Tank Bags Magnetic vs Strap Mount

[AethonFJR]

I have been trying to find a discussion on the pro’s and con’s of magnetic tank bags vs. strap mount tank bags.

Since I am sure there is NO over all consensus on this Forum…. . How does everyone weigh in on the virtues and demerits of each?

 

[Silent]

My experience with magnetic tank bags is they tend to scratch the tanks paint. I've used a magnetic on my Ninja for years and the tank shows it. I refuse to run one on the FJR, I use a GIVI V46 instead, and use a custom map case over the tank instead.

 

[AethonFJR]

My experience with magnetic tank bags is they tend to scratch the tanks paint. I've used a magnetic on my Ninja for years and the tank shows it. I refuse to run one on the FJR, I use a GIVI V46 instead, and use a custom map case over the tank instead.

I have the FJR Trunk, I just need more lugage room for longer trips.

Thanks for the heads up on the tank scratching..... Funny, that was my concern about strap mounted tank bags

 

[2WheelTiger]

I have both types. Everything scratches the tank. Magnetics do it where the magnets are. Strap types do it on the top of the tank and where the straps rub.

Personal advantage, magnetics. Easier to remove, easier to adjust on the road. They don't leave baseplates when you leave the bike.

I just keep the tank super clean and waxy so there's a little protection at the magnets. Same holds true for strap types except I use felt cloth underneath everything.

The other option is the contact-free Luggage Locker, but I'm currently experiencing minor product delivery issues with them. Will advise when it's finally resolved.

 

[stormrider]

I have a magnetic Cortech for around town and a Bigmak for everything else. I like the BIGMAK because it never touches the tank

 

[Capt. Bob]

Everything scratches the tank.

Zippers, belt buckles, riding gear,keys, bugs you name it. If it can come in contact with the tank, there is a good chance it will scratch the paint. You do the best you can to minimize but....

As far as flying off, I've used both styles (strap and magnet) and haven't had one let go....yet

 

[MartyA]

Everything scratches the tank.

I have a big Cortech magnetic, and we can't go across town without it. After 16,000 miles you will have to look real real close to find any scratches. I know eventually you will see where the magnets come in contact with the tank, but you can do a couple of things to minimize the scratching

When you remove the bag, lift the magnets straight up from the surface, don't let them drag.

When you have the bag off take a quick look at the magnet covered surfaces, see if a small particle has become attracted to magnets. There are many tiny bits of stuff on the road that are metallic - tiny pebbles and dust - that can get kicked up and land on the magnet. Brush any debris off the base.

When you load the bag load it first, then place it on the tank the same way you took it off. I hold the magnetic base away from the tank, position the bag and then lower the magnets onto the tank so I don't have to adjust the bag after it is attached. Same after a gas stop.

Removing the bag at every gas stop is probably the most wear / scratch opportunity, and a couple of seconds of attention can reduce and delay the eventual scratches.

 

[EffBee]

I have a magnetic Cortech for around town and a Bigmak for everything else. I like the BIGMAK because it never touches the tank

Amen on the Big Mak. I had one on my RT and now on my FJR. I've got it wired for power and have built an internal box with my Autocom in it, along with my XM radio and my V-1. The bag never touches the tank. And when I need to fill up, I just flip it forward and can top off without moving from my seat.

 

[FJRay]

I use a piece of perforated shelf liner under the magnetic tank bag and don't have any scratches since I started using it.

 

[Wanderer]

I got some nearly invisible, model-specific cut, clear plastic to cover the tank from Here

Search the forum, and you'll see there are a few people who don't like this product claiming it doesn't stick well (its held on by static). Mine was applied patiently to the exact letter of the instructions and I have had zero problems with mine.

Aside from the plastic, the biggest factor in tank scratches is care of storage and removal of the bag. I store my tank bag stuck to the refridgerator door when not in use, brush off the tank and magnet 'wings' before it goes on the bike and make sure they never slide. When I remove it I take a little care to pick each of the magnets straight up off the bike over a year and only one scratch due solely to my carelessness after a 900 mile day.

 

[2WheelTiger]

Saran wrap works too with magnetics. It's just thick enough to protect and thin enough to not interfere with the magnetic attraction.

I've looked at the Big Mak. Interesting, but the web site really sucks. Anybody have any reasonable pics of the product and the mount?

 

[AethonFJR]

I have both types. Everything scratches the tank. Magnetics do it where the magnets are. Strap types do it on the top of the tank and where the straps rub.
Personal advantage, magnetics. Easier to remove, easier to adjust on the road. They don't leave baseplates when you leave the bike.

I just keep the tank super clean and waxy so there's a little protection at the magnets. Same holds true for strap types except I use felt cloth underneath everything.

The other option is the contact-free Luggage Locker, but I'm currently experiencing minor product delivery issues with them. Will advise when it's finally resolved.

Do you think a very thin felt cloth underneath a magnetic mount would reduce the effectiveness of the magnet to the point that it would not stay stationary?

The Luggare Locker looks pretty small..... I will be interested in what your evaluation will be once you have received it.

 

[TILAM]

I've been using a Tank Bag for 13 years and with a bit of care you shouldn't end up with any scratches. I used one on my 92 FJ1200 for 90,000 miles and 10 years on practically every ride and the only scratch was when I dragged the bag off the tank without lifting the magnetic side flaps first. I usually just check the bottom before putting the bag on and keep the tank surface clean. Once you get used to the additional storage space you can't live without one. I admit I still enjoy the occasional "naked ride" though.

 

[Hit the Road Jack]

Until I got my FJR two years ago, I had used a variety of strap and buckle tankbags (Eclipse and TourMaster). Most worked fine, but the strong crosswinds I experience near Mojave wanted to send the bag off the side.

When I took delivery of my FJR, I ordered the magnetic FJR Euro tankbag and it works like a charm. Big too. I'm very pleased with the magnetic bag!

 

[AethonFJR]

Saran wrap works too with magnetics. It's just thick enough to protect and thin enough to not interfere with the magnetic attraction.
I've looked at the Big Mak. Interesting, but the web site really sucks. Anybody have any reasonable pics of the product and the mount?

Stormrider's post got me to the BigMak and I agree with you.... suckie website. Looks like a good idea, but they are rather proud of their products..... (easy $300 by the time you buy the big bag, the rain cover and a couple other accessories) I am like you, I would like to see some more pictures and get more info on the bag itself.

I also looked at the Tank Locker, but didn’t look like something that would suit my needs.

Definitely lots of good tips for magnetic units; id est: use, maintenance, substrata products, etc…..

From the postings, is appears that there is not a lot of support for strap mounted.

I am definitely down to deciding between the BigMak (provided I can find some good photos and additional information) and a magnetic…..

 

[AethonFJR]

Until I got my FJR two years ago, I had used a variety of strap and buckle tankbags (Eclipse and TourMaster). Most worked fine, but the strong crosswinds I experience near Mojave wanted to send the bag off the side.
When I took delivery of my FJR, I ordered the magnetic FJR Euro tankbag and it works like a charm. Big too. I'm very pleased with the magnetic bag!

Where did you get your FJR Euro bag?

I saw a post earlier that the FJR bags are no longer available. …… so I haven’t tried to locate one.

Until I got my FJR two years ago, I had used a variety of strap and buckle tankbags (Eclipse and TourMaster). Most worked fine, but the strong crosswinds I experience near Mojave wanted to send the bag off the side.
When I took delivery of my FJR, I ordered the magnetic FJR Euro tankbag and it works like a charm. Big too. I'm very pleased with the magnetic bag!

Where did you get your FJR Euro bag?

I saw a post earlier that the FJR bags are no longer available. …… so I haven’t tried to locate one.

 

[Hit the Road Jack]

FJR Goodies

That was almost two years ago. I too saw the posting several days ago that they're no longer available.

Too bad. It's a great fit and a great bag for the FJR.

 

[2WheelTiger]

Do you think a very thin felt cloth underneath a magnetic mount would reduce the effectiveness of the magnet to the point that it would not stay stationary?
The Luggare Locker looks pretty small..... I will be interested in what your evaluation will be once you have received it.

Felt underneath the magnets will render them useless.

I'm only waiting for Luggage Locker to deliver the FJR mount plate. I already have the tank bag and it's moderate sized. It just barely fits between me and the farkles / bars at full lock. LOTS of guys allow their tank bags to touch the controls at full left and right lock, but it's something I won't do.

My Luggage Locker is a relatively new acquisition. I got the bag used and am just waiting for the specific mount. Trouble is, they're not the most responsive company on the planet. It seems that the owner / designer operates so tightly he has trouble tracking orders and responding to customer questions about those orders. The whole thing has taken some three weeks so far and I still don't know the exact status. My last response from him said something like "I'm going to the factory tomorrow and your bag should be in that batch" or words to that effect. Trouble is, I didn't order a bag. One more week for USPS ground........

For what it's worth, I had to modify the L L tank bag itself to fit in the space I have for it. Conversations with L L confirmed that they will make the same FJR specific mod for an extra $10. They know about the space issue and the tank filler location. My ideas/concerns didn't surprise him at all.

Either way, I use a large Cortech Tank bag as a tail bag. I learned to dislike my Givi topcase on my 04 because of high speed weaving and what I called "geezer visuals of Gold Wing proportions" (personal taste). That's why the 06 has no topcase.

Bad pic of the Cortech in the ***** seat. Will try to post the Luggage Locker if I can ever get it mounted.

 

[Old Michael]

If I may meekly suggest - GIVI makes a very nice magnetic tank bag. Great zippers, great quality, detail, and no straps to deal with.

I don't worry about my tank that much. I got the bike to ride, and I'm sure it's gonna show some wear here and there. Gives it character.

That said, the only blemish on my tank is where my crotch has worn a dull spot near the seat. :blink:

I understand that Bustanut joker prefers a strap-on, but not sure he's talkin' tank bags. :lol:

Michael