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I'm thinking about using my new magnetic tank bag this weekend..I've never used one before and wondering about them scratching the tank.

Do they?

Maybe I'm just a fuss-pot..but I'd rather ask now..than post after that it got scatched and have others say..oh yeah..they all do that..

DJ

DJ,
Mine is a Marsee and it has never scratched the tank, but it does leave little round spots in the finish. I've always been able to buff them out pretty good. I guess it's where the tiny rubber feet rub on the tank finish.

I wouldn't do it on gloss black paint, it was no big deal on the Rock. You'll end up w/ fine scratches in the clear...

I basically echo what Boxer said. My Marsee did not really affect the finish. But you must be sure that nothing is sticking underneath the bag when you are putting it on. Especially small metal pieces! The new Held seems to be leaving a light impression of the round magnets in the finish but mostly goes away when I buff and wax the tank.

I would imagine any tank bag would scratch the finish from movement if there were too many foreign objects caught under it.

DJ,

I've been using a magnetic tank bag for over 2 years now. I'm very careful with it and always lift it up off the tank when I need to move it to gas up (rather than slide it). I also wipe off the area around the magnets before placing it back on the tank. With that said, I still find very small marks on my tank where the magnets attach. I think its mostly because a black tank shows scratches easier than most other colors. Anyway, it's never bothered me - I have to look real hard to see them and like Boxer said, they're easy to buff out.

DJ - Don't use it on your nice gloss black tank. It's the only colour I've had where the damn little scratches show so much. Mine has been pretty good on the Atlanta Blue, but some fine marks have appeared that I've had to polish out. It's less critical now my bike is 'well-used', but I'd hate to see the pretty tank of yours marked up.

DJ,

All the advice is pretty good.

I have used a Joe Rocket magnetic tank bag (similar to the Dry Rider tank bag sold in Aus. I only use the smaller lower section on the tank with the larger section on the back) for two years.

They are useful but I am very careful both placing the bag on the tank and lifting it off when refueling. I place the centre magnets on first and then place the "wings" on after. If I have to reposition the bag (because the map pocket is not straight for example) I lift the bag off again and replace. No drama and easy and quick to do.

Couple of things I do. I polish the tank occasionally and keep the surface clean - generally apply a bit of wax. I wipe over the magnet area of the bag every now and then with a damp cloth.

My bike is red in colour and I am particular about its appearance. No scratches so far. Black may show a few marks more so than red however. I can only suggest you may have to take a little more care than those of us with red, blue, silver.

By the way - I assume you have your bike back - great!

Safe ride.

Yes..She's back.. .. http://www.r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.p ... 5d167bc301

Thanks for the advise about the tank bag..I'll see how I go with space..I don't want to have to put the cases on..my tail bag might just get me by.

I'm only going for two days..I can turn my undies inside out and sleep in my riding gear..that should save space..

The new paint on my tank may still be a little soft so I might wait till next big ride the use the tank bag.

DJ

Use a duster under the bag, or better still in the UK you can get special non slip paint protector cloths. If you are careful removing the bag you won't cause scratches.

single650 wrote:Use a duster under the bag, or better still in the UK you can get special non slip paint protector cloths. If you are careful removing the bag you won't cause scratches.

What he said! Thin chamois leather is also good cos it grips a little more than a duster. Wouldn't put the magnets direct on the paint. Think about the vibrations, you only need a little dirt under there and it'll be like someone ice skated over your nice new clearcoat.

I have a Marsee and have been using it for over 2 yrs now and I love it. My r is silver so any scratches are less obvious but I also wax the tank pretty often with a good quality wax. I would challenge anyone to find any evidence of my tank bag on the paint. I like some of the other guys am very careful of removing the bag when refueling. I always lift the wings up first and they are the last to set down on the tank. My tank bag is probably the single best money I have ever spent on the bike. I use it constantly. For instance, my wallet and cell phone and camera go in the bag every time I ride. I am somewhat anal about loseing my wallet while riding and am always reaching back and patting my back pocket to make sure it's there. The map window is invaluable for directions or just writing down simple directions.

All in all while I realize that black is the most difficult color to care for, I really think that if you protect it well with good wax and use reasonable care in placing the bag you will be very happy with the end result.

Wayne

I have this bag on my black RR:

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/pr ... /2131/451/

No touchie the paint! Looks great too since it conforms to the contours of the tank.

