Packing for a motorcycle trip is totally different than any other
kind of packing. If you're traveling by car you can always squeeze
something else in. If you're flying you can check an extra bag, though
it may cost you to do so these days.
It's not as easy on a bike. It doesn't matter if you're riding a Star Motorcycles Royal Star Tour Deluxe, those hard bags on the sides at the rear only hold so much. If you don't have a passenger you can bungee a bit more on the seat behind you; if you do have a passenger, forget it.
But there is one other spot where you can create space: on top of your gas tank.
The beauty of a tank bag is that it uses space that would otherwise be empty, it doesn't upset your weight distribution, and it's amazingly convenient. How many times have you stopped in the rain and had to dig through your side bags to find your rain suit? Keep that baby in your tank bag and it's right there when you need it. How about a camera? Keep it in your tank bag and you don't even have to get off the bike to grab that terrific shot.
Most tank bags come with map pockets on top, so all you need to do to check on your route is pull over and look down. In our group it has gotten to be common procedure when we're getting ready to roll for everyone to gather around my bike and look at the map. It's right there all the time, in the clear plastic pocket of my tank bag.
Not all tank bags are created equal, of course, so it pays to be clear on what you want when you go shopping.
Do you want a bag that straps on or will a magnetic one do? Straps are the more secure approach, but you need to have someone to attach them. Not all bikes do. Magnetic bags are very easy to just slap on go, and most of them do have some other means of attachment for added security. But what if your gas tank is plastic? Those magnets aren't going to do you a lot of good. Air flow is another consideration. On my Kawasaki Concours the fairing protects my tank bag from wind and it sits there just fine. On my other bike, an old-school standard, the one time I traveled on it with the tank bag I ended up spending the whole time holding it in place because a stiff wind would overpower the magnets. Straps would have been a much better option.
You'll want to be sure to consider the backing on the bag that sits on your tank. Particularly is you get a bag that is held on with straps, the bag needs to be attached very securely or else any abrasive tendencies the bag might have will rub paint off if the bag is slipping around. Magnetic bags tend not to slip like that, so that's another thing in their favor.
Waterproof is a very good thing. The bag may not get very wet if it is shielded by a fairing but in heavy rain it is going to pick up some moisture. And water will soak past zippers. A properly designed tank bag will have baffles that keep water away from the zippers, or else perhaps plastic zippers, of the sort that plastic zip bags use. You don't want that expensive camera in your tank bag getting wet.
A good tank bag can be a blessing. They come in a wide variety of sizes and designs and any well-stocked motorcycle shop will have a good selection. Do yourself a favor.
It's not as easy on a bike. It doesn't matter if you're riding a Star Motorcycles Royal Star Tour Deluxe, those hard bags on the sides at the rear only hold so much. If you don't have a passenger you can bungee a bit more on the seat behind you; if you do have a passenger, forget it.
But there is one other spot where you can create space: on top of your gas tank.
The beauty of a tank bag is that it uses space that would otherwise be empty, it doesn't upset your weight distribution, and it's amazingly convenient. How many times have you stopped in the rain and had to dig through your side bags to find your rain suit? Keep that baby in your tank bag and it's right there when you need it. How about a camera? Keep it in your tank bag and you don't even have to get off the bike to grab that terrific shot.
Most tank bags come with map pockets on top, so all you need to do to check on your route is pull over and look down. In our group it has gotten to be common procedure when we're getting ready to roll for everyone to gather around my bike and look at the map. It's right there all the time, in the clear plastic pocket of my tank bag.
Not all tank bags are created equal, of course, so it pays to be clear on what you want when you go shopping.
Do you want a bag that straps on or will a magnetic one do? Straps are the more secure approach, but you need to have someone to attach them. Not all bikes do. Magnetic bags are very easy to just slap on go, and most of them do have some other means of attachment for added security. But what if your gas tank is plastic? Those magnets aren't going to do you a lot of good. Air flow is another consideration. On my Kawasaki Concours the fairing protects my tank bag from wind and it sits there just fine. On my other bike, an old-school standard, the one time I traveled on it with the tank bag I ended up spending the whole time holding it in place because a stiff wind would overpower the magnets. Straps would have been a much better option.
You'll want to be sure to consider the backing on the bag that sits on your tank. Particularly is you get a bag that is held on with straps, the bag needs to be attached very securely or else any abrasive tendencies the bag might have will rub paint off if the bag is slipping around. Magnetic bags tend not to slip like that, so that's another thing in their favor.
Waterproof is a very good thing. The bag may not get very wet if it is shielded by a fairing but in heavy rain it is going to pick up some moisture. And water will soak past zippers. A properly designed tank bag will have baffles that keep water away from the zippers, or else perhaps plastic zippers, of the sort that plastic zip bags use. You don't want that expensive camera in your tank bag getting wet.
A good tank bag can be a blessing. They come in a wide variety of sizes and designs and any well-stocked motorcycle shop will have a good selection. Do yourself a favor.
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