January 23rd, 2012, 09:34 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
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Backpack or Tank Bag
I've been entertaining the idea of getting a really good quality tank bag. One issue I run into when using a regular backpack is that if its full, after about 30-45 minutes of riding my shoulders and lower back get tired. I'm used to carrying heavy loads on my back from firefighting school, but I'd rather not have to do it everyday when I commute (I usually have enough to fill my backpack).
To those of you who own tank bags, are they worth it? Most good ones run anywhere from $100 - $200, and ones that are a decent size look like they take up most of the space in front of the gas tank, which could be used for tucking in when traveling on the freeway (which I frequently ride on). I currently have a backpack that has a capacity of 32L (1,953 cubic inches), and the quality is second to none (waterproof lining, YKK zippers, 1000 denier nylon, you name it). Assuming price is not a factor, can anybody recommend a tank bag that firstly, fits the ninjette, and is secondly, rugged and unobtrusive while actually riding on your motorcycle? |
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January 23rd, 2012, 09:43 PM | #2 |
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Name: Eric
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I have one question to add to that. I know good magnetic tank bags are popular, and hear they are the way to go... how do those work with electronics though? Like if you needed to take a laptop with you and want to put it in the tank bag.
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January 24th, 2012, 05:54 AM | #4 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Cliff
Location: Georgia
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1999 BMW K1200LT, 2001 Aprilia Falco, 2008 Ninja 250R and a whole slew of dirtbikes! Posts: 64
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In my experience, the shape of the ninjette's tank makes a big magnetic tank bag kind of hard to fit. I'd get a smaller tank bag that fit the shape of the tank for things like your sunglasses, wallet, keys, gloves, etc. and then get a tail bag that wraps around your back seat to put your bigger stuff in.
I'll second what you said though, after about 45 minutes of riding with my backpack on my hands start to go numb from the straps putting so much pressure on my shoulders. BTW, that's with a good "hiking" style back pack that was made specifically for riding. One of the ones that have both a waist band and a strap across your chest to try to relieve some of the pressure off your lower back. It's a trade off, the convenience of the backpack is nice, get off the bike and take your stuff with you, but it's not really all that comfortable and here in the south, you'll bake in the summer when you wear it. Also, as a side note, be careful with magnetic tank bags and inspect the bottom of them before you put them on the bike. They pick up metal really really well. I've found staples and paper clips attached to the bottom of mine on many occasions and I'd hate to see what that'd do to the paint on your tank after you slide it around to get it positioned right. |
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January 24th, 2012, 02:56 PM | #5 |
Texas Newbie
Name: John
Location: D/FW Texas
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 07 Ninja EX250, 07 FZ6 Posts: A lot.
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The tail bag is the best.
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January 24th, 2012, 03:11 PM | #6 |
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.
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I've got a tank, tail and saddle bags. But for around the town general riding a backpack is the easiest way to go.
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January 24th, 2012, 03:29 PM | #7 |
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January 24th, 2012, 03:50 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
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Any recommendations for tail bags? And have you ever rocked a backpack AND a tail bag at the same time?
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January 24th, 2012, 06:18 PM | #9 |
Texas Newbie
Name: John
Location: D/FW Texas
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 07 Ninja EX250, 07 FZ6 Posts: A lot.
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I'm to the point were I never remove my tail bag. I've not had any issues with it any were I park in this high petty crime DFW Metro area.
It also can be turned into a backpack if needed. http://www.amazon.com/Cortech-Sport-.../dp/B001PN5X44 |
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January 24th, 2012, 06:28 PM | #10 |
KThanksBye
Name: Kevin
Location: Orange County
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January 24th, 2012, 07:03 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rick
Location: Hawaii
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 Kawasaki Ninja 250R(Sold), 11 Honda Ruckus, 12 Ducati Monster 696 ABS Posts: 145
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I go with a backpack all the way. I use either a Kriega R15 or R25, awesome backpacks. Also if you want a tank bag, I'd recommend one that could convert from a tankbag to a backpack. Happy shopping!
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January 24th, 2012, 07:09 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rick
Location: Hawaii
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 Kawasaki Ninja 250R(Sold), 11 Honda Ruckus, 12 Ducati Monster 696 ABS Posts: 145
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We also neet to get this thread moved to gear discussion.
