Tank bag vs tail bag

[breakdown]

I want to pick up a Cortech bag before long.  I'm looking at getting either the 14L tank bag or the 16L tail bag.  Which do you guys suggest?

I'll just be using it to carry a few small things on the bike.  I'll probably keep my rain suit in there, my heated jacket liner and my cable lock.  I park underground in a "secure" parkade so I just lock my helmet and jacket to the bike with a cable lock.  Just need a place to store a few things that I keep with me on a regular basis.  I prefer to ride without a backpack.

[stopintime]

Tank bags look better, IMO, but they're a hassle every time you need gas - unless you have a metal tank and can use magnetic mount. Magnetic mounted bags are easily stolen.

Tail bags can be hard to get your leg over and you don't get to use your nice cowl (if you have one).

Both might/will scratch the paint after some time.

How about a hip pack?

[skxf430]

I have used both a tank and tail bag, and prefer the tail bag as it does not interfere with the gas cap and it is pretty much out of the way.  Also, it holds enough without becoming too intrusive.

I have the Luggage Locker which comes with zippers that can lock together with a padlock.  Here is their website  http://www.luggagelocker.com/

[somegirl]

I have a plastic tank and so I almost never bother with my tank bag, just the tail bag.  The tail bag can be a pain if you need to get to something under your seat, and it can make it difficult to swing your leg over the bike.

My bf swears by his magnetic tank bag.  Another friend uses his tank bag as a (ahem) murse.

[billg69gmc]

I've been sharing my CorTech tail bag between bikes for a year now.

I do catch it now and again, but if you bend your leg as you throw it over, you'll miss it every time.

Rain-wise it has served well. I've gotten caught in a handful of gully washers coming home from work and I end up putting stuff that needs to stay dry in there and put the supplied CorTech condom over the bag. Hasn't soaked through yet.

With the poach sides expanded, I can fit half gallon of milk, a 2 liter soda bottle, loaf of bread (slightly squished) and a box of cereal (also squished) OR small bag of dag food and a small box of medium milk bone treats OR just my FirstGear tech pants with liner.

There are the extra buckles that I have yet to use also.

Elastic cords are holding up ok. The bag is not as "black" as it use to be, which means the bike is going faster than the bag. I do manage to park under shade at work and garage at home. YMMV.

Would I buy it if I had to start over... Hell Yes.

Takes just a little getting use to zipping the sides up, but once you learn how to move/push the side expansion parts, it's not so bad.

[breakdown]

I've been sharing my CorTech tail bag between bikes for a year now.

I do catch it now and again, but if you bend your leg as you throw it over, you'll miss it every time.

Rain-wise it has served well. I've gotten caught in a handful of gully washers coming home from work and I end up putting stuff that needs to stay dry in there and put the supplied CorTech condom over the bag. Hasn't soaked through yet.

With the poach sides expanded, I can fit half gallon of milk, a 2 liter soda bottle, loaf of bread (slightly squished) and a box of cereal (also squished) OR small bag of dag food and a small box of medium milk bone treats OR just my FirstGear tech pants with liner.

There are the extra buckles that I have yet to use also.

Elastic cords are holding up ok. The bag is not as "black" as it use to be, which means the bike is going faster than the bag. I do manage to park under shade at work and garage at home. YMMV.

Would I buy it if I had to start over... Hell Yes.

Takes just a little getting use to zipping the sides up, but once you learn how to move/push the side expansion parts, it's not so bad.

Thanks for the review.  Do you have the 16L tail bag or the bigger one?

The bags are faily inexpensive so I'm thinking about just ordering both and seeing which I like better for day to day use.  I know it would be nice to have both a tank and a tail bag when I do some weekend trips.

[Speeddog]

I've got a bunch of the CorTech stuff, I like all of it.

If you get a magnetic tank bag, inspect the bottom of it *every time* before you put it on your tank.
Mine have picked up some nasty steel swarf a couple of times.

The neoprene faced fabric on the CorTech stuff is really good at protecting the paint and keeping the luggage from sliding around.

[billg69gmc]

Thanks for the review.  Do you have the 16L tail bag or the bigger one?

The bags are faily inexpensive so I'm thinking about just ordering both and seeing which I like better for day to day use.  I know it would be nice to have both a tank and a tail bag when I do some weekend trips.

I got the Sport Tail Bag. It's big enough to take what you need, and small enough to remind you of just taking the basics.
I hope that with the web thingy I bought, I can pack jeans, a few shirts, skivvies etc and still be fine for a weekend visit which just happens to begin tomorrow. Last time it was the ST3s. Fresher rear tire on the S2R and this will be my first long trip on it. About 6 hours each way, no highways, SW Georgia to St. Augustine, FL, via US 82West to Waycross/South US 23.

[breakdown]

I got the Sport Tail Bag. It's big enough to take what you need, and small enough to remind you of just taking the basics.
I hope that with the web thingy I bought, I can pack jeans, a few shirts, skivvies etc and still be fine for a weekend visit which just happens to begin tomorrow. Last time it was the ST3s. Fresher rear tire on the S2R and this will be my first long trip on it. About 6 hours each way, no highways, SW Georgia to St. Augustine, FL, via US 82West to Waycross/South US 23.

Nice.  Have a good trip.

[Dannog]

I commute and have used the tank bag for 4 years. It easily holds my wet weather gear. Take it off for blasts on the weekend. Long trips when you get stuck on the HWY it's good to lay down on for a rest [moto]

[LA]

I've use a Sport tail pack for a few years now. It's amazing how much groceries you can fit in one with the zippered side panels let out.  The tail bag is much more serviceable on a daily basis and the tank bag works well for touring.

The tank bag is great for special occasions and is easy to move for gas ups, but the rear is better for everyday use.


LA

[breakdown]

I've use a Sport tail pack for a few years now. It's amazing how much groceries you can fit in one with the zippered side panels let out.  The tail bag is much more serviceable on a daily basis and the tank bag works well for touring.

The tank bag is great for special occasions and is easy to move for gas ups, but the rear is better for everyday use.


LA

Very nice "stock" S4RS there!  I love that color scheme and the mufflers look really good with it.

[billg69gmc]

Well the first "long" trip for my S2R1k went well. Tail Bag worked out well. I was able to pack just the basics. I would say that I plan on attaching the tail bag with a little more than just the supplied bungeez. I got a little concerned when at times when passing slower traffic, that the speed/wind test is something that worried me a little. Even though the bungeez are "X" mounted, forces pulling forward or backward can move the bag. The neoprene pad did well in holding it in place. 6 hours there, 6 hours back. Wish I could adapt the throttle meister to work with a bar end mirror. Otherwise a nice ride and it seemed less fatiguing than on the ST3. Maybe due to stopping more.

[mattyvas]

I have a Bagster tank bag, have only used it a few times as I find it difficult to ride with.
Since using it I have borrowed a pair of throw over paniers and they serve a better purpose for me.