Need new Airhead Tank Bag - Magnetic or Strap Mount?

[larrylarry75]

After messing around with my Eclipse bag left over from the 70's I think I deserve a new one. God knows which bike the old one was for but there are just too many mystery straps for my old bean to digest. I recall reading recently several comments on various bags and how badly they leaked, etc, and it would be nice to avoid that part. At least my clunky old bike has a full fairing so there's a bit of rain protection provided. I think it's fair to presume I'll use the bag to store the usual bits, camera, Uzi, in other words items that I'll need access to often, etc., and it would be nice if it provided a bit of security. PLUS a map window for those rare moments when I'd like to have an inkling of where I'm going. Or where I think I'm going. My beastie is equipped with a stock gas tank, holds around 5+ gals if that's of interest, and I'm not against a magnetic mount although I've never had one. Thanks!

Larry :dance

[DarrylRi]

If you have the standard /7 and up tank, get a Bagster tankbag and tank bra system. I have one on my R90S, it fits great and protects the paint. (The same paint that my first and only magnetic bag put a scratch into when some grit got between a magnet and the tank.)

Magnets also erase credit card stripes, camera memory chips, and magnetize old fashioned watches.

Bagster offers a number of different bag sizes and shapes. The bra has four clips built into it to securely hold the tankbag in place. For fueling, loosen both rear clips and the front one that is nearest to the the gas pump, then flop the bag to the offside to expose the hole in the bra that matches where the gas cap is.

Most of the Bagster tankbags have a map pocket that will take 2 full folds of an AAA map. The bags aren't waterproof by themselves, but have an integral rain cover that's clear so you can still read the map.

I have another bra on my R1150RS, and I can move the tankbag from bike to bike in 10 seconds.

[SNC1923]

I've said before elsewhere on this site that I really like my Marsee bag. It is magnetic, but the bag doesn't touch any painted surface. It attaches by a corona which screws into the mounting ring around your fuel filler cap. Snaps off with the twist of one wrist. I don't know if it will fit a bike of your's vintage, but if it does, what a great bag.

A close second is the Big Mac tank bag, seemingly standard issue for RTs. It's a nice, roomy bag, but is a bit bulky for my tastes. It simply flips out of the way on a hinged mount (secures to the tank the same way the Marsee does).

Both are waterproof in that they come with drawstring covers.

Here's a photo of both in use, the Marsee in the foreground, the Big Mac in the rear.

Good luck with your decision, and let us know what you pick!

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/13477804-M.jpg

[larrylarry75]

If you have the standard /7 and up tank, get a Bagster tankbag and tank bra system. I have one on my R90S, it fits great and protects the paint. (The same paint that my first and only magnetic bag put a scratch into when some grit got between a magnet and the tank.)


Thanks Darryl, I'll have a looksee into one. Sure sounds a heckuvalot better than the old one. I wonder if there will ever be a market for vintage bike accessories.....you have a credit card??? Can I borrow it??
:clap

[larrylarry75]

I've said before elsewhere on this site that I really like my Marsee bag. It is magnetic, but the bag doesn't touch any painted surface. It attaches by a corona which screws into the mounting ring around your fuel filler cap. Snaps off with the twist of one wrist. I don't know if it will fit a bike of your's vintage, but if it does, what a great bag.

A close second is the Big Mac tank bag, seemingly standard issue for RTs. It's a nice, roomy bag, but is a bit bulky for my tastes. It simply flips out of the way on a hinged mount (secures to the tank the same way the Marsee does).

Both are waterproof in that they come with drawstring covers.

Here's a photo of both in use, the Marsee in the foreground, the Big Mac in the rear.

Good luck with your decision, and let us know what you pick!

http://SNC1923.smugmug.com/photos/13477804-M.jpg

Wow do you guys have nice bikes! There's no way I can use a bag that screws into the gas cap though, it's just a locking type with a flip-up handle to facilitate removal. Looks like Darryl's suggestion for the Bagster might be the answer. Thanks for your input, much appreciated.
Larry
:thumb

[lkchris]

If you want a tankbag made for your bike, get a BMW Multivario.

VERY convenient, high quality, VERY worth the price.

I you want to mess with something that doesn't fit, don't.

[SNC1923]

Wow do you guys have nice bikes!
Larry :thumb

ALL BMWs are nice! Good luck with you decision and happy trails! :bikes

[Boxerkuh]

Like most hardy BMW rider, I have an opinion and experiences.....
First on the feedback already left: Bagster is nice with the tank cover and very protective, but also very expensive. You will have to special order them. I have had Marsee bags before and they are okay. They move around too much for my liking and that is sloopy in my opinion. Also, mine was adjustable in height and one of the taps broke after the first day of use. (Since I bought it at the BMW dealer they refunded me the money)
What do I use? Well I have two different types, both found on ebay with looking, patience and excellent price. First I bought a used BMW Multivaro bag. It always fits, is solidly made, has the different compartments, so I can load it up. It also has the rain cover. The advantage of the Multivaro is that it fits all the bikes, the one thing that is bike specific is the mount. You can find Airhead bags right now on ebay... depending on shape is the price... My second bag is a small, 8 liter, Nelson-Rigg that is magnet mounted with a rain cover. It is small for the daily adventure and stays put with 6 magnets... very easy on and off.
Happy hunting!!! My food for thought!! :eat :drink

[DarrylRi]

Here's what the plain black Bagster - the Delta model - looks like on my R90S:

http://darryl.crafty-fox.com/mcpics/2003/PA253110_med.jpg

This bag is actually two separate bags that zip together. You can take either one or both. They both have a map space on top.

