Nelson Riggs expandable tank bag review.

[Justin726]

Product description: -Expands to almost double the height.
-Oversized soft neoprene pad.
-Has five separate storage compartments.
-Large top map pocket.
-Adjustable shoulder strap
-Zipper pulls for riders with gloves.

For anyone looking to use their bike as a daily driver to commute between home and work, or for somone who enjoys a weekend getaway on thier bike, then a tank bag is almost a necessity. I have always liked the expandable tank bags because of their almost "dual purpose" useability. Leave it compact if you just want to throw in your laptop and lunch to take to the office, or expand it if you want to throw in a change of clothes for an overnight stay.

The Nelson Riggs expandable tank bag that I often use is a great piece of equipment. It is not a magnetic model which some prefer, but instead is held on with two hooks that attach to nearly anything up near the neck of the bikes frame, and one strap that attaches below the seat near the tanks hinge. Quick release buckles make the bag easy to put on and to take off. The soft neoprene pad on the underside of the bag also helps keep the bag from sliding around. The one benefit of having a Busa is that the tank is plenty big enough for the bag which I think helps keep the bag very stable while riding. Even on smaller tanks, I think the starps alone would hold the bag very nicely.

With the bag in it's compact configuration, the main compartment still seems enormous. The top lid unzipps on three sides and flips up, so it is very easy to load and unload items into the bag. With the bag expanded, most people would easily be able to pack enough gear for a 1-2 night stay, maybe more (? depending on how heavy you pack). I was in Strugis with a couple friends this past August. I had the bag compacted with some essenctials inside like my camera, watter bottle, towel, and small items. Between the three of us we ended up buying at least 20 t-shirts in Sturgis. We expanded the bag and started shoving shirts inside. We were suprised at how much actually fit in the bag. With the bag expanded and full, my gauges were basically completely blocked unless I intentionally leaned forward quite a bit, but that's to be expected with the taller bags.

The bag has held up pretty well. Judging by this bag, I'd say that Nelson Riggs makes a pretty durable product. The polyester material feels like it would hold up to plenty of use. The carrying handle and the stitching all seems to be well put together. The top map pocket is plenty big so that you don't have to stop halfway through your route to readjust your map.

The only problem that I has was that on a chilly morning I was waiting at a gas station and happened to set my helmet down on the bag. The cold weather must have made the clear plastic of the map pocket brittle because it cracked under the weight of my helmet. The crack got a lot worse when the breeze from under my windscreen got to it. I put clear scotch tape on both sides of the plastic to keep it from continuing to rip. I can still see through it and it seems fine. Probably more my fault, and the cold wheather, than the bags fault.

Overall this has been a great bag. I would definatelly buy another Nelson Riggs tank bag or saddlebags.

Pros: Tons of space when expanded. Fastening system makes the bag very stable at speed. Quick release buckles are a breeze to use. Sturdy construction.

Cons: As with any tank bag there's always the risk of getting dirt under the bag and scratching the paint. Map pocket plastic becomes brittle in cold wheather.

Compared to: This has been the first tank bag that I have used.

Purchase price: $55-$65
Availabe to purchase from: cycleluggage.com motorhelmets.com

Quality score would be 9
Ease of install would be 9

I would rate this 5 out of 5 stars. I have really enjoyed using this tank bag.

*NOTE* Pictures are of the bag without it being expanded.

[VTEC_EATER]

Holy crap, that thing is huge even without it expanded. Im in the market for a tank bag come this spring and am looking at what to get. Your product review will prove helpful in the future. Thanks for the review.

Anyone else have a tank bag that they want to review?

[Justin726]

Originally Posted by VTEC_EATER

Anyone else have a tank bag that they want to review?

If your's looking for another review, click here and scroll down. http://www.sportbikes.net/articles.html