Can anyone recommend a tank bag that looks nice and fits well on the Versys? The few they have at my local shop don't seem to fit right or look good on the Versys tank.

Go to the pic section there have been some write ups about this.

I went with a Joe Rocket Manta XL, although not a perfect fit, it has worked well. It has the side magnets more toward the rear, which fits the odd tank pretty well, and a little "tail" that sort of doubles as a tank protector. Also kinda nice to lean over on if ya wanna tuck for a bit! The only thing is, it's not really large, if that is what you need.
Here's a quick link for ya...
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/1932/ITEM/Joe-Rocket-Manta-XL-Tank-Bag.aspx?SiteID=CSE_GBase&WT.mc_ID=80003&zmam=88421133&zmas=1&zmac=2&zmap=1932

Marsee bags have incredible magnetic contact. I have the Mr. Pockets which is a very nice size bag but expands to be huge. More than you need most likely.The cortech mini tank bags are also very well designed and come in the best variety of sizes.

Josh & Motodevil,
Thanks for the insight. I looked at a Cortech Super Mini, and it looked like it might fit well, but is a bit small. I saw a small Manta at the shop and liked the design but it also was kind of small. I'll check out the Manta XL, it sounds like it might be a good option for me. Thanks again.

I received my SW-Motech, engage tank bag on Friday from Twisted Throttle. Installed it in 30 mins. on Saturday morning. I love it! No straps or material contacts the tank to cause scratching! Just pull the tab and unit lifts right off for fueling or carrying with you. Kind of high priced but you wont be sorry!

I have the small Joe Rocket and love it. It fits the tank perfect and is red and black. It holds all that I need it to.

I used the Rocket XL and it is a great bag, but got tired of taking it when going to stores, etc. The Famsa is tops, but 3-months on back order, I went with the Wolfman Explorer Lite. Works great and looks good.

I have this one

http://bikersandmore.de/bikersandmore/html/kawasaki_versys_650.html



http://gallery.kawasakiversys.com/data/500/medium/versys1.jpg


see also

http://forums.kawasakiversys.com/showthread.php?t=184

[I]'m looking at this one..Has anyone tried Nelson Riggs CL300 mini magnetic tank bag? It has removable map pocket. How is the fitment especially on side magnets?

I have a Joe Rocket Manta (not the XL)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/K4XA/JOE02.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/K4XA/JOE04.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/K4XA/JOE01.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/K4XA/JOE03.jpg

That looks pretty good. I saw that one in the store when I was looking for a bag, but thought it looked too small. As it turns out, the one I bought is actually WAY too big. I may have to go shopping in the future for a better fit.

I like the looks of that one. I have a Marsee from a previous bike. The magnet flaps are in the front so they don't make good contact with metal and they tend to fly up at, um, higher speeds.

Do you by any chance carry an EZ Pass toll transponder? Just wondering if works through the bag material. My EZ Pass works through the clear map window on the Marsee.

-Alan

I like the looks of that one. I have a Marsee from a previous bike. The magnet flaps are in the front so they don't make good contact with metal and they tend to fly up at, um, higher speeds.

Do you by any chance carry an EZ Pass toll transponder? Just wondering if works through the bag material. My EZ Pass works through the clear map window on the Marsee.

-Alan

I don't have my EZ pass yet...I'll let you know when I get it.

I received my SW-Motech, engage tank bag on Friday from Twisted Throttle. Installed it in 30 mins. on Saturday morning. I love it! No straps or material contacts the tank to cause scratching! Just pull the tab and unit lifts right off for fueling or carrying with you. Kind of high priced but you wont be sorry!

Good information - this is the bag I'm going with. No straps or magnets - yet a bit pricey but sounds like it's worth it.

Do you know anything about the electric option that is available for this bag? I looked on SW-Motech's website and it doesn't give any clear indication of what this about. It's an $80 upgrade - I probably won't get that option, just wondered what it was for. I'm thinking it's to power your cell phone, iPod or GPS.

I also see that you can get these bags lighted as well - that would be trick and very nice to have to search around for those dang earplugs that keep getting lost in there.

If you want it just right get yourself a baglux tank protector and then choose a baglux tank bag. Expensive but does the job right!

If you want it just right get yourself a baglux tank protector and then choose a baglux tank bag. Expensive but does the job right!

If it does all that it is advertised then it is worth it.

I have a magnetic tank now that fits the Versys, but the gas ring mounting of the Engage intrigues me. And it looks made for the bike.

For those that have the SW-Motech Engage tank bag:

- Could someone post a pic of the inside? Can't find on any web site. I like a lot of smaller inner pockets.

- When unzipped, the "hinge" is in the rear and the top opens towards you. This seems backward from other tank bags which open away from you.

- Anybody order the Engage XL version? Too big? The XL seems to be mostly 1" longer and wider and 2" taller.

- If you use the map holder, do you have to take it off to open the bag?

I plan to order the Engage/SW-Motech gas tank bag this week. I'll post my comments here.

