Anyone have any ideas about a good tank bag that converts to a backpack? I seem to be getting mixed reviews from all the ones I look at. Anything I should look for? Expecially since the tank on the 250s are more 'pointy'?

Also if it came in kawi green or pink that'd be awesome. I want something big enough to fix sneakers, a change of clothes and a water bottle for going to the gym basically :P That or a laptop, a Engineering book or 2 (which are pretty thick) and a lunch.

Any reviews or dimentions would be great if the bag slides, scratches, collapses etc.

Any advice on the whole topic of scratching your tank?

I'd happily suggest mine except that the only place it's even been seen for sale (Wal-mart) clearanced it out in 2008. For $25USD I got a Bell tank bag that is collapsible (didn't realize it at first... you need to remove the plastic wall) and fits perfectly when reversed, as if it were made for this bike. My main concern is the outer zippered pocket facing down when you hold it by the handle so it dumps the contents if you aren't careful. It's supposed to have a rain cover too but I didn't realize that (the tags were missing). I use it everywhere and I've been consistently surprised at how much I could fit in it. I never had to strap it down either.

It's starting to develop holes after a couple years of taking it everywhere (it couldn't be the tools and utensils I have carried poking through :whistle: ).

Do you know what it's called?

Wait...walmart carries bike stuff? What section were u in?

Walmart in Canada don't have many bike accessories. The only thing i've found there were helmets.

I've bought my tank bag and saddle bags from Canadian Tire. They were pretty cheap on sale and not the best material but do the job.

I prefer the Joe Rocket magnetic Manta Bags myself.

Walmart in Canada don't have many bike accessories. The only thing i've found there were helmets.

That's where I found it but it was on clearance. It was "Bell" brand... same as the helmets... no mention on their website. I got my bike cover there too. I heard that Sam's Club has the covers, so perhaps they have the bag too. From what I can tell, all US Wal-Mart stores got rid of the tanks bags on clearance. :(

I also like the Joe Rocket Manta bag. I love the look of it and it holds some small stuff like, warmer gloves, camera, etc.

+1 on the joe rocket magnetic tank bag. it may look small, but it holds quite a good amount of stuff. they also have an XL size. i like the clean, sleek look of the bag. it has a strap for you to carry around if you want, like a purse. :thumbup:

there's no green but i think they have magenta or something close to pink.

can we get more pix in this thread? I'm also looking for a bag, or a backpack...or any way to carry more than my cellphone and wallet.

I used the Nelson-Rigg CL-130 tank bag on my moto trip through europe. Its small enough to not interfere too much with riding position, it has a clear cover on the front for a map or directions, has an expanding zipper to carry a bunch more stuff, and comes with a waterproof cover whose water-proofness i can attest to. I was able to fit all my riding gear (waterproof pants, jacket, gloves, balaclava, security chain, chatterbox, ipod, michelin guide, and tool kit). the only downside was that the snaps for the way they clip on would rub against the tank if you didnt put anything soft inbetween.

Heres a pic in front of the ducati factory in Bologna, Italy (dont own the honda anymore)
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v361/219/39/3303308/n3303308_40530399_5616.jpg

view from seat:
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v367/181/77/3301836/n3301836_40370539_6952.jpg

What a fully loaded 600rr looks like in Tuscany, about 2 hrs south of Florence:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v371/181/77/3301836/n3301836_40352409_204.jpg

How it fits with a rider on:
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v774/181/77/3301836/n3301836_40701858_2719.jpg

Thanks people, keep it coming. Really appreciate the rider position pic. I was actually looking at that tank bag. Do you find it slides around?

I have the Axio semi-hard bag.

Pros:

- Fits the tank pretty well. Holds its shape well (duh). Doesn't have a bunch of (IMHO) useless extra pockets. Expands. Works well as a backpack. Handy little storage tray thing under the snap-on map pocket. Extra helmet shield fits nicely.

Cons:

- Snap-on map pocket is not that great. Won't last long. When it goes I'll just chuck it.
- Color doesn't match (I'd get black if I had it to do again)
- A bit spendy.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a115/adouglas2001/Motorcycle%20tour%202009/IMG_0118.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a115/adouglas2001/Motorcycle%20tour%202009/IMG_0538_2.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a115/adouglas2001/Motorcycle%20tour%202009/IMG_0545_3.jpg

I have the Axio semi-hard bag.

Pros:

- Fits the tank pretty well. Holds its shape well (duh). Doesn't have a bunch of (IMHO) useless extra pockets. Expands. Works well as a backpack. Handy little storage tray thing under the snap-on map pocket. Extra helmet shield fits nicely.

Cons:

- Snap-on map pocket is not that great. Won't last long. When it goes I'll just chuck it.
- Color doesn't match (I'd get black if I had it to do again)
- A bit spendy.

That would be extra awesome if it came in green but holy spendy! Yikes!

