FJR1300 tank bag

[montaseri]

Hi,
I am thinking about purchasing a tank bag for my 2014 FJR 1300, primarily for phone, but of course other applications. At the outset, it seems like a good investment where a $30 item can hold the phone and serve other usage (vs a dedicated RamMount phone holder). But there are always details ... life is never that easy. So ...
1- Tank bag vs phone holder ?
2- Magnetic tank bag vs strap tank bag ? concern is that magnetic one would fly off.
3- Tank bag volume? I am a short guy, so I don't want a huge thing in my face, nor making the bike top heavy.
4- Many reviews are touching on "scratching paint on the tank", is this an issue? can I cover the tank with ordinary kitchen food wrapper when in use?
5- Budget = below $30

Any recommendation on particular product(s) is appreciated.

Thanks
Medi
Never grow up ... its a trap.

 

[Johndicezx9]

I never had issues with a magnetic bag, that is when the tank is metal.... :laughing

 

[DataDan]

I have this one for my 2013 FJR, or at least a similar model bought when I got the bike:

It's small. Watch the video on the product page at Revzilla to get an idea of size. I use it to carry small stuff only. Fits easily in the FJR's case to store when parked in public.

I've been using magnetic tank bags for 30 years, never had one fly off. I get some small scratches, but nothing serious.

Thirty bucks? Really?

 

[davidji]

2- Magnetic tank bag vs strap tank bag ? concern is that magnetic one would fly off.
...
4- Many reviews are touching on "scratching paint on the tank", is this an issue? can I cover the tank with ordinary kitchen food wrapper when in use?
5- Budget = below $30

2: how fast you gonna go? You aren't gonna lose it, especially if you use the tether, but you'll probably find it's not needed.

4: Scratching is a thing with magnetic bags. It comes off every time you refuel, goes back after. Will you always keep it pristine enough to not scratch? Maybe your plastic coating idea will work. The only strap on bag I've had (Famsa, purchased in BARF classifieds) zipped off of a base that stayed strapped to the bike. Scratching wasn't a thing, and if it was I didn't see it. The zipper was a little fiddly to reattach, no other complaints.

5: Buy used.

 

[montaseri]

Under $30 include:
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082DX2LD8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1OF4ALZDJTIW2&psc=1

- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0756VG44D/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A26RWMXIVVP6XK&psc=1

- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XRS7L9H/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A3U4X66KKW5RDY&psc=1

- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073Y3K7ZQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=A3T5BTQPFZQVUF&psc=1

 

[gixxerjeff]

2- Magnetic tank bag vs strap tank bag ? concern is that magnetic one would fly off.

I have a Cortech exactly like the one pictured by Data Dan and have used them non-stop for over 10 years. The only drawback I have experienced is they can leave slight swirl marks if you have a black (or dark) tank. This is easily preventable if you are careful about how you pull them off.
As to the aspect of them flying off, not a chance.
Several years ago I broadsided a Dodge pick-up at approx. 50 mph.
The bag stayed on the bike.
I did not.

 

[glooey]

I use a Givi Tanklock on my '04 FJR. Thousands of miles, all kinds of weather, no scratches. The one I have has a clear top that you can store your phone in (and connect to a battery if needed through a pass-through on the bag). More than $30 though.

 

[montaseri]

Thanks everyone. I love this collaboration.
Cheers
Medi

 

[chrisweir.com]

I use the "no scratch" GIVI tank lock also, doesn't check the sub $30 box though....

 

[ST Guy]

Ive always been partial to RKA. They are hand made in California by motorcyclists who actually ride. You won't find one for 30 bucks, though.

https://www.rka-luggage.com

And be careful of magnetic bags with wallets and electronics.

 

[dravnx]

+1 for RKA
Good quality stuff made in Windsor.

 

[Johndicezx9]

I had an old magnetic bag that got worn and sunfaded so a zipper started to come off. Before I tossed it I cut out and saved the magnets, they're strong enough to open fridge door...

 

[ScottRNelson]

Ive always been partial to RKA.

I had an RKA magnetic tank bag back when I had bikes with metal tanks. I was pretty sure the bike could go cartwheeling down the road and that bag would still be firmly attached to the tank. :laughing

It was an excellent tank bag. Just don't set it down near a scrap yard like I did once for some photos. Those magnets picked up everything. Probably took me 15 minutes to clean all of the metal bits back off of it.

 

[dravnx]

I had an RKA magnetic tank bag back when I had bikes with metal tanks. I was pretty sure the bike could go cartwheeling down the road and that bag would still be firmly attached to the tank. :laughing

It was an excellent tank bag. Just don't set it down near a scrap yard like I did once for some photos. Those magnets picked up everything. Probably took me 15 minutes to clean all of the metal bits back off of it.

Yeah, I learned the hard way about magnetic tank bag magnets. I was in the habit of setting my bag on my work bench in the garage. The magnets picked up enough metal chips to start scratching my tank. I learned to tuck the flaps in when not in use and keep the bag away from my work bench.

BTW, RKA doesn't make magnetic bags anymore.

 

[profligate55]

Magnetic tank bag

If you haven’t bought a tank bag yet, I’ve got one that I can give you. Worked well on my 05 fjr. Let me know.
Steve

 

[WWWobble]

Yeah, I learned the hard way about magnetic tank bag magnets. I was in the habit of setting my bag on my work bench in the garage. The magnets picked up enough metal chips to start scratching my tank. I learned to tuck the flaps in when not in use and keep the bag away from my work bench.

BTW, RKA doesn't make magnetic bags anymore.

I have always preferred magnetic tank bags. My current FJR usually has a large Held magnetic bag on top, and it has survived strong gusty cross winds in various places and never come off.

But, oh yeah, my tanks are scratched. Let's call it "character." :laughing

 

[Johndicezx9]

Isn't there a old barf thread about tank bag and silverware? :laughing

 

[montaseri]

Thanks Steve (profligate55), I ordered https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073Y3K7ZQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
for $20. I haven't ridden with it, but it looks good for $20.
Nice of you to offer though.
Medi