Lads, anyone using the Bagster tank cover thingy and bag set up? Pics and opinions mucho appreciated.
No experience with any of these , however it is a very quick way to make a nice looking bike look wank
Never had one on the Ducati, but used one on all previous bikes. Quality is excellent and rain cover good, as integral, even if it does take up a bit of storage space. Tank cover is good and relatively neat when bag is not in use. Only major downsides are that is a little awkward for refuelling, as you have to release at least one side of the bag; rain cover if using a map on the top can be opaque, so not much use; you must check that it does not crab the bars in use as this can be awkward, especially low speed manouvering. If you are a bit short, it can make the riding position a bit awkward too. I've not found the last a problem but swept back bars can be. No pictures, but I think they're all available on their website.
I use one on a blade. Nothing "wank" about it. Very handy way of carrying stuff without the bulk of panniers or top box.
Why not just have a givi tank ring ? I know it’s a subjective thing but just don’t think the leather Johnny looks as good as the designers tank . Sure it protects it , but that’s a bit like having a best room you never use
Well both systems do essentially the same job. Allthough I think the bagster will take a larger bag. However when not required the "leather johnny" is easier and quicker to remove than the givi ring. On its own the ring is even more ugly than the bagster tank cover. Which is barely visable from 15ft away. On a practical level the givi bag has to be removed completly to refuel while the bagster is just hinged out of the way.
The Bagster Johnny appeals to me as you can have a little bag for a day out or a bigger one if your on an overnighter?
Having used both systems, all I can say is that Bagster seems to be rated for more weight (since there are 4 anchor points spread outside rather than one in the center). Having said that, I once used my 47 liter Bagster combination bag and it wasn't a pleasant exercise. Yes you can load more things but it's way too bulky. Capacity (but not size) is the only benefit I can find. The rest are drawbacks. Not very annoying but nevertheless drawbacks: Touches the tank. This means that all the dust that accumulates under it, will act as an abrasive layer that might dull your paint. Haven't reached that point but it seems to me that you will need to get it off and on often in order to do a proper cleaning and avoid that. Getting it on and off is NOT as easy as you might think. I actually think that it will require far more time than the Givi system (which however needs an allen wrench and the dedicated bolts). Anchor points being at the corners of the tank means that, depending on the shape of it, bags may not attach easily or properly without introducing some flex either on the bag or some strain in the whole system. The "leather" absorbs water in the rain. This means that it may keep moisture near metal parts or make the dust that is under it like mud. Getting a heavy bag up for a tank refill in a gas station is at least as difficult as getting a Givi tank ring bag off. The forward barrel-like anchor points may interfere with the movement of the steering bar. It will not hinder movement but it may snap the anchor points. This is my experience on a Versys and not on the Multi. However, when I got my Multi I researched possibilities to retain my Bagster bags but it seemed more of a problem than a solution. If you still think it will suit you better, drop me a message. I still have the two-bag combination sitting somewhere in a corner doing nothing. P.S. The quality of the whole thing is exceptional by the way. The cover and the bags still were in excellent condition after 5 years of heavy use.
That’s another thing. I’ve never had a Bagster and I want an easy fill up, I thought you just unclipped the bag off the base and moved the bag over to the seat say, still attached and filled up. Then just clipped them bag on? Best tank bag I ever had was on my Tuono, an official one. Piece of cake to fit and use, for fill ups and removal and refitting etc.
That's how you lift it but it goes the other way round (you undo the two clips that are near you and the bag pivots around the two barrel clips away from you and to the windscreen. If the bag is big/tall you cannot lift it fully (or easily at least) away from you.
Thanks for that. Everyone I know who’s had one loved it. Never really seen one on a Dvt. I’m keeping this bike for a good while so I want to get it right. Bloody labs full of all sorts of luggage from bikes gone by.
2009 so plastic The hinge system works perfetly on my blade for easy fill up. Fitting take 10 secs max even if I use the headstock strap (which I dont)
I use the system on an ST4 and a Panigale. It works for me. Protects the tank on a tour. Easy to flip it up. Unclick the two rear clips and just pivot it up to fill up. You don't need to remove it completely. I swap different sized bags according to requirements. If you put a bag on the tank that resembles a multi story block of flats it does impair your view of the clocks. I don't find their bags a problem. The tank cover is not leather, so that's bollocks about absorbing water. Also, the cover had been on the ST4 for years when I bought the bike from my brother. Underneath the cover the tank looks like brand spanking new. So I'd say the abrasion thing is more bollocks. Keep the tank cover clean and it looks ok. Old grubby ones look shite. You can put the covers on or off in minutes and then clip in the bag in seconds, literally. If you want one for a Multi you shouldn't have a problem. Each to their own though.
