I’ve been using the city version for a few years now, first on a street Triple, now on a tiger 800. It’s a brilliant bit of kit, very easy to use and surprisingly roomy inside. The only problem I’ve had with it was on tour in Germany, after riding in torrential rain for several hours the release mechanism got some crud in it and jammed preventing me from taking it off to fill up. I eventually managed to free it with a combination of a squirt of chain lube and brute force. Luckily my top box was empty so I carried it home in there. When I got home a good clean out followed by spraying the mechanism with wd40 got it back working smoothly. I always spray it before going away now, just in case.
Looks good Tony. I’ve got a 4L Givi Tanklock & 20L Tanklocked. They work in a similar way 👍🏻 You did scare me for a minute when drilling over the seat as you quite rightly mentioned!
The Givi stuff is great too, really good quality. Ha! yes I thought that would upset a few people, thats why I made sure I had a really thick block of wood underneath!
Another great review Tony as always. I have already purchased this bag due to the exact same reason you mention, using the magnetic legend tank bag (got it right after your review) but finding the capacity a bit small and the worry about loosing it.. The Evo looks great, built very well, most practical size and is lockable, but unfortunately does not fit well on my CB1100Rs, as the fuel cap is closer to the handlebars and even if the locking plate mounted on the front edge of the bag, still interfere with my phone mount and a bit with the bar... However I will keep the bag and mount it to my second bike (gsx1250fa), on that it looks to be a perfect fit with even a little curve in the tank and a more fitting position of a fuel cap. Thanks for the great review again
Can't help thinking that having to drill holes will put many off - seems counter intiuitive and a bit unfinished. Maybe if SWMotech had made it so it had some sort of slding mount that could be tightened up it might be better? Good explanation though.
Guys, do I need a dynamometric screwdriver and or threadlocker to install the tank ring?? Or can I just do it safely with just a basic screwdriver and allen key??
I looked at this as I have the cheaper ion one at the moment but the new pro looks a lot easier to use with its magnetic hold have you got any plans to review them ? 👍
Hey ! I usually take my camera on my trips and I'm looking for a small tank bag (ease access to the camera on the bike) that can turn to a backpack, is it possible with this one ?
Hello, a bit random but... I'm looking at retro motorcycle helmets as I prefer them to the more modern "sporty" look. I've been looking at the Biltwell Gringo (ECE version) which I really like just not sure that it would offer the same protection as an more expensive helmet such as the Shoei Glamstar which is double the price etc. Thanks :)
It’s really hard to tell, it has ECE certification of course, but you would need to see different testing to gauge. The Shoei and Arai helmets are made from a higher spec material and the finish is better. I would say spending as much as you can afford on a helmet is always a good idea.
Good bags but the biggest issue with SW Motech is they are not weatherproof. I know they come with a rain cover, but that looks rubbish and just inflates anything over walking speed. They used to make a waterproof bag (Yukon) but have since discontinued it?????
Had several variants of these bags, they are great, i just treat them with a couple of coats of Fabsil Gold and job done, no issues of any water ingress.
I’ve been using the city version for a few years now, first on a street Triple, now on a tiger 800. It’s a brilliant bit of kit, very easy to use and surprisingly roomy inside.
The only problem I’ve had with it was on tour in Germany, after riding in torrential rain for several hours the release mechanism got some crud in it and jammed preventing me from taking it off to fill up.
I eventually managed to free it with a combination of a squirt of chain lube and brute force. Luckily my top box was empty so I carried it home in there.
When I got home a good clean out followed by spraying the mechanism with wd40 got it back working smoothly. I always spray it before going away now, just in case.
Thanks for the tip, worth being aware of thst problem
Looks good Tony. I’ve got a 4L Givi Tanklock & 20L Tanklocked. They work in a similar way 👍🏻 You did scare me for a minute when drilling over the seat as you quite rightly mentioned!
The Givi stuff is great too, really good quality. Ha! yes I thought that would upset a few people, thats why I made sure I had a really thick block of wood underneath!
sold my Micro bag yesterday (had 2 of them on two different bikes) moved to Engaged. thanks.
Good stuff!
This one is the best size. Well-explained. I hate drilling anything.
Yep it’s not the best solution
Another great review Tony as always.
I have already purchased this bag due to the exact same reason you mention, using the magnetic legend tank bag (got it right after your review) but finding the capacity a bit small and the worry about loosing it..
The Evo looks great, built very well, most practical size and is lockable, but unfortunately does not fit well on my CB1100Rs, as the fuel cap is closer to the handlebars and even if the locking plate mounted on the front edge of the bag, still interfere with my phone mount and a bit with the bar... However I will keep the bag and mount it to my second bike (gsx1250fa), on that it looks to be a perfect fit with even a little curve in the tank and a more fitting position of a fuel cap.
Thanks for the great review again
No problem, glad you found a solution
Can't help thinking that having to drill holes will put many off - seems counter intiuitive and a bit unfinished.
Maybe if SWMotech had made it so it had some sort of slding mount that could be tightened up it might be better?
Good explanation though.
Yep, it’s a bit of an agricultural solution. Looking on their site the new ‘pro’ model appears to have exactly what you mentioned
I was thinking the same thing. Perhaps the new one will solve this issue. SW do make a very nice bag, though.
Thank you for nice device! Hello from Moscow! 🤝
Hello Moscow! and no problem glad you enjoyed it
Guys, do I need a dynamometric screwdriver and or threadlocker to install the tank ring?? Or can I just do it safely with just a basic screwdriver and allen key??
Yes it’s easy…
I looked at this as I have the cheaper ion one at the moment but the new pro looks a lot easier to use with its magnetic hold have you got any plans to review them ? 👍
Yes, I was planning on trying out the new pro version, it looks like a good option
What bike did you put this on? I have the 2023 Tiger 900. Wondering if the shape of my tank is the same. It fit your perfect
This is on a tiger 800, the pro city bag is good too and might be a better shape for the 900?
thank you this was useful
Hey !
I usually take my camera on my trips and I'm looking for a small tank bag (ease access to the camera on the bike) that can turn to a backpack, is it possible with this one ?
Not as standard, no. They don’t offer a backpack conversion harness.
@@mancavemoto ty for your answer. I guess I'll have to try something in a non-official way 😅
Yep, they sell and accessory shoulder strap, so that would work as a ‘cross carry’ strap?
Hello, a bit random but... I'm looking at retro motorcycle helmets as I prefer them to the more modern "sporty" look. I've been looking at the Biltwell Gringo (ECE version) which I really like just not sure that it would offer the same protection as an more expensive helmet such as the Shoei Glamstar which is double the price etc. Thanks :)
It’s really hard to tell, it has ECE certification of course, but you would need to see different testing to gauge. The Shoei and Arai helmets are made from a higher spec material and the finish is better. I would say spending as much as you can afford on a helmet is always a good idea.
@@mancavemoto Thank you :)
Hi, what seat cushion do you have on your bike there?? Any good?
It’s a ‘cool cover’ works a treat and adds a little comfort
Good bags but the biggest issue with SW Motech is they are not weatherproof. I know they come with a rain cover, but that looks rubbish and just inflates anything over walking speed. They used to make a waterproof bag (Yukon) but have since discontinued it?????
yes, they'll put up with a certain amount of rain, but torrential or persistent rain will eventually work its way in.
Had several variants of these bags, they are great, i just treat them with a couple of coats of Fabsil Gold and job done, no issues of any water ingress.
Better getting the Pro model --much easier to fit.
Too bad they discontinued this model, sadness as it looks to fit great
There is a new Pro Engage bag, and the Pro City works well on this tank too
drilling ..not for me