REVIEW
up an issue - finding a bag that could be strapped on but wouldn ’ t scratch the tank . I ’ ve ended up using tape under the straps , whatever was needed to keep the paint protected . Last year I found something I didn ’ t know existed - Givi ’ s Tank Lock range of luggage . These are tank bags which click onto the top of the tank , using a metal flange that mounts onto the bolts holding the tank-cap on . Genius . My Aprilia Tuono has a plastic tank and I don ’ t want sticky tape or strap marks on the pristine paint . This was my solution for taking the riding essentials out for the day . PLB for emergencies , phone , wallet , powerbank , notepad , pen , sunnies , suncream , bottle of water , lollies etc . Installation is simple . I just had to unscrew four of the Allen bolts holding the cap down , place the flange and inner ring onto the tank , then screw down the plate that holds it all in place . Literally a five minute job . The one I ’ ve been using is the small , fourlitre version . I can get all of the essentials in there and I don ’ t have to try stuffing them in my pockets - or wear a pack . Click it onto the tank and off I go . Initially I was using the strap that goes to the bars , just in case it fell off , but it ’ s not budged once so I ’ ve become a little complacent and rarely attach it . I guess as long as you make sure it ’ s completely seated and clicked in it wouldn ’ t be an issue - hmm , I should start using it again , just in case , as I don ’ t fancy it bouncing off down the road if I don ’ t get it seated correctly . What I really like about the Tank Lock system is that once you ’ ve got the right mounting flange for your bike , you can mount any of the Tank Lock bags ( as long as they fit the shape of your tank ). And if you ’ ve got multiple bikes , then the bags will just click between bikes . So , I reckon the go for me would be the small one for days out , and one of the bigger bags to supplement a tailpack for long weekends or a summer roadie ( there are size options all the way up to 25 litres ). And still no backpack . That ’ s smart luggage .
Model : Givi Tank Lock ST602B 4-litre Price : $ 189 ( mounting flanges from $ 29 ) See more here : www . eurobike . co . nz
108 KIWI RIDER