Triumphrat

03tiger · 04-09-2005

I tried but I just couldn't come to grips with a tank bag. It's in my way, it interferes with refueling and it scratches the tank. I looked at several tail bags but couldn't find one in the size I wanted that would sit securely on the rear rack.

Since I couldn't find what I was looking for I did the next best thing. I bought and modified an Oxford Sports humpback. Very high quality, expandable, backpack straps, the works. British also.

The only problem is it was designed to sit on the rear seat of sport bikes. Soooo, I cut off all the funky straps and came up with this mounting system. All it requires is a piece of sheet aluminum and 4 bolts. To remove/install the bag you just run the zipper all the way around, it's on and off in 20 seconds. It's also incredibly stable at speed.

Timian · 04-10-2005

Nice solution!! This one is typical for the owners of British Bikes I've known over the years: Simple, unobtrusive and functional. Best of all: The rack can still be used as a rack!
Clever lad, you are!

[ This message was edited by: Timian on 2005-04-10 03:53 ]

ipg · 04-10-2005

The best tank bag is without doubt the Baglux; look in the photo albums and you'll see one. I does not scratch the tank as it attaches to a harness which fully covers the tank, this cover also acts as a good tank protector when the bag is not in place. For fueling, the bag just releases at the front and pivots back; the bag which is recommended to fit the Tiger is Dzeta and I don't find it gets in the way, its also good for holding maps and route instructions on the clear top.

Good solution for the rear anyway!

djr · 04-11-2005

that is a very neat solution. I assume the tail pack comes with the base bit and you just punched holes through for the bolts?

03tiger · 04-11-2005

>>I assume the tail pack comes with the base bit and you just punched holes through for the bolts?<<

Yes the base is part of the pack. It had all kinds of padded straps/supports attatched that I removed. I made 4 holes with a soldering iron to keep them from fraying and that was about it.

When I get around to it I'm going to drill a few holes in the aluminum so I can bungee larger items to it.

04-11-2005

That is a great idea. I have the Oxford bag already. It is strapped to the rack now, but it has needed some refinement. The sheetmetal is an excellent idea that will back the bag even more stable and still make it easy to use the rack. Thanks for the idea.

03tiger · 04-11-2005

rdrobin,

If you are going to try this I only have 2 minor warnings. First, make sure you set the metal plate back far enough that you can get the rear seat off. As I had the rack on the workbench when I did this I almost screwed it up.

Second, carefully round the edge of the plate with a file, otherwise vibration/buffeting may eventually cause the plate to saw through the cordora.

I also fabricated 4 sheetmetal brackets (under the rack) so I could securely attatch the plate to the rack without drilling the rack.

:-D