Tank/tail bag opinions

[lazylightnin717]

Already did a search and found a little info but I'd like more direct info.

I'm looking for a bag for weekend trips. It's tough riding 5 hours let alone wearing a backpack the entire time. That means, time for some luggage.

I think I'd prefer a magnetic tank bag of some sort. That would probably be easier to get on and off for gas stops. I would be carrying a pair of jeans, t-shirts, and a few other odds and ends. Maybe an extra pair of shoes here and there but nothing crazy. I try to pack lite. A pouch for my phone would be great. Perhaps expandable?

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure if I would like a tank bag over a tail bag. I haven't any experience with either.

That being said, what are the pros and cons of both? And of course, any FHE or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[thought]

What kind of backpack are you using?  A moto specific one?  If not you might want to try out the Kriega backpacks... I've worn mine over 5 hrs with a solid amount of weight in there and due to the way it's set up it doesnt fatigue you like a normal one does.

http://www.revzilla.com/kriega

I have the R30 but in retrospect I would get a R25 and then pick up a dry back from REI instead.  I use the R30 to commute to work with a laptop in there so having it 100% waterproof was important to me... but dealing with a rolltop is a bit more annoying than a easy zip up on a daily basis.  The R25 with a seperate dry bag would be the best of both worlds imo.

But if you're set on a tank/tail bag, you can also look at the Kriega tailbags... they are really well made and are fully waterproof and attach and detach really easily.  I have the US20 and that can easily fit everything you listed in your req's.  You also have the option of buying more of their bags and expanding the capacity by attaching the bags to each other.

But if you gave me the option of choosing btwn a tank bag or a tail bag for a trip, I would choose a tank bag because on a longer ride you can rest your chest on the bag to reduce the strain on your lower back.  If you have a steel tank, a magnetic bag is pretty hard to beat and I have a nelson rigg one that I use... it's huge and can fit a full face helmet inside there.  I forget the model number though. Just remember that if any bits of iron/steel dust get stuck your magnets they can rub into your tank and scratch it... I use some toolbox liner to pad the magnets.

[stopintime]

+1 on tank bag if you have a metal tank Easy on and off.

The Cortech Super 14 liter will be enough.
http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/SUPER14/TOURING-LUGGAGE/SUPER14.html

[lazylightnin717]

I use a hiking backpack. It straps around the stomach and chest. It has worked for quite some time now, but I recently picked up a 1 pc. suit and the hump on the back makes backpacking a PITA.

Aside from the discomfort, I'd like to have something that isn't a chore to get on and off at rest stops. It's hard enough shimmying into a full suit let alone getting a backpack on and off  

How are the tank bags for comfort as far as spirited riding in concerned? I will be riding out to WV with the local DOC guys and much of the ride just getting there will be good twisties. Would a tail bag be a better choice or no? I'm using the stock S4 set-up which is like hybrid clip ons with a decent amount of rise. I don't hang off the bike much but I don't want to feel cramped moving around on the bike a bit.

+1 on tank bag if you have a metal tank Easy on and off.

The Cortech Super 14 liter will be enough.
http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/SUPER14/TOURING-LUGGAGE/SUPER14.html

I was looking at the 18 liter bags from Cortech. The 14 liter sounds reasonable but given the chance, I might lean towards just a little bit more room.

Is that the bag in your avatar?

[thought]

Try out the Kriega if you can... watch the videos on revzilla and you'll see that since it's designed for riding it's really easy to get on and off.  I use it with my rev'it tarmac jacket which has a hump and it works with it.

Tank bags might get in the way if they are the larger ones for spirited riding.  If you're crawling over all over the bike they will def restrict movement.  Tailbags are better in this respect but they also (if really heavily packed) can make you notice that there is all of a sudden a lot more weight really high up.  But since you say that you'll be packing pretty light, that shouldnt be an issue.

[stopintime]

...........
Is that the bag in your avatar?

The avatar bag is this   http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/5682/ITEM/Tour-Master-TB-12-Magnetic-Mount-Nylon-Tank-Bag.aspx

The Cortech is similar in size, but rounded off and with more pockets and stuff.

I would recommend to keep it small - easier to pack compact/light and doesn't get in your way.
My two week trips have all been done with 14 liter tail bag and the Cortech Super Mini tank bag (custom snap mounted) I'm the Packing Light King

[SteveO.]

I have the Kriega US30 combo which comes with a 10 and 20L bag and both can be used for either a tank or tail bag, and you can combine them both together on the back if you want.  They work well and I use the 20L as a tail bag almost all the time, but have used the 10L back there as well.  To use either as a tank bag there's an adapter that I bought, but haven't tried yet.  I prefer having the stuff on the back instead of covering the tank filler.

I also have the Kriega R25 backpack and it's a great bag and far more comfortable than a normal backpack while riding but the longest I've worn it is about 2 hours.

Here's the 20L loaded and strapped down on my 2011 796.

[lazylightnin717]

SteveO: it might just be me but that looks HUGE in the first picture but no so much in the 2nd.

Stop: I'm gonna check out small tank + small tail for more space and less intrusiveness.

[thought]

Things I like to look for in a tank bag is also a clear map pocket on the top... I know a lot of people have GPS now but I like to have some reminders in there that I can glance down and see.  Thats why I also dont like using the Kreiga bags as tank bags... they have no provisions for that and using a roll top bag as a tank bag is kind of annoying.  Zippers work way better in that case.

[Speeddog]

I've been using Cortech tank, tail, and saddlebags for ~8 years.
They're functional, trouble-free, and decent priced.

IMO, backpacks suck.
I've not tried any hi-tech recent backpacks.

[bdub]

I run a small nelson rigg tail bag that is just big enough for rain gear. Then I got a wolfman 3 point stap bag for my tank and I run it all the time. It has enough space for what I need for work or rain gear/clear sheid some tools, zip ties etc. Pockets for phone, kick stand thing for hot asphault and stuff like that. Between the two I could easily do 3 days, if I take flip flops instead of shoes. Also I have a wolfman mini duffle that I've never used but looks like it would do for a month +. I really like tail bags but my tank bag is very conveinant.
That kregia looks really good and being water proof is a big plus

[lazylightnin717]

Good info guys 

How are tail bags typically attached to the bike?

[stopintime]

Good info guys  

How are tail bags typically attached to the bike?

I think most (all?) have four straps or bungee cords attached to the passenger grab rail.

Similar to this:

[Slide Panda]

Good info guys 

How are tail bags typically attached to the bike?

The Cortech tail bag comes with integrated bungees and hooks. The Kriega bags have adjustable straps and clips. There are a couple different sorts of straps you can get for them depending on the application/config you need.  Currently they ship with the kit seen in SteveOs photos. Older version came with two straps, that each had two male clip ends. The new version has the possibility of being a little more fussy in some ways, but does allow for more possible use of the straps w/o alterations or a different set.

[Raux]

I think most (all?) have four straps or bungee cords attached to the passenger grab rail.

Similar to this:

I am pretty certain I know where that pic was taken