Operation Tank Bag: FAIL

[Nemo_imp]

I need a daily use bag for work, one that I can bring into the office with me. I stopped using a backpack because I'd get to the office early in the am with my shirt's back already soaked in sweat. In my previous bike I had a tank bag with quick-mount system that I took off when getting to work; that system does not work with the CB.

"EUREKA!! The CB has a metal tank, I can use a magnetic tank bag!" I thought. So I bought the Icon Urban Tank Bag. Nice bag, with a helmet carry feature and turns into a backpack is needed. Used it for 2 days and my Isabel's (my CB's name) beautiful black tank developed very ugly scratches , even with the super care I took when sticking the magnets on it or taking the bag off. I even cleaned the contact points to avoid dirt particles acting as sand paper.

Yesterday, I polished the scratches off and returned the tankbag to Cycle Gear. I had the guys there order an Ogio Tail Bag that I will try as my briefcase. Will report when I get it and use it.

LESSONS LEARNED: Isabel's shiny beautiful tank is SACRED REAL ESTATE. The only minerals that will intentionally go close to it are my stones. No more magnets. I also may want to get the Tank Slapper.

Nemo, out

[Bheezy27403_imp]

+1 I too used a tank bag (Cortech) when I first purchased my Bonnie and learned the same lesson you did. I even went as far as putting plastic wrap over the tank before mounting. Same result even when using GREAT care.

Tail bag it is

[Henrik_imp]

I wonder if the way the magnetic pads are made have anything to do with it. I have an old magnetic tank bag (17 years) that I bought originally for my black VFR. Then used it regularly on my blue Ducati ST2 for some5 years, and have now started to use it again on my black CB1100EX. I do take some care when installing and removing it, and try to keep it as clean as possible, but I have never noticed any scratches on my tanks. Just went and had another close look on my tank and I can't see any traces of scratches.

But I do agree that there is a risk there, and tailbags are usually less of a risk in that respect.

[the Ferret]

That's a shame Nemo.

I have had magnetic bags scratch my tanks before, but I run a magnetic tank bag every day on both of my bikes. For me the convenience outweighs the possibility of picking up a small scratch. I simply have to have a way to carry stuff and the tank and tail bags do it for me. i am very careful about wiping the bottom of the bag before putting it on the bike, and I don't live where there is sand or much air borne dirt really.

Hope you can get some polishing compund and rub the scratches out. tHey are not down to bare metal right?

[Capo]

I use magnetic bags regularly, but learned my lesson when the flap picked up a screw and did a number on my Bonnie's beautiful Goodwood Green tank. Always check the magnet flaps and wipe them down before placement. I also put a thin rag under the mag flaps and I've been fine.

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Ugh. Sorry to hear that Nemo. Hopefully, you were able to completely remove the scratches. These black tanks, as beautiful as they are, are prone to swirls and scratches. We do what we can to keep them clean and polished but blemishes are inevitable. I hope the tail bag works out for you.

I had a tank bag I used on a Kawasaki Vulcan that I rode through the desert and into Las Vegas. I stopped for gas and a bottle of water. As I was paying at the register, I heard tires squealing and saw a car speed off next to my bike. Someone had driven into the gas station, pulled my bag off of the tank, and got away. Luckily, I had my wallet and phone on me. I lost my map, my favorite ball cap, a pair of expensive shades and other things not worth mentioning. Man, was I mad. Sin City indeed.

I haven't owned a tank bag since. For my commute to work, I use a simple but sturdy duffle bag that I bungee to the seat. I also use something called the Shirt Shuttle (a hard plastic case) in which I put my folded dress shirt. It does a good job of keeping it from getting wrinkled, or sweaty, on the way to work.

[pwh421_imp]

Tail bags maybe?

[ride4now_imp]

I have a tail bag on all 3 bikes and use them constantly. I have one tank bag... bought because so many people here swear by them, but I don't like it and rarely use it. I too am afraid of scratches... The tail bag works just as good, it's bigger and no scratches will occur... ever.

[flynrider]

I just use a backpack, but I strap to the seat or the rack rather than wear it. The sweaty back syndrome is also a problem here in the desert.

[Nemo_imp]

Well... Mr. Meguiar's took care of the scratches and Cycle Gear took the tank bag in exchange for an Ogio tail bag. The storage is the only thing that I kinda' miss from the NC700x. I have to have a way to carry stuff and a tail bag it will be. I have to check the Shirt Shuttle as my dress shirts don't get along with my riding jackets.