Practically Perfect Tankbag!!

[John in PA]

I have been looking for a tankbag with way more features than the one offered by BRP since they first offered theirs. I couldn't see paying a hundred bucks for such a plain-jane item. However, the size and shape of the area behind the handlebars available for mounting really limits the selection of usable bags. I got a bright idea and pulled the Cortech Super Mini that I've been using on the Norge and tried it in the space available. BINGO!! We have a winner!!:2thumbs:
So I ordered another one from Newenough.com. $54 plus shipping. Detachable map pocket, rain cover included. Pouches inside for cell phone, notepad, pens, pencils etc. Small extra pouch outside for change, keys, etc. Quick detachable, carry handle. PLENTY of useful features at half the price of the BRP.
Three colors, red, blue, and black!!

Here's a better price: http://www.powersportequipment.com/product_items_detail2.asp?item=716

BE SURE TO ORDER THE STRAP MOUNT, NOT MAGNETIC!!!


Here are some pics and tips on install.

Quick mounting instructions: Remove and discard rear beavertail cover that velcro's onto the mounting pad for the bag. Also remove and discard the velcro front strap spacers and plastic strap-keeper buckles. You will only need the straps and plastic snap catches, front and rear. Remove the colored plastic trim piece immediately behind the handlebars and surrounding the console (two screws under plastic fuse cover beneath trunk lid, two plastic button catches under seat) Pass the front strap under the box frame just behind the steering column but immediately ahead of the stamped steel mounting brackets that protrude out either side of the frame just below the handlebars. Slide strap rearward till strap and buckles are wedged between the rubber cover below the steering head and the black plastic trim just lateral to the brackets. Replace the body piece. Only the buckles and strap will now be visible.

Rear tether: Pass the loop of the rear strap around the box frame under the seat. Remove the two button catches holding the black plastic gas tank cover so strap can be routed BEHIND them. Replace the button catches, pass the buckle end of the strap through the loop and choke it tight. Tighten rear strap so buckle just drops over the edge of the colored plastic body piece. When you close the seat, buckle will be tight against seat edge. (Raising and lowering seat tends to release the buckle, so recheck tightness each time)

Snap front buckles and tighten straps TIGHT. Stow extra strap length under tank bag on top of protective pad, or cut off and flame ends to prevent ravelling. Because of hump in Spyder bodywork, the rear of the tankbag tends to wobble slightly, but I believe it will take a "set" after being attached for a while. I might glue a couple small foam wedges between bag and tank protector if it bugs me.

Rider's-eye view

Again, be sure to order the strap-mount version, NOT magnetic!!

 

[Desert Spyder]

I like! I have the CanAm bag which is overpriced. Is that a GPS unit? How did you mount that?

 

[John in PA]

I like! I have the CanAm bag which is overpriced. Is that a GPS unit? How did you mount that?

The GPS is a Zumo 550. Pulled the steering head cover, made a paper template for the 4 holes in the GPS mount and drilled. I used 4 half-inch nylon spacers from the hardware store to get around the curved upper surface of the steering cover. Power wire routed around and below steering head and tapped into the power source for the optional 12V accessory plug found zip-tied to the frame upper left rear of the trunk compartment (not very accessible unless you remove left front bodywork). The wire you want is tied in a cubbyhole in the metal frame just to the immediate rear of the trunk, near the top. It has a rather generous sized rubber boot that's designed to go on Can-Am's optional trunk mount cigarette lighter plug. I don't remember wire polarity or colors, but it's easy to check with a meter. Posi-taps are an easy way to pull low amperage power (as for powering a GPS, or a relay circuit for lights, electric vest, grip heaters, etc) if you want to preserve the plug for it's original use. I just cut mine off and spliced/soldered.

Check the fuse box, as there may (or may not) be a fuse in this slot.

One odd thing about this power source is that it remains powered for 20-30 seconds AFTER the ignition is switched off. But it always shuts down. Not sure what they were thinking on that one...:dontknow:

 

[zzneonzz]

One odd thing about this power source is that it remains powered for 20-30 seconds AFTER the ignition is switched off. But it always shuts down. Not sure what they were thinking on that one...:dontknow:

I believe this is the shutdown time of the spyders computer that causes this delay.

 

[tomwom]

Tank bag

:clap: Cool, i'm marking this one. Great job thanks.:2thumbs::spyder2:too.

