Tankbag and Tailbag comments/suggestions on Cortech, Nelson Rigg, and Road Gear

Discussion in 'Gear & Accessories' started by soundmaster31, Apr 25, 2009.

  1. soundmaster31

    soundmaster31 New Member

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    Alright boys and girls, I'm looking to expand my touring luggage capacity without dropping a weeks pay or more on Givi E36 hard cases.

    I already have a 46L top case and 21L side cases from Givi on a Wingrack but this barely give me enough room for bike essentials and a day or two of clothes(remember - I'm a big guy..think XXL everything).


    SO this leaves me looking at a tail pack for clothing and whatever and a tank bag for everyday accessories and navigation.



    Tank bags:

    I'm pretty set on either the Cortech Super 18L(maaaybe 14L) or the Nelson Rigg CL-350(17.21L expandable to 27.04L) Large magnetic tank bags. I like the large size because of the options and from most reviews, no one has had a problem with seeing the gauges or turning from lock to lock with these bags. I'm not too concerned with being able to see the gauges(I'm 6'4"), but lock to lock is mucho safety concern.


    Cortech Super 18L Magnetic Tank Bag $108

    [​IMG]

    Looks good, waterproof gate for hydration. Does anyone know what the warranty period is on the Cortech Super 18L?







    Nelson Rigg CL-350 (17L-27L)Large Magnetic Tank Bag $92


    [​IMG]

    Like the fact that it can expand quite a bit for those unexpected needs...hell, the fact that it can barely fit a full face helmet is pretty impressive to me. Lacks the waterproof gate for hydration hose... but lifetime warranty.




    Any experience/comments with these bags would be greatly appreciated. Comments on VERY similar bags would be helpful as well.







    TAIL BAGS:


    I've thought about just using a regular old duffel bag for this...but then I need to find a suitable rain cover. A dry sac would work...but then that kind of takes away some of the D-ring mounting loops I have on a current duffel...and those D-rings are cheap plastic at that...so on to bike specific models. Oh, and I'm not too concerned with the size of the bags (56 chest here, so it's already like driving down the road holding up a 4x8 sheet of plywood) but aerodynamics and good looks are always beneficial in one way or another.


    Once again I'm looking into the Nelson Rigg brand with the CL-800 Tote Tail Bag and Nelson Rigg GWS-500 Rear Seat Pack. Also interested in the Road Gear Hi-Adventure Xtreme Packer and Euro-Sport Jumbo Hauler.

    I'm planning on using the tail pack in conjunction with my current luggage setup so mounting points shouldn't be a problem. I am curious about the Hi-Adventure Extreme Packer and how far the side bags hang down seeing as how I already have side cases(would it lift up the center or would the bag just conform to the given shape?).


    37L (Nelson Rigg CL-800 Tote Tail Bag $105
    ...capacity possibly the main compartment only?....

    [​IMG]

    I like this one...my only concern is CAPACITY on this one... anyone have this one and can confirm the capacity? Is the stated amount the entire bag or just the main compartment, not including the expandable side pouches? Looks like it'd fit good over the hard cases even with the side pouches expanded...almost a perfect fit eh?


    58 L Nelson Rigg GWS-500 Rear Seat Pack $155



    [​IMG]

    Not so sure about this one...not very aesthetically pleasing, but hey, I'm a function over form guy anyway. Not like the college girls flail themselves at my bike with the grandpa bags attached anways:wink:...well sometimes they don't:rolleyes:

    107L Road Gear Hi-Adventure Xtreme Packer $250

    [​IMG]

    I'm pretty sure this one is out of the question...unless I ditch my E21's because the sides hang way too far down. The E21's are at or just above seat height. Still something to consider though...give up 42L of small storage and gain 8-18L of duffel storage...food for thought...



    50L Road Gear Euro-Sport Jumbo Hauler $116

    [​IMG]

    Seems to be a pretty reasonable option. Color looks great...not excited about the "pleated" sides look nor having to PURCHASE a RAIN COVER SEPARATELY($16 only...but still...it's the principal lol).










