Recommend me a tank bag

Hi all

So currently when I use my bike for work, I stick all my stuff in my top box (bolted to pillion seat) but I am finding it very inconvenient for several reasons. Mostly that due to the amount of stuff I put in there, I have a hard time carrying it all from my bike to client site/office from the car park. I have to open up the topbox, carefully stack everything in my arms!

Then when I get home I have to either take off the top box, carry it indoors, get my seat cowl, back outside, lock up the bike, etc., or again take everything out of the box and carry it in. Faff!

So I was thinking of instead getting a tankbag, one which will double up as a backpack, or at least have a carry handle.

Current topbox kit consists of:

Standard size laptop
Power adapter
iPad
Shoes/Trainers
Trousers
Jacket
Random other items at times

Want to steer clear of tailpacks because of the need for straps etc, which I'd lose or something. The idea with a tank bag was I could pull up, whip it off and carry it to wherever Im going.

Shoot!

I would suggest the bagster stuff. Its expensive but well worth it. It clips on to a tank cover and is very easy to remove. I've just bought the Sherpa set which consists of two bags (one larger, one smaller) which zip together for extra large storage. They can also be used individually depending on how much luggage you need. They have certainly made commuting much easier for me.
Oh and both bags have straps built in so they can be used as a rucksack.
Hope this helps.

what about a knox rucksack, designed to fit a laptop and other stuff with seperate compartments, costs under 50 quid, and easy to crack on when you jump off the bike

i will mention with tankbags you do have the pain of the taking off and replacing for every fuel stop which the rucksack avoids

I have the Knox 6 pack which fits the laptop in nicely, my tank bag wouldnt fit the laptop in, but fuel stops aside, prefer using it to the rucksack. just easier to grab keys, wallet, fags etc. without having to faff around taking the rucksack off. Horses for courses, use em both regularly.

I had thought about a rucksack too (as I already have one, though not bike specific).

I found that it hurts my back after a while though, and I look like a a fanny trying to get it on and off with my leathers!

I like the bagster stuff but too dear for me. I'm looking at ~£100 tops I think. Having to move the tank bag for fuel is not too detrimental in my book.

Off to have a gander at the Knox stuff and Sherpa now.

you's lads obviously dont go thru the fuel i do lol

Ah...a consideration I had missed.

Magnets + laptop...hmm.

Thoughts please.

[hindle8907]

Originally Posted by davepreston

you's lads obviously dont go thru the fuel i do lol

doesn't count when its ****ing out the bike becuase you have crashed

Originally Posted by hongman

I had thought about a rucksack too (as I already have one, though not bike specific).

I found that it hurts my back after a while though, and I look like a a fanny trying to get it on and off with my leathers!

The Knox 6 pack has straps accross the front which really help relieving the weight on the shoulders. also has a cargo net type arrangement for carrying a helmet when off the bike.

Tis temping.

Is it big enough in your opinion to also carry my other items? shoes, trousers, thin jacket, other small items?