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January 24th, 2012, 07:42 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Cody
Location: NoVa
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I have this magnetic tank bag. It is the best accessorie i've bought for my 250 to date. It also has a shoulder sling and back pack straps. The map pocket and cell pocket are small but it wasn't a deal breaker for me. The water bladdar pocket was a huge plus as well and the magnets have never effected my electronics. If your trying to fit a laptop in a tank bag then this bag won't work. As far as the backpack goes, I usually just loosen the straps and let it rest on the passenger seat; it takes nearly all the weight off my shoulders.
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January 24th, 2012, 08:04 PM | #14 |
Ninjette of the North
Name: Kyle
Location: Quesnel, BC
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): Blue 2010 Ninja 250 Posts: 51
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I couldn't get used to the backpack. I bought this tail bag and this tank bag. I absolutely love them both. The tank bag might be a little small for your needs but it does convert into a backpack; they also offer a larger version.
I highly recommend both. I use the tank bag for every day commuting to work and then the tail bag for longer trips. Just my 2cents
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January 26th, 2012, 01:55 PM | #15 | |
Perpetual Newb
Name: Jason
Location: Imperial, MO
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I have the same bag and it does the job about 95% of the time. It's deceptively spacious in what you can cram in there, provided it's a pliable object. I had a plain ol' backpack before the tank bag and just didn't like having something big and bulky on my shoulders. I debated on the tank bag and the Icon Squad II backpack but in the end the versatility of the tank bag that I could carry as a backpack is kind of what sold me along with accommodations for a hydration bladder. The only thing lacking from the Rapid Transit vs. the Icon is the straps for carrying my helmet hands-free w/the Icon bag, but I really can't think of any time since I started riding where I wasn't riding to a destination where I would HAVE to carry my helmet around the whole time. I've always had a place to securely store it. Here's a copypasta of my full-on review of this bag from another post of mine: Quote:
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January 26th, 2012, 02:13 PM | #16 |
Avid Kitteh Poster
Name: Justin
Location: Norcal
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I rock a back pack but my commute is like 10 min.
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January 26th, 2012, 03:08 PM | #17 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Casey
Location: Central Florida
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R; 2003 SV650S Posts: 18
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I'm in the tank bag camp. Commute 20-25 min one way every day.
I use a Joe Rocket Manta XL. Big enough to hold my gym clothes, my lunch, and my phone/wallet/iPod. I use the cell phone compartment on top for my garage door opener. A backpack during the Florida summers would be brutal! |
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January 26th, 2012, 03:51 PM | #18 |
Jigglin' your Jiglets
Name: Sean
Location: San Jose, Ca
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If my backpack is particularly heavy I will loosen the straps all the way and it will just rest on the backseat relieving pressure from my back and shoulders
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January 26th, 2012, 04:10 PM | #19 |
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Haven't read replies, just replying to OP, so forgive me if this was said....
Get the Rapid Transit Recon 19 magnetic tank bag Linky Comes with straps to turn into a backpack. I am not 100% about Rapid Transits bags all coming w/ straps but this one did and so did my RT Platoon tail bag. So maybe all their models do. |
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January 26th, 2012, 04:37 PM | #20 |
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Name: .
Location: .
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Backpack, always. It's just who I am I guess. If I go anywhere and I'm not in a car I bring a backpack, so like bicycle, skateboard, walking, etc. Plus you have the bonus of all your stuff being on you at all times if you park somewhere.
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January 27th, 2012, 01:21 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
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Very interesting points and good recommendations made by everyone. Thanks to all who have replied so far... I'm still shopping and I haven't settled on one bag yet.
