Tank VS saddle! Pros and Cons

[il_ragazzo]

I use my bike alot to go to work and school... and i generally carry ALOT of books... and a laptop... so looking for store age space...
i can put most of my books on the passenger seat with a net so it boils down to a pretty small space that i need to find for (2nd) tool kit , extra gloves , safty vest (bright orange!), dry rag, camera , and a bottle of water...

tank bags are nice looking and dont take up space that could be used by lane spliting, but can be stolen easly and get in the way of fueling...

saddle bags are tacky looking , take up space i could use to lane split ,but are harder to be ripped off the bike....

am i missing anything here?

it seems practicality and beauty are not in the same direction this time...
any one have any input?

94 600 (soon to be naked!)

[WyredHardware]

find a tank bag that has straps so you can wear it as a back pack

[il_ragazzo]

yeah sounds like a cool idea.... any one heard of a good brand?

[idphillips]

I have a Nelson Rigg tankbag. It came with a shoulder strap and works great. As far as refueling goes. I find that I just make sure the tank gets filled up on the few occasions that the bag isn't on there, but with a magnetic its not really as much of PITA anyways.

[il_ragazzo]

oh and will the magnets ruin my LP? how strong are they?

[brooder]

Magnetic tang bag is only easy to steal if you leave it on the bike. I have a Nelson Rigg bag and just take it with me. For some added protection, I wrap the carry straps around the neck of the frame. Works fine. When I park the bike, pop off the bag, sling it on your back, and go. I put my wife's laptop in it and didn't have any problems, but it was only for a few minutes, so I don't know what any length of time might do.

[StevieB]

I know there are seat bags that have shoulder straps, prob. tank bags, too. I suspect it is a myth that tank bags magnets damage PDA's, phones, laptops, etc., I have had no problems. If you have a metal tank, I find tank bags easy to put on and take off, hardly slow me down when fueling. I have three- one magnetic and two that strap on (Sprint ST has a plastic tank.) Only drawback is the bigger ones can get in the way a bit.

[steves]

What about some kind of locking top case? like a Givii?

[JZ67]

What about some kind of locking top case? like a Givii?

+1 it will protect your valuables in the case of rain where the textile tank bags won't. It is never in your way, easy to remove and carry with you (depending on model) and stores a ton of stuff.

[Alexanderr]

There is this:

http://www.newenoughhp.com/closeouts/luggage/nelson_rigg/cl650_expandable_motorcycle_tank_bag.html

[il_ragazzo]

Magnetic tang bag is only easy to steal if you leave it on the bike. I have a Nelson Rigg bag and just take it with me. For some added protection, I wrap the carry straps around the neck of the frame. Works fine. When I park the bike, pop off the bag, sling it on your back, and go. I put my wife's laptop in it and didn't have any problems, but it was only for a few minutes, so I don't know what any length of time might do.

I know there are seat bags that have shoulder straps, prob. tank bags, too. I suspect it is a myth that tank bags magnets damage PDA's, phones, laptops, etc., I have had no problems. If you have a metal tank, I find tank bags easy to put on and take off, hardly slow me down when fueling. I have three- one magnetic and two that strap on (Sprint ST has a plastic tank.) Only drawback is the bigger ones can get in the way a bit.

ok ill buy a magnetic one and see if it fries my lp ... and hopefully you guys are right...(i want a new laptop anyways)

What about some kind of locking top case? like a Givii?

givii is more exspensive then the bike!

[Bucks23]

yeah sounds like a cool idea.... any one heard of a good brand?

The Icon Urban tank bag converts to a book bag, actually looks like one too. Here's a video review

http://youtube.com/watch?v=shcFIvatcaM

[Alley_Kat]

I have a magnetic Cortec bag. I like it.
How big is your tankbag if you can fit a laptop in it??

[catfish]

there are little loops on the frame of my bike (Pre-98, just forward of the cross-member i think) that i use to strap my tank bag to since it doesn't have a good magnet. i've locked all kinds of stuff to those loops, actually...

most of the time my backpacks are most comfortable and easy to deal with. but a tank bag is the best for road trips or anywhere you need a phone/map easily

[yellow_kitty_kat]

Try some MOLLE or ALICE packs:

CLICKY!!