 

[Don in E Texas]

Wonder if this could be posted in the "How-To" discussion area? You have done a great service for the community and I'd hate to see your information lost (ie: fall off the screen) to those that come on board later.... thanks for taking the time to photo and post.:2thumbs:

don

 

[draboo]

Just what I ve been looking for! With a map slot to put my GPS in.

Thanks for the info!!

 

[SpyderGirl]

LOVE IT!! I have the Can Am tank bag, but for $55 I might have to upgrade. I've bookmarked this.

 

[bone crusher]

I have been looking for a tankbag with way more features than the one offered by BRP since they first offered theirs. I couldn't see paying a hundred bucks for such a plain-jane item. However, the size and shape of the area behind the handlebars available for mounting really limits the selection of usable bags. I got a bright idea and pulled the Cortech Super Mini that I've been using on the Norge and tried it in the space available. BINGO!! We have a winner!!:2thumbs:
So I ordered another one from Newenough.com. $54 plus shipping. Detachable map pocket, rain cover included. Pouches inside for cell phone, notepad, pens, pencils etc. Small extra pouch outside for change, keys, etc. Quick detachable, carry handle. PLENTY of useful features at half the price of the BRP.
Three colors, red, blue, and black!!

Snap front buckles and tighten straps TIGHT. Stow extra strap length under tank bag on top of protective pad, or cut off and flame ends to prevent ravelling. Because of hump in Spyder bodywork, the rear of the tankbag tends to wobble slightly, but I believe it will take a "set" after being attached for a while. I might glue a couple small foam wedges between bag and tank protector if it bugs me.

Rider's-eye view

Again, be sure to order the strap-mount version, NOT magnetic!!

I put the zumo on the right side handlebar...isn't it hard to deal with where you put it? You have to look down a pretty good amount...on the handlebar, you can use it while riding. I also got the garmin lock so that the cradle cannot be easily taken...I have mine hard-wired to the battery...works like a charm...don't you love the 550?

I have my iphone and scala rider 2 hooked up to it...can listen to music and take occasional phone call, if necessary...

 

[John in PA]

I put the zumo on the right side handlebar...isn't it hard to deal with where you put it? You have to look down a pretty good amount...on the handlebar, you can use it while riding.

Actually, I have wide-angle vision and can see it quite clearly!!

:shocked::shocked::shocked::shocked: :yikes: :joke:

Actually, I like the security of having it bolted down, and don't like handlebar clutter!!:cheers:

 

[wyliec]

I put the zumo on the right side handlebar...isn't it hard to deal with where you put it? You have to look down a pretty good amount...on the handlebar, you can use it while riding. I also got the garmin lock so that the cradle cannot be easily taken...I have mine hard-wired to the battery...works like a charm...don't you love the 550?

I have my iphone and scala rider 2 hooked up to it...can listen to music and take occasional phone call, if necessary...

Bone Crusher,

Can you tell me the route you took with your gps wiring? I'll be using a powerlet outlet somewhere between the battery and gps.

Thanks

 

[bone crusher]

I was lucky enough to have the dealership install the zumo when I bought the bike. I am taking the bike in for service this weekend...I will take a pic or two when it's in the shop and post...

I also highly recommend the garmin 'lock'...you take the nut off and install this thing...it makes it so that the cradle cannot be taken off your bike...think of it this way...no cradle, no zumo...

Bone Crusher,

Can you tell me the route you took with your gps wiring? I'll be using a powerlet outlet somewhere between the battery and gps.

Thanks

 

[jeuchler]

Hey, John

I'm still battling with myself (a year now, seriously) about whether to get a $104 BRP tank bag (eBay $89) or a $68 Nelson-Rigg mini CL 400 ...

...or a $54 Cortech like you got.

The width of the "tank" is just over 9 inches (slightly wider than the N-R or Cortech bags), but with that sharp V hip roof, of course!

My question is, did your Cortech quit rocking back and forth (did it shape itself a bit to the Spyder) or not, or did you glue some foam wedges in?