The tank bra is held on at six points: around the steering head, a clip to the tank seam in the middle, and a strap that goes under the tank in back. It fits closely and is tailored to the shape of the tank.

[larrylarry75]

First I bought a used BMW Multivaro bag. It always fits, is solidly made, has the different compartments, so I can load it up. It also has the rain cover. The advantage of the Multivaro is that it fits all the bikes, the one thing that is bike specific is the mount. You can find Airhead bags right now on ebay... :eat :drink

eBay is one of my favorite haunts, I'll have to see what's on there. Of late my ISP (the unmentionable satellite based one #*&@*!XX#%&^!!!) dish needs tweaking again so I've not been able to surf much. Thanks for the thoughts & input, I'll have a look at what's up for bids.

Larry

[larrylarry75]

Here's what the plain black Bagster - the Delta model - looks like on my R90S:

http://darryl.crafty-fox.com/mcpics/2003/PA253110_med.jpg

This bag is actually two separate bags that zip together. You can take either one or both. They both have a map space on top.

The tank bra is held on at six points: around the steering head, a clip to the tank seam in the middle, and a strap that goes under the tank in back. It fits closely and is tailored to the shape of the tank.

Hi Darryl,

Nice pic of your bike, good looking rig. The Bagster system looks like it totally impairs your view of the instruments, unless you can slide over your bag for a peek. Is that for real or is it just the photo? I've looked at lots of bags lately, including theirs and sort of dismissed them because of that perception. I got ambitious this evening, figured out where all the mounting straps fit for my old Eclipse and installed it. It doesn't look half bad since it's the same vintage as the bike so maybe I'll hang on to it. The size is big enough to hold more than what I'd normally carry in it so all I really need now is to fashion some sort of rain cover for it. Maybe I'll fill it with paper towels and take a ride in a hard rain storm to see how it performs. Here in Oregon that would be tomorrow I expect. Thanks again for your input, I guess the jury's still out on whether or not I'll pop for a new one.

Larry

[DarrylRi]

Hi Darryl,

Nice pic of your bike, good looking rig. The Bagster system looks like it totally impairs your view of the instruments, unless you can slide over your bag for a peek. Is that for real or is it just the photo? I've looked at lots of bags lately, including theirs and sort of dismissed them because of that perception. I got ambitious this evening, figured out where all the mounting straps fit for my old Eclipse and installed it. It doesn't look half bad since it's the same vintage as the bike so maybe I'll hang on to it. The size is big enough to hold more than what I'd normally carry in it so all I really need now is to fashion some sort of rain cover for it. Maybe I'll fill it with paper towels and take a ride in a hard rain storm to see how it performs. Here in Oregon that would be tomorrow I expect. Thanks again for your input, I guess the jury's still out on whether or not I'll pop for a new one.

LarryNot at all, even when it's full. I'm 5'10" and I look completely over the bag when it's mounted on the bike.

Here's a better view of it:

http://darryl.crafty-fox.com/mcpics/2003/bagster/P1162033_med.jpg

You can see here that although the bags are tall, you can easily see over them to the instruments on the R90S. It's the same thing when I use these bags on my R1150RS. And if you only use one of the two bags, it is, naturally enough, half the height.

You can also see how big the map area is. That AAA map sure looks lonely in there when it's folded up.

[Boxerkuh]

Marsee has a universal fit clear rain cover. It retails for $20.00. Any motorcycle dealer can order it, or you order it off the net at the Motorcycle Superstore or Dennis Kirk. You may want to try JC Whitney, too. Happy hunting...

[pmdave]

I've messed around with a variety of bags over the years, and finally figured out what works for me.

Like a good house, the foundation is most important. I want a sturdy base that attaches to the tank, allowing fuel access, holding the base steady, avoiding paint scratches, and providing attachment points for the actual bag.

Magnetic bags are quick for an airhead with a steel tank, but in the long term magnetic attachments create problems. The magnets are heavy, and can ding things as you swing the bag around. The magnets also push grit into the paint, with other nasty habits such as magnetizing your watch, GPS, and credit card. Just carrying a bag around (off the bike) picks up grit, and if you happen to drop in on the ground it's almost impossible to get it clean. If you do prefer a magnetic bag, consider some of that mesh rubber "drawer liner" between bag and tank.

