Tankbag & security recommendations?

[Rogue_Shadow]

Hey Org

Planning a few long distance trips to see friends around the UK, but I'm missing two bits of kit.

I've got a 3 part Ram mount Sat Nav holder on my SV, which means I can take the arm and case off when I'm done riding.
However with my US20 already full of clothes ect, I'm after recommendations on a small tank bag or similar bag that I can put all my sat nav stuff in when I'm off the bike, maybe hold documents while I'm riding. I've got an old backback that would work, but I've always been told " Load the bike not the rider ", so was just after other peoples opinion

Also my bike security right now is basic, a simple datatool shackle, steering lock and a bike cover at night if I'm home. With the majority of my friends living in flats, road side parking would be the only spot to park up for the weekend when visiting. I really could do with abit more security for piece of mind, but needs to be portable ... even better if It could fit under my pillion seat, the only space I have left.

Any recommendations would be a huge help :D

Thanks

[Whitty]

Got some OXFORD things for sale on here, just bumped them onto page 1.

[Ceri JC]

A £30 Oxford chain that will fit under the pillion seat, used to chain the back wheel to a lampost/similar, coupled with a bike cover (the Argos ones are cheap and pack small) will generally deter ratboys from attempting to screwdriver your ignition and break your steering lock in an attempt to ride it away. It will not prove much of an obstacle for professionals with a van, but anything bulky/heavy enough to do so is too much to be carrying on the bike, IMO, so try not to worry about that.

RE: luggage. Kriega make the best soft luggage in the world, bar none, for my money. Get a TANK and US-10 from them too and you will have a great tankbag that can also be used to boost your tailpack's capacity when necessary.

[rictus01]

a huge price range is available on tankbags, but they all come down to three major things, volume/ magnetic or non-magnetic.

How big it is depends on your size as well as your need, sometimes they can occlude the clocks and really get in the way, for others they make a nice support to lean on when on longer journeys, depends what you like, a popular size and make are the Oxford lifetime Humpback range, they are well constructed and contoured with several mounting options, with the option of matching panniers should you later wish to add to them.

Although keep an eye out and both Aldi & Lidl do Bike sales; in which you can pickup a basic one for bargain prices.

Magnetic bags are convenient and quick and easy to get on & off the bike, however they in lies the problem, get a small amount of grit or dirt on the magnets and it'll scratch your tank, use a barrier of some kind and the "quickness" is slowed to a non-magnetic (harness and clip on) system, personally I'd go for a buglux and bag in that case.

Security:-
No soft luggage will be secure really and most can be removed fairly quickly, so if you intend to leave anything on the bike a small topbox is your best option as it provides 2 major benefits over soft luggage, it's harder to remove and also doesn't show whether it's full or empty.

As to mobile sercurity, if you don't have room for a big Chain, then the next best things are noise and a cable.

Noise can be a cheap alarm (I've fitted many Hawk alarms (http://www.hawkcaralarm.com/), simple cheap and robust/ get the optional tilt sensor), or you could go down the Alarmed disc lock route.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_88 8463_langId_-1_categoryId_165752

http://www.xenasecurity.com/home/current/lock/

A security cable has the advantage of packing small, obviously not as secure as a chain, but does allow you to lockup to street furniture.

http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/SID-096628C7-E88BCAAB/www_lidl_uk/hs.xsl/our-offers-2491.htm?action=showDetail&id=1665

At the end of the day it comes down to budget and how often you need this stuff, the best option is full hard luggage, but that is expensive, hope the above is of some help, I've used just about every option over the years, so any questions feel free to ask.

Cheers Mark.

[Rogue_Shadow]

Cheers for the suggestions guys.
The tank bag would likely be used more than my US20 will be, but it's impossible to find a small (non obstructing) tank bag for a few bits and pieces.
I think my security really needed upgrading regardless of where I'm planning to travel.
I'm thinking either a security chain or a cable attached to a disc lock alarm, any attempt to move the cable would at least trigger the alarm. Whereas the chain would only provided a physical barrier with no further deterrent.
I'll keep looking

Thanks again

[Fallout]

I have a Xena disc lock. Highly recommend it. My bike lives outside all week at different places every night. I know that if someone even farts on it the alarm goes off. It has gone off a few times where I've not placed it right and its obviously 'dropped' after a while and set itself off, but its about as portable as decent security gets.

[Tomor]

If you want a small useful tank bag, look at the Givi tank lock 3d601(formerly tph02) Very useful size an dead simple to use. Not sure how much you want to spend but the bag and ring will probably set you back around £100. Not anti theft secure though.

[a_monkey_hint]

I have this which is brilliant for my commuting needs. Might be abit big for you though.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/FIRST-TIME-EXPANDER-TANK-BAG/dp/B000R566LU

I bought this previously which I never used as it was too small - probably ideal for you though.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/attachments/travel-equipment-for-sale-wanted/2000d1236813078-brand-new-oxford-humpback-tankbag-oxfordtankbagtailpack1.jpg

[Sir Trev]

Bagster do some smaller clip-on or magnetic tank bags. Have a look at the Handy which is also called Tweety if you go for a tank protector/universal harness. These bags are well made and wil last you years.

http://www.bagster.com/en/showroom.php?id=80

I have the Minea. Good size for camera, phone, specs case, chain wax mini tin, waterproof overtrousers and sun hat/wooly hat. Expands for touring. I had this on my SV before I changed bikes and had no problem with seeing the clocks or riding comfort.

[aesmith]

If you want a small useful tank bag, look at the Givi tank lock 3d601(formerly tph02)
The SV isn't listed as compatible. Do you find that it does fit OK? Looks like it might be just what I'd want.

[Tomor]

I will have a looks when I'm in work tomorrow.

[Ceri JC]

Oh, one other thing. If you do go for a TANK and US10 as the tankbag, you'll find that it's very quick/convenient to switch out the US-20 for the US-10 when you just want a small amount of storage for a daytrip. It's a lot easier that securing a half-filled US-20. So long as you buy new, they all have the new style of fasteners and will be directly interchangeable.

[Rogue_Shadow]

Cheers for the all the suggestions guys, I seemed to be going around in circles before.
I'll keep my eye on ebay for some of the tank bags you've recommended.
I'll definitely go down the route of an Xena and a cable lock for my security upgrade, I'll give Xena another chance after my first Disc lock alarmed failed badly.
Thanks
*Lets thread die* :D

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

+1 for the XENA Bullett