Honk and Grind!

As I turned my handlebars to the left the horn sounded, to the right the starter engaged. Oh what a way to start Christmas morning! Knowing that I historically carried all of my most valuable touring needs in a tank bag, the first package my wife handed me after the tree was lit turned out to be a new 18 liter Tour Master tank bag . Rushing to the garage, my son and I strapped it on, and that is when all the commotion started. With my wide touring handle bars moved up and back for a more comfortable riding position (I have a set of “Bar Backs” installed for a more upright riding position to ease pressure on my spine), those wonderful tank bag side pockets caught the horn and starter buttons whenever the bars went to full turning lock. Oh great, every time I maneuver the bike around a parking lot or campground I will either wake the neighbors or grind the teeth off my flywheel. Not a good way to start the day.

What Is Right?

Like most touring bikes, my 2003 BMW R1150RT is equipped with saddle bags large enough to hold a full face helmet, a tail trunk that will hold both foul weather gear and a laptop computer, and a small “glove compartment” where the stereo system used to sit. Oh yeah, most all of my riding gear has easy to access pockets, and I use a tail pack for wallet and cell phone / BlackBerry. That all said, I finally asked myself just how “big” a tank bag did I need? Surfing around the internet I ran across the Cortech Super Mini. Maybe it was time for me to be realistic about my needs.

Returning the big bag for the Super Mini, I worried about possible buyer’s remorse. When it arrived I worried even more about the diminutive size. Strapping it on the BMW’s tank did not fill me with any more confidence. But when I actually loaded it with the items I would want quick access to I was really surprised to find that it was less than full! A quick check for clearance revealed that there was no interference with any controls or switches. Topping that off, I also noticed that I was able to read all of the important information displayed on the bike’s instruments. I believe I have finally found right!

Specifications

The Cortech Super Mini Tank Bag measures 10 inches long x 8 inches wide x 5 inches high (approximately 6.5 liters capacity for the metricly inclined. Constructed with a 1680D ballistic nylon exterior, including a Scotchlite® 3M reflective Courtech logo to advertise your brand loyalty, there is a very under-sized Clear-Vu snap map pocket, an easy access top load main compartment and top flap internal organizer pocket. The interior is lined with tricot water resistant fabric. Heavy duty, large tooth zippers with over-sized easy grip zipper pulls secure all these pockets. On the rear (close to the rider) is a rubberized carrying handle, included is a drawstring closure rain cover. The Super Mini mounts with either the three point strap system, with quick release clasps that attach to a tank protective non-slip / non-scratch mounting base, or an optional magnetic base. The map pocket can be removed from the bag and attached directly to the base, should you not want to drag the bag from you campsite or motel room while still have access to written directions to a local eatery. The optional magnetic mount is for less insecure riders than myself, or riders of motorcycles with steel fuel tanks (my BMW R1150RT has a non-metalic fuel tank and bodywork, so magnets do not stick very well).

How Well Does It Work?

On balance I like it. Since a motorcyclist’s tank bag can easily become the two wheeled traveler’s version of the fabled woman’s purse, the first caution is to only load it with what you need readily available. For me that broke down to a short list: sunglasses, cell phone / BlackBerry, tire guage, sun block, neck scarf, mesh gloves, small first aid kit (containing bandaids, asprins and safety pins), safety wire (come on, all those years around aircraft maintenance cannot be overcome easily), electrical tape, a gun lock (gun locks make perfect helmet and jacket locks for times when your luggage is already full or sitting in your garage), a plastic “foot” to increase the “footprint” of my side stand on soft surfaces, and an extra pair of ear plugs. My remote garage door opener fits easily inside the clear map pocket. I cannot really say that your essentials are the same as mine, but this should give some idea as to the real life useful capacity.

The Good Stuff

After a couple of months use I have learned a few good things about this bag, and about my new tank bag requirements. First, the drawstring rain cover works well in even seriously heavy rain. I noted no shortfalls in moisture integrity. It also camoflauges the purpose of the bag from otherwise honest, but prying, eyes. The quick release clasps really are quick, as they are also easy to operate while wearing heavy gloves and accessing the fuel cap at the 91 octane pumps. Those over-sized zipper pulls are just as easy to use in even the heaviest gloves. I have noticed no maring or scratching of the finish under the non-slip mounting base. And best of all, not only do I have an unobstructed view of the guages, but not once have any switches or controls contact the bag during upper body strength taxing maneauver.

Surprises I Did Not Want To See

The first surprise was when I noticed that the map pocket was even smaller that I thought it was. Using standard state welcome center size road maps, I have found that the viewable map area is a bit under one half of either the BMW’s fuel tank range or even my middle aged body’s riding endurance range. In other words, it is not large enough for serious long distance use. To rectify the situation, I now use another gear supplier’s map pocket that attaches to my riding suit leg with hook and loop attachments (ok, you know that stuff as Velcro). The smaller size also robbed me of something to lean on while waiting in traffic or for a traffic signal to change. An added benefit is that some items, such as license and registration have now moved to either my hip sac or fairing storage compartment. This gives me a couple more minutes to breath, relax, and think of a good story should I find blue lights flashing in my mirrors. Or maybe that is a good thing.

On Balance

The Cortech Supper Mini has been a real aid in helping me to tailor my perceived essentials to what I really need. It has redefined motorcycle tank bag size, and eliminates interference with handle bar switches and controls.


Recommended: Yes