I have been kicking around a small tank bag for the RT. Mainly something with easy access to put glasses, phone and a couple maps in. I have looked at the SW-Motech Daypack and the Oxford Q4R bags. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. Are there any other brands and model I should consider?
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Tank bag
- Thread starter lstayner
- Start date
bmwdean
BMW MOA co-founder
Below is the Hepco & Becker "Tourer M" tank bag for the 2014-2019 R1200RT models These bags come in various sizes and mount nicely with the magnetic "6-bolt pattern Lock-it Tank Ring" around the filler cap. You do not have to loosen or remove straps to put gas in the tank and the bag never touches the tank to scratch the paint.
https://bmwdean.com/tank-bag.jpg
A critical issue for me regarding tank bags is how easy is it to put gas in the tank? Do you have to loosen one or more straps? If so, it is not for me.
The best tank bag ever was made by BMW for the 2005-2013 R1200RTs with a mounting grid that came standard on all RTs. Sadly, BMW dropped it for 2014-2019. Here is the tank-bag mounting grid that once was:
https://bmwdean.com/tank-bag-2007.htm
https://bmwdean.com/tank-bag.jpg
A critical issue for me regarding tank bags is how easy is it to put gas in the tank? Do you have to loosen one or more straps? If so, it is not for me.
The best tank bag ever was made by BMW for the 2005-2013 R1200RTs with a mounting grid that came standard on all RTs. Sadly, BMW dropped it for 2014-2019. Here is the tank-bag mounting grid that once was:
https://bmwdean.com/tank-bag-2007.htm
Last edited:
kevinsclo
New member
dlowry
bored, bored ...
+1 on RKA. Richard and Kathy make a great product and have probably the best customer service around. Seriously, check them out.
allhisanyway
New member
Touratech makes a nice one....
I have the small one from Touratech and it's perfect for just a few essentials that you want to get to quickly. The mounting system is especially nice and stable. This bag is great for a wallet, sunglasses, and a few other odds and ends. Highly recommended.
I have the small one from Touratech and it's perfect for just a few essentials that you want to get to quickly. The mounting system is especially nice and stable. This bag is great for a wallet, sunglasses, and a few other odds and ends. Highly recommended.
gsinnc
Well-known member
I have the GIVI with the Tank Lock system and it is GREAT! I use the nice small bag and it looks and works perfectly!
I have the 4 liter small bag !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_XsJScKOcc
I have the 4 liter small bag !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_XsJScKOcc
jandhumphreyme
Member
I gotta plug RKA as well, 13L Shilo Road has been great. Well built, grand capacity, and I really like the internal charging options.
I see RKA only makes bags that strap on. Can you convince me as to why I want strap on vs. a tank support system? Taking the straps off for refueling looks like it could be a pain.
Thanks,
gsinnc
Well-known member
I am about as anal as you can get and swore I'd never ever use a tank bag with the fear of scratching the tank. I never even used the BMW Bag on my 2006 RT that mounted on the rack. BUT ... when I got the 2016 RTW it has less storage space and 2 riding buddies had raved about he GIVI System after trying and not liking the SW_Motech product. So I bit the bullet and got the GIVI small hard sided bag with the Tank Lock system and I love it! I am sold. Easy on and off ... no straps and never a chance to scratch the paint as it never touches the paint. Also with the GIVI Tank Lock system you can use the same bracket to mount any of their Tank Lock bags.
61996
IBA# 5819
To be honest, no I can't. I've only used a strap-secured tank bag on all my motorcycles so I have no comparison. Fueling up has not been an issue for me.
Maybe someone else will chime in.
Joe
lee
Debbie's Servant
I've never had a RKA bag but the strap bags we have owned only required one or two FastTeck buckles to be unclipped and reclipped at gas stops.
Most times there was no reason to adjust any straps.
We currently have SW Motech tank bags with tank rings for mounts and there's very little difference time wise dealing with the tank bag at gas stops.
Bags like SW Motech and Givi have the advantage of not touching the tank but I never had much problem with strap bags scratching the top of the tank.
Most of our bikes end up with scuffs on the side of the tank from our knees and very little scuffs on top of the tank.
In this picture you can see the FastTech type buckles.
I would unclip the front two and slide the bag back at gas stops.
brookscooper
New member
I love my Giant Loop brand tank bag. Small and convenient
alegerlotz
Member
gsinnc
Well-known member
I should clarify ... the issues my buddies had with the SW Motech were not at all related to scratching. The SW Motech and GIVI systems are very similar and I am sure neither touch the tank and hence should eliminate any concerns about scratching. My riding buddies just felt the GIVI mechanism worked much better and easier than the SW Motech. I would consider both over ANY bag that rests on the tank .... but again I am the anal guy with 3 size Q-tips in my cleaning kit carried not he bike
I have used the BM/w RT bag for 6 years and never had a scratch issue. I have an SW Motech on my XR and like it also. However a tank ring will sit higher that a strap bag. Both take about the same time when getting fuel. I don't like the idea of a hard bag on the tank. Sometimes on a long trip I will lay forward on the bag to stretch my back plus the hard bag looks dorky. You can lock the ring bag easier however I just use a small cable and lock on the BMW bag.
beemermyke
New member
I have the Givi on my GS like what gsinnc shows in his gorgeous RT pic. Does not touch the tank, it's rigid, and has a lever to pop it off the mounting ring. Removal and installation not an issue when fueling the bike.
gsinnc
Well-known member
Agreed! If you are looking for max storage and flexible sides the GIVI I have is probably not for you. But you can use any of the other GIVI tank lock bags all of which are not hard sided with the tank lock. But yes they will sit about a 1/2 inch higher.
