Magnetic vs Suction cup mounts for tank bag

setasai · June 17th, 2011, 08:12 PM

I havent tried either. For those of you that have one or have tried it before, what are your experiences for magnetic mounts vs suction cup mounts. Specifically, I'm looking at the nelson rigg ones.

gfloyd2002 · June 18th, 2011, 04:57 AM

I've had two magnetic tank bags and one suction type bag. The magnetic holders really do a great job of keeping stuff in place. Even at high speeds, er I mean following the speed limits diligently

, there are no issues with stuff shifting around. I always felt very secure with wallet, keys, in the magnetic bags.

With the suction mount bag (some off brand, I think Rapid Transit?) I felt much less secure, and had to use straps in conjunction or I was paranoid it was going to fly off. Also, I had to keep the suction cups clean to keep from grinding grit into the paint and keeping the suction good. It was a comparatively sucky (haha) system. Magnetic is WAY better.

But . . . be careful what you buy. I had an Icon Urban tank bag I used on my old Kawi, and in 2 years of use, its magnetic connectors treated my tank well, not a single scratch. It was gentle, held firm, etc. A good bag.
But now I have the Joe Rocket Manta bag, and I hate it with a fiery passion. The magnetic mounts combined with whatever crap grippy material they use just scratches the hell out of my tank. Leaves a black mess (from the material) that at first wiped off, but over time has just completely messed up my tank with black marks and scratches. I should have used something to protect the tank from the beginning but didn't do it until too late.

I don't know about the Nelson Riggs and whether they'd risk the paint with magnetic -- I'd bet not, they are a good product. And with the right product, magnetic is great.

setasai · June 18th, 2011, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfloyd2002

I've had two magnetic tank bags and one suction type bag. The magnetic holders really do a great job of keeping stuff in place. Even at high speeds, er I mean following the speed limits diligently

, there are no issues with stuff shifting around. I always felt very secure with wallet, keys, in the magnetic bags.

With the suction mount bag (some off brand, I think Rapid Transit?) I felt much less secure, and had to use straps in conjunction or I was paranoid it was going to fly off. Also, I had to keep the suction cups clean to keep from grinding grit into the paint and keeping the suction good. It was a comparatively sucky (haha) system. Magnetic is WAY better.

But . . . be careful what you buy. I had an Icon Urban tank bag I used on my old Kawi, and in 2 years of use, its magnetic connectors treated my tank well, not a single scratch. It was gentle, held firm, etc. A good bag.
But now I have the Joe Rocket Manta bag, and I hate it with a fiery passion. The magnetic mounts combined with whatever crap grippy material they use just scratches the hell out of my tank. Leaves a black mess (from the material) that at first wiped off, but over time has just completely messed up my tank with black marks and scratches. I should have used something to protect the tank from the beginning but didn't do it until too late.

I don't know about the Nelson Riggs and whether they'd risk the paint with magnetic -- I'd bet not, they are a good product. And with the right product, magnetic is great.

Thanks, exactly the type of advice i was looking for. Magnetic it is then.

Live2ride · June 18th, 2011, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

Thanks, exactly the type of advice i was looking for. Magnetic it is then.

I have a magnetic recon transit tank bag and it does hold on very well. It has a magnet in the front of the bag, two on the sides that fold out and another on a tail piece that folds out also acting as a cushiony tank guard/pad. I've had this bag up to 95mph and it never gave a hint it would come loose, I love it. Now I don't need to carry around my backpack for just a few small necessities.

road_rascal · June 18th, 2011, 09:12 AM

I think I posted this on another thread but I've run magnetic and strap mount tank bags for years on other motorcycles (have mag bag on my 250 now). For tank protection I cut out a section of tool drawer liner (the rubber mesh stuff) that matches the bottom of the tank bag. I've never had any serious scratches on the tank using that method. When I sold my '97 Nighthawk 750 to a co-worker last year I used the tool drawer mesh between the tank bag and tank for 13 years and 65K+ miles and the black tank still looked new.