I finally got the Bags Connection Engage tank bag in. I see other members have the bag as well (Search the forum for Engage). It's a nice bag although a bit pricey - I paided $168 for the bag plus $20 something for the attachment rings and then with shipping handling and whatever else it was over $200.

It's a solid bag and with stiff sides and doesn't slouch over the tank. The gas tank connection is very nice and solid - no magnets or straps to fiddle with. And you can connect a camera mount to the SW-Motech gas tank cap attachment if you so desire.

The bag itself has several seperate compartments and pockets for organization. I didn't buy the XL size and just got the regular Engage bag and I find that holds enough for what I plan to put in there. My manuals, papers, small electronics, tools, etc.

It took me about a 1/2 hour to install the whole system. That included the SW-Motech gas tank connection and mounting the bracket to the bag. The bracket for the bag is not pre-installed and you have to drill the holes yourself. That was a bit of a downer - you pay 168 dollars for a bag and you have to drill holes into it.

Once everything was installed and setup - the bag connected to the gas tank perfectly. The test ride proved the concept works and hold the tank bag in place very nicely. I like that I can add accessories to this bag like a GPS holder and it can even be electrified! But, the $85 for that option could be best spent elsewhere.

Finally, the bag doesn't contact the tank at all - but that doesn't detract from the looks of the bag and helps to protect your tank.

Pictures of my Bags Connection Tank Bag (http://flickr.com/photos/tdk1246/sets/72157605579139046/)

Very clean!

I have a Joe Rocket Manta (not the XL)

Hooligan

I have the same bag and I really like the size of the bag for keys, camera, wallet, etc. The only thing I don't like it that it has killed the paint when using the bottom magnet. I notice you have yours still tucked away. Did your bag scratch the hell out of your paint as well??? I just bought a stick on protector like yours to cover the scratches today. I am going to try tucking the magnet back under and see how it works.

Brian

Throw a leg You say you put your wallet in the magnetic bag. Be careful if you have a credit card it can earase the magnetic strip. Card useless.

I just put on the Cortec Mini tank bag with straps, more secure in side wind. The magnets would be ok on a larger and wider steel tank. It's small but I've also got the Cortec Tail Bag on the bitch seat all the time, and the Saddle Bags for longer trips when I need them. The Cortec gear is high quality.

Throw a leg You say you put your wallet in the magnetic bag. Be careful if you have a credit card it can earase the magnetic strip. Card useless.

Didn't you see the "Mythbusters" episode where they tried to erase credit cards? They were busting a myth about eel-skin wallets ruining credit cards. They had to use a HUGE electro-magnet to remove the data from a credit card. I think you are pretty safe with the weak ones in tank bags.

Myth statement Status Notes
Using an electric eel-skin wallet will cause a static charge that will cause the magnetic strips on credit cards to fail. Busted Most eel-skin wallets are not made from electric eels, but rather from a fish called a hagfish which does not produce an electric charge. Data written to a set of test cards were not affected in any way.
In addition, further tests were conducted to see how much magnetism would it take to 'wipe' a card, and was found to be far above what the average person may encounter.



Tim

All i know is what one motorcycle mag writer encountered when he put his in the magnetic bag and couldn't get gas because they were erased. Had to borrow $20 to get back home on a trip. Is it worth the risk? Keep my wallet on me at all times. Too easy to risk having someone grab your tankbag and steal your wallet and all the credit cards. To each their own. I figure that is what they make pockets for although i do carry mine in the front pocket which helps with sitting comfort.

Could someone post a pic of the Wolfman Explorer Lite bag on a Z if possible?

Thanks!

I know you asked for a Z, but how about an Explorer Lite on a V? ;)

http://www.buhacoff.com/mc/UVG2008/IMG_6706.jpg

http://www.buhacoff.com/mc/NW%202008/IMG_7320.jpg


Gustavo

What a great pic. Terrific background shot. Just doesn't get any better.

Thanks Gustavo it looks great! I think I have made my decision!

Kris

Anyone have pictures of soft saddle bags / tail bags?

Here You Go!

The bags are Nelson-Rigg from NewEnough.com.

I've had them for about 8 months now, and never any problem.

Someone suggested that they are on backwards, which may be true, but I tried them the other way and like the look better this way, so I've left them.

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr143/MHansen105/Motorcycle/Versys024.jpg

http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr143/MHansen105/Motorcycle/Versys003.jpg

Monte

Hello Monte!

I have the Nelson riggs on mine but must be the smaller sportbags. I do have them on the other way with the small end back as they go on the tailights better and out of my way. Had them on for a brief few miles on the Ninja 650 R. They look good on mine but i think i am going to order the givi bracket and E 21 bags so i can just lock them and not worry about any rain. Won't have a tail trunk as i don't travel far anymore. Figure the hard bags are also better if it falls with me or goes down however i have never had that problem in all the years. I have curiser bags on my Secca and i too have them backwards as they fit the bike better. Whatever works. Sometimes i mount my magnetic tankbag backwards on a bike as it fits better. Who cares. Even wear my hat backwards when i deer hunt with the bow. That way the deer think i am looking the other way. Right? works for me