SW Motech tank bags advice

[fred_jb]

Fred, I had read elsewhere that folks had issues with the bit by the seat falling out the hooks when the bag is removed. I don't appear to have this issue as the Rallye seat holds the 'eyepatch' tight in situ so no probs there.

I found removing the front strap quite simple. Maybe you had an over engineered version.

As for the shoulder strap. I wil unclip it and put it in the bag so shouldn't experience the issues you have had

Cheers DC. Very happy with it.

Maybe I put the front strap on incorrectly, or I'm just being a bit wimpy about getting it off! I didn't want to be faffing with it anyway, so having it permanently fitted suits me, same for the shoulder strap.

It's good that your rear straps are staying in place Neil, but I don't know why BMW didn't provide some sort of clip to lock these in place - I'm sure it wouldn't have been that difficult. I'm pretty sure I've seen some fitting instructions somewhere that showed an adhesive pad behind the "eyepatch" (good description that!) which I guess would be another way to have kept some tension on the clips to keep them in place.

Anyway, don't want to sound too critical, as like you I'm very pleased with the bag generally - cost £100 + shipping, is very well made, fits perfectly and seems very secure. Also, the rear pocket is excellent for keeping things you need quick and easy access too, like autoroute toll tickets, and a credit card to pay them.

 

[JerseyNeil]

I agree Fred BMW have taken a backward step. The OEM small tank bag on my GS TC had a much better system. The front of the bag had a hook which you put over the VIN plate (VIN plate located elsware on the WC) and the lower fitting was bolted to the bottom two tank screws. It then had a zipper that was held in situ by a bit of self adhesive Velcro. It was very quick to remove at petrol stations and the fittings looked better (more substantial). I do appreciate that the WC is different and the well thought out rubber tank protector on the WC means that a similar system cannot be used on the newer bikes.

Maybe one day BMW will do a tank ring version after they have finished fekking about with TFT displays

 

[fred_jb]

Maybe one day BMW will do a tank ring version after they have finished fekking about with TFT displays

Don't get me started on the TFT! A much needed and vast improvement just as an instrument panel, so I can't believe it is going to be an extra cost option - IMHO they should have had a basic version as a standard fitting and made the connectivity stuff (phone, gps, music, etc) and associated interfaces on the panel, optional extras. Maybe they will eventually.

 

[Roadrash Rider]

Gents. Sorry to resurrect this thread but has anyone actually tried the City bag on the new 17 bikes yet, I have taken mine from my 15 TB and looking at it on the 17 Rallye it don't sit very well with the new tank shape to me?

17 Rallye

15 TB

 

[fred_jb]

Gents. Sorry to resurrect this thread but has anyone actually tried the City bag on the new 17 bikes yet, I have taken mine from my 15 TB and looking at it on the 17 Rallye it don't sit very well with the new tank shape to me?

It will depend to some extent on how the fitting in the recess on the underside of the bag is positioned. It is a generic design of bag so I guess it won't be a perfect fit on all bikes, though it is designed to not touch the tank so there will always be some gap. You may find you can move the fitting back a bit, at the cost of having to drill new fixing holes in the base of the bag, which would have the effect of moving the bag forward possibly allowing it to conform better to the tank shape, though the front of the bag may then be in danger of fouling the bars on full lock. If you unbolt the fitting you should be able to get an idea if a better position is possible. If you have already tried this then please ignore this comment!

I had the SW-Motech Trial bag which is very similar except that it has a transparent map pocket on the top. I had used it on a Versys 1000, and found that it fitted reasonably well on my 2017 GS TE once I had repositioned the fitting, but it was a bit bigger than I needed and I wasn't sure if the weight on the tank ring of such a large bag might affect the integrity of the filler cap, so decided to get the small BMW bag instead, and this has turned out to be ideal for my requirements.

 

[Roadrash Rider]

The base is positioned as far back as the recess allows, its a good old gap, certainly not fitting as well as on the 16 frame bikes, looks like the GS bag or another elephant then.

 

[XPilot]

I have the City and it fits just like your picture shows. Works great for me as it ensures it stays clear of the tank, even with a heavy disc lock in there. But clearly I'm not as hung up on looks as you are

 

[Roadrash Rider]

I have the City and it fits just like your picture shows. Works great for me as it ensures it stays clear of the tank, even with a heavy disc lock in there. But clearly I'm not as hung up on looks as you are

Been using them for 7 years but you lean forward on that and there is enough leverage to pop it off the ring, tried it static and on the road, and yep it pops off, looks got note to do with it fella,

 

[XPilot]

That's odd. Had mine on for 4500 miles, and all the way to Austria and back; leant forward on it quite a few times, and it never popped off once. I was only jesting about the looks btw ...

 

[Roadrash Rider]

I know, maybe you don't have the wok shaped frontage required to exert the correct forces?

Thats why I was asking as its a new tank ring (no damage) and the bag base is nice and tight but it does pop off, and I like to take mi camera out with me and wont be risking it on this?

 

[fred_jb]

I know, maybe you don't have the wok shaped frontage required to exert the correct forces?

Thats why I was asking as its a new tank ring (no damage) and the bag base is nice and tight but it does pop off, and I like to take mi camera out with me and wont be risking it on this?

I used to have the shoulder strap permanently fitted on mine and passed it under the central section of the bars and knotted it on top. Gives you a fail safe in case it pops off, and I know where you are coming from with that, as I never totally trust these spring loaded ring mounts. It is also useful when stopping for petrol as you can prop it to one side still secured with the shoulder strap while you fill up.

 

[XPilot]

I know, maybe you don't have the wok shaped frontage required to exert the correct forces?

Ha ha - you might be right ! I'll keep an eye on it as it gets older and I get rounder ..

 

[Roadrash Rider]

I used to have the shoulder strap permanently fitted on mine and passed it under the central section of the bars and knotted it on top. Gives you a fail safe in case it pops off, and I know where you are coming from with that, as I never totally trust these spring loaded ring mounts. It is also useful when stopping for petrol as you can prop it to one side still secured with the shoulder strap while you fill up.

That sir, is not a bad idea.

 

[DC]

I agree with Fred, an extra security tie to the front. What about also attacking some matting.Webbing on the underside of the bag to pack it out and stop any tank scratching...

 

[DC]

Kriega OS12. Fits nicely to the rear rack, 100% waterproof and big enough for a few nights away (providing you don't take the kitchen sink)

Superb...Thanks for that pic , really like the size of it .some seem to overhang the sides too much.but this looks really nice..I am Not a fan of hard luggage and If I go long distance ( week Or more) I take a different bike, This bag is for 2 or 3 days away on the Rallye . cheers ,its been a good thread

 

[Kingfisher]

Going back to the SW Motech Micro, I have kept one from my previous bike and now want to fit it to my 2016 GSLC. I just need to buy a new tank ring. Does anyone know if the new design tank rings fit the old bags?

 

[JerseyNeil]

Yes should do unless your bag is really, really old. Check the photos on their site of the underside of the current bags for sale. If they look the same as yours then it will fit the latest rings. If you have keyless ride make sure you order the specific ring. It adds a thin spacer that stops the bottom of the bag rubbing on the slightly raised petrol cap.

 

[Kingfisher]

Thanks JerseyNeil. Will do.