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Cruiser tank bag or tail bag?

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 6:19 am
by celt
When I first got my bike, I used a small bag & bungee net on my pillion, but it was a hassle. So I started using a backpack, but I do mostly superslab riding & it can be uncomfortable with the constant drag.

I was wondering if any of you use a tank bag or a tail bag...I know that these are mostly used by sportbike riders...

I DON'T have a sissybar, so that's why I can't use a sissybar bag.

Any ideas or recommendations?

(the cheaper the better ;))

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 7:08 am
by jonnythan
Saddlebags?

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 7:30 am
by celt
Well, I've never really liked the looks of saddlebags, except for hardbags...and I don't have the money for those :(

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:26 am
by Nalian
I've had the same dilemma - the bag I'm eyeing but haven't made any decisions over is the Icon "Urban Tank Bag" which is a tank bag with backpack straps, and the part that protects the paint on your tank flips over to carry your helmet.

I'm curious to see if any other cruiser riders use tankbags at all either.

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:15 am
by TechTMW
It's pricey, but effective, depending on what you are carrying.

http://www.sargentcycle.com/route66.htm

Another (Clever, IMO) option is the backrest/sissy bar bag, which goes great w/ a cruiser. Course, guess you'd ahve to get a sissy bar...

http://motorcycle-luggage.com/TombstoneBackrestBag/

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:34 am
by celt
Well, I'm, basically looking for something that can carry a lunch bag & a pair of slacks.

That first link is way too small,

and since my wife never wants to ride,

I really don't want to spend $150-200 on a sissybar + whatever a sissybar bag costs.

I saw a thread by sportbikers with tailbags & tankbags, but I'd like to know if/how they work on cruisers since the tail & tanks are so different.
TechTMW wrote:It's pricey, but effective, depending on what you are carrying.

http://www.sargentcycle.com/route66.htm

Another (Clever, IMO) option is the backrest/sissy bar bag, which goes great w/ a cruiser. Course, guess you'd ahve to get a sissy bar...

http://motorcycle-luggage.com/TombstoneBackrestBag/

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:58 am
by celt
If you get that bag, you should tell us how it works out for you!

Nalian wrote:I've had the same dilemma - the bag I'm eyeing but haven't made any decisions over is the Icon "Urban Tank Bag" which is a tank bag with backpack straps, and the part that protects the paint on your tank flips over to carry your helmet.

I'm curious to see if any other cruiser riders use tankbags at all either.

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:13 am
by TechTMW
You're going to have a tough time finding something that looks really good on a cruiser w/o the sissybar.

Well, You'd probably want a tailpack then, from your description. I know you probably want to go the cheap route, which usually involves a bag w/ internal bungee cords that come out of the bottom and hook onto your bike.

Just an JYI, though. I've had TWO of them blow out on me on the road (Only after 6 months and 1 year of ownership, respectively) The bungee cord hooks tend to be cheap plastic and the cord actually comes out of the hook.

http://www.motorhelmets.com/htm1/luggag ... lassic.htm

They worked fine til the cords blew out... might want to look at something a little more sturdy, but that's going to cost you. :|

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:38 am
by Z (fka Sweet Tooth)
I have the same problem and resorted to a bag held down by bungees in the back. Your best best is probably just getting some saddle bags like previously suggested.

Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 5:22 pm
by blues2cruise
Get yourself a milk crate. They come on all kinds of colours, are dirt cheap and can easily be secured with good tie downs.

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