Storage without bags?

Message

Pittance · #1 Unread post by **Pittance** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:35 pm

I have no idea where I heard this, but I heard once that most motorcycles had storage in their gas tank, and that usually the gas tank is located lower than where it looks. So for a long time I just thought that they had this little storage section on them for a few items. Now I'm thinking this is pretty much false. So, is there anywhere on a motorcycle you can store essentials like a few tools, registration, etc that isn't a saddle bag or tank bag?

And why do tank bags always looks so ugly? Just looks like someone strapped a backpack to their tank.

flynrider · #2 Unread post by **flynrider** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 1:05 pm

There are a few models that have storage space inside a false tank (the old Goldwing comes to mind), but it's not at all common. Most of the time, when you see a gas tank on a bike, it's really holding gas.

Most bikes have a small storage area under the seat that is large enough for your documents and a small toolkit. Also, some motorcycle bodywork incorporates a "tail" behind the seat which can be used for storage.

ElChado87 · #3 Unread post by **ElChado87** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 1:17 pm

My SV has a little cubby under the rear seat, I keep my papers, a piece of sheet aluminum, a tire gauge and a tire chuck under there. I also have a separate compartment tucked behind my engine for the Suzuki toolkit. The tools *just* fit inside....

Grey Thumper · Thu Mar 13, 2008 4:53 pm

I've got a cavity in the "gas tank" (real gas tank is under the seat) that holds papers, tools, air compressor, patch kit, first aid kit, the works. The Aprilia Mana can store an entire full face helmet inside its false tank.

#5 Unread post by **Wrider** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:01 pm

Actually all of the Buells and the V-Rods are going to the airbox being where the gas tank usually is. The real gas tank is under the seat on the V-Rods and is the frame itself on the Buells.
If you want storage space on a bike, can't beat the Goldwing! The newest ones can fit two fullface helmets just in the topcase!
Wrider

Pittance · #6 Unread post by **Pittance** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 1:40 am

Ahhh, that must be what I'm thinking of. The storage under the seat and sometimes a fake tank.

Does anyone know if small beginner bikes usually have a compartment under the seat? Like the old honda CB400-500s? Ninjettes? GS500s, etc? Also, do they make saddle bags that lock? Both onto the bike and lock closed? Was considering getting some to hold some of the stuff I need to carry, but dont like the idea of people rummaging through them. Also, do those seat and tank compartments take a key to open?

hordak · #7 Unread post by **hordak** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 12:06 am

Pittance wrote:Ahhh, that must be what I'm thinking of. The storage under the seat and sometimes a fake tank.

Does anyone know if small beginner bikes usually have a compartment under the seat? Like the old honda CB400-500s? Ninjettes? GS500s, etc? Also, do they make saddle bags that lock? Both onto the bike and lock closed? Was considering getting some to hold some of the stuff I need to carry, but dont like the idea of people rummaging through them. Also, do those seat and tank compartments take a key to open?

the ninja 500 has storage under the seat. comes with a tool kit under there also.

mgdavis · #8 Unread post by **mgdavis** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 2:31 pm

My old CB750 had a semi-hidden compartment that was accessible from the left side of the bike. First you had to pop off the side cover, then you'd see the lid of the space. It was small, probably intended for the OEM tool roll. I kept my registration in it. Other displacement CBs might have shared the feature.

ElChado87 · #9 Unread post by **ElChado87** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 2:38 pm

Also check http://www.giviusa.com for saddlebags and topcases for whatever kind of bike. Some/Most do lock to the bike, and also lock closed. The Monolock/Monokey series uses on key to both open and remove the cases.

Beware the price though, a basic set of hard saddlebags and a topcase for my SV was aboot $1200....