Let's see the tank bags

[Bussp]

I'm looking for a new tank bag for my 94R11RS. Needs to have enough space to pack my lunch for work commuting, and possibly a laptop in a padded sleeve. Don't want one that is so big that you can't see the instruments anymore. Also needs to come of easily for refueling.

Any suggestions and/or pictures are appreciated.

[TheRoss]

I just ordered a Big Mak bag to replace my Marsee. The Marsee Tear Drop bag was big and worked well, but I got real tired of jacking with the straps and buckles when buying gas. On Iron Butt rides it is too much trouble. A couple of guys I ride with have Big Mak bags and love them. They are the kind that mount on your gas tank filler ring and hing forward when you need gas. No straps or buckles and it won't scratch your paint. Maybe someone else here who has personally used one for a while will chime in with a review.

[lseidman]

I just ordered a Big Mak bag to replace my Marsee. The Marsee Tear Drop bag was big and worked well, but I got real tired of jacking with the straps and buckles when buying gas. On Iron Butt rides it is too much trouble. A couple of guys I ride with have Big Mak bags and love them. They are the kind that mount on your gas tank filler ring and hing forward when you need gas. No straps or buckles and it won't scratch your paint. Maybe someone else here who has personally used one for a while will chime in with a review.

Not sure if the Big Mak will hold a laptop but I'm real happy with mine. Only problem with the Big Mak is if you have an accessory shelf mounted acrross your instuments panel and it has some protruding arms and device connected (like a small gps)...it may prevent the Big Mak from staying in the lift-up position for refueling. I just slide my bag off the Big Mak swinging platen when refueling. It is still much easier than dealing with straps.

[airhead78]

Not sure about laptop, although I think it is one of the wider ones in the market. My favorite, but pricey for the whole set up: Bagster system (tank cover and tank bag). Bonus: may find a set up to match the color of your bike.

[alien_hitchhiker]

I too hate messing with straps. I used a Big Mac for a couple years but never really cared for it - though it is supremely functional.

Anyway, here's my current solution, a modified Marsee:

[alien_hitchhiker]

Another view, in the 'up' position. The snaps are riveted to a self adhesive furniture bumper from the local big box home store. Same with the round furniture glides.

[patiodadio]

I have the BMW OEM Tank Bag and really like it. Its not cheap but it is a very well made bag and I have used it a lot.
I also have a Chase-Harper tank bag and a new Cortech Mag 18 Liter tank bag. I use them on different bikes and I like them all but for my R1100 RS the BMW tank bag is perfect. Sometimes you can find them on E-bay and at the used BMW parts places like Re-Psycle (a really cool bike shop by the way).:)

[DPeakMD]

Love the BigMak. Easy to tilt up and refuel. I got the big one to be able to pack and then carry it into work with me. Holds all the stuff I need. Might hold a smaller laptop, not sure.

It's great when touring, too. Main compartment will hold a water bladder. The map pocket's also handy for iPod, iPhone, GDO and alarm remote for the daily commute. The side mesh side pocket stows the parking garage pass for work or a bike-to-bike radio. Very versatile setup.

The plastic platen is a little flimsy. Some people I've seen reinforce it with metal. I think Big Mak also sells a metal one. Personally, I've never had a problem with it not being stiff enough.

You'll need the rain cover to keep things dry in a heavier rain.

[CHRISM]

I have three bikes...R1200C, R11RT (at this time it's really being held for my son who's moving back to Oregon one day soon) and R12RT. I purchased Big MAK setups for each bike, and wouldn't have anything else. Fueling is effortless (just lift up the platen and the bag together), and removing the bag is just as easy...lift up, release the velcro tab, slide it off the platen and carry it away by the convenient carry loop. With each bike I acquired a different size, so I have small, medium and large, so I can choose the size I'll need on a given trip.


One caveat: Do not purchase the plastic platen....it flexes too much. The aluminum platen is better, but on my RT (where the large bag is frequently used and heavily loaded) even that tended to bend a little. After switching it over (bottom on top, top on bottom, to reverse the curve) several time, I added a little reinforcement.

[OfficerImpersonator]

I love my Big Mak bag.