CZroe · June 18th, 2011, 10:25 AM

Never heard of or saw suction-cup mounts but magnetic has worked great for me the past three years.

leed · June 18th, 2011, 06:27 PM

I have a Chase Harper CR2 Tank bag which uses magnets.. It hasn't given me any issues even at not-so-legal speeds. It helps, though, that the windscreen and fairings are there, as there is not an awful lot of wind rolling in the tank area. Regardless, though, it comes with a safety strap to tie to the frame in front of the tank, but I haven't gotten around to putting it on.

setasai · June 18th, 2011, 07:17 PM

Sweet. Yea the tank is a tricky thing because I always hear about scratching this and scratching that... so it's nice to see others using it without trouble. Has anybody had issues with the magnets and electronics in the tank bag?

leed · June 18th, 2011, 07:38 PM

If you've got a phone that changes mode with a magnet (like a Droid, for example) it will put itself in Car mode (or Dock mode, depending on the polarity) if it's anywhere near the magnets that are used for these bags. Well, only if it's parallel to the magnet. I managed to put my phone between my spare shield/lens and the side of the bag so it sits perpendicular ("on it's side") to the magnets and it doesn't change its mode. Otherwise, no problems with any electronics. The only thing I'd really maybe worry about is a credit-card. But even then, if it's in a wallet.. Not a real problem.

gfloyd2002 · June 19th, 2011, 01:19 PM

I carry wallet (with credit cards), blackberry and watch in the magnetic tank bag every day on my commute. Dunno if it is good for them, but I haven't noticed any problem. Did it for 2 years with the Icon Urban, and about 8 months so far with the Joe Rocket Manta. No issues.

bdavison · June 19th, 2011, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Live2ride

I have a magnetic recon transit tank bag and it does hold on very well. It has a magnet in the front of the bag, two on the sides that fold out and another on a tail piece that folds out also acting as a cushiony tank guard/pad. I've had this bag up to 95mph and it never gave a hint it would come loose, I love it. Now I don't need to carry around my backpack for just a few small necessities.

I have this bag also, and it is by far the best bag for the ninja 250r in my opinion. It also has a internal bag for a camelbak, which you can route the hose out the provided hole, and the hose clips to the side of the bag. absolutely fantastic for hydration while riding. It has pockets for everything...change pockets, quick change pockets for tollbooths, a pocket for headphones or a wallet, phone pocket(which will let you operate a touch screen phone through the cover, map pocket, gps pocket, included rain cover...and so on. It also comes with detachable backpack straps for taking it with you.

The magnets are excellent, and have rubber padding to keep them from scratching the tank.

If you are looking for a tank bag, this on is THE one to get!

bdavison · June 19th, 2011, 02:09 PM

Oh, and i have tested the rain cover in absolutely horrible weather. Everything stays dry. The last trip i took with it, i had a full camelbak in it, and my very expensive nikon DSLR, GPS, and a iphone...rode up the interstate at 70mph in a torrential rainstorm for over an hour, and everything stayed dry.

I seriously cannot recommend the rapid transit bag enough. Its awesome.

It was clearly designed for motorcyclists, by motorcyclists. Rapid Transit has a customer for life here.

Live2ride · June 19th, 2011, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdavison

I have this bag also, and it is by far the best bag for the ninja 250r in my opinion. It also has a internal bag for a camelbak, which you can route the hose out the provided hole, and the hose clips to the side of the bag. absolutely fantastic for hydration while riding. It has pockets for everything...change pockets, quick change pockets for tollbooths, a pocket for headphones or a wallet, phone pocket(which will let you operate a touch screen phone through the cover, map pocket, gps pocket, included rain cover...and so on. It also comes with detachable backpack straps for taking it with you.

The magnets are excellent, and have rubber padding to keep them from scratching the tank.

If you are looking for a tank bag, this on is THE one to get!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdavison

Oh, and i have tested the rain cover in absolutely horrible weather. Everything stays dry. The last trip i took with it, i had a full camelbak in it, and my very expensive nikon DSLR, GPS, and a iphone...rode up the interstate at 70mph in a torrential rainstorm for over an hour, and everything stayed dry.

I seriously cannot recommend the rapid transit bag enough. Its awesome.

It was clearly designed for motorcyclists, by motorcyclists. Rapid Transit has a customer for life here.

I have to say that I also really love this tank bag and recommend it to anyone. I actually just bought a camelback bag today and it seems like it fits really well; I can't wait to try it out. It also comes with a single shoulder strap if you don't wanna deal with both backpack straps. BTW, all the straps fit me very well, I have very broad shoulders and I'm 6'2' but these straps are long enough to fit comfortably. It fits on the tank very well and I was surprised that the rear magnet / tank guard actually improve comfort a bit. One other thing I tested was, when the magnets are folded inside the bag, their magnetic field doesn't seem to penetrate the inside of the bag which was a huge plus for me. I carry electronics in my bag all the time and to have such powerful magnets on the bag scared me at first, but rest assured it doesn't affect them at all. Also, the cell phone pocket doesn't fit my htc evo 4g, but it does fit my ipod classic. If i need to use my phone I put it in the map pocket (which is too small for any map I've seen, 1 downside) which allows me to use my touchscreen as well.

