Magnetic tank bag, paint damage?

[JulesW]

Just got an Oxford Sports Lifetime magnetic tank bag, many thanks to cbay

Do I need to put one of those mesh bodywork protectors underneath it or can I just stick it directly on to the paintwork?

Definitely go for the rubbery mesh mat stuff or your paintwork will get knacked. Also, don't pay the outrageous prices that some places charge. Poundland do rolls of the stuff for...

I've used my weise magnetic tank bag for about a year, on two different bikes (one being a slightly older bike and the paint wasn't such good quality) and the other my sv650 k4. Never had any scratches or any sort of damage and I don't use any mesh stuff.

Just make sure when you stick it on it goes on gently, the magnetics shouldn't click loudly down, and also make sure there's as good as no grit on the tank or the bag. I brush it off with my hand and that does the job. Finally when you take it off make sure the the magnets come straight off without dragging on the tank (o:
Sounds like a few things to think of, it's really not - all common sense. (Sometimes I have done none of the above when in a rush and still no damage). So to conclude - I wouldn't bother with a mesh mat.

They really are brilliant for biking, so versatile. Big enough for a weekend away too. Mine has a clear removable plastic pocket on top which you can put directions in

For shortish rides they may be OK, but I reckon if you are covering longer distances or away for a longer time they are prone to accumulating untold amounts of gritty, sandy, dusty crud underneath, which, mixed with some rain forms a nice grinding paste to scuff and dull paintwork.This still happens to a lesser degree even with the matting in place but less so - For the sake of spending a quid with no downsides, why take the chance?

Oh, in case you wondered, they are usually about as waterproof as a teabag, plastic pocket included!

Originally Posted by sputnik

For shortish rides they may be OK, but I reckon if you are covering longer distances or away for a longer time they are prone to accumulating untold amounts of gritty, sandy, dusty crud underneath, which, mixed with some rain forms a nice grinding paste to scuff and dull paintwork.This still happens to a lesser degree even with the matting in place but less so - For the sake of spending a quid with no downsides, why take the chance?

Oh, in case you wondered, they are usually about as waterproof as a teabag, plastic pocket included!

I've done 200 mile trips on mine in really bad rain on and off with lots of crud washed on the roads and then splattered on my bike (maybe not the longest trips, but enough to notice a difference) and I've again never had an issue. In fact, as long as the bag isn't removed from the tank there's almost no way the dirt can get underneath the magnets.


+1 on the waterproofing! Or serious lack of. Getting wet is part of the fun on a bike
But sputnik is right, if you're concerned at all then buy the mesh stuff, it won't be expensive or a lot of effort.

[Jayneflakes]

My Oxford sports tank bag is several years old now and the magnets have scratched the tank because over the years they have picked up the occasional bit of ferrous grit. New ones are probably fine, but as they age and you are less careful where you put them down, they can pick stuff up.

Also the zips on my bag have long since given up repelling water and it takes the bag about a day and a half to dry out after one wet ride. Water proof liners are the key to a warm dry change of clothes when you get to your destination.

Does anyone know if Oxford are able to repair what they make? The piping in my bag has split and the zip has developed a fault that means it can pop open when the bag is fully loaded.

Originally Posted by Jayneflakes

My Oxford sports tank bag is several years old now and the magnets have scratched the tank because over the years they have picked up the occasional bit of ferrous grit. New ones are probably fine, but as they age and you are less careful where you put them down, they can pick stuff up.

Also the zips on my bag have long since given up repelling water and it takes the bag about a day and a half to dry out after one wet ride. Water proof liners are the key to a warm dry change of clothes when you get to your destination.

Does anyone know if Oxford are able to repair what they make? The piping in my bag has split and the zip has developed a fault that means it can pop open when the bag is fully loaded.

Is it there lifetime stuff? Maybe it has a warranty for life?

[Jayneflakes]

Originally Posted by Foot

Is it there lifetime stuff? Maybe it has a warranty for life?

No, it is Oxford Sports and bought second hand over six years ago.

Originally Posted by Jayneflakes

No, it is Oxford Sports and bought second hand over six years ago.

I've no idea if they'll fix it for you (at a guess - no) but maybe you could buy a tiny padlock and put it through the two holes of the zip handles (assuming there's two)? Or a bit of wire or something

Or some handy guy that can put a new zip on it? (Key & Shoe shops usually do stuff like that)