BMW R1100RT Tank Bag

 Created 23/03/03

I have always liked a tank bag, tank bags always seem to add to that feeling of adventure on a trip :-) and it's great having your map, camera, sunglasses & wallet near at hand. So I was keen to buy the BMW product having heard it was well made and a good secure fit.

For me, This bag is an ideal size, just big enough for all those essential bit's and pieces, without being so big as to obstruct the handle bars when your manoeuvring. It has the obligatory map compartment on top, but this one both removable and reversible, a nice touch. As you would expect from BMW, build quality is very good with strong zips and thoughtful design, like the small zippered pocket under the map compartment. Ideal for your passport and small papers.

The lid is completely removable to allow fitment of the top extender section. Rather handily, small items tend to roll toward the back of the bag and lay securely in the dip.

With the extender zipped on, you have more than trebled the capacity of the bag. You now have two completely separate compartments as the extender section has its own bottom sewn in.

It certainly is very secure when fitted.

At the front, the tank bag elastic straps hook on to two metal brackets screwed to the front of the tank. Another sign of clever design, as the fuel tank has the mounting points already moulded in place, ready to take the brackets

The rear is supported by a substantial strap with a zip so the bag can be released easily. This is secured to the back of the tank with two pieces of industrial Velcro.

With the tank bag you also receive a pvc rain cover with a clear window in the top, I found I didn't really need this, during a wet ride across France only a tiny drop of water got in to the map pocket and none in the bag. If it was really hoeing down then you might want to use it 

Just a couple of moans about this bag and tank bags in general.

1, The front mounting clips are awkward to get at, and once released, tend to hook up on the body work while you are pulling the bag off. A fix would be to have extenders on the mounting clips so there is more to get a hold of.

2, The second moan really is about nearly all tank bags, in that they do tend to scratch the paint on the tank. So far I have been lucky, they have all polished out. You might want to put a small hand towel between the bag and the tank top.

3, Refuelling is a pain, the only way to do this is to unclip it at the front and swing it back out of the way. Then ether balance it on its end or detach it completely and put it on the seat. Currently, only the American made Big Mac AirBag resolves this problem, and very cleverly too! (and it doesn't scratch the paint!)

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