Today there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to tank bags for the GS or any other bike for that matter. From simple fastex buckles to magnetic fasteners and more recently filler cap ringlock systems to mention a few! Having tried various options over the years on different bikes what should have been a fairly simple decision was far from that!
I did like the idea of a single attachment point that you get with a ringlock attachment but I couldn’t get away from the ugly looks of those currently on the market. They all appeared to be perched on top of the bracket with a significant air gap between the base of the bag and the tank (kind of mushroom like!)
As you would expect the BMW tank bag (like all BMW products) is engineered to perfection! The sold base could be pressed from the same mould as the fuel tank as the two marry up perfectly. The textured rubber finish grips the tank and to date hasn’t left any marks in the underlying paint – even after long periods riding off-road in dusty conditions.
The attachment points are simple yet secure. A single fastex buckle that is mounted under an existing oem screw at the front of the tank and two identical buckles between the rear of the tank and the seat.
The main compartment is totally waterproof and incorporates a roll top dry bag design, which can be accessed either through the main top flap or through the hardened case to the rear. This is ideal for easy access to smaller items such as wallet, tickets, glasses etc etc…
All zippers are BMW’s branded and waterproof, the main advantage here being there’s no requirement for a separate w/proof cover like most of the other top bags out there!
Access to the clear map pocket is via a second zip on the inside, so again there’s another layer of protection. Although this is outside the main dry bag area and the stitching doesn’t appear to be tapped, I have an IPad Pro 9.7 inch which sits in the map pocket perfectly with no water ingress or misting to date, (and yes it has been properly tested in the worst of the Scottish weather!)
Fueling the bike is a doddle and I opt to undo the two rear fasteners and pivot the bag forward towards the TFT. It sits there quite happily freeing up both hands, which is probably the best design feature of all.
Size wise, it’s perfect for my needs… BMW make a large version with an expandable zip type affair that is probably double the capacity, but for me there’s nothing that i need to hand that doesn’t fit comfortably in the smaller version.
Details from The Manufacturer
Highly functional tank bag, moulded for a perfect match to the geometry of the fuel tank. Inner bag is waterproof with roll-and-seal closure and taped seams
- Hard-wearing polyester fabric with PU coating the bottom is made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate)
- Waterproof, extendible main compartment:
- Capacity: Approx 5 l, extendible to approx 9 l
- 2-way zipper round 3 sides for good accessibility
- Highly water-repellent, small map compartment:
- Good access by rubberised two-way zipper on 2 sides (in main compartment)
- Anti-slip PU coating
- Water-repellent zippered outside pocket
- Carry handle and removable shoulder strap, adjustable
- Unobstructed view of the BMW Motorrad Navigator
- Affix 2 retaining straps with Velcros to the vehicle (1x under the seat, 1x at front on frame)
- Maximum payload: 5 kg
- Recommended top speed with tank bag installed: 180 km/h
RRP £120