    So that is it. Anyone have experience with these PARTICULAR products? I know they're all great brands from what I've read/researched, but curious as to the little quirks/annoyances that come around after miles of use.


    Of course suggestions for similary sized and functioning products is always appreciated as I have no idea of every single brand out there. I do know that the Ventura products won't work for my application (sorry MelloDude, I know you love them).





    EDIT:
    OOPS almost forgot...Here's what I'm starting with so you have an idea of space available/mounting.


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2009
  2. crustyrider

    crustyrider New Member

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    whats the matter pleats not manly enough for you??
     
  3. K1W1

    K1W1 New Member

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    Wolfman Timberwolf Tank Bag

    I have a Wolfman Timberwolf magnetic tankbag that is new and unused. It is a model that is no longer made by Wolfman any more - they only make the strap version now. They are made in Colorado and the quality is definitely noticeably better than ones massed produced overseas. It fit well on my VFR but I no longer have it and my Ducati has a plastic tank.

    Here are more details. PM if it is something that interests you

    Timberwolf

    [​IMG]

    Cheers
     
  4. cebuVFR

    cebuVFR Member

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  5. soundmaster31

    soundmaster31 New Member

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    ha, I was just thinking from the aspect having to clean all the crap out of them all the time.


    PM Sent


    I saw this already. IF it were about double the size it'd be perfect, especially in red. Thanks though.
     
  6. soundmaster31

    soundmaster31 New Member

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    :bump2:



    Where are the serious touring guys at???



    P.S.
    Any suggestions for waterproof stuff sacks for carrying tent/sleeping bags?
     
  7. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

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    My brother (who lives in MI) bought this waterproof bag from Aerostitch and loves it. He bought the medium and fit a small tent in it. You can get the medium in black, and large in red I believe. Not gonna win any appearance contests, but she will probably outlast your bike! BTW...he uses it mainly for off-road, but recommends it for street as well.

    [​IMG]

    He recommends these straps to hold it all in place and quickly and easily release it.

    I have this tailbag and I like it a lot. Slightly expandable as well. I can fit as much in it as both of my saddlebags (like yours) hold. I believe mine came with a waterproof cover.

    [​IMG]

    Oh, and in regards to packing...."less is more" boss...
     
    Last edited: Apr 27, 2009
  8. soundmaster31

    soundmaster31 New Member

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    Thanks, Stuka.


    I've been reading the Aerostitch catalog and website religiously lately. I saw that bag before but was turned off because of the size. Checked out the manufacturers site and it is offered in another size larger. I might have to go with that.

    I did find some other large bags but some didn't come with a rain fly even so f* that. These dry stuff bags seem like the best bet even though they won't win a beauty contest like you said. Red or Black bag though...decisions decisions.

    I'm looking at the Ortlieb and Seattle Sports Companies right now. Anyone have any other suggestions for the dry bags from other companies? I'm going to ask a friend about them as he's into the type of stuff they market(i.e extreme weather sports - he climbs frozen waterfalls among other things) and knows a bunch of industry reps from working at a Moosejaw store lol. We'll see what he suggests.


    Oh, and about the "Less is more"... I'm trying to work around a week long trip or more with camping gear. Regular touring would be no problem, but with camping gear it complicates it a wee bit. Don't forget that I'm literally almost twice the size of the average person so my clothes take up nearly twice as much space as well. PITA. (guess it's better than having higher odds of getting mugged on the street from being a smaller person though!)
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2009
  9. RedMenace

    RedMenace New Member

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    Moto Fizz Camp Seat Bag

    I've had this one for two seasons and toured with it. I'm a camper. It is not very sleek or stylish, but it works well. High quality. Comes in Sm, Med, and Large. I think I have the large. (It was reviewed in a magazine the week before and I didn't get a choice in size because they were sold out and it is so long ago)
    Check them out.
    I have the same set up. Smaller hard cases on the side, put on a tailbag when I'm touring.
     