setasai · June 19th, 2011, 11:18 PM

Great. My list of accessories ever since I bought the bike a couple years ago have been getting longer and longer. Doubt i'll ever be able to get everything I want. Fantastic insight guys... answers exactly what I was wondering and more.

wtf · June 20th, 2011, 03:32 PM

I bought a Joe Rocket Manta tank bag several months ago and noticed slight pitting in the clearcoat finish due to the strong magnetic force. I will mostly likely buff it out with my PC and add some clear bra material around that area.

the big mike · June 24th, 2011, 03:31 PM

I'm planning to buy a magnetic tankbag tomorrow, but I have an extra question. You're saying it doesn't do anything to creditcards and phones etc, but what would happen if you put a laptop in there? (not exactly basic electronics) I'm afraid it might affect my harddrives and thus scr°w up my computer. experiences anyone?

CZroe · June 24th, 2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the big mike

I'm planning to buy a magnetic tankbag tomorrow, but I have an extra question. You're saying it doesn't do anything to creditcards and phones etc, but what would happen if you put a laptop in there? (not exactly basic electronics) I'm afraid it might affect my harddrives and thus scr°w up my computer. experiences anyone?

I asked this question and everyone told me "nothing" as long as the HDD is off and the heads are parked. I used my Alienware M11x in there for over a year with no issue, though I planned to upgrade to an SSD to be on the safe side. Instead, I just upgraded to an M11x r3.

NathanUc · June 25th, 2011, 12:26 AM

I have that Joe Rocket tank bag from post #2.

I'm not sure if it's to blame for sure, but a few flaws in paint have shown since I've been using it. There are lots of warning on the bag mentioning that it might damage some paint jobs as well.

Either way, the flaws are extremely small and un-noticeable. I love the bag and would totally buy another.

YORCHI · July 19th, 2011, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdavison

I have this bag also, and it is by far the best bag for the ninja 250r in my opinion. It also has a internal bag for a camelbak, which you can route the hose out the provided hole, and the hose clips to the side of the bag. absolutely fantastic for hydration while riding. It has pockets for everything...change pockets, quick change pockets for tollbooths, a pocket for headphones or a wallet, phone pocket(which will let you operate a touch screen phone through the cover, map pocket, gps pocket, included rain cover...and so on. It also comes with detachable backpack straps for taking it with you.

The magnets are excellent, and have rubber padding to keep them from scratching the tank.

If you are looking for a tank bag, this on is THE one to get!

can you recommend a good place to get this bag?

Tinto · January 9th, 2012, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

I havent tried either. For those of you that have one or have tried it before, what are your experiences for magnetic mounts vs suction cup mounts. Specifically, I'm looking at the nelson rigg ones.

I have the Nelson-Rigg CL-1030 tank bag (fairly large tank bag for a Ninja 250) and chose the suction cup mounting system after using another brand tank bag with magnets in flap sections (a system I did not like).

The suction cups work very well and are easy to position on the tank or in my case, both on the tank (rear cups) and attached to the plastic fairing (front cups). They come off as easily as they go on; by peeling an edge of the cup or they can be left in place and the quick release buckles connecting them to the bag can be disconnected.

They do not slide around (even in wet weather) but the front cup(s) got unattached once while driving over a section of rough road I was driving on recently. It wasn't a safety concern because I was able to detect the bag shifting a little then reached down and reattach the cups. On normal street or highway driving I haven't experienced any problems with them losing suction.

I have not used the suction cups to secure my N-R tail bag because I'm not 100% confident they would hold their grip if I hit a pot hole or bump on the road so opted for their strap system instead.

What I like about the suction cups is you don't need a metal tank surface to use them and they are easy to put on and take off. They also won't attract ferrous metal that may scratch your tank like a magnet would if it picked up a piece of metal and unknowingly placed on your tank. I still wipe the cups off before using them. The N-R system is very versatile allowing the cups (or magnets) to be positioned in a number of different ways.

I think I will purchase N-R's magnet system in the future just to compare them with the suction cups but for now I like the current set up I have.

