Tank Bag for a Varadero

[AckAckFlack]

HI All
Does anyone have a Tank Bag that they would recommend?
to fit my 99 Varadero.

I had seen a link a while back for a powered one that had a ring on the tank filler (can't find it now) - and also worried about power and petrol!

[africajim]

Sorry mate, not one to recommend but I would suggest a run to your local dealer and try on all the magnetic ones in stock. Try them all on and pick the best fitting one for clearance for steering etc. I've used a cheap and cheerful one for years now, Buffalo, magnetic, expandable. Been a brilliant bag to me, done over 10,000 miles with it, no marks on tank and it's never fell off!

[Davech42]

I have an old oxford sport from way back when it has two bags, the largest of which is expandable. The large one also interferes with the steering lock when manouvering but all in all they do the trick. would like to get a baglux tank cover and bag when funds premit. but i dont think you can go wrong with oxford they are really good quality and using the big bag allows me to cart everything but the kitchen sink.

[jasonbc]

Originally Posted by AckAckFlack

HI All
Does anyone have a Tank Bag that they would recommend?
to fit my 99 Varadero.

I had seen a link a while back for a powered one that had a ring on the tank filler (can't find it now) - and also worried about power and petrol!

this is what i use on my 99 varadero the oxford expander tankbag it's hude, sections can be taken out it's magnetic and can be strapped on also worn as a rucksack when you leave the bike as it zips to the magnetic base

[Davech42]

Just same as mine only a diffrent colour cracking bit of kit

[Jackdaw]

I have the Tuareg from Hein Gericke. (The one that's designed for bikes such as the Vara with 'oddly shaped' tanks) Strong magnets and a harness that goes around the steering head are all I use although there are additional straps that hook under the side of the tank. Expandable and carries a lot of kit without fouling the bars. I think they've risen quite dramatically in price since I bought mine.

[Curzon]

+1 for the Hein Gericke Tuareg. As Jackdaw says fits the shape of the Varadero tank just right (200. Found I didn't need the additionall retaining straps. Magnets worked just fine on their own, survived a 2,000 mile tour to France last year no probs.

Later last year I took the plunge and invested in a Baglux cover & bag, now that is nice! Well worth the investment.

[davsato]

be careful when a bag says its for adv bikes, sometimes they are the ordinary bags with a curved in base which takes up a lot of internal room.

+2 for the HG tuareg

i have the bigger one of the two they do, the base is curved to fit adv sport bikes and it fits the varadero perfectly. like curzon i dont bother with the straps either.
only thing i dont like about it is its got loads of little zipped pockets on it, the zips are very stiff and they are too fiddly to use with my big fingers and i would prefer if they just concentrated on a bigger main compartment. i paid £45 for it which was a total bargain, but jackdaw says they've gone up.

oxford stuff is good too, ive no experience how they fit on a curved tank though, and the magnets are really strong which is great but dont drag the bag off, lift it off or you'll scratch the tank for sure....maybe not the first time.....or the second time.....

another make i thought was great was an italian make called FAMSA bought from winding roads. dont know if they do an adv bike bag, i had it on my sprint, it was a bit like a baglux with a base/tank protector that stayed on the bike and bags that zipped onto that. you got two bags, a big expanding one and a mediumish one that could be zipped piggyback too. when both bags were on and expanded you could rest your chin on them, like 60ltrs or something. expensive though, £140.

the HG one is well worth a look, and while youre there get the tuareg bar bag too, its so handy......

[saitek]

Or for sensible prices, wait till Aldi or Lidl get their bike stuff back in.

My Aldi magnetic bag has done around 3500 miles without problems or letting in any moisture. It also expands and doubles as a backpack as required.

[africajim]

Agree with Saitek, I looked at the Lidl's bag, looked good quality for the money.
I've a Hien Gerrick strap on (Ooh err missus!) which I had to buy for the Tiger (damned plastic tanks) so I've given it to Fiona as her BMW has a plastic tank, (goes with the chocolate battery).
My old Buffalo has been going strong for around 10yrs now and it's been great but it's starting to fray a bit at the edges so a new one might be req soon! Let us know what you come up with.