  10. RedMenace

    RedMenace New Member

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  11. soundmaster31

    soundmaster31 New Member

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    Thanks RedMenace. I had been looking at that one in the back of my mind at Aerostitch here: MotoFizz Camping Seat Bags (Small, Medium & Large) :: Seat & Rack Bags :: Seat Bags and Tail Bags :: Packing It In :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear


    Particularly the large size. Thanks for finding that review. The pictures are great and some of the guys commented on the large size and the water proof abilities. It's said that you definitely need to use the rain cover with any substantial amounts of rain. I'd be fine with that. Torrential down pours are a PITA to drive through anyways. Well...at least in heavy traffic. Maybe some of that silicone waterproofing spray for camping gear would help out some as well...hmmm


    Only things I need to do is mock-up my bike(it's in pieces - waiting to get my shock back from Ohlin's in the next week or so) and measure some stuff to decide what I can fit behind my fat butt and in front of the back rest on my top case. I think my brackets already have the top case all the way back...hopefully not...or else I might have to fab something up.

    Keep the comments/info coming!
     
  12. RedMenace

    RedMenace New Member

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    Oh, you're keeping the topcase

    Thought you were looking for a bigger replacement for the topcase. You want a bag between the topcase and your back? How much shit you got, bro?
    I'm leaving in 30 minutes on a motocamping trip.
    First time with the moto fizz on the VFR (had it on other cycles).
    I'll let you know how it does. The side pockets take the place of a tank bag. One of them unclips easily and you can take it with you (electronics, wallet, keys,...)
    Right now, I'm all packed and one of my Givis is about empty. raincoat and security cable. I'm psyched got so much room.
    I'll snap a pic with the bag on the VFR and post it in 3 days.
     
  13. Chicky

    Chicky New Member

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    Luggage Locker

    Checkout the Luggage Locker. Motorcycle Luggage from Luggage Locker. I have used these on any bike I have owned, and just recently, Marrib bought the tank bag after seeing mine on my bike at SLOIII. Les, the guy that owns and runs the place is a great guy. He's the one that answers the phone when you call. All is made in America, it's his design, and I've given him suggestions and he incorporates them into the "next generation" so to speak. His bags do not touch the paint on your bike. The tank bag comes with a ring that you then attach the bag to and it sits an inch or so off the tank. The tail bag is attached to a sleeve that slides over the seat, again not touching the paint on the bike. The tank bag is expandable, and I have done week-long road trips with these bags and have had room to spare. I can't say enough about these bags. They are a well-thought out design, top quality and the company provides the best customer service I have seen. If you decide to buy one or a set, let me know... I can call Les and ask him to give you a deal. He gave Marrib a discount at my request.

    PS-- you can see the tank bag on my bike in my avatar.
     
  14. soundmaster31

    soundmaster31 New Member

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    It's not the quantity... my shit is just bigger in general.(XXL and 3xl clothing takes up space quick!) So basically my extra jeans and sweatshirt take up twice as much room as most peoples clothing would. Fact of life for me. Hell my leather riding coat probably weighs at least 3lbs more than a jacket of your size lol. My cold weather riding pants are a pain if I take them...they take up almost an entire side case by themselves. Depending on the weather I might be able to leave them at home, but weather on the Lake Superior shoreline in Michigan's upper peninsula can change pretty quick. Not much worse than riding cold, except for riding cold and wet lol.



    I actually checked out his stuff a few days ago. Great ideas he's got going there. I'm not too concerned about not touching the paint on my bike though. She's not exactly beauty pageant material to begin with. I love the light locker idea but it's pretty useless with a Givi top case behind it...especially if I hook up the Givi case's brake light. Thanks for pointing him out to me though, I appreciate it. Some of these smaller companies have great products but not much information is available on them or are hard to find on the net.





    So I'm pretty settled on getting the Nelson Rigg CL-350 for a tank bag.


