What is the best tank bag for the Versys? Will a magnetic tank bag work?

A magnetic tank bag will work if you don't get a very large bag as you have a relatively small portion of the fuel tank to latch down on in the rear due to the fairing. I have a rapid transit recon 19 that is a mid size bag and I fold under the flaps so that all the magnets contact the tank and have had no problems with it trying to come off at speeds well above....Sometimes I'll just bungee it to the back if I'm wanting to make time and not wanting to take it on and off at gas stops. With the flaps tucked under I can orient it either way on the tank without problems.

There was a post some time back where others had bags/attachment systems they were quite fond of. The joe rocket manta was a favorite but it might be to small or just right depending on what you want to carry.


http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/3414/ITEM/Rapid-Transit-Recon-19-Magnetic-Tank-Bag.aspx?SiteID=CSE_GBase_071&WT.mc_ID=80003&zmam=88421133&zmas=1&zmac=2&zmap=3414

Found a previous link:

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

Fitted the genuine Kawasaki tank bag on mine. Not magnetic but fits to filler cap ,off and on in seconds!
Well pleased :)

I have a Cortech bag, magnets work good but I put the leash onto the frame just forward of the tank just for extra insurance. Also, the leash lets you just toss the bag forward over the bars and stay there while you fuel. J.

Manzo Tank Bag, I use the front tree strap and back 2 magnets...works awesome and I think it flows with the bike rather well.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/johnrend/Car%20Exterior/FirstGearMonza.jpg

I use a nelson rigg..i turn it sideways, works great and the magnets have plenty of contact surface

I picked up a Cortech Mini Tank Bag from Whitehorse Gear. Here is the web link for the bag http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product_info.php?products_id=5179. I like it for its shape, rectangular with a large flat clear top, great for maps. It mounts with magnets, I do use the tether strap to help prevent 'walk-offs' and for ease during fueling.

Luggage locker on both my machines

It depends a lot on what size bag you are looking for. What do you want to carry? Gloves sunglasses and a snack, or a weeks worth of clothes and food?

I tend to like smaller tank bags. I use the magnetic Cortech Mini.

Here is a link to my photo gallery that has a few pics of the tank bag on my bike. http://www.kawasakiversys.com/gallery/showgallery.php/ppuser/2980/cat/500 (http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/../gallery/showgallery.php/ppuser/2980/cat/500)

You might want to look through other Versys user's galleries to see if there is a bag that catches your attention.

I picked up a Cortech Mini Tank Bag from Whitehorse Gear. Here is the web link for the bag http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product_info.php?products_id=5179. I like it for its shape, rectangular with a large flat clear top, great for maps. It mounts with magnets, I do use the tether strap to help prevent 'walk-offs' and for ease during fueling.

I have this too...I turn it backwards and it will stay on up to about 90 mph before it blows off.http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product_info.php?products_id=4998
After clicking his link I see it was the different one, this is the one I have.

What is the best tank bag for the Versys? Will a magnetic tank bag work?

I use the Rapid Transport Recon, it uses straps, but its super easy to take on/off, or to raise for fueling. I take it off all the time on trips, no big deal. Pretty roomy.

Here's a pic:


http://i459.photobucket.com/albums/qq315/bprice_photo/100_2959.jpg

I got a Bags-Connection tank-ring bag (http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2624/451/) and it has worked great. No magnets or straps and you can get a powered version to keep your cell phone or iPod charged .

Fitted the genuine Kawasaki tank bag on mine. Not magnetic but fits to filler cap ,off and on in seconds!
Well pleased :)

I can't find a pic or spec on the OEM bag on Kawi's website. Anybody have it, or a pic of one on their V?

I have a Cortech bag, magnets work good but I put the leash onto the frame just forward of the tank just for extra insurance. Also, the leash lets you just toss the bag forward over the bars and stay there while you fuel. J.

I picked up a Cortech Mini Tank Bag from Whitehorse Gear. Here is the web link for the bag http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product_info.php?products_id=5179. I like it for its shape, rectangular with a large flat clear top, great for maps. It mounts with magnets, I do use the tether strap to help prevent 'walk-offs' and for ease during fueling.

I have this too...I turn it backwards and it will stay on up to about 90 mph before it blows off.http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product_info.php?products_id=4998
After clicking his link I see it was the different one, this is the one I have.

I have the Cortech Mini as well. I use the leash (as stated I just flip the bag up on the handlebars at fuel stops), the size is right and doesn't hit the bars/controls at the full stops.

I have found that as long as I get it in the right spot, not too far back, the magnets hold just fine - tested so far to 98 mph (GPS reading).