The first bag I received had some stitching come apart almost immediately. I had purchased mine directly from Mark, and he was embarrassed to hear of a workmanship issue. He sent me a new one immediately and asked that I return the defective one using the same packaging. I didn't have to return the unit to get a new one first. I thought that was pretty cool.

It's amazing how much the big bag holds. I got the clear "box" that attaches to the top to hold maps, cell phones, iPod, etc. The big compartment underneath holds the digital SLR and a couple of extra lenses.

Highly recommended product!

[OfficerImpersonator]

I love my Big Mak bag.

http://dvandkq.net/images/20070929-008.jpg

The first bag I received had some stitching come apart almost immediately. I had purchased mine directly from Mark, and he was embarrassed to hear of a workmanship issue. He sent me a new one immediately and asked that I return the defective one using the same packaging. I didn't have to return the unit to get a new one first. I thought that was pretty cool.

It's amazing how much the big bag holds. I got the clear "box" that attaches to the top to hold maps, cell phones, iPod, etc. The big compartment underneath holds the digital SLR and a couple of extra lenses.

Highly recommended product!

[BumbleBee]

I'm looking for a new tank bag for my 94R11RS. Needs to have enough space to pack my lunch for work commuting, and possibly a laptop in a padded sleeve. Don't want one that is so big that you can't see the instruments anymore. Also needs to come of easily for refueling.

Any suggestions and/or pictures are appreciated.

Hi Bussp: This is my first post to the forum. I have a couple of Bags-connection bags and the SW-mototech(?) bracket which attaches to the ring around the gas filler. I love the bags and the ease with which they come off the bracket for fueling up. You can see the wide selection of bags at Twisted Throttle. The site will also let you know which ones will best fit your bike.
Wishing you all the best in your search.

[m0rbid45]

I just ordered the Rapid Transit Abrams and Bradley to see which one I will like and will put the other on the girlfriends bike.. For the cost I figured I could not go too wrong.

http://www.newenoughhp.com/closeouts/luggage/rapid_transit/bradley_strap_mount_tank_bag.html

http://www.newenoughhp.com/closeouts/luggage/rapid_transit/abrams_strap_mount_tank_bag.html

[GSAddict]

Tess likes the BMW OE bag :whistle

[r11rs94]

I love my Big Mak bag.

The first bag I received had some stitching come apart almost immediately. I had purchased mine directly from Mark, and he was embarrassed to hear of a workmanship issue. He sent me a new one immediately and asked that I return the defective one using the same packaging. I didn't have to return the unit to get a new one first. I thought that was pretty cool.

It's amazing how much the big bag holds. I got the clear "box" that attaches to the top to hold maps, cell phones, iPod, etc. The big compartment underneath holds the digital SLR and a couple of extra lenses.

Highly recommended product!

+1 :thumb There is no bag period that is easier to use when filling up. I had 2 brackets, one for each bike and 2 size bags. To switch from one bike to another takes about 10 seconds.

[BubbaZanetti]

another big mak fan

they're ugly as sin and sit up high, but man are they convenient.

i powered mine and used it as a gps mount:

http://bubbazanetti.smugmug.com/photos/155395330_Y2Nig-M.jpg
(don't make fun of the ancient MP3 VCR)

http://bubbazanetti.smugmug.com/photos/155395383_8dCGY-M.jpg

GPS, MP3, Satellite Radio with a 4 input amp (with remote volume control outside bag) and a fuse block. all audio is routed through the amp and the gps talks over the music source. i think i'll probably miss this bag more than the bike when i sell it, might try to mount it on the new machine. i just drilled the gps base through the top of the bag with longer screws. the sat radio and antenna are just velcroed. this setup has worked well and although it bounces a tad, i haven't lost anything.


spray it down with some waterproofing spray once a year and you're good to go.

[OfficerImpersonator]

I'd like to see Bubba try and get that contraption through any airport security checkpoint! :ha

[ssyoung]

When I finally swapped rides - Suzuki Bandit 600S for the Cadillac...er... Beemer RT, the most excellent Marsee bag wouldn't work on the RT. I too purchased the Big Mak bag from www.cyclegadgets.com - I love it. My only afterthought is I wish I would have got a bigger size. I got the small the medium would have been better.

Ride On!

[BubbaZanetti]

I'd like to see Bubba try and get that contraption through any airport security checkpoint! :ha

hahaha, i'd probably just disappear from the board for a while