    Still trying to decide on the rear bag. Either a dry bag from Ortlieb/Seattle Sports/similar brand in the standard duffel style that is built waterproof from the get go(pvc or urethane coated polyester) or the Moto Fizz Camping Bag that is expandable with some neat features like a removable side pocket among other things, but needs an included rain fly to be attached for water proofing.

    Anyone else have experience with this type of dry bags? (PVC or urethane coated polyester)
     
  15. deepdish

    deepdish Banned

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    well i would look at what capacity you truely need:smile: some of those bags look as if you could live outta your bags just wash your clothes in the river.:eek: how long of a trip, how far, have you a tent? are you sleeping side road or hotel?? are you going coast to coast??? thats all that matters is it functional not looking good.euro jumbo hualer looks like the way to go with your side bags and in your pic, u have a tail bag i would use all...:biggrin:now you are gonna get cuaght in rain this time of year. I would map out your trip so far per day , check into hotels, wear a riding suit over pants or what not keep those clothes clean, turn your underwear inside out each day get 2 days outta them that way.i wear xxl also but that euro bag looks as if i could get 6 pants 10 shirts just in midlle socks underware tooth paste etc in side bags. hell i have lived outta a duffle bag for a week.. good luck let us know how it turns out. I would not spent 1k for a 1 time ride..:cool:
     
  16. 3rdtimein

    3rdtimein New Member

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    Motofizz Camping Bag

    This thread looks dead but I'll try anyway. I bought the small motofizz camping seat bag to use as a tail bag on my XR650L dual-sport. I liked it so much I purchased the medium size for my C14. The Motofizz bag is very light, yet very well constructed. The top of the bag unzips all the way to the back bottom of the bag so it completely opens. The zippers are high quality and durable. There are small compartments on each side which are large enough to hold accessories, yet are not obtrusive nor get in the way. The entire bag holds its form without being rigid and has a strong carry handle. Motofizz includes four footmans loop/quick release straps which mount to your bike (footmans end) and snap onto four quick release buckles on the bag. You can quickly remove your bag and the four ends which remain on the bike attach to themselves (two are female ends and two are male ends). It is a well thought design. The bag is NOT waterproof but DOES (a.k.a. "principle") come with a rain cover, the rain cover has its own storage pocket. Spraying the unit with scottsguard waterproofing will also help. The bag is padded all around and made of a thick cordura/nylon shell. let me know if this info is read and I'll update you on the Ortlieb drybag panniers I also purchased. Sorry I didn't get to this thread earlier.
     
  17. soundmaster31

    soundmaster31 New Member

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    Definitely still reading... I haven't purchased anything yet. I'm still trying to decide...lol. But I have until July to get everything around anyways. Thanks for all the info, and looking forward to hearing about the Ortlieb products.
     
  18. monk69

    monk69 New Member

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  19. RedMenace

    RedMenace New Member

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    pix of moto fizz on vfr

    Trying to upload pix. Not sure if it is working.
     

    Attached Files:

  20. RedMenace

    RedMenace New Member

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    Ok, I just needed to be patient

    I put all camping gear in the tailbag. Tent, tarp, mat, slp. bag. plus side pockets carry small stuff.
    One side case gets clothes in a liner bag, other case gets some moto gear. Puncture kit, security cable, spares, rain suit, food and water, etc.
    Passenger handles kept bag off off paint on tail. I put some packing tape over the spots where the front straps went down to the passenger foot pegs.
    Everything worked great on my last trip. Could work on balancing my load next time.
    Moto Fizz bag has a wet compartment in the lid that comes in handy. I did get rained on this trip, and wet sox and towel went in there for return trip.
    Haven't found it to be leaky. If it is light rain, I just let it go. Took out rain cover, once, in a driving, long rain storm. It worked great.
    The other guy nailed its strong points. It is tough, and functional. It also has a water bottle pouch facing forward. I put kick stand plate in there, for parking on pine needles and whatnot.
    Good luck!
     
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