The Kawi brand bag is on the UK website, not sure if you can get it in the US. The part number is 093LUU0001.
Quick release tank bag. Attaches to the tank ring, in turn attached to the fuel filler ring, and has soft underside to avoid any scratching of the tank. Approx. 15 litres loading capacity. Includes rain cover and shoulder wrap.

http://www.madmoto.co.uk/img.php?type=preview&id=1989

The Kawi brand bag is on the UK website, not sure if you can get it in the US. The part number is 093LUU0001.
Quick release tank bag. Attaches to the tank ring, in turn attached to the fuel filler ring, and has soft underside to avoid any scratching of the tank. Approx. 15 litres loading capacity. Includes rain cover and shoulder wrap.

http://www.madmoto.co.uk/img.php?type=preview&id=1989

I believe that this is exactly the same as the Bags Connection "City" or "GS" model from Twisted Throttle. Of course, it may not have the Kawasaki emblem embossed on the bag, which one might want to pay a premium for. :eek:

Peter

I got a Bags-Connection tank-ring bag (http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2624/451/) and it has worked great. No magnets or straps and you can get a powered version to keep your cell phone or iPod charged .

+1 on the Bags connection tank ring bag. I did go the powered route and have found it to be ideal. Pricey settup, ($350? from memory about 7 months ago) but will not blow off, keeps a solid connection. Comes with its own relay. Big thing is that I didn't have to wire up a 12 volt port onto my dash to get wet in the rain.

It's Farkle, how many of us are REALLY in the market to save money anyhow, :devil:

I also have the Cortech Super-mini like FLA-V. Works great backwards.

I got the manta tank bag, it was inexpensive, magnetic mounting, gets the job done.

I went with the Bags Connection Trip quick lock electric. Pretty nifty bag handy for all your smaller items plus now I can run my Gps off it aswell comes with a waterproof gps holder will post pics later. cheers H
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab238/hugoroyaljk/DSCF1090.jpg http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab238/hugoroyaljk/DSCF1094.jpg http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab238/hugoroyaljk/DSCF1093.jpg http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab238/hugoroyaljk/DSCF1091.jpg

The FAMSA 260/7 tank bag and panniers. webbikeworld to them off a bmw R1200 GS and put it on a versys and it fits :

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-luggage/famsa-260/

Here is the site to buy them:

http://www.bikerworldusa.com/famsa.html

It is the Art. 260/7 - Tankset for BMW R1200GS They cost 299.00 but it looks really nice though

I went with the Bags Connection Trip quick lock electric. Pretty nifty bag handy for all your smaller items plus now I can run my Gps off it aswell comes with a waterproof gps holder will post pics later. cheers H

Have any shots of what the wiring looks like in the bag? I've been interested in one of these for a while to keep my iphone charged while pumping bluetooth tunes to my Cardo

I use a nelson rigg..i turn it sideways, works great and the magnets have plenty of contact surface

I gave mine away and bought another one that doesn't suit me nearly as well. It was the best bag that I've had. I may give the one that I have now away and get another.

here you go.
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab238/hugoroyaljk/DSCF1097.jpg
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab238/hugoroyaljk/DSCF1096.jpg
http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab238/hugoroyaljk/DSCF1095.jpg

I have a Wolfman Explorer and have used it on a V-Strom, a DR650 and now the Versys. It's about the biggest that will fit if you need the space. I was surprised that the handlebars barely touch it at full lock. It sits back on the tank and is made to fit the hump. It has a harness but that doesn't bother me. The bag is easy to remove/replace and has a good map window and nice removable zipper pockets on all 4 sides. I've had several tank bags and like this one the most. I'd recommend it unless you want a little one.

I use the Rapid Transport Recon, it uses straps, but its super easy to take on/off, or to raise for fueling. I take it off all the time on trips, no big deal. Pretty roomy.

Here's a pic:


http://i459.photobucket.com/albums/qq315/bprice_photo/100_2959.jpg

I love your seat and backrest. Just wondering where you bought it and comfort?

I use a Rapid Transit Recon magnetic tank bag and like it.

Here is a rather dull review I made..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DOypQ-YxuQ

Have the large Joe Rocket manta and it is great if you don't need too much in there. The interior of the main pocket fits two 6 inch subway subs.

I am going to be ordering a Wolfman Expedition Tank Bag for touring. I have another bag from them and it is high quality.

I posted this on the UK Versys forum, but you may find it useful on this thread for size comparisons.

FAMSA is handled in the US by - www.bikerworldusa.com and Wolfman is - www.wolfmanluggage.com

FAMSA Tank Bags

Smallest tank bag is the FAMSA Mini Mag (http://www.windingroads.co.uk/shop/product.php/11/fa604_famsa_mini_tank_bag), pretty small, neat pocket that you can see your phone through. Fine for your wallet, small bottle of water, camera, bag of sweets. Better than stuffing your pockets.

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/8021/minir.jpg

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/4101/mini2r.jpg

Next up, is the FAMSA Enduro Mini (http://www.windingroads.co.uk/shop/product.php/3/famsa_fa270_enduro_mini_accessory_tank_bag), fits onto the same FAMSA base as the Enduro Max that a few on here have.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/4091/emaxmini.jpg

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/8439/emaxmini2.jpg

I did read someone saying they'd had a problem with fitting the FAMSA base where some wiring was fitted to the attachment bracket, but relocating it and then fitting the base was a simple job.