Has anybody ever tried to ride with a camping backpack, or is that just way too big to have on you while you ride? |
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January 27th, 2012, 06:13 AM | #22 | |
Perpetual Newb
Name: Jason
Location: Imperial, MO
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 MIB Ninja 250R [sold]; 2006 CBR600RR [sold]; 2013 Triumph Street Triple R Posts: 782
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Quote:
@Slono, don't know how the summers are where you live, but if they get pretty warm, and you plan to ride around for any lengthy period of time then your back will probably get drenched. Also, to add to my original reply, like TomServo (great name, btw ), I also commute everyday (when the weather cooperates, even during this winter) about 25 minutes each way and also take several hour long rides on the weekends when I can actually get out so that's why I'm a proponent for a tank/tail bag. If you really only plan to commute a short ways and don't plan to frequently take long rides then I'd probably stick with a back pack too. There'd be no real need to get a motorcycle-specific backpack and a regular backpack is pretty cheap anyway. Just make sure to not put anything in the backpack that can injure you should you wreck. Additionally, with my tank bag, it obviously does keep me from completely tucking but I've found it's never really been an issue as I've never really had a reason to need to tuck all the way down. I'm able to tuck down more than enough to get out of the wind when I have my tank bag. Plus, if I'm not worried about breaking anything in the bag, it makes a nice cushion to rest my chest on when cruising down the highway and tucking down a bit. |
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January 27th, 2012, 10:45 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
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Gaaaah I don't know anymore. I love my backpack and would have to get used to carrying a lot less if I had a tank bag, or tail bag for that matter. Ultimately I the ability to be mobile with my belongings and have it feel good on my back off the bike makes me consider not buying a tank bag. I may consider buying a tank bag in the future, but that also means I'd have to upgrade my windscreen because I wouldn't be able to ride in a full-tuck position.
I currently own THIS backpack. It has the chest and waist straps so I'm able to alleviate the pressure from my shoulders a bit by synching those up. Still, the comfort is not as good as if I didn't have a backpack. Riding becomes much more fun without a backpack on! |
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January 30th, 2012, 02:12 PM | #24 |
my hair matches my bike
Name: Tiffany
Location: Greater Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Red 250r Posts: 411
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I was an avid backpacker but I'm looking into tail bags. I feel your pain. I have an hour commute to work and the backpack is handy for the walk but it's really hot and tiring.
I would try folding carefully, and seeing what you can eliminate. |
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January 30th, 2012, 02:15 PM | #25 |
KThanksBye
Name: Kevin
Location: Orange County
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.
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So I have a little update to my backpack I posted earlier. I slid on it and my ass for almost a football field yesterday after having a spill at 50ish
Needless to say my backpack (along with other gear) saved my back, and ass literally
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January 30th, 2012, 04:44 PM | #26 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
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Quote:
How did the backpack end up under your ass? |
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January 30th, 2012, 04:45 PM | #27 | |
KThanksBye
Name: Kevin
Location: Orange County
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
It didnt und up under lol I was just laying on it when I was sliding
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January 30th, 2012, 05:21 PM | #28 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
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January 30th, 2012, 05:22 PM | #29 |
KThanksBye
Name: Kevin
Location: Orange County
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.
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Hell yeah it is, apparently they use some strong ass plastic lol
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January 30th, 2012, 05:29 PM | #30 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
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January 30th, 2012, 05:37 PM | #31 |
KThanksBye
Name: Kevin
Location: Orange County
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.
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Dont ask me how there isnt more damage, I have no idea how, I guess im just a lucky mother ****er
Heres the backpack Jacket And just another reason spending money on designer jeans is worth it! And my phone that was in my pocket Phone still works, **** yeah evo
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January 30th, 2012, 05:46 PM | #32 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
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You're one lucky son of a gun. That damage seems very minimal dude.
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January 30th, 2012, 06:00 PM | #33 |
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Now that we've made sure you're alright, it's time for the big question. How's the bike?
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January 30th, 2012, 10:17 PM | #34 |
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.
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January 30th, 2012, 10:19 PM | #35 |
KThanksBye
Name: Kevin
Location: Orange County
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.
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Agreed, if i had a hump on mine I would have never got it. Are there are backpacks that work with a hump?
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January 30th, 2012, 11:23 PM | #36 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
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January 30th, 2012, 11:29 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mo
Location: KS
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Whoa what a slide, glad your ok.
Im guessing that backpack will be with you forever now, memories of the slide |
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January 31st, 2012, 09:31 PM | #38 |
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.
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February 1st, 2012, 09:54 AM | #39 |
crash 250, get supersport
Name: Richard
Location: San Diego, CA
Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250R SE (Sold 6/9/14), 2009 ZX-6R (Sold 6/25/14), Subaru BRZ Posts: A lot.
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I just realized that I'll have to get a tank bag since I'm getting a jacket with a hump in it. I've decided to go with the Icon Urban, doubles as a tank bag and a backpack for under $100.
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February 1st, 2012, 09:59 AM | #40 |
KThanksBye
Name: Kevin
Location: Orange County
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.
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Yup, I'll still use it, its mostly fine!
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