Table of contents

• 10 tank bags for motorcycles in the test To click on and buckle up
• 5 questions about the tank bag
• This is how MOTORRAD tests
• How does it fit on and what fits in?
• Final scoring

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34 pictures

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A tank bag does not necessarily have to hold the essentials for the long trip, but it should definitely offer space for swimming trunks and bikini on the day trip to the quarry pond.

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The tank bag, which is compact in itself, can be expanded by a full seven liters. The view is restricted for small drivers.

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To secure the rain cover, a double lock with two elastic cords is used for fine adjustment, depending on the packaging.

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The well-equipped and processed Bags-Connection Trial offers travelers valuable storage space. Since it is tall, it is not the first choice for small mid-range machines and drivers under 1.75 meters due to its design.
Provider: SW-Motech, phone 0 64 25 /
8 16 80 50, www.sw-motech.de;
Price: 169.95 euros; Volume: 15/22 liters; Dimensions: 38 x 33 x 19/31 cm; Weight: 1510 g.

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It is called “Enduro”, but also goes perfectly with the delicate street bike Yamaha MT-07. Offers a lot of storage space.

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Sits bombproof: the voluminous backpack can be easily fixed using straps.

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Conclusion:
Versatile, extremely stable and secure and offers plenty of packing volume – the Bags-Connection Enduro steals the show in this test from its quick-release counterpart from the same company. The money is well spent.
Provider: SW-Motech, Telephone 0 64 25/8 16 80 50, www.sw-motech.de;
Price: 129.95 euros; Volume: 13/22 liters;
Dimensions: 36 x 33 x 23/31 cm; Weight: 1160 g.

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For the product test of the ten all-round tank bags that can be clicked on and buckled up, we have put together a useful sample pack.

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Usually only a one-time affair: the installation of the carrier system. Among other things, retaining plates had to be attached under the Yamaha seat (picture) and quick-release systems above the tank.

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Useful little things: The all-round main zipper is secured with firm press studs to prevent it from opening due to a strong wind.

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The Q-Bag is flanged on using the Quick-Lock system. An additional adapter plate is required for the MT-07.

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Practical packhorse for large luggage and longer trips. On a small mid-range machine, the well-equipped and voluminous Streetline Touring GPS is a bad choice. Too wobbly and unstable on the tank.
Provider: Hein Gericke, Telephone 02 11/98 98 89, www.hein-gericke.de;
Price: 89.95 euros; Volume: 25/30 liters;
Dimensions: 40 x 33 x 20/27 cm; Weight: 2340 g.

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Also suitable away from the motorcycle. With two integrated shoulder straps, the Streetline can be carried like a normal backpack.

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Too powerful for this motorcycle. The backpack may be the winner in terms of storage space, but it slips back and forth on the tank in driving practice.

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Whether long-distance travel or city tour – the high-quality Touratech Exp universal is a first-class companion for everything. The backpack can be removed and attached in a few seconds using the ingenious strap system with four click fasteners.
Provider: Touratech, phone 07 28/9 27 90, www.touratech.de;
Price: 139.90 euros; Volume: 10/15 liters;
Dimensions: 36 x 26 x 21/31 cm; Weight: 1060 g.

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The click fasteners are particularly flat and have no annoying corners and edges. They are also easy to use. Clever!

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The packing volume can be varied by a third – you are always well prepared. The Exp sits wonderfully tight on the tank.

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The Vanucci Quick-Lock Evo only holds as much as a toiletry bag – but it’s just enough for a tour to the quarry pond. The strengths of the delicate part lie in the simple handling and the stable fit on the tank.
Provider: Louis, Telephone 0 40/73 41 93 60, www.louis.de;
Price: 99.95 euros; Volume: max. 9 liters;
Dimensions: 30 x 21 x 14/20 cm; Weight: 860 g.

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An anti-theft device can be attached by means of overlapping eyelets on the zipper sliders. Sensible.

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The Vanucci looks very compact on the tank. Advantage: hardly any impairment when driving. Disadvantage: hardly any storage space for larger items of luggage.

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The Q-Bag Flat with a quick release fastener is comfortable to use, but not particularly stable due to its wide design and rather high leverage. However, it offers a clear view and is therefore recommended for smaller drivers.
Provider: Polo Motorrad und Sportswear, Telephone 0 21 65/8 44 02 00, www.polo-motorrad.de; Price: 119.95 euros; Volume: 10/15 liters;
Dimensions: 38 x 27 x 14 cm; Weight: 910 g.

