GS-Riders International

Bags Connection GS tank bag : Euro 149
Bags Connection map pocket : Euro 10
SW-Motech Quicklock tank socket : Euro 19.90

TOTAL : Euro 179.90 / US$ 257 / S$ 375

Everything is available from Bags Connection or SW-Motech . The vendor websites have distributor listings.


The SW-Motech tank ring is mounted to the GS tank cover. The kit includes two sets of allen head bolts in two length. The shorter ones are right for the GS. Four of the original torx bolts have to be removed. The tank socket stays on the tank permanently. The socket is not exactly a beauty, but doesn't look bad either. It can be used for other Motech and Bags Connection accessories as well.



The tank bag's lower side has a spare room to accommodate the sockets counterpart. The buyer needs to mount this part onto the tank bag by himself. Not a big problem, but some might expect a 'GS Tank Bag' to be readily prepared. The reason why it is not ready prepared probably is, because the tank bag fits other motorcycles with sloping tank shapes, and self installation of the mounting ring makes it easier to adapt the system to them.

Mounting space:



As for the GS, mounting the socket to about the middle does it. You should however hold the tank bag onto the tank for adjusting the mounting location to your own liking, if required.



There is an anti-slip rubber padding on the rear part of the tank bag, which will help to prevent scratches. The 'Pull' strap works as a release for the locking mechanism. Removing a tank bag never has been as easy for me.



Spacious inside of the tank bag, not expanded:



The looks are all right to me, doesn't look like a foreign object as the case with some other tank bags. It's big but not too bulky:



Good storage space, 25 liters expanded:



The shape is tailored with the wide steering angle of the GS in mind:





The bag looks tall from the rear,



where it has a practical pocket for passport and wallet:



From a normal perspective it does not look as big:




Plus
- bright internal lining colour = content better visible at night
- sturdy construction, not far off from the top quality of the Touratech tankbag (= made by Kahedo)
- expansion from 17 to 25 liters works well
- rain resistant for short showers (material itself is watertight but zips allow water entering over time)
- supplied (adjustable) rain cover fits 100%
- almost impossible to get scratch damages on the tank
- shoulder strap included
- separate map compartment will also carry a PDA

Minus
- not 100% rain-tight without the rain cap
- map compartment must be obtained separately (but it is a good one)
- shoulder strap packs voluminous


Conclusion
Originally I was in the market for a water-tight tank bag. Then I bought the Bags Connection GS tank bag, although there are meanwhile a number of 100% water tight tank bags in the market. BMW or Touratech tank bags do not require carrying an extra rain cover. But when I saw the Quicklock system I became convinced immediately. I was tired of undoing straps and zips to top-up fuel, or to access all these little things. The Quicklock system is the answer to this. Bringing the tank bag back onto the mounting ring requires a little practice, until I met the correct position blindly. Now it is a matter of 3 second. Using a tank bag has never been so easy to me.

PS:

Map pocket is good



and so is the rain cover, a close to perfect fit:

F.Y.I. no more Quicklock tank bag from '08:

Any one has experience with this one? Does it limit handle bar movement?

Quoted from "Peter"

F.Y.I. no more Quicklock tank bag from '08:

SW-Motech has a tank ring adapater kit available for the tank caps from '08, SW-Motech art-no. TRT.00.475.123 .

Mounting the tank bag to the ring requires a little practice, and when it is full (and heavy) I not always hit the locks on the first attempt. Otherwise best tank-bag I ever had.