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/7258/relocate.jpg

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/9900/cimg6386medium.jpg

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/9572/cimg6389custom.jpg

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9359/emaxbase.jpg

Here's the FAMSA Enduro Max (http://www.windingroads.co.uk/shop/product.php/63/famsa_fa244_48_kawasaki_versys_650_enduro_max_tank _bag) fitted to the same base. I know WebBikeWorld say the BMW R1200GS bag fits the Versys, but FAMSA do actually make one specifically for the Versys.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/6589/emax.jpg

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/4773/emax2.jpg


Wolfman Tank Bags


Wolfman Express Tank Bag (http://www.wolfmanluggage.eu.com/shop/product.php/159/wolfman_express_tank_bag/082b26a42945e9ef82d00d624056802e), it uses exactly the same fixings as the Explorer Lite but is smaller, rectangular rather than wedge shaped and a little shorter. I think this is the one that will be staying on the bike.

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/2826/express2.jpg

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9074/expressd.jpg

Wolfman Explorer Lite (http://www.wolfmanluggage.eu.com/shop/product.php/157/wolfman_explorer_lite_tank_bag) as used by a few on here, I think it's a good compromise size wise between the Express and the FAMSA / Rainier which are similar in size -

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/4223/wolfmanexplorerlitetank.jpg

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/4223/wolfmanexplorerlitetank.jpg

Wolfman Rainier (http://www.wolfmanluggage.eu.com/shop/product.php/141/wolfman_rainier_tank_bag), obviously the biggest of the three with 4 external pockets (3 removable).

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/5650/wolfmanrainiertankbagve.jpg

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/5650/wolfmanrainiertankbagve.jpg

I got this for my V

Doesn't disfigure the overall line, roomy enough for me, cheap, no magnet to f***k the paint from the tank ...

http://www.stromtrooper.com/showthread.php?t=34326
Be careful, they show two rapid transit model, the Bradley (wich I have) and the Abraham (bigger)

I'm happy

LOP

+1 on the Wolfman Express tank bag. Not too big, but big enough.

nice pics nice bags....if i wanted to run to the store for bread would i be able to bring back 1 loave or two....thereabouts...that is if you've already done it.:thanx::thanx:

nice pics nice bags....if i wanted to run to the store for bread would i be able to bring back 1 loave or two....thereabouts...that is if you've already done it.:thanx::thanx:

Depends how big the loaf is I suppose ;) Seriously though, it won't take two, and though it expands, length would be the limiting factor, so I'd say one small sliced :)

Of course, add in the tank panniers and you can bring home 2 loaves and the cheese :) :)

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1746/cimg6545medium.jpg

The FAMSA 260/7 tank bag and panniers. webbikeworld to them off a bmw R1200 GS and put it on a versys and it fits :

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-luggage/famsa-260/

Here is the site to buy them:

http://www.bikerworldusa.com/famsa.html

It is the Art. 260/7 - Tankset for BMW R1200GS They cost 299.00 but it looks really nice though

Just to add a little input to anyone considering this option. The FAMSA bag to fit the R1200GS has been modified since WBW bought theirs, and though it can be made to fit the Versys, it's not as straightforward as it was, and the fit is not as good as it was.

The WBW fitting of the side panniers isn't the neatest either -

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/3840/famsa260tanksetrightstr.jpg

The FAMSA tank sets are nice pieces of kit, but they're too expensive to settle for an imperfect fit on a bike they weren't designed for.

Better to just get the FAMSA tank bag that is designed for the Versys from the outset.

http://www.windingroads.co.uk/shop/shopimages/products/normal/kawasaki-versys-famsa-tank-bag-1.jpg

Or if you really want tank panniers on the bike, then go the Wolfman route for a better fit, and cheaper too :).

Thank-you..sir Joe Bar...now i know....i think your right about goin' with the Versys bag from the start...more suited overall.
edit..Went out today and bought an expandable Sidewind Cruiser bag from our local Canuk tire store..79.99...looks..OKAY...havent attached it to the bike yet and tested it out, but if it does'nt fit ...getting your money back is never a huge issue with these guys...somethings ya just gotta have...NOW!

How does a magnetic bag ruin the paint? I have a joe rocket tank bag and its just fine. I take it off when im not riding, but other than that, i cant see anything bad happening. Not unless the bag rips and the magnet is exposed.

How does a magnetic bag ruin the paint? I have a joe rocket tank bag and its just fine. I take it off when im not riding, but other than that, i cant see anything bad happening. Not unless the bag rips and the magnet is exposed.

I don't have the exact reason, but it has nothing to do with the magnet scratching the paint
More on the electromagnetic side of thing degrading the adherence of some paint color

I have to say that I'm reading the warning on the Recon tag, so don't flame me ...

Maybe someone can chime in to give a more inteligent explanation

LOP

I use a Rapid Transit Recon magnetic tank bag and like it.

Here is a rather dull review I made..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DOypQ-YxuQ

great review - It really helped

I have a Bags Connections Vina GL with a SW Motech Tank Ring. No tank scratching ever. They also make a powered tank rings to use with powered tank bags.