I either modify the base that comes with the bag, or sew up my own bag base, cutting a hole in the right position for the filler cap. I make up bases for my different machines, so I can switch the bag to different bikes. For the airhead, two straps at the front secure around the frame braces at the bottom of the steering head via a strap with a closed loop and a buckle at the upper end. Two straps at the rear attach from the tank bracket to two buckles sewn onto the base. A single side strap goes under the tank to buckles on the sides of the base just at the "knee cutaway".

Yes, I bought an old black Singer sewing machine just for sewing heavy stuff. My significant other is not likely to let me use her modern machine set up for delicates.

For the K bike, the bag attaches with two buckles at the front, and a single buckle at the rear, plus side straps.

The bag base and all straps are covered on the "tank" side by heavy fleece material that helps prevent scratching or abrasion. Since the tank base is seldom removed, it seldom picks up dirt or abrasive debris.

The tank bag attaches to the base with two buckles at the front. For the airhead, I prefer the bag moved way back on the tank to allow better handlebar swing. So, the rear of the bag is held by a single strap that goes under the tank, over the spine tube, and attaches to buckles on the bag positioned about 6 inches forward. The bag sits back about an inch over the front of the saddle, which is very acceptable.

Snap-together buckles (I use 1 in.) can be attached to the bag or base by either sewing a short "strap" to the material, or attaching a metal snap to the strap.

I've discovered that a tank bag (or just the base) makes a great support for a GPS. The bag isolates the unit from vibration, and if you remove the bag at a lunch stop, the GPS goes with you. For my bag, I've added a piece of 1/8" plexy to the top, which provides a way to screw on a ball mount.

Even if I were buying a different bag today, I'd still convert it to the strap system I've outlined, by sewing in buckles and straps as needed. One key: buy a whole bunch of web buckles that fit together. There are about ten different types, few of which fit each other. Just pick one style, and use the same buckles on everything.

pmdave

[DarrylRi]

Like a good house, the foundation is most important. I want a sturdy base that attaches to the tank, allowing fuel access, holding the base steady, avoiding paint scratches, and providing attachment points for the actual bag. And this is exactly why I like the Bagster set up.

The tank bra is secured tightly to the bike. They tailor their bras to each different bike, and they have them available for most modern BMWs and lots of other bikes, too.

The bag has a four point attachment to the bra. You can disconnect 3 of them and flop the bag to one side, revealing the gas filler hole, which is also tailored to be in the right place. It doesn't take more than 10 seconds to move the bag out of the way to fuel, and another 10 to put it back, securely.

[rinty]

Larry:

I've had three different brands of bag on my airhead and oiler, and if I had it to do over again, I would bite the financial bullet and get the Multivario. As noted above, the base is the key component, and the Multivario has a really elegant system. For easy access to the gas filler, simply have your shoemaker sew Fastex buckles to both sides of the front strap, at a point where they are easy to get at, and then just pinch them and pull the bag back to fill. It takes about 4 seconds. I get the slip buckles so I can adjust the strap tension around the steering neck. Take your bag into the outfitter when you buy the buckles, so that they all match up.
While the Multivario is very expensive, I think our bikes are worth it.

Rinty

[Boxerkuh]

Larry, while checking ebay I came across this. It is only for the base of the bagster and I don't know what they are going for... But if I remember they are in the same price range as the multivaro bags...
When you go on ebay, type in this item number, Item number: 4618787445; beginning bidding starts at $50.00 for the base only.

[larrylarry75]

:thumb
Thanks to all of you for your responses, I truly appreciate them. After long and arduous consideration I’ve ordered a new GIVI # 419 bag. It’s a magnetic type which I had decided not to buy, but after researching and listening to all your comments I decided it’s probably OK as long as I attend to proper maintenance. My main reason for choosing this model was it has all the features I’m looking for plus I like the big map case and overall style. I nearly ordered a Marsee and came close to buying a Canyon Chicane EX but each time I compared them to the GIVI it came out the winner. I passed on the Bagster as I didn’t care for the system that much, same more or less for Oxford and Multivario. In the end it’s just personal preference I guess, and if the 419 doesn’t work out I’ll send it down the eBay road and move on. In case any of you are interested here's the web address: www.givi.it Again, please accept my thanks, one and all.

Larry

[rinty]

Larry: That's a nice looking piece. I confess that I didn't know Givi made tank bags, and we can assume that the quality will be as good as their other stuff. The whole tank bag thing is worth researching because it's probably the fiddliest piece of gear that we have. I always put mine on the night before I go touring and leave the straps on overnight while I'm on the road. That way I don't hold up my restless riding buddies who are better organized than me, or who are smarter and carry less stuff.

Rinty

[Bob_M]

Larry
That bag should work our fine for you. I have a Tour Master magnetic bag. I make a point to inspect and brush off the contact surfac every time I put it on, even at gas stops.
See Ya

[Boxerkuh]

Alright Larry!!! Is it not great to ask a question, get great answers and perspectives and then make a decision. Be happy, be safe!! Enjoy!!