Alternative Tank Bag Attachment

[Mokkybear]

For my recent trip to the Phillip Island MotoGP, I wanted a tank bag to give quick access to my SLR camera, pocket camera and vidcam.

My requirement was for a small bag that didn't have magnetic flaps (useless on an F800 and therefore un-necessary bulk), but with a suitable strap attachment. On recommendation of another forum member, I looked at Nelson Rigg, and was impressed by both the recommendation and by the information on their web site. As well as being just the right size for me, the bag forms a convenient shoulder bag when detached from the bike.

I settled for the CL-130 and it performed as hoped, except that a more elegant attachment solution would be advantageous to avoid any sideways movement. I didn't go for the recommended Nelson Rigg suction caps - technically good, but not as visually appealing as good straps. The provided straps allowed too much lateral movement - the front strap attached under the forward edge of the top body panel still allowed the front of the bag to swivel, and the rear straps are quite long and therefore don't provide significant lateral support.

Larryat42 has highlighted the pitfalls of a bag with inadequate attachment:
http://f800riders.org/forum/showthre...-Dangers-(!!!)

The tailor-made BMW version has the advantage of two independent front attachments (plus a specially moulded base, I assume) but it's bigger (and more expensive) than what I wanted.

My solution was to attach press studs at the front (screw in studs on the lower inside of the front plastic sub-frame), allowing two independent and widely spaced straps to be used at the front. I also used press studs in place of the 5mm panel screws at the rear of the tank.

For the rear, I drilled out the base of two press studs, and turned down some countersunk 5M screws. I did the latter by attaching the screw to a long nut, mounting it in a cordless drill, and then running it against a grinder. (PhobosTau subsequently found a brass one that comes with a machine screw built in: http://www.sailrite.com/Snap-Fastene...ss-10-32-Key-G The #10-32 5/8" screw will fit perfectly fine in the M5 16mm spots on the "tank" cover.)

For the front, I marked the desired location with stickers, then drilled pilot holes with a small diameter drill.

The final result is just what I hoped for. I used a couple of screws from my scrap bin, but in due course will source some stainless screws. I don't use the bag often, and the press-studs are easy to swap out with the original screws.

[silver970]

Nicely done.

[Haith]

Nice solution. I suspect you'll get corrosion fast around the snaps but so cheap and easy to replace. Good job.

[Mokkybear]

Actually the snap fasteners have stood up well - it's the screw heads that are the problem - I haven't got around to replacing the temporary ones I turned down to fit and the steel one gets a bit of surface rust. Need to find another brass M5 or even nylon.

[PhobosTau]

Actually the snap fasteners have stood up well - it's the screw heads that are the problem - I haven't got around to replacing the temporary ones I turned down to fit and the steel one gets a bit of surface rust. Need to find another brass M5 or even nylon.

Here's a brass one that comes with a machine screw built in: http://www.sailrite.com/Snap-Fastene...ss-10-32-Key-G

After unsuccessfully trying to drill the wood screws out of the set I picked up a Lowes, I figured I'd just buy a set that had machine screws in them. I just ordered that set today, they should be here before the end of the week.

The #10-32 5/8" screw will fit perfectly fine in the M5 16mm spots on the "tank" cover.

[Mokkybear]

Thanks PhobosTau - the ideal solution!

[notacop]

I dunno, man, $.40 is a pretty heady price to pay for perfection! Hope the shop doesn't loose the parts when you get the bike serviced.
I found this to be an elegant solution.
I don't mind the straps top and bottom because we don't have to remove it to get gas.
I may adopt your splendid solution on my Wee Strom. It uses a magnetic bag and the plastic body work interferes with the front magnets. Thanks.

[PhobosTau]

I put it on today. Cut the nylon straps to length and ran a lighter along the edge. It works fantastic, very tight and secure.

Worth all 40 cents! Well, closer to $13 as I ordered stainless steel strap snaps as well and extras of everything.

[AZ F8ST]

I was very impressed with this setup, and had to duplicate it. I ordered the snaps from Sailrite (perfect!) and the CL-130 tank bag. I'm still pondering how I'm going to permanently attach it to the front -- would anybody be willing to take a picture for me? In the meantime I have run the strap down and around.

Also, I busted a buckle as soon as I took the tankbag out of the box. 1 email to Nelson Rigg and 4 days later I have 4 buckles sitting in my mailbox. What a great company!

[PegasusJockey]

Here's a brass one that comes with a machine screw built in: http://www.sailrite.com/Snap-Fastene...ss-10-32-Key-G

Interesting site to find those at. I have saved it to my favorites though just in case I come across a need.

[PegasusJockey]

I like your solution for two reasons.
First off, I think that you are one of only a few that don't consider the BMW plastic to be inviolate or holy. Make it your own I say.
Secondly, it looks good and is elegant.

I just used some industrial strength velcro for mine though as I am always changing things. It works good and is removeable.

[Mokkybear]

I was very impressed with this setup, and had to duplicate it. I ordered the snaps from Sailrite (perfect!) and the CL-130 tank bag. I'm still pondering how I'm going to permanently attach it to the front -- would anybody be willing to take a picture for me? In the meantime I have run the strap down and around.

if you check the pictures and description at the top of the post, you'll see where I drilled a couple of holes through the fairings sub-frame to attach one strap each side