what tankbag should i get?

[nakedlover]

I'm in need of a tankbag for my 03 s3, not sure which one I should get.
I've checked out the luggage locker ones online as well as
oxford and chase harper.
does anyone have any experiance with any of these or
any other brands you might suggest. i'm looking for
a medium size bag that won't be living on the tank,
only the occasional day trip to the beach etc...
I don't even know what features or potential issues i
should be looking out for.
thanks.

[Martin_R]

I think the Bagster system is superior to others just because:
a) the tankcover is very well made, of high quality and protects the tank paint in the knee cutouts
and
b) because for the same cover you can purchase tens of different bags for all possible imaginable uses from pet hauling to full on world tour to just popping to the local hamburger stand.

[MonkeyHanger]

I second that.
Baglux highly recomended.

[LndSpd03]

I have a tail bag from Famsa ( Art. 710) and it is very well made, so I will be buying the tank bag (Art. 246) from them as well. It is a convertible type system so you can use the larger or smaller one attached to the same base or zip the two together and expand the larger one for extended trips. Nice to have the flexibility.

Famsa Tank Bag Review

See 'em online

[Martin_R]

On 2006-05-22 12:59, LndSpd03 wrote:
I have a tail bag from Famsa ( Art. 710) and it is very well made

I agree the FAMSA tailbag is the best tailbag option (I have one), but on the tankbag department Bagster/Baglux takes the price. On the FAMSA you will have to fumble with the zipper on refuels and on the Bagster you can just tip the bag over with 2 fast release clickers. And the Bagster still has much more bag options for the same base.

[Golfinc]

Don't get a tankbag at all, try a messenger bag.

www.timbuk2.com
www.demartinibags.com
www.chromebags.com

They come in a variety of sizes and styles. They were orginally made for bike messengers but work great for motorcycles. I have a small Timbuk2 and use it daily even when not riding my bike. It's replaced my leather brief case. The Timbuk2 comes with the regular strap and then a detachable side strap to keep the bag from moving around when riding. The bag will fit neatly behind your back and out
of the way.

Check motorcycle.com for a review on messenger bags.

Saves paint too!

[drainbamage]

On 2006-05-22 14:29, Golfinc wrote:
Don't get a tankbag at all, try a messenger bag.
(...)
Saves paint too!

hmmm...
But will it save your back on a 800Km-stop-only-for-gas-and-snack blitz-raid?

Still think bagster rocks.

[ This message was edited by: drainbamage on 2006-05-22 18:07 ]

[LndSpd03]

On 2006-05-22 13:02, Martin_R wrote:

I agree the FAMSA tailbag is the best tailbag option (I have one), but on the tankbag department Bagster/Baglux takes the price. On the FAMSA you will have to fumble with the zipper on refuels and on the Bagster you can just tip the bag over with 2 fast release clickers. And the Bagster still has much more bag options for the same base.

Martin_R,
Okay, so I looked at the bagster...looks like a very nice product and it has recieved other favorable reviews and I am intrigued...but is it just me or is their website a bit confusing and lacking in the information dept??? I have an 02' and I would like a set up similar to the Famsa tank bag, but with the convenience you outlined before of the quick clips for fueling stops...any other place to see these items??? Thanks!

-Russ

[Martin_R]

I do not know of websites showcasing the Bagster stuff, but at least this image should clarify the mechanism a bit (even though I think the blue cover this guy has might not blend too well with the black bike):
http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/7492/bagsterr118cb.jpg

[Edit. On a closer look it also looks like the cover on the above photo is not originally for the 1050 S3 as the fit is not too good and the cuts are all different from the one I have. I have the same cover as Monkeyhanger above, only in black and with color coded bags as opposed to the grey one MH has.]

The front mounts act a bit like hinges and once you release the rear clips the bag tilts forward. The cover itself stays on the tank via straps around the frame/tank. Material is some weatherproof leatherlike synthetic stuff with soft fabric/padding on the inside to protect paint. The midsize bags I have came with detachable straps that enable the bag to be carried in backpack or mailbag fashion. If you go for the Bagster I would recommend one of the extendable bags (they have a zipper around the whole bag that once released doubles the size in a accordionlike fashion). Also the larger mappockets are better in my opinion functionwise, even though they might not look quite as stylish.

Sadly I have no digicam over here, otherwise I could take a few pics for you, but I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Only negative about the thing, for some, I can think of is the cover itself. A leathercovered gastank is not everyones cup of tea, but at least on a black bike the cover blends in very well.

[ This message was edited by: Martin_R on 2006-05-23 06:34 ]

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