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The flat design is good for drivers under 1.70 meters, as the view of the cockpit is unobstructed. But the Oxford is wide – that sometimes gets in the way when driving.

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With the easy-to-use Tanklock quick-release system and the very neatly finished and equipped XS 307 backpack, Givi offers a really good combination for city drivers at a fair price.
Provider: Givi Germany,
Telephone 09 11/95 51 00, www.givimoto.com;
Price: 113.90 euros; Volume: 14/18 liters; Dimensions: 35 x 27 x 18/21 cm; Weight: 1410 g.

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Additional protection against rain and splash water. A firmly sewn inner bag protects the transported contents.

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The quick release is positioned quite far back. Additional straps around the steering head secure the backpack.

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A super processed and equipped tank bag with a very well functioning quick release system. The hero Martello Lock-it cuts a fine figure as an all-rounder and is also recommended for longer trips.
Provider: Held, phone 0 83 21/6 64 60, www.held.de; Price: 129.95 euros;
Volume: 14/19 liters; Dimensions: 32 x 25 x 24/33 cm; Weight: 1640 g.

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Modern practice: For devices such as GPS or smartphones, there is a
Fold-out compartment with lockable hinges in stock.

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Offers a lot of space, but builds high and blocks the view. A conversion kit for the instrument panel is available as an accessory for the MT-07.

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The Lock-it quick release on the Hepco & Becker Street Tourer M sits great and is easy to use. The rucksack itself offers an optimal compromise: enough storage space with hardly any reduced driving pleasure. Top processed.
Provider: Hepco & Becker, phone 0 63 31/1 45 31 00, www.hepco-becker.de;
Price: 139 euros; Volume: 8/13 liters;
Dimensions: 33 x 24 x 18/24 cm; Weight: 1220 g.

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Definitely not lost: the integrated rain cover. It is firmly attached to the backpack. Thoughtful, clever.

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Positioning, storage space and external dimensions are in a balanced relationship with the Street Tourer M. Fits to the MT-07.

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Bargain hunters should definitely try the Oxford 1st Time. If it fits the machine (unfortunately only to a limited extent for the Yamaha MT-07), it offers good value for little money despite its weaknesses.
Provider: Hein Gericke, Telephone 02 11/98 98 89, www.hein-gericke.de;
Price: 49.95 euros; Volume: 18 liters;
Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 15 cm; Weight: 1100 g.

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For quick access: easily accessible compartment under the lid, for example to store your mobile phone.

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accesories

Luggage

Tank bags for motorcycles being tested

10 tank bags for motorcycles in the test
To click on and buckle up

A tank bag does not necessarily have to hold the essentials for the long trip, but it should definitely offer space for swimming trunks and bikini on the day trip to the quarry pond. Ten all-rounders to click on and buckle up in comparison.

Thorsten Dentges

05/13/2015

Smaller and sporty machines also invite you to tour and travel. You don’t have to go straight to the Pyrenees or the Baltic States, beautiful destinations are often very close by. The quarry pond, for example. Charge up the pillion quickly and get out of here. This also works wonderfully with mid-range motorcycles like a Yamaha MT-07. But where should you put essential items such as a towel or drinking bottle? What if it should shiver? Packing a rain suit and a pair of spare gloves? Good idea. Just where to put it?

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The case and topcase do not go well with many petite mid-range machines, they change the sensitive driving dynamics negatively because they are rather unfavorably positioned far from the vehicle’s center of gravity. There is also less storage space for small luggage. A daypack on the driver is a good idea. It is just stupid if the passenger refuses to act as a packhorse or if their back is already covered with a fully packed backpack. A well-proportioned tank bag is a smart choice if you don’t want to miss out on the driving experience.

Dentges

We have put together a useful sample pack for the test.

For the bestseller MT-07, we have selected ten matching tank bags to represent the “lower middle class” segment. So that they really fit, we sent the manufacturers our test requirements and told them what we wanted to pack (see picture). It was clear that magnetic mounts do not adhere to many modern machines. This is also not the case with the speedy Yamaha MT-07 with plastic panels and a jagged tank shape. Better solution: a quick release system. In the case of the Yamaha, additional parts were sometimes required in order to attach the tank bag sensibly to the machine.

The Quick-Lock-System from SW-Motech (suitable for the backpacks from Bags-Connection, Q-Bag and Vanucci), for example, is mounted on a specially tailored carrier plate (adapter kit from 39.95 euros) so that the tank bag moves further back so as not to obstruct the view of the instruments. Hepco & In addition to the Lock-it system (also used by Held), Becker recommends raising the instrument panel, the complete kit costs 54.90 euros. Only at Givi, only the tank lock system has to be installed in the tank ring using four screws for the MT-07 – costs: 12.70 euros.

