RT Tank Bag

[widowmaker2011]

If you're like me (and pray that you're not :roflblack you like the glovebox on your RT but are disappointed that it , well , it won't hold gloves.
Anyways , I loved my Tank Bag on my Original Spyder and have always used a tank bag. What I wanted to come up with is a Tank Bag that would allow full turning of the handlebars, allow full use of the existing glovebox, allow access to our switch pod and lastly look good.
I half-heartedly looked around for one and knew it was close to impossible to find something like that....until....out in my shop I spied the original Tank Bag...... which is within centimeters of being the exact dimension of the glovebox top.......

 

[widowmaker2011]

The original tankbag for the old style spyder fits the top of the glovebox perfectly , but has some things we need to cut off. First remove the front strap portions that contain the plastic clasps and discard them. Then cut the rear strap and discard the metal prong. You then have two equal length front straps and two shorter equal length rear straps. Last cut is to remove one of the rear straps . leaving just one. This is what you should have now.

 

[widowmaker2011]

Now a quick trip to lowes or home depot for some industrial strength velcro with adhesive backing should set you back about 4 bucks. Cut the velcro into 2 inch strips and one one inch strip and match the width of the tank bag straps. Stick the cloth side to the straps and the enlist someone with a sewing machine (Thanks Mom!) to sew em tight.

 

[widowmaker2011]

Now position your tank bag on the RT and thread the front 2 straps under the front of the glove box opening while the glove box is open and lightly pull on the straps to see where you loop velcro should go. Do the same for the rear short strap , EXCEPT , that strap goes through the center of the clasp where it latches. It fits fine and in NO WAY interferes with the closing or latching.

 

[widowmaker2011]

Place your velcro on firmly after a quick wipe down with alcohol. You now have a Tank bag that fits , allows the use of the glove box easily , allows full steering and does not block the switches and IMHO looks great! This picture shows full left lock turn and switch access.

 

[widowmaker2011]

Last couple shots. I'm happy with the results. It is super secure, Glove box can be opened and closed easily with Tank Bag on and removal is a snap.

 

[bodymanpainter]

I like it! Looks good!:2thumbs:

 

[NancysToy]

Nice adaptation...and fine, detailed instructions. Thanks! :thumbup:

 

[retired1]

RT tank bag

That is a good looking practical mod. Now to find a sewimg machine!

 

[canam9]

Very nice!!:2thumbs:

 

[IWN2RYD]

Thaaaaank you! Off to find one of these bags. Very nice writeup! :2thumbs::doorag::spyder2:

BTW... This is wonderful for us. The "Glove box" gets really hot on our rig. And the keys or cell phone we put in there are always ... well hot when we take them out. This looks to be a great solution for this. On top of that.... Makes a great spot for the "Lunch" runs:roflblack:hyea:

 

[lawrenc454]

tank bag questions

good instructions and looks good. I have the GPS so?
1) do you think it will make it hard to open glove box with the tank bag on the GPS in place?
2) since the glove box needs a push to get it to open or close how do you lock it or release it with the tank bag on?

thanks in advance, Lonnie

 

[widowmaker2011]

good instructions and looks good. I have the GPS so?
1) do you think it will make it hard to open glove box with the tank bag on the GPS in place?
2) since the glove box needs a push to get it to open or close how do you lock it or release it with the tank bag on?

thanks in advance, Lonnie

1) I have a GPS mounted in the same spot on one of our RTS's and it bumps up against it but does not hinder it.
2) Couple ways to latch and unlatch. If the Tank bag is open just push down inside the tankbag on the glovebox at the base and it latches and unlatches fine. If you are in a rush and dont want to open the tank bag , just slip your thumbs under the bag right in front of you and press down , click! Either way works fine!

 

[lawrenc454]

Tank bag - thanks for the answers

Will get one to fill an itch I have had for a place to put a map and someplace that doesn't cook stuff

Lonnie