Tankbag, Tailbag or Tidebags??

[Mightycaz]

Hey all!

I am looking to buy myself some luggage storage and was wondering which was the best way to go. I have about £100 (HG vouchers) to spend but don't really know what would be the best, I might need to start riding to work and back so will need to be able to take work clothes in them whilst wearing my PPE. I have pretty much ruled hard luggage ie top boxes as these will need a frame and probably cost more than I have to spend.

Do tank bags affect handling or anything like that? Can I still take a pillion if I get a tail bag?

Answers on a postcard please!

Thakns in advance

[Horseynat30101]

i have a tank bag and some panniers (soft luggage) they are great! although mine arnt very big you can get some realy big ones out there! i think i can still get a pillion on with my panniers on but never tryed, but i dont think you would be able to with a tail pack as they usually take up the passanger seat.

hope this helps

[Ingah]

Noticed Oxford "First Time" panniers in my local shop today for £29.99 (i paid £48 about a year ago for the same)...

Suggest they'd be a good start as they involve the least faffing to use (they stay on the bike). They expand - you can fit a lot in them

[Julesholling]

I use Kreiga tailpacks, they clip onto the rear seat and are easily remove with the straps just going under the seat when not needed.

They also do a tank pad adapter so they can attach there if your carrying a pillion

Have a look at their stuff (http://www.kriega.com/) as their bags are very very well made and waterproof too. Bit more expensive than the Oxford stuff but worth it in my opinion.

[Mightycaz]

Cheers for the link to the Kreiga site. Not very good as far as pics go or general info but I'll have a look on some other sites for some!

I think I am leaning towards a tank bag but I am just wondering how much they affect riding position or handling? I think I'll probably get one with a GPS holder in it so I can use the car one I have, saves messing around with mounts and waterproofing!!

[blakeatron]

Love Kriega stuff.

I have their rucksack and tailpacks - also got the tailpack-tankbag adapter. All their kit clips together too so I can attach the tailpack onto the rucksack to make a huge one!

The only problem with the tank bag is that when it is fullish I cant see the satnav and lower half of the dash without having to do a turtle neck.

If having to carry anything I normally just use the rucksack and put anything heavy in the tailpack.

[Mightycaz]

Interesting you ay about putting heavy things in the tailpack, is this because having the added weight on the tank throws your balance off?

[blakeatron]

No ive got a plastic tank and its a little flimsy where the bag sits so I am wary about pilling the weight on it!

[Mightycaz]

So tank bags don't get in the way too much or put loads of weight on the front? I think I will end up gettin one but I don't want to buy one and find it makes a difference to the ride.

[Guest]

So tank bags don't get in the way too much or put loads of weight on the front? I think I will end up gettin one but I don't want to buy one and find it makes a difference to the ride.

all comes down to how you load it, if you load panniers unevenly you'll have stability issues, and dont put heavy or stuff that could damage your tank in a tank bag, dropping a rock into a tank bag, will damage your tank, didn't need to try it, just know..

I have a two tier tank bag, its a pain when fuelling as you have to remove it, but it is simple enough.. obscures the idiot lights though,

[Mightycaz]

Cheers for all the replies. Gonna go down on wednesday before I buy one and see what they have in stock, might see if they'll let me fit one and see how it feels....

[Mightycaz]

Righty ho, I went and ordered the Kriga 20 litre pack with the tank bag converter so it can be used either on the tail or the tank. £79.99 for both so not too bad, could've got it a bit cheaper online but they give a good service at my local HG and I would prefer to give them my wonga than some faceless internet company that will eventually out all shops out of business.

I also tried to order a black visor but was told by the manager there he could'nt legally sell me one unless I had a race licence, looks like ill have to get that online...........

[Mightycaz]

Went and picked up my US20 today, I like it. Only fitted it as a tail pack for now as I need to stick the velcro under the seat and was only out for lunch, will put some pics up tomorrow when I have it all fitted. Only problem is I can't see how I can attach the tank part to the radiator so will have to loop it round the head stock, might take a bit of swearing and stamping but I have the day off so so fiddle about then!