In order to be able to use the “just click” backpacks, in addition to installing the quick release fastener on the machine, additional preparatory work is required in advance, including drilling holes for the retaining plates on the backpack. Laypeople can easily trust themselves to do the one-off installation, but assembly quickly takes an hour, and there is a risk of botching. If in doubt, let a professional do the work. The remaining tank bags in the test are attached to the motorcycle with straps. Depending on the system, this is a small to medium-sized but acceptable fiddling every time. When driving, the only thing that counts is how well the backpack sits on the tank – and what can go on tour besides the swimwear. This comparison test shows where the differences lie.

Buy luggage system on markt.motorradonline.de

5 questions about the tank bag

MOTORCYCLE

We answer the most frequently asked questions about tank bags.

1. Which system? 

Quick release systems are the trend. Carrier kits such as Quick-Lock, Lock-it or Tanklock sometimes cost more than 50 euros, and the rucksack can be conveniently flanged on and off for everyday use. Belt solutions are usually more cumbersome, but they are more safe to throw off at peak loads. A must for off-road and adventure travelers. Tank bags with magnetic holders are only suitable for steel tanks, they rarely sit securely and firmly on the motorcycle and are therefore out of fashion. Rightly.

2. How much volume? 

Less than ten liters: Delicate parts are pretty, but only hold the most important utensils. Goes well with sporty motorcycles if you want to be out and about in a leather suit without bags.
Ten to 20 liters: good all-rounders for longer trips, because then chain spray and rain suit also fit in. Or a bag of milk and bread for everyday shopping.
More than 20 liters: The tank bag piles up like a tree and restricts the driving dynamics? Regardless, for North Cape riders and other long-distance straight-ahead riders, what counts above all is plenty of storage space. 

3. What to pack? 

The only things that belong in the tank bag are things that you have to be able to get at quickly during a short stop: camera, cell phone, visor cleaner, drinking bottle, papers, rain protection, etc. Sleeping bag or underpants are better stored elsewhere. 

4. How to stow? 

Basic rule: heavy pieces down. Tip: It is best to store electronic devices between cushioning parts such as a rain suit or sweater so that they are protected against vibrations.

5. Theft-proof? 

No. It is best to always remove the backpack (speaks for quick release systems). Commercially available anti-theft devices are only intended for fuel stops and coffee breaks.

This is how MOTORRAD tests

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Pictures: 10 tank bags for motorcycles in the test

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How does it fit on and what fits in?

Dentges

Usually only a one-time affair: the installation of the carrier system. Among other things, retaining plates had to be attached under the Yamaha seat (picture) and quick-release systems above the tank.

First of all, the respective test tank bags had to be attached to the mid-range Yamaha MT-07 machine. Various systems were used, whereby the time and effort invested in the initial installation of carrier plates, adapters or quick-release fasteners were only marginally included in the assessment. Compatibility, stability and handling in practice when the backpack is taken on or off were more important. The testers rated the workmanship and equipment after inspection. In a practical test, the tank bag handling on and off the motorcycle was determined: How easily accessible is the contents of the backpack? The usability of fasteners and the weight of the backpack also played a role.

The point “packing” was about the usable storage space of the rucksack. We have put together a practical test pack for this purpose. In addition to bathing suits with a towel, a two-piece, light rain suit, spare gloves, chain spray, drinking bottle, T-shirt, sweater, compact camera, wallet, keychain and phone should be in your luggage. Full marks were awarded if everything (somehow) fit in. And how does the possible organization system prove itself, how sensible is the division of subjects? 

The driving tests took place on winding roads with tight hairpin bends, expressways, motorways and through city traffic. Enough possibilities to check criteria such as the tendency to flutter, slip resistance on the tank, stability of the carrier system as well as rain protection, view of the instruments and any impairment of the driving dynamics.

Final scoring

MOTORCYCLE

Overall, our test candidates give a very positive picture!

The overall balance throws a good light on the range of tank bags for small mid-range machines such as a Yamaha MT-07. With the exception of the too lax Oxford and Streetline, all backpacks are good or even very suitable as sensible motorcycle luggage for a day tour or as a storage space addition to panniers. The simple but highly efficient belt fastening systems from Touratech and Bags-Connection impress with their excellent security and are therefore recommended for ambitious travelers. The three different quick-release systems are practical in everyday life and are easy to use, but they increase the purchase price.

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