BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

R1200RT LC. What’s the deal with getting a reasonably sized (10 Ltrs plus) Tankbag that doesn’t restrict the turning arc of the bars?

I’ve got a Givi Tanklocked Tankbag and even after adjusting the locking ring mount to its maximum, still hits the switchgear! Looking at the space available between the switchgear when swinging the bars on maximum lock, you look like you have 4 to 5 inches!

I don’t really want a full sized BMW topbox, in fact I don’t really want a topbox at all unless I have to.What sort of tankbags work well for others? I am looking to carry waterproofs, sunglasses (optimist!), IAM books and tut…

Anybody have a practical solution?

I am even considering putting a small givi topbox on.

I gave up trying to find a tank bag i liked. So i have now bought a handlebar bag to put the small bits i carry with me in it.

I think that part of the reason some tankbags don’t clear the switchgear is down to bar raisers being fitted, as with mine.

I have a Baglux (touring) and an SW Motech City (occasional use) tankbags. Out of the two the Motech City bag fitted the best for me, but still (just) just touches the switchgear on full lock, the Baglux tends to hit the very loud horn button.

I also have this Touratech expandable tail pack fitted (I don’t like top boxes), looks pretty unobtrusive and carries the odds/sods like tyre pressure gauge, mini ratchet and torx bits, Leatherman (copy), mini torch, front wheel axle key, mini can of WD40, etc., etc., etc.
https://www.touratech-uk.co.uk/tail-rac ... SBEALw_wcB

@Jeffem

I have a EA144B tank bag on my 2010 RT and it doesn't touch the switch-gear on the handlebars.
I realy like it.

I have the BMW OEM tank bag that clips to the rails and on full lock it touches the switches. I have 3 other bags and they all touch.

I have a SW-Motech EVO tank bag that I purchased a few years ago and it does not interfere with the handlebars. It is 5 liters and expands to 9 liters. Not sure if the EVO model is still available, but their ION model is very similar to the EVO model. The ION model comes in 3 sizes, if needed.

Have you considered using a smaller tank bag and moving to something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/385250837986?i ... R_rR_brIYw

I found that some of the stuff that I had in my tank bag, I really didn't want to leave on my bike when I was away from it. (wallet, personal papers, cell phone, etc.) These bags carry quite a bit of gear, and it's always at hand. Mine is also pretty comfortable when I ride.

*****Update*****

Am I looking for the moon on a stick? Is this a ‘Victor Meldrew’ moment?

I spotted that the wonderful online emporium ‘Nippy Norman’s’ had a discounted Wunderlich elephant tour bag listed for the RTLC. I sent an email to NN asking whether they could confirm the bag was suitable for the RTLC. They responded incredibly quickly saying they didn’t have one to confirm but added if it did interfere, I could return it at no cost. That’s what I call a good service. In anticipation that the tankbag might have to be returned, I ‘dry fitted’ it, with a bit of wiggle room, but the bloody thing touches the starter button and indicator on full lock. It’s a good quality product and I hesitate to return it straightaway before a bit more investigation.

Why is it so bloody difficult to investigate the suitability of a tankbag for a specific bike? I thought it was a legal point that all instrument and switchgear should be visible and free from interference at all times. Is it that the interference issue just isn’t a problem for some riders? In other words it’s an acceptable compromise to get extra luggage space.

In frustration I rang SWMotech to quiz them on their website and the way it appears to offer only some of the range against the RTLC. They confirmed that if the website lists a tankbag against a specific model, it has been checked as being compatible. Their range appears to be narrower than other offerings so I guess that’s my answer.

07 bike. Even the BMW original tank bag touches the handlebars. Unless you fit a tiny bag I think you will find the same

BMW one is 11 ltrs and doesnt get in way MY 2017. pick one up second hand.

Jeffem wrote: ↑Wed May 22, 2024 9:29 am *****Update*****

Why is it so bloody difficult to investigate the suitability of a tankbag for a specific bike? I thought it was a legal point that all instrument and switchgear should be visible and free from interference at all times. Is it that the interference issue just isn’t a problem for some riders? In other words it’s an acceptable compromise to get extra luggage space.

In frustration I rang SWMotech to quiz them on their website and the way it appears to offer only some of the range against the RTLC. They confirmed that if the website lists a tankbag against a specific model, it has been checked as being compatible. Their range appears to be narrower than other offerings so I guess that’s my answer.

When I was shopping, I managed to find a place (no longer running) which had every SW-Motech tankbag in store.

I spent an hour to-ing and fro-ing and decided that their City bag was the best compromise between space and not interfering with the switchgear.

Why is the shop no longer there? When one of his staff could buy Givi boxes cheaper on-line than with staff discount, the owner realised that the end was near. Use it or lose it.

I have a tiny Givi EA144B that's really only small enough for your wallet, phone, spare glasses & keys, and that still hits the switches, but with this bag the sides are soft enough to not cause any problems. Nonetheless I'm still very careful. What I also use is a tail pack strapped to the rack. It's big enough for all my day out odds & sods but not too big so your tempted to take everything. Below is what I bought but there are loads out there.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CHRKWPV2? ... tails&th=1

This 11litre bag is spot on,I've turned the kill switch up out of harms way,not having that happen again

I'm happy i've seen the above photo as i have 2 of them tank bags and now i know they will fit Artie.
@ burridge01 , Thank you for the posting the photo