tank bag recommendations

[peanut]

I'm looking for recommendations for a small tank bag to use for short tours.
It only needs to contain cellfone, wallet, and camera etc but it must have a clear waterproof document/map pocket on top, or at least some means of attaching a folded map .
i did think about installing a TomTom One v3 GPS in a tank bag instead but i'd prefer a map so that I can see places of interest along my route .

What do you guys do when touring ?

 

[Brassneck]

I don't have one on my XS, but I do have a magnetic tank bag on my FZ1, and love it. Magnetic is the way to go...easy to remove, no shifting around...there's plenty of options out there. I have a marsee... but that may be too big for what you are looking for or that will fit good an an XS tank.

I have something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/281964514760?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

You can find other versions out there... and even a used one for cheap: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/182053560532?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

 

[5twins]

When touring, I use a full size standard Eclipse I've had for many years. But it is jam packed full, holding all my clothes .....

A few years back, I bit the bullet and got the "Cadillac" of tank bags, a Harro. These are just so old school cool, made of leather, rubberized canvas, and held on by leather straps .....

For just smaller items and lightly loaded, you will probably be happier with a magnetic bag. They are much easier to deal with when it comes time to fill the gas tank. I've had several of different brands over the years but about my favorite is this no-name one. Just the right size (not too big, not too small) with a nice, easily accessed map pocket. I like it so much, this is my second one. I wore the first one out, lol .....

Peruse eBay, lots of offerings there. Even if you don't get one there, it will give you a chance to browse what's available.

 

[fredintoon]

as you ride

I'm looking for recommendations for a small tank bag to use for short tours.
It only needs to contain cellfone, wallet, and camera etc but it must have a clear waterproof document/map pocket on top, or at least some means of attaching a folded map .
i did think about installing a TomTom One v3 GPS in a tank bag instead but i'd prefer a map so that I can see places of interest along my route .

What do you guys do when touring ?

Hi peanut,
Halfords still in business? Get their best bargain magnet-retained map pocket model.
And the only thing you should be looking at as you ride is the road, eh?
Pull off someplace safe to look at your map (or your GPS device) for places of interest.
If the GPS will talk to you, by all means shove in your earbug and listen to directions as you ride.
And what do I do? Put the missus in the sidecar with the GPS and go in whatever direction she points to.

 

[peanut]

When touring, I use a full size standard Eclipse I've had for many years. But it is jam packed full, holding all my clothes .....

Peruse eBay, lots of offerings there. Even if you don't get one there, it will give you a chance to browse what's available.

5twins ....you have waaaaay too many bags

I like the small magnetic bag you have . The small curvy XS50 tank with a projecting filla cap doesn't seem to lend itself to tank bags somehow. most of the bags seem to measure too large for the tank.

I have bought a really nice expanding bag like your first pic to hold clothes and big stuff which I've decided to strap to the rear pass seat . I've not had a chance to try it yet though. I'm hoping it will give me some lumbar support

Every time I think about replacing my stepped seat with the standard seat I purchased last year I can't bring myself to do it. The stepped pass seat of the special does provide some welcome lower back support and comfort to my old back.

The ideal bag would be able to hold and protect my camera so that its ready at a moments notice . I can stop and snap something without having to get off the bike and rummage in my rear bags every time I wish to take a picture.

I've even considered brazing a triumph chrome rack to my gas tank ....

PS I think I may have found just the bag I need . Its a frank Thomas magnetic tankbag . I just need to check the dimensions but it looks perfect !

 

[peanut]

what do I do? Put the missus in the sidecar with the GPS and go in whatever direction she points to.

now you see fred........ thats your first big mistake

Wish I could get my missus to ride with me . She won't even entertain the idea . Anyone would think I was asking her to strap herself to a biplane for a wing-walk !

 

[peanut]

this looks like a good solution until you see the size of it next to the bloke holding it. Its HUGE plus it hasn't got magnetic flaps and probably uses quick release plastic clips instead .
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Givi-T508-Intenal-Camera-bag-fits-inside-Givi-Tank-bags-/321977972269?hash=item4af761f62d:g:ezQAAOSwUV9WmhEP
Its not easy finding a suitable bag when the majority of sellers don't add the physical dimensions of the bag. Stating the volume capacity of a bag gives litle idea of the likely dimensions

 

[peanut]

I don't have one on my XS, but I do have a magnetic tank bag on my FZ1, and love it. Magnetic is the way to go...easy to remove, no shifting around...there's plenty of options out there. I have a marsee... but that may be too big for what you are looking for or that will fit good an an XS tank.

I have something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/281964514760?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

You can find other versions out there... and even a used one for cheap: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/182053560532?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

thanks for posting..yep that looks like it would do the job but it might be a little large for just a camera and cellfone . I think I'd prefer a magnetic bag with side flaps so that it can be removed and repositioned very quickly but then again a little extra room for some emergency waterproofs would be useful and accessible if caught out in a shower.

 

[Brassneck]

thanks for posting..yep that looks like it would do the job but it might be a little large for just a camera and cellfone . I think I'd prefer a magnetic bag with side flaps so that it can be removed and repositioned very quickly but then again a little extra room for some emergency waterproofs would be useful and accessible if caught out in a shower.

It might be, but thinking about it again-- I carry a Nikon D80, my wallet, my house keys, plus a pack of smokes, cell phone, lenses, filters, and ipod (yes, old school like that), and a book to read + a water bottle, and it's just right. If I need to toss a jacket or sweatshirt (or even carry a helmet) I can expand the bag.

(Note, it does have side flaps, they've just been folded under in the pics).

I'll take a pic of mine when I get home later today.

 

[weekendrider]

I like the Chase Harper stuff for "soft" luggage.
The tank bag is magnetic only but I've never had a problem with it shifting.
You do have to slide it back to access the tank cap.