Tank bag suggestions?

[Hinermad]

What's a decent, but not terribly expensive, tank bag that will fit on a '78 GS750?

I have a cheap bag with magnets that I used on a different bike but it's too long for the 750. It either covers the gas cap or pokes me in the belly when I try to use it.

I don't need a lot of space, just room for my phone, some papers, and an EZ-Pass transponder. A clear map pocket would be nice too but isn't a necessity.

 

[Steve]

Several years ago, I got my first tank bag. Have seen several in use, but never had one of my own, so had no idea what to look for. I found one that appeared to be rather decent size, and had zippers that allowed some expansion. Now, having used it a few times, I think it's about the smallest I would consider. That said, it does cover the gas cap on my 850. Yes, it's a bit inconvenient, but not really that much of a problem. Main section is about 9x12, has pouches/pockets on sides and back, also has a zip-off pouch with a window for maps. "Normal" height is about 6", a zipper will allow another 2" or so of height.

.

 

[cowboyup3371]

I think just about every good sized bag will either cover the gas cap or hit you - at least that's been my experience. I kind of like it actually as I'll use it to brace against while I'm riding.

 

[Hinermad]

Thanks guys. I'll fiddle with the one I've got and see if I can find a comfortable position for it.

 

[storm 64]

I'd never put a Tank Bag on any of my motorcycles. I wouldn't want to risk scratching the paint. I gess if the finish is already poor it would be okay. I just never liked them from the beginning...

 

[aclaytonb]

Cyclegear had some tiny magnetic ones on sale for $20. Bilt brand though. It should hold a phone and an ezpass, maybe a wallet and some folded papers. They're going out of stock...may have to find it in store if you have one around.

I have their saddlebags.... literally not worth another dollar more than I paid ($40).

Might have trouble getting one that doesnt block the fuel cap though.

 

[earlfor]

I've been using the same River Road tank bag for some years, It's nice to have a quick and easy way to carry a few things without cluttering up the bike with a set of saddle bags. As for blocking the gas cap, I don't understand why that would be a concern. All you have to do with a magnetic bag is lift it up and move it back six inches to put gas in the tank. What's the big deal?

 

[earlfor]

I'd never put a Tank Bag on any of my motorcycles. I wouldn't want to risk scratching the paint. I gess if the finish is already poor it would be okay. I just never liked them from the beginning...

I've been using the same magnetic tank bag on the B12 since 05. It hasn't scratched the paint yet.

 

[gustovh]

I have been using a tank bag ever since I could lay my hands on one. All the important stuff goes in it, like tire gauge, compass, water, Pledge and a rag. This one goes from bike to bike.

V

 

[GSXR7ED]

Tank Bags are great...and can be nice to rest my chest on.


Ed

 

[Hinermad]

As for blocking the gas cap, I don't understand why that would be a concern. All you have to do with a magnetic bag is lift it up and move it back six inches to put gas in the tank. What's the big deal?

The one I have tried to blow off on the freeway once, so I wrap the strap around the front of the frame to help hold it down. But that makes it difficult to move it out of the way of the gas cap.

 

[lurch12_2000]

I've been using the same River Road tank bag for some years, It's nice to have a quick and easy way to carry a few things without cluttering up the bike with a set of saddle bags. As for blocking the gas cap, I don't understand why that would be a concern. All you have to do with a magnetic bag is lift it up and move it back six inches to put gas in the tank. What's the big deal?

I had a GS650E bike that liked to eat the foam underside of the mag tank bag when you mounted over the gas cap from fumes, but normally I mount those bags right over without issue. Other thing is if you're not careful when pulling bag away for fill-ups is if you let the magnets clank against the tank on re-positioning it. May scratch or leave a small ding. I never had expensive paint jobs to worry about.

 

[Hinermad]

I had a GS650E bike that liked to eat the foam underside of the mag tank bag when you mounted over the gas cap from fumes, but normally I mount those bags right over without issue. Other thing is if you're not careful when pulling bag away for fill-ups is if you let the magnets clank against the tank on re-positioning it. May scratch or leave a small ding. I never had expensive paint jobs to worry about.

I'll keep that in mind about gas fumes. The bag I have has some kind of vinyl on the bottom, so it'll probably turn gooey.

Paint isn't an issue. The bike still has a dent in the tank from where a previous owner dropped it on its side, and the rest of it looks like it had the same amount of care. It runs; that's all I wanted out of it.

Hmm. I wonder if turning the bag sideways will help.