Skippii · January 10th, 2012, 01:55 AM

Just don't try to use a magnetic bad on a Buell and it'll be fine. Also, don't set your magnetic bad down on a workbench where you have a lot of screws and nails, and then plop it on your bike .and slide it around to adjust the position without looking...
Posted via Mobile Device

NDspd · January 10th, 2012, 07:57 AM

I got a magnetic tank bag....^^^ and I always check them before putting them on

I gently lay them down, because if you just plop them down you might actually get some dents.

mrlmd · January 10th, 2012, 09:45 AM

Anyone every try putting something like Saran wrap over the tank to to prevent scratches or abrasion from the magnetic tank bags?

NDspd · January 10th, 2012, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrlmd

Anyone every try putting something like Saran wrap over the tank to to prevent scratches or abrasion from the magnetic tank bags?

Not a bad idea^^^

the big mike · January 10th, 2012, 05:34 PM

oh, it seems like I've never responded

well, I've been using my magnetic tank bag for quiet a while now. I paid a lot of attention to keep it clean at all times and... It works perfectly, no scratches, even after multiple 22kg loads.

leed · January 10th, 2012, 06:41 PM

Oh, one other thing. A good alternative to a rain cover for us whose magnetic bags do not have them.. fold/roll/stuff a trashbag in your bag. It will come in handy if it rains.

June 17th, 2011, 08:12 PM	#1
setasai ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Brian Location: Detroit, MI Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.	Magnetic vs Suction cup mounts for tank bag I havent tried either. For those of you that have one or have tried it before, what are your experiences for magnetic mounts vs suction cup mounts. Specifically, I'm looking at the nelson rigg ones.

June 19th, 2011, 01:19 PM	#10
gfloyd2002 User Title Free Since '12 Name: Floyd Location: Barbados Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Special Edition Green Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 13 MOTM - Feb '12	I carry wallet (with credit cards), blackberry and watch in the magnetic tank bag every day on my commute. Dunno if it is good for them, but I haven't noticed any problem. Did it for 2 years with the Icon Urban, and about 8 months so far with the Joe Rocket Manta. No issues. __________________________________________________ "Improvement makes straight roads, but the crooked roads without improvement, are roads of genius." — William Blake

June 25th, 2011, 12:26 AM	#18
NathanUc B-Town Ninja Name: Nathan Location: Bloomington, IN Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Black 2013 Ninja ZX6R ABS Posts: 609 Blog Entries: 3	I have that Joe Rocket tank bag from post #2. I'm not sure if it's to blame for sure, but a few flaws in paint have shown since I've been using it. There are lots of warning on the bag mentioning that it might damage some paint jobs as well. Either way, the flaws are extremely small and un-noticeable. I love the bag and would totally buy another. __________________________________________________ Downgraded to a 2013 636. Previous owner of a 2010 250r --------------------------------- My moto-vlog YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/bloomingtonninja

January 10th, 2012, 05:34 PM	#25
the big mike ninjette.org sage Name: Michael Location: Belgium Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, Fazer8 Posts: 580	oh, it seems like I've never responded well, I've been using my magnetic tank bag for quiet a while now. I paid a lot of attention to keep it clean at all times and... It works perfectly, no scratches, even after multiple 22kg loads. __________________________________________________ I can not be a true player by playing around.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Magnetic Tank Bag for 250R!	ScorpionNinja	Cargo Space	29	November 2nd, 2015 05:29 AM
[motorcycle.com] - Rapid Transit Recon 19L Magnetic Tank Bag Review	Ninjette Newsbot	Motorcycling News	0	July 1st, 2014 06:40 PM
[visordown.com] - Used: B-Square magnetic tank bag	Ninjette Newsbot	Motorcycling News	0	October 18th, 2013 07:50 PM
magnetic tank bag and electronic devices	rabies	General Motorcycling Discussion	10	September 29th, 2012 09:27 AM

June 18th, 2011, 09:12 AM	#5
road_rascal ninjette.org member Name: ___ Location: ___ Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): ___ Posts: 160	I think I posted this on another thread but I've run magnetic and strap mount tank bags for years on other motorcycles (have mag bag on my 250 now). For tank protection I cut out a section of tool drawer liner (the rubber mesh stuff) that matches the bottom of the tank bag. I've never had any serious scratches on the tank using that method. When I sold my '97 Nighthawk 750 to a co-worker last year I used the tool drawer mesh between the tank bag and tank for 13 years and 65K+ miles and the black tank still looked new.

June 18th, 2011, 10:25 AM	#6
CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	Never heard of or saw suction-cup mounts but magnetic has worked great for me the past three years.