I just bought the Nelson-Rigg CL-400 tank bag and it fits pretty good. Haven't ridden with it yet, but sitting on the bike it doesn't seem to be in the way. Looks like it will hold quite a lot of stuff, but doesn't seem too big. Hope this helps! :)

http://www.compacc.com/p.cfm/c/2003000/p/27677

Oh! i have a great pink tank bag that would hold all that stuff! i think it's icon but i'll have to double check... i'll snap a pic when i get home :)
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i just googled it...
icon urban tank bag. google it and there's some reviews. i really like it

I scratched my tank with it because i set it on the ground and didnt check the magnents for dirt, but if you are careful it's great
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got some pics

spot for your map:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/joyinc/iconbags/bags001.jpg

inside:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/joyinc/iconbags/bags002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/joyinc/iconbags/bags003.jpg

outside pockets:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/joyinc/iconbags/bags004.jpg

bottom pocket, with a bungee net:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/joyinc/iconbags/bags005.jpg

room to carry a helmet... although i've never attempted this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/joyinc/iconbags/bags006.jpg

and the top pocket with the stuff that converts it to a backpack
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/joyinc/iconbags/bags007.jpg

i cant say how it fits on the 250 though... i've been using it on my 125, still waiting to get my 250 :) it holds great... just keep those magnents clean so you wont get scratched!

I just bought the Nelson-Rigg CL-400 tank bag and it fits pretty good. Haven't ridden with it yet, but sitting on the bike it doesn't seem to be in the way. Looks like it will hold quite a lot of stuff, but doesn't seem too big. Hope this helps! :)

http://www.compacc.com/p.cfm/c/2003000/p/27677
Thanks!

i just googled it...
icon urban tank bag. google it and there's some reviews. i really like it

I scratched my tank with it because i set it on the ground and didnt check the magnents for dirt, but if you are careful it's great
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks for taking the pictures, and if it fits a 125 it would probably stick to a 250 even better. I was more worried about going from a thicker tank to a smaller one. Thanks! Keep it coming people.

Thanks!



Thanks for taking the pictures, and if it fits a 125 it would probably stick to a 250 even better. I was more worried about going from a thicker tank to a smaller one. Thanks! Keep it coming people.

Thats what i'm thinkin... i have a smaller tank bag and the top magnet just dangles lol. it'll be nice to have a bike it fits on :)
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Hey all. Was just looking at newenough.com's closeout luggage and they have some pretty crazy deals on Rapid Transit brand Tank Bags. Starting at $6.99 for a little cell phone bag. Check them out if you so desire. :)

http://www.newenough.com/parts/closeouts/luggage?page=2

Hey all. Was just looking at newenough.com's closeout luggage and they have some pretty crazy deals on Rapid Transit brand Tank Bags. Starting at $6.99 for a little cell phone bag. Check them out if you so desire. :)

http://www.newenough.com/parts/closeouts/luggage?page=2

Thanks! That's an awesome find.

+1 for the icon urban tank bag. I have had mine for almost a year now and its awesome. The only downside in my opinion is that the material is a little thin and corners of binders wear down the inside of the backpack fairly quickly, ymmv

This is the one I have
http://www.bagster.com/en/showroom.php?id=82

not too big still OK when its opened up fully converts into a back pack cost me $130.

Steve

I use a Rapid Transit Recon 19 bag. It is pretty much a perfect size for most of the stuff I do, and I can even fit a weekend's worth of clothes in it (but I'm a guy :P). It has lots of compartments for just about anything, and I really like the attached rain cover, you can't forget it at home. It was $72 from New Enough (http://www.newenough.com/parts/luggage/tank_bags/rapid_transit/recon_19_magnetic_motorcycle_tank_bag.html). They have more pictures of the bag there.

Here are a couple pictures from various rides.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh87/camaroz1985/Ninja/Ride%20Reports/20091108%20-%20Central%20PA%20-%20Gold%20Mine%20Rd/PB080017.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh87/camaroz1985/Ninja/P3070621.jpg

Me in my fat man jacket, shows how it fits with a person on the bike.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh87/camaroz1985/Ninja/100_1989.jpg

I was going to purchase a Cortech tank bag that I saw at Chaparral for my bike later this summer. Looked pretty good but never tried it.

Kinda like the manta tank bag above but maybe slightly more storage room. Not sure. Need another look at the cortech.

Edit:
I think it was like this.. with the magnet wing flaps.
http://www.cortechperformance.com/xcart/product.php?productid=143

I recently got the Rapid Transit bag....it seems like it was made for the Ninja 250R. Fantastic....I highly recommend it.

Camelbak pocket with the tube port and clips for the hose, map pocket, pocket for your cellphone/mp3 player, audio ports, rain cover....just freakin awesome.

I took it on a 300 mile trip a few days ago, with a full camelbak bladder in it and my DLSR with all my lenses, gloves, etc....it was great! And when I stopped, it converts into a really nice backpack.

I use a Rapid Transit Recon 19 bag. It is pretty much a perfect size for most of the stuff I do, and I can even fit a weekend's worth of clothes in it (but I'm a guy :P). It has lots of compartments for just about anything, and I really like the attached rain cover, you can't forget it at home.