I really like the finish of the N-R stuff, and the service of NewEnough, and I recall some folks here were not pleased with the fit of the BRP bag...:dontknow:

 

[Big Arm]

I purchased the Cortec bag just like John in PA shows in his post. I installed it last week according to his instructions, and am very happy with my purchase and the installation, and the overall fit and looks of this tank bag. I don't think the "rocking" of the bag is any big deal, as I think any bag will do this. I also purchased it off ebay with free shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOUR...14&_trkparms=72:1205|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

 

[jeuchler]

I purchased the Cortec bag just like John in PA shows in his post. I installed it last week according to his instructions, and am very happy with my purchase and the installation, and the overall fit and looks of this tank bag. I don't think the "rocking" of the bag is any big deal, as I think any bag will do this. I also purchased it off ebay with free shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOUR...14&_trkparms=72:1205|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

Thanks for the +1 on John's idea and the photos, Big Arm.

That shape of that flat bottom on that "A house ski-chalet" bodywork was just my concern, as I'm wondering how tight I can get the straps on a generic-fit bag.

Sure, any strap-mounted bag is gonna move a bit...whether it'll be enough to drive me crazy any particular day is another matter.

I wish Cortech or Nelson-Rigg would start making their own (excellent) bags to fit the Spyder.

 

[rleathen]

I have the Nelson Rigg CL400 mini tank bag and while it fits the area of my spyder quite well I had to velcro in some wedges underneath so that it better fits the shape of teh spyder. Without the wedges the tank bag moves around too much for my liking.

 

[NancysToy]

Hey, John

I'm still battling with myself (a year now, seriously) about whether to get a $104 BRP tank bag (eBay $89) or a $68 Nelson-Rigg mini CL 400 ...

...or a $54 Cortech like you got.

The with of the "tank" is just over 9 inches (slightly wider than the N-R or Cortech bags), but with that sharp V hip roof, of course!

My question is, did your Cortech quit rocking back and forth (did it shape itself a bit to the Spyder) or not, or did you glue some foam wedges in?

I really like the finish of the N-R stuff, and the service of NewEnough, and I recall some folks here were not pleased with the fit of the BRP bag...:dontknow:

Maybe I can help thin the selection down for you. We purchased a BRP tank bag with our Spyder. We would not do it again. The bag is very small, and has a tapered shape to boot, making it barely functional. Also, the taper makes the map pocket extremely small and useless. The bag is water resistant, but not really waterproof, and comes with no rain cover. The velvety bottom panel soaks up water, then stains the tank below. The marks had to be buffed out, and I had to make a foam pad to put in between. I would go with one of the other choices, even if I had to fabricate some foam wedges. The BRP rear seat bag, on the other hand, is as handy as can be, and gets a lot of use.
-Scotty

 

[jeuchler]

Maybe I can help thin the selection down for you. We purchased a BRP tank bag with our Spyder. We would not do it again. The bag is very small, and has a tapered shape to boot, making it barely functional. Also, the taper makes the map pocket extremely small and useless. The bag is water resistant, but not really waterproof, and comes with no rain cover. The velvety bottom panel soaks up water, then stains the tank below. The marks had to be buffed out, and I had to make a foam pad to put in between. I would go with one of the other choices, even if I had to fabricate some foam wedges. The BRP rear seat bag, on the other hand, is as handy as can be, and gets a lot of use.
-Scotty

Wow. And yikes.

I think I remember hearing some folks' stray complaints about the BRP tank bag back awhile, but your comments are as if the bag was designed by someone who had no knowledge of it's eventual use, Scotty!

Sorry for your disappointment, but you do get karma credit in the next life for saving me (and anybody else who was considering the BRP purchase who reads this) the same headaches!

You and rleather and Big Arm and and John in PA have definitely helped me with my decision--thank you. :thumbup:

 

[Rando]

I purchased the Cortec bag just like John in PA shows in his post. I installed it last week according to his instructions, and am very happy with my purchase and the installation, and the overall fit and looks of this tank bag. I don't think the "rocking" of the bag is any big deal, as I think any bag will do this. I also purchased it off ebay with free shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOUR...14&_trkparms=72:1205|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

DITTO!:2thumbs:

 

[bjt]

Thanks for the +1 on John's idea and the photos, Big Arm.

That shape of that flat bottom on that "A house ski-chalet" bodywork was just my concern, as I'm wondering how tight I can get the straps on a generic-fit bag.

Sure, any strap-mounted bag is gonna move a bit...whether it'll be enough to drive me crazy any particular day is another matter.

I wish Cortech or Nelson-Rigg would start making their own (excellent) bags to fit the Spyder.

Remember way back when a person who claimed to be from Nelson-Rigg said they were working on a complete line of luggage made specifically for the Spyder? :dontknow: