Tank Bag

[Burnspot]

I have a large magnetic Cortech tank bag and a small one...I tend to just leave the larger bag on all the time and use the expansion zipper to increase the capacity as needed. I use the safety strap, wrapped around my stem-mounted RAM mount...the plastic clip hammers the tank all day long and is leaving some marks, but WTH, I'm riding and using the bike...it's not a museum piece. Probably don't need the strap, but I figure the first time I leave home without it will be the magical day when the bag flies off the bike for some weird reason.

Contents of the bag generally consist of a pen, flashlight, tire pressure gauge (one that talks), Swiss Army Knife, spare ear plugs, and my visor cleaning crap. Bag is perfectly sized to accommodate my morning purchases at the local convenience store on the way to work. On longer trips, the bag carries snacks, bottle of water, and my point and shoot camera attached with a lanyard. Bag comes off only when I stop for the night (longer trips) or leave the bike out of sight for any significant period of time.

They're a PITA sometimes, but the daily utility of a tank bag, for me, makes it worth the trouble.

 

[RPrice]

Like so many have said, I try not to leave anything very valuable in the bag, and usually leave it on the bike all day. I can't imagine not having that tank bag after using one for several years.

I carry a Walther PPK .380 Auto (a relatively small pistol) in a Galco shoulder holster, which also accommodates an extra magazine. Very hard to detect (that I'm wearing it) comfortable and light, doubt it would contribute to serious additional injury during a crash. Of course one could debate whether this pistol is adequate for armed confrontations but Hey, it worked for James Bond!

Also, should one actually need to deploy the handgun it is very accessible from the shoulder holster, and much less so from the tank bag. This is something to consider, I think!

I used to carry my Kimber .45 Auto in the tank bag, but then I really was obligated to take the tank bag with me whenever I left the bike. I like the Walther option much better.

 

[VTFJR13]

My problem is that I want one of those expensive electrified Bags Connection from Twisted Throttle for "only" $283.00 with shipping. The bag may be worth more than the contents.

This is the Bags connection tank bag I have. From Twistedthrottle. I added the powerlet plug kit like this one

https://www.powerlet.com/images/imageResizer.php?image_type=PRODPRIM&fileName=PTB-003_p_167_webl.jpg&maxWidth=600

That way I can plug in anything I want inside the tank bag. I love this set up and the bags are very good quality. They are pricey. I leave my tank bag on at rest stops or lunching stops. But will take it off over night. The nice thing is not everyone is going to know how to release this bag and get it off the bike.

 

[JR'SFJR]

For longer trips, I use a Cortech magnetic tank bag, which carries a netbook, camara, maps and other handy items used during the day. I use a corrugated rubber mat under the tank bag and tent-dry bag on the rear, to save the paint.