Tankbag trouble

General discussion of the BMW R1200RT/R1250RT
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Jeffem
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Tankbag trouble

Post by Jeffem »

R1200RT LC. What’s the deal with getting a reasonably sized (10 Ltrs plus) Tankbag that doesn’t restrict the turning arc of the bars?

I’ve got a Givi Tanklocked Tankbag and even after adjusting the locking ring mount to its maximum, still hits the switchgear! Looking at the space available between the switchgear when swinging the bars on maximum lock, you look like you have 4 to 5 inches!

I don’t really want a full sized BMW topbox, in fact I don’t really want a topbox at all unless I have to.What sort of tankbags work well for others? I am looking to carry waterproofs, sunglasses (optimist!), IAM books and tut…
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Jeffem
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Re: Tankbag trouble

Post by Jeffem »

Anybody have a practical solution?

I am even considering putting a small givi topbox on.
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EasyRider
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Re: Tankbag trouble

Post by EasyRider »

I gave up trying to find a tank bag i liked. So i have now bought a handlebar bag to put the small bits i carry with me in it.
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Steve398
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Re: Tankbag trouble

Post by Steve398 »

I think that part of the reason some tankbags don’t clear the switchgear is down to bar raisers being fitted, as with mine.

I’ve tried Baglux and Motech. Out of the two the Motech City bag fitted the best for me, but still just touches the switchgear on full lock.

I also have this Touratech expandable tail pack fitted (I don’t like top boxes), looks pretty unobtrusive and carries the odds/sods like tyre pressure gauge, mini ratchet and torx bits, Leatherman (copy), mini torch, front wheel axle key, mini can of WD40, etc., etc., etc.
https://www.touratech-uk.co.uk/tail-rac ... SBEALw_wcB
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Quico
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Re: Tankbag trouble

Post by Quico »

@Jeffem

I have a EA144B tank bag on my 2010 RT and it doesn't touch the switch-gear on the handlebars.
I realy like it.
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Doctor T
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Re: Tankbag trouble

Post by Doctor T »

I have the BMW OEM tank bag that clips to the rails and on full lock it touches the switches. I have 3 other bags and they all touch.
Trust me I am a retired Doctor and lecturer at Oxford University of Structural and Mechanical/Electrical engineering.
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ColoradoGreek
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Re: Tankbag trouble

Post by ColoradoGreek »

I have a SW-Motech EVO tank bag that I purchased a few years ago and it does not interfere with the handlebars. It is 5 liters and expands to 9 liters. Not sure if the EVO model is still available, but their ION model is very similar to the EVO model. The ION model comes in 3 sizes, if needed.
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Randyjaco
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Re: Tankbag trouble

Post by Randyjaco »

Have you considered using a smaller tank bag and moving to something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/385250837986?i ... R_rR_brIYw

I found that some of the stuff that I had in my tank bag, I really didn't want to leave on my bike when I was away from it. (wallet, personal papers, cell phone, etc.) These bags carry quite a bit of gear, and it's always at hand. Mine is also pretty comfortable when I ride.
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Jeffem
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Re: Tankbag trouble update

Post by Jeffem »

*****Update*****

Am I looking for the moon on a stick? Is this a ‘Victor Meldrew’ moment?

I spotted that the wonderful online emporium ‘Nippy Norman’s’ had a discounted Wunderlich elephant tour bag listed for the RTLC. I sent an email to NN asking whether they could confirm the bag was suitable for the RTLC. They responded incredibly quickly saying they didn’t have one to confirm but added if it did interfere, I could return it at no cost. That’s what I call a good service. In anticipation that the tankbag might have to be returned, I ‘dry fitted’ it, with a bit of wiggle room, but the bloody thing touches the starter button and indicator on full lock.
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It’s a good quality product and I hesitate to return it straightaway before a bit more investigation.

Why is it so bloody difficult to investigate the suitability of a tankbag for a specific bike? I thought it was a legal point that all instrument and switchgear should be visible and free from interference at all times. Is it that the interference issue just isn’t a problem for some riders? In other words it’s an acceptable compromise to get extra luggage space.

In frustration I rang SWMotech to quiz them on their website and the way it appears to offer only some of the range against the RTLC. They confirmed that if the website lists a tankbag against a specific model, it has been checked as being compatible. Their range appears to be narrower than other offerings so I guess that’s my answer. :roll:
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Doctor T
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Re: Tankbag trouble

Post by Doctor T »

07 bike. Even the BMW original tank bag touches the handlebars. Unless you fit a tiny bag I think you will find the same
Trust me I am a retired Doctor and lecturer at Oxford University of Structural and Mechanical/Electrical engineering.
BoB21
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Re: Tankbag trouble

Post by BoB21 »

BMW one is 11 ltrs and doesnt get in way MY 2017. pick one up second hand.
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