Tank bags

Not being a big fan of the tank bag, i have a small magnetic one. Every time i use it it scratches the tank, any ideas on how to stop this from happening apart from not use it

I'm not a big fan of them either but I do have 2 and they are the bees knees of tank bags.  The "Givi Tank lock system". They do not touch the tank at all. Lots of you tube vids to see them.  I have the smallish hard shell one and the larger expandable one.

The small Oxford tank bag I have is prone to scratching the tank, especially if I don't clean every spec of dust of the contact points before fitting it.  The magnets feel very strong, in fact strong enough to operate through a tank bra.  Maybe that's a solution, although it's not a path that I am planning to go down.

I like the idea of the givi system and If I was looking for a new tankbag that's what I'd be getting.

I too have an Oxford bag and its been great. However you do need to make sure there is no dirt/dust/grit on the tank or on the bag before fitting it.
Only time it scratched my tank (previous bike) was when I fitted it with out checking the bottom of the bag. There was a used staple stuck to one of the magnets

Put black duct tape on your tank under the bag when using it, & take the tape off at the end of the trip 

Well being a big tank bag fancier there are 3 in the garage, (like the way they help you distribute weight and bulk along the bike, also like to use the pillion pegs and lie on it to relieve arse soreness):

The first is an old gearsack that fits on a baseplate that straps to the tank, worked really well on the GSX1100 and RZ350R but doesn't seem to have the right shape for the B1250;

The 2nd is a Oxford magnetic, works well and don't really have any complaints, though the construction is a bit cheap;

The 3rd is a Bagster.  This is the Rolls Royce of tank bags IMHO.  They produce a custom baseplate for each bike in a range of decorator colours, come with a integrated but removable wet pack for toiletries, compression zip system for packing, little quick access pocket for change/toll money, special quick access pocket for mobile and wallet, just the bees knees.

Trick with any tank bag...make sure the tank is washed clean before fitting, give it a polish and wax to protect the finish and keep the baseplate clean. It's the rubbing of dirt on the tank or baseplate that causes scratches, you will still get a little rubbing but this will polish out.

My mate on a BMW has the Givi system tank bag, very impressive but was not going to feed the smugness exuded by BMW riders by gushing in his presence

I too am a fan of the tank bags. The bagster is the best IMHO, but one I havent put on the Bandit.....yet. My current tank bag is a magnetic one, and after a fair amount of tapes, Ive decided it was easier to just give the tank a quick wipe with a chamois and slap the bag on  ! The tapes shrank, and left way too much residue. That worked for a while, but as I use the bag daily, a few scratches have appeared on the Bandits ultra thin paint  . So now I CBF'd.......no cleaning of either bag or tank  !

I've never used one.
This must almost be my most useless post. Almost

I looked at a tank bag once! 

i never used to like them , but  I like them now, as you get better weight distribution if your on tour.

 I tend to put heavy stuff in mine for that fact,

just put that clear wrap on your tank, and it takes all the abuse.

there`s a few companies that do bike specific so takes some guess work out of cutting sheets to suit.

you can do D.I.Y, or get it pro fitted, up to you

That's a good idea.

Kiwisteve wrote:I looked at a tank bag once! 

 Nearly as bad as 2wa 's post

Ewok Im a big fan of the tank bag as you will soon see. I have the magnetic one and it could almost change the tides its that strong. On the bandit I have a Bagster tank cover and the magnets are heaps strong enough to pull through that. In fact if you look at my Bandit Photo in the for sale section you can see the indentations where it has been. They come out over night. Thats the most fool proof way. The other method Ive used previously is to cut out a piece of that non slip rubber matting and put that underneath. ( have ridden to the Island twice with that method ). Do you Know the stuff I mean? You get a small roll of it in Big W or Bunnings or whatever for about $6. Its that grid pattern really grippy stuff to put under kitchen appliances and the like. It will leave that grid pattern on your tank but it just wipes off.

I have a Bagster tank cover to suit a bag if any one is interested. Got it with the bike minus the bag and I have Givi luggage and don't really like tank bags. It's blue to suit the 07 model Bandit. Not sure what it is worth....???

2W and Kiwisteve.  You must now leave the house.  

  & I thought I was being helpful  
It had bloody strong magnets! I stuck it to an RHS beam in the shop, it's probably still there! 

Jimcoleman wrote:Not being a big fan of the tank bag, i have a small magnetic one.  Every time i use it it scratches the tank, any ideas on how to stop this from happening apart from not use it

 You could clean the tank and then put on a protective film on the tank. I have some on my tank where my knees hold it due to my riding pants.

Jim, just bought an " SCA 2 in 1 WASH AND DRY TOWEL " from Supercheap for $5.99. Its 400x400mm and fits beautifully under my smallish magnetic tank bag. I can push the magnets around in mine to make sure they are over the cloth which is handy. Im putting it microfibre side down so thats the only thing touching the paintwork and the magnets are well strong enough to hold it in place without slipping. Will let you know how it goes after Cowra.

Interesting, look forward to seeing the results

Jimcoleman wrote:Interesting, look forward to seeing the results

I'm hoping I can't see the results .

A really good result would be if it's still on your tank when you get to Cowra! 

Thats the only result Im after Steve. Theres a little tie at the front of the bag that I put around the screen brace and your arms basically hold it in anyway with the clip-ons.