure if I'm sliding down the road off my bike, increased injury from my gun is the least of my worries. Besides...That's just one more level of protection between the road and me.

If you want your gun with you, but don't care about immediate access, carry it in a side bag, trunk, or something lockable. NEVER leave a firearm in something as easy to access or steal as a tank bag. I wouldn't just worry about theives, but curious kids may find something that could kill them. ALWAYS plan for the lowest common denominator.

 

[wheatonFJR]

I bet if I fired that gun, it would recoil and the barrel would hit me square between the eyes. Holy Crap!

 

[kman09]

<!--sizeo:3--><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->I always assumed that after selling my last bike with the tank bag that I would be buying another tank bag for the FJR but after riding it now for a while without one, I'm starting to reconsider. It's nice to not have to lug it around with me when we stop to eat or bathroom breaks. I do miss having everything easily accessible even while riding, however, we seemed to have adapted to riding without one. We have a big trip planned and it would be nice to have one for the camera, pistol, charger for the phone, etc. What do you guys do with your tank bag at stops? Shove into the saddlebag or topcase? Lug it around with you? Leave it on the bike? On our trip, if we fill our saddlebags and topcase with stuff, we will not have the option of shoving the tank bag in there. What say you?<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

 

[kman09]

I just sold my tank bag (cortech 14L)

I found it to be pain in the- every time you gas up.

Or should you stop somewhere and not want to lug it around.

I use one side case with a small six pack bag w/ water,wallet,phone etc,.

The other side case for helmet,and extra shirt etc,.

That same six pack bag has a strap that I can put under rear seat and lock seat.

no guns here are police will shoot first and ask ? later!

However I'm considering a Tail Bag by Axio..........

 

[user 6393]

Bike luggage is like ANY luggage. The more room you have, the more non-essential crap you lug around.

I use one side bag for clothes, the other for all my "tank bag stuff", like my camera, shield cleaner, hair brush, parking puck, blah blah blah

I just did a two week trip and didnt wear half the clothes I took, but did laundry a couple times along the way

anyone interested in buying a GIVI V46 and givi mounting rack color matched to 05 blue? It just sits and collects dust in the garage

 

[Old Michael]

... a GIVI V46 and givi mounting rack color matched to 05 blue?

Sounds hideous.

 

[user 6393]

... a GIVI V46 and givi mounting rack color matched to 05 blue?

Sounds hideous.

beats the view in your bathroom mirror every morning tho, don't it, toots?

 

[Old Michael]

... a GIVI V46 and givi mounting rack color matched to 05 blue?

Sounds hideous.

beats the view in your bathroom mirror every morning tho, don't it, toots?

Maybe. ...Just barely, though.

 

[user 6393]

... a GIVI V46 and givi mounting rack color matched to 05 blue?

Sounds hideous.

beats the view in your bathroom mirror every morning tho, don't it, toots?

Maybe. ...Just barely, though.

:turn:

 

[Bearly Flying]

"Maybe. ...Just barely, though."

Don't bring me into the conversation,,,,

 

[timk]

I only put rain suits and other relatively cheap stuff in my tankbag.

 

[user 6393]

"Maybe. ...Just barely, though."

Don't bring me into the conversation,,,,

well, if ya'd post a lil more often...................j'es sayin'



The FJ looks awesome, btw

 

[Spud]

I have a magnetic tankbag I really like. True-it's a pain when it's time to gas, and it's not doing my paint any favors. I leave it on until I get to my destination--keep a close eye on my bike when I do stop, but I usu. ride until I get wherever only stopping for gas and snacks.

As for guns, I have plenty but never carry one when riding. I just wear my Beretta, Ruger or Browning cap EVERYONE has guns where I'm usu riding (middle of nowhere western us), so why worry? This summer I was gassing up in Stanley, ID and this guy and his wife from Atlanta in a rental car were asking me how to get to "the nearest interstate" because some guy pulled up in the last town where they stopped in "a jeep with a MACHINE GUN mounted on the back!!!!" (as he almost hysterically put it).

 

[Monty]

I use a smaller magnetic tank bag for cell phone, camera, ipod, maps, ppk, gps and other small but expensive items. It goes with me whenever I stop and can't watch the bike like for a restroom break. OBD

Me, too. I use a small magnetic Icon Bag which is very easy to remove and reinstall. I do worry, however, about my helmet. Have a helmet lock but it's not all that sturdy.