I've used a bag (an inexpensive 'Oxford') on my silver '03 quite often including a French trip with no problems. I agree with everything said so far! Lower into position, don't slide; keep tank waxed; wash and polish underside of bag; be obsessive about cleanliness and never, ever put the bag on the ground!

Mine came from my previous bike where it did many foreign trips with no damage - but I did use one of those soft plastic non-slip meshes underneath it cut to shape.

I tried that same mesh on the 1150, but because of the tank shape the magnets were that little bit further away from the metal and the 'wings' on the magnetic flaps lifted off at about 75...

Took the mesh out and everything was fine, apart from discovering that it now happened at 92 - alongside a truck. Blast!

I love my inexpensive tank bag, however, it does mes up my transponder going through the tolls. I can't mount it to the windscreen (too close to the mag-bag). I have found if I keep the transponder in my breast pocket and sit tall while riding through the EZ-Pass lane it will work.

single650 wrote:Use a duster under the bag, or better still in the UK you can get special non slip paint protector cloths. If you are careful removing the bag you won't cause scratches.

Hi, first post as I've been lurking for a while as I'm considering a Rockster or R1150R.

Just felt I had to respond to Single's post. I sell tank bags and soft luggage so have some experience.

DO NOT put a soft cloth under any tank bag, as the bag just moves about even more increasing rather than decreasing the risk of sctratches, plus making it more unstable when loaded.

The Oxford non slip matting is pretty good. But just to echo some of the comments above, if you are using a magnetic bag, make sure the magnets are clean and haven't attracted any debris, place the bag on the tank and NEVER slide it into the correct position. Again, lift off not slide off.

Much prefer strap on bags myself and tend to use them even on metal tanks.

Hi, first post as I've been lurking for a while as I'm considering a Rockster or R1150R.

Just felt I had to respond to Single's post. I sell tank bags and soft luggage so have some experience.

DO NOT put a soft cloth under any tank bag, as the bag just moves about even more increasing rather than decreasing the risk of sctratches, plus making it more unstable when loaded.

The Oxford non slip matting is pretty good. But just to echo some of the comments above, if you are using a magnetic bag, make sure the magnets are clean and haven't attracted any debris, place the bag on the tank and NEVER slide it into the correct position. Again, lift off not slide off.

Much prefer strap on bags myself and tend to use them even on metal tanks.

Thanks Joe..that sounds like good advise..welcome..now go get yourself a Roadster or Rockster..and join the gang..

DJ

I've been using magnetic tank bags for years on a variety of bikes with no problems. Start by putting down a protective base coating like this:

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Sni ... 16210.html

I cut this to shape it around the fuel filler cap before I applied it. Gives good peace of mind.

Then, cut a piece of rubberized shelf or drawer liner (like this I found on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Grip-It-Multi-Purpo ... dZViewItem) in the shape of the underside of your tank bag, and always use that with the bag. It won't slide around (it's rubberized, so it's grippy), and used in combination with the removable paintguard, you'll never have to worry about scratching your paint. Even on a black bike.

I've been using magnetic tank bags for years on a variety of bikes with no problems. Start by putting down a protective base coating like this:

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Sni ... 16210.html

I cut this to shape it around the fuel filler cap before I applied it. Gives good peace of mind.

Then, cut a piece of rubberized shelf or drawer liner (like this I found on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Grip-It-Multi-Purpo ... dZViewItem) in the shape of the underside of your tank bag, and always use that with the bag. It won't slide around (it's rubberized, so it's grippy), and used in combination with the removable paintguard, you'll never have to worry about scratching your paint. Even on a black bike.

More good advise..thanks..I might look into that...that clear non gluing plastic base coat is a great idea...

but that rubber stuff may be a little thick and cause the magnets to have less grip...still worth a try.

DJ

I am using a Nelson-Rigg and it leaves an imprint of the "texture" of the bag's pads in the clear. Rubs out easily, though.

I think I am going to get one of those SW-Motech bags that Norseman9 referred to. A frien has one on his RS and it sure is easier at fillups, plus it does not touch the paint

John

I am planning to buy a tank bag for trip to Southern France next year and have already decided not to use a magnetic bag for all the above reasons.
What are the options on a good strap on bag for my 02 r1150r, would be looking for up to 40 litre capacity and A4 map pocket.

I like the look of the large Cargo Endurance made by Frank Thomas but I am not sure if it can be converted to strap on.

Any help much appreciated.