Overpacking the tank bag. Got Junk?

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ballisticexchris

Guest
First off I've been an avid tank bag user for many years. I've now come to realize it's become a hoarding situation on my Super Tenere. When I had my Ninja 650R I used my small tank bag for commuting and large one for touring. I have had my Super Tenere for just about one year now. The Factory Yamaha tank bag has been on my bike since new. At first it was great. A few wipes, some snacks, spare gloves, etc.

Well the "etc." stuff has piled up into a tank bag full of junk. I was at the point of having to expand the zippers the bag. So I went to clean out a years worth of items and was just floored and scratching my head how I could have collected so much crap!! I had a feeling it was also effecting the handling of my bike. Big Ones wipes, cold weather gloves, headlamps (yes more than one) notepad/pen, can of Plexus, lighters/waterproof matches (in huge container), year old expired beef jerky, nuts, molded dry apple slices, energy bars, baggies, trash bags, maps. Well you get the idea. It ended up being over 9 lbs of hoarding!!

No wonder my bike was having issues off road!! I removed the tank bag and will no longer using it unless I'm touring for a specific trip. As soon as I pulled out of the driveway I noticed a big difference. When standing on rough jeep trails it was like a whole new bike. Yes it's still over 600lbs. But just by removing the bag I'm able to move around on this machine when standing and it no longer flops into the corners at slow speeds. This was a simple and cheap modification that really helps with the handling of my machine.

I found a much more manageable solution with a smaller bag. Since I got this bike I've been packing it like a mule. I'm going in a different direction and peeling off some of the "stupid weight" I accumulated. I'm very happy with the versatility of this bike. Yet, I have to remind myself over and over to set it up only for the ride I'm doing.

There was so much weight in the bag I was using extra straps to secure it!! Almost 10 pounds of junk!! Before:
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After:
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Cycledude

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Jan 29, 2016
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Rib lake wi
Wow 9 pounds that’s a lot of junk !
Wouldn’t want to give up my tank bag but I clean it out fairly often and try to limit it to mostly stuff I need to carry in there.
Years ago I used handlebar bags similar to yours on ATV’s and was surprised at how much good stuff they could hold.
 

U.P.rider

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Jul 26, 2011
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Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Hello, my name is Brian I can be a bit of a tank bag over-packer myself. I have a tank lock SW Motech City bag and while I haven't had to expand it yet I'm close to that point for my upcoming IBA SS1K trip. I generally carry a DSLR, small first aid kit, clear glasses for night riding, microfiber cloth, flashlight, hat, wipes, Kleenex, batteries, cables/ cards/ spare batteries for video camera and some change for the car wash if I get it muddy. I will pull GPS and put it in the bag and take helmet with me if I'm going to be out of sight of the bike while getting gas or a bite to eat.
 

Thrasherg

Active Member
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Oct 16, 2017
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319
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Dallas, TX
jlq, that looks a very clean setup, can you tell me who makes that bag and what model it is? I never use the rear rack and like the idea of a bag like that.

Gary
 

Jlq1969

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cyclemike4

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Sep 18, 2016
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ky
I get the over packing thing. I been there and do that! It is amazing the things you can hide away on a bike that you forget about sometimes. I have a bag on the handlebars and tail pack and the side cases that always have things in there. Oh I forgot about the bag on my crash bar!
 

Boondocker

Uncommonly Sensible
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Sep 21, 2011
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Wanna lose more weight? Leave your electronics at home. Whatcha got there - phone, GPS, camera? You might find yourself more engaged in the ride without those distractions - increased engagement is beneficial if you ride in traffic.

I used to run a tank bag but now only mount it for touring. GPS and its cradle stay at home unless I really don't know where I'm going. I commute all 3 of my motorcycles so luggage no longer made sense for that mission. I wear a backpack (Kreiga R25 - it's excellent), this way anything I need to bring to work (laptop, lunch, thermos, cooling vest in the summer) goes between the parking lot and office hands-free.

I love a tank bag for longer trips, but for commuting, it's only a burden.
 
B

ballisticexchris

Guest
GPS and camera gets used all the time. I too have a Kriega backpack (R15). But I don't use it much unless filling the bladder and off road riding on my enduro. My GPS is setup in a way where at even a quick glance I can still see the road. And no adjustments while riding. I have to agree that it can be a huge distraction if you are not careful.

I still struggle navigating tracks offroad!!
 
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