Is this a magnetic tank bag? That seems to be a perfect size for the 250. Do you know what the dimensions are? Have any problems with it shifting around when going fast?

I recently got the Rapid Transit bag....it seems like it was made for the Ninja 250R. Fantastic....I highly recommend it.

Camelbak pocket with the tube port and clips for the hose, map pocket, pocket for your cellphone/mp3 player, audio ports, rain cover....just freakin awesome.

I took it on a 300 mile trip a few days ago, with a full camelbak bladder in it and my DLSR with all my lenses, gloves, etc....it was great! And when I stopped, it converts into a really nice backpack.

There seems to be a lot of 'rapid transit' bags. Which one did you get?

Once upon a time I had a big tank bag for my Katana, thankfully it would also zip down into a smaller version. I can't see how some of you ride with a big bag sitting in front of you. I was much happy with a tail bag since it never got in my way.. All that stuff got destroyed years ago, so for my current ride I bought a decent Cortech tail bag and decided to get the saddle bags that match. Need to modify my bike before the saddle bags will fit because of the turn signals sticking out (just waiting for the LED flasher module now).
http://www.indysuperbike.com/customer/product.php?productid=108995&cat=24505&page=1
http://www.indysuperbike.com/customer/product.php?productid=108996&cat=24505&page=1

Also bought one of these for those times when I need to stick my laptop on the bike for datalogging:
http://www.indysuperbike.com/customer/product.php?productid=701111&cat=33031&page=2

Is this a magnetic tank bag? That seems to be a perfect size for the 250. Do you know what the dimensions are? Have any problems with it shifting around when going fast?



There seems to be a lot of 'rapid transit' bags. Which one did you get?

The Icon one, on top of everything else, will not stay put for any amount of time. It will move around the tank and will scratch it. Also none of the features are excellent. The Rapid Transit 19 will be the best choice for the 250r.

Is this a magnetic tank bag? That seems to be a perfect size for the 250. Do you know what the dimensions are? Have any problems with it shifting around when going fast?

Yes, it is magnetic, and no it has never moved around. It has 4 magnets. One on each of the side flaps, one near the front, and one in the extension from the back (which also acts as a tank protector when you have it on. I have not seen any scratching at all, and have probably ridden a good 5 or 6K miles with it on.

Yes, it is magnetic, and no it has never moved around. It has 4 magnets. One on each of the side flaps, one near the front, and one in the extension from the back (which also acts as a tank protector when you have it on. I have not seen any scratching at all, and have probably ridden a good 5 or 6K miles with it on.

Thanks! What are the backpack straps like?

In the market for a new one myself now. After two years of hauling heavy stuff around every single day it's finally bursting at the seems... right after I bought a new notebook too! I specifically purchased the most powerful one that would still fit in it (barely)... the Alienware M11x.

Been using the Rapid Transit Big City bag for 5k km or so.

http://www.rapid-transit.com/rt/products.cfm?products_id=858

It's strap on but I felt more secure with it. Once set up it's easy to get on and off for things like re-fueling. Works well and has large capacity. Worked well in the rain although it was hard to see the map through the rain cover.

I bought some Nelson Riggs saddle bags this Christmas and will check them out this summer.

Thanks! What are the backpack straps like?

I'll try to get a picture for you. I've honestly never used it like that, just tried it out when I got it.

Here are the pictures on New Enough (http://www.newenough.com/browse/view_product_images/46)

Here is a better picture on the bike.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh87/camaroz1985/Ninja/P4130732.jpg

I got an email today from newenough.com stating the Joe Rocket Manta Tank Bag (http://www.newenough.com/parts/luggage/tank_bags/joe_rocket/manta_magnetic_motorcycle_tank_bag.html) is $39.99.

Thanks to everyone who posted about the bag. It's exactly what I had in mind.

Dig your saddlebags Ryan. Who made those?
I'm about to head over to the moto shop now and dig up some saddlebags and a tank bag. Great thread.

My saddle bags are Nelson Rigg SSC-140.

Went with the Ogio again to match my backpack.
Sleeping bag goes on top, no need for tailbag.
Can't tell which way they look better, forward or backward facing?!

This is probably not their final mounting position as I'm still rebuilding it. Just getting ready for when it's done..

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab288/ninja250Rse/saddlebags1.jpg

Can someone post a picture of the icon tank bag in its backpack form please?

You can get a brand new tank for that much. At places they usually sell a tank for a dollar per gallon. That means you can get a 100 gallon tank for less than that price. So lets say you get a 55 gallon tank alone from $55-$100. Then you can get the gravel for the bottom for about $40-$70. Plus a heater and filter would be anywhere around $80-$150. The total will still be better than getting that old tank with a small bag of gravel.

Think about it: you are still going to have to buy all the rest of the gravel for the bottom any way.

not really sure you're playin with a full deck here...