Introduction

Storage space is either nonexistent or at a premium on a sportbike. Means of increasing on motorcycle hauling capacity typically have undesirable side effects. Tankbags and tailbags will often mar the finish and permanently mounted racks detract from the sportbike's lines even when not hauling any luggage.

A German company, Bags-Connection has designed a line of semi-soft luggage that uses a clever means of mounting that keeps the tankbags completely off the motorcycle's tank. The Quick-Lock mounting method allows for a solid secure attachment with both a quick connect and disconnect. When the tankbag is not needed the only evidence of the luggage is a small collar mounted over the fuel cap.

Bags-Connection Quick-Lock tankbags come with handles and shoulder straps so one can easily take the luggage in to the store, restaurant, or house. The basic construction concept is fabric bonded to a vacuum formed semi-stiff plastic shell and comes with a rain cover and storage bag. Bags-Connection tankbags are modular and have a number of optional accessories such as a lighted map holder and various PDA, GPS, and MP3 cases. A variety of electric connections and RAM Mounts are also available for use with the Quick-Lock system and tankbags. Currently Twisted Throttle is the only US importer for the high quality Bags-Connection motorcycle luggage. The instructions fortunately are in both German and English.

Bags-Connection are geared toward European motorcycle models so one may have to supplement that the mounting hardware. For example, the fuel tank top SW-MOTECH lower tankring I received for the 2008 Ninjette is designed for a six-hole BMW gas cap application, therefore, none of the mounting hardware can be used for the installation on the 2008 Kawasaki 250R.

The tankbag SW-MOTECH upper tankring mount must be installed on the tankbag to allow for individual needs of each rider and motorcycle. I wanted roughly double clearance above the tank and increase stiffness in the bag's lower structure so I added a small pressure treated plywood platform between the SW-MOTECH upper tankring and the tankbag.

The Quick-Lock mounting system proved to be very solid during transit allowing no movement of the bag. The Quick-Lock tankrings provided rapid removal and refitting of the tankbag during fueling process. According to Twisted Throttle the mounting system can is safe for loads of up to ten pounds.

There is a bit of a black mark with this product. While the design is excellent the Chinese construction of the bag itself leaves something to be desired in the area of precision. Additionally, Twisted Throttle failed to correct any of my concerns and follow-up dicey. I made it a point to examine the quality of assembly of this tankbag model a year later at the 2010 Dallas International Motorcycle Show. I found the same poor assembly issues in that individual components are not centered or placed accurately before being sewed together. The construction should prove to be plenty robust over the long run, but for an item in this price range sloppy assembly and poor customer service is unacceptable.

Instructions

• Read and study the included instruction sheets.
• Select adequate stainless-steel hardware (two each of M5-.80x30mm and M5-.80x20mm pan-head Phillips machine screws are needed to install the tank top SW-MOTECH lower ring to the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R).
• Carefully remove the the four rear most hexagon socket screws from the fuel cap ring. Do not remove the "gas cap" assembly.
• Mount and evenly tighten (do not over-torque) the SW-MOTECH lower tankring on the fuel tank. Use the torque recommendations either on the Bags-Connection instructions or the Kawasaki shop manuel.
• Test fit the SW-MOTECH upper tankring to the lower ring.
• Place the Bags-Connection Quick-Lock tankbag on the SW-MOTECH tankring assembly and position the Tankbag so it will not interfere with the handle bar.
• Remove the Quick-Lock tankbag with the the SW-MOTECH upper tankring in place.
• Carefully mark and drill holes in the bottom of the tankbag.
• Use restraint in torquing the fasteners to avoid damaging the bottom of the Quick-Lock tankbag when mounting the SW-MOTECH upper tankring.
• Mount the included "lock bolt" to the SW-MOTECH upper tankring so the spring loaded tip protrudes 6mm. The use of "Loctite" is recommended.
• A heat gun may needed to slightly adjust the tankbag once the top tankring is mounted to the bag so the tankbag rides evenly above the fuel tank.

Photos

Bags Connection Day Pack Tankbag and SW-MOTECH Tankring Mounts

Additional bolts and washers for the Ninjette installation

SW-MOTECH Lower Tankring for mounting to the top of the fuel tank.

SW-MOTECH Lower Tankring in place the top of the fuel tank

SW-MOTECH Upper Tankring for mounting to the bottom of the Bags-Connection Quick-Lock Tankbag

Underside of Bags-Connection Quick-Lock tankbag and pressure treated plywood platform.

SW-MOTECH Upper Tankring mounted on Tankbag with plywood platform (note the spring loaded "lock bolt" mounted on the "top" of the Upper Tankring).

Quick-Lock tankbag in place. Please note the "stock" clearance is approximately half of that the custom clearance shown.

Quick-Lock tankbag in place and expanded. Please note the "stock" clearance is approximately half of that the custom clearance shown.

God Bless America

 

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