June 18th, 2011, 06:27 PM	#7
leed ninjette.org sage Name: David Location: Loves Park, IL Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Time will tell Posts: 969	I have a Chase Harper CR2 Tank bag which uses magnets.. It hasn't given me any issues even at not-so-legal speeds. It helps, though, that the windscreen and fairings are there, as there is not an awful lot of wind rolling in the tank area. Regardless, though, it comes with a safety strap to tie to the frame in front of the tank, but I haven't gotten around to putting it on.

June 18th, 2011, 07:17 PM	#8
setasai ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Brian Location: Detroit, MI Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.	Sweet. Yea the tank is a tricky thing because I always hear about scratching this and scratching that... so it's nice to see others using it without trouble. Has anybody had issues with the magnets and electronics in the tank bag?

June 18th, 2011, 07:38 PM	#9
leed ninjette.org sage Name: David Location: Loves Park, IL Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Time will tell Posts: 969	If you've got a phone that changes mode with a magnet (like a Droid, for example) it will put itself in Car mode (or Dock mode, depending on the polarity) if it's anywhere near the magnets that are used for these bags. Well, only if it's parallel to the magnet. I managed to put my phone between my spare shield/lens and the side of the bag so it sits perpendicular ("on it's side") to the magnets and it doesn't change its mode. Otherwise, no problems with any electronics. The only thing I'd really maybe worry about is a credit-card. But even then, if it's in a wallet.. Not a real problem.

June 19th, 2011, 02:09 PM	#12
bdavison Wartown, USA Name: Bryan Location: Warner Robins, GA Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.	Oh, and i have tested the rain cover in absolutely horrible weather. Everything stays dry. The last trip i took with it, i had a full camelbak in it, and my very expensive nikon DSLR, GPS, and a iphone...rode up the interstate at 70mph in a torrential rainstorm for over an hour, and everything stayed dry. I seriously cannot recommend the rapid transit bag enough. Its awesome. It was clearly designed for motorcyclists, by motorcyclists. Rapid Transit has a customer for life here.

June 19th, 2011, 11:18 PM	#14
setasai ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Brian Location: Detroit, MI Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.	Great. My list of accessories ever since I bought the bike a couple years ago have been getting longer and longer. Doubt i'll ever be able to get everything I want. Fantastic insight guys... answers exactly what I was wondering and more.

June 20th, 2011, 03:32 PM	#15
wtf ninjette.org member Name: sean Location: socal Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Monster 696 ABS, '08 250R Ninja, Black (Sold), Posts: 47	I bought a Joe Rocket Manta tank bag several months ago and noticed slight pitting in the clearcoat finish due to the strong magnetic force. I will mostly likely buff it out with my PC and add some clear bra material around that area.

June 24th, 2011, 03:31 PM	#16
the big mike ninjette.org sage Name: Michael Location: Belgium Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, Fazer8 Posts: 580	I'm planning to buy a magnetic tankbag tomorrow, but I have an extra question. You're saying it doesn't do anything to creditcards and phones etc, but what would happen if you put a laptop in there? (not exactly basic electronics) I'm afraid it might affect my harddrives and thus scr°w up my computer. experiences anyone?

January 10th, 2012, 01:55 AM	#21
Skippii Milkshake Drinker Name: Skippii Location: Richmond, Va Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Orange DRZ400-S, 2005 Ninja 250 & Custom Thundercunt Dirt Chopper Posts: A lot.	Just don't try to use a magnetic bad on a Buell and it'll be fine. Also, don't set your magnetic bad down on a workbench where you have a lot of screws and nails, and then plop it on your bike .and slide it around to adjust the position without looking... Posted via Mobile Device

January 10th, 2012, 07:57 AM	#22
NDspd 1/4 English, 3/4 Kick Ass Name: Jeremy Location: Dayton, OH Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Triumph Speed Triple 955i, '05 Suzuki SV650S(retired), '11 Ninja 250R(sold) Posts: A lot.	I got a magnetic tank bag....^^^ and I always check them before putting them on I gently lay them down, because if you just plop them down you might actually get some dents.

January 10th, 2012, 09:45 AM	#23
mrlmd ninjette.org sage Name: Marc Location: Crawfordville, Florida Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Suzuki S50, 2006 Kawasaki Ninja EX250F, 1990 Honda PC800, 2000 Yamaha TW200 Posts: 848	Anyone every try putting something like Saran wrap over the tank to to prevent scratches or abrasion from the magnetic tank bags?

January 10th, 2012, 06:41 PM	#26
leed ninjette.org sage Name: David Location: Loves Park, IL Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Time will tell Posts: 969	Oh, one other thing. A good alternative to a rain cover for us whose magnetic bags do not have them.. fold/roll/stuff a trashbag in your bag. It will come in handy if it rains.