Givi XS308 Tanklock Tankbag Review

Review of Givi XS308 Tanklock Tankbag after a 1,700 Mile weekend ride.
If you are interested in this product, and would like to support this channel so that I can create more content, here is a link to it via my RevZilla affiliate account. I appreciate your support!
Givi Tanklock Flange:
www.jdoqocy.com/3566biroiq5E8...
Givi has unfortunately discontinued the XS308 Tankbag, but here are links to two similar capacity/functionality Tanklock Tankbag models still available at RevZilla:
Givi EA118:
www.anrdoezrs.net/ca110qgpmgo...
Givi EA117:
www.jdoqocy.com/ct70biroiq5E8...
Revenues from my affiliate links are reinvested into the channel to provide you more and better reviews, so thank you very much in advance!

[@MichaelKGizzonimo]

Thank You Mr. TexMexStrada! Your "real World" review is great. I've just ordered one of these bags and I'm "reverse shopping" it and found Your post. The tip about the scratched cell phone damaging the window plastic is etched in My mind. I subscribed .

[@TexMexStrada]

Michael K Thank you very much for the kind words and I appreciate the subscription! I am glad I was able to provide value and I hope future content will be useful as well. I appreciate you! Enjoy the bag!

[@Cookey77]

Superb review. Thank you for taking the trouble to upload it.

[@legolator]

Thank you for the review. Very informative.

[@TexMexStrada]

legolator My pleasure, thank you for watching and for your kind words!

[@TheBucc69]

just found out that it also fits on the BMW R1100RT, that is not listet anymore, with the BF11 adapter. I´m very happy with this

[@TexMexStrada]

DL0072SWL That is pretty cool, thank you for sharing! Glad to see “backward compatibility” on these product as well

[@MrMannymoe32]

Great video thank you very much. I'm going to buy the bag for my BMW GSA.

[@TexMexStrada]

manuel lopez My pleasure, and thank you for your kind words! Hope it works just as well for you as it does for me.

[@MotorcycleRiderUK]

Brilliant review, thank you

[@TexMexStrada]

Motorbike Rider UK My pleasure, glad it was helpful. And thank you for your kind words!

[@jackdurden3417]

Excellent review!

[@TexMexStrada]

Jack Durden Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@yveskirpach3439]

for the maps, I print them off the PC on a letter size, also just one time use, but very easy to get

[@TexMexStrada]

That is a good idea, thank you!

[@kimbrad2951]

The most informative review of xs307 for me to decide to buy this one. Thanks for the detail explanation. Doesn't it bother your sight to the dashboard while riding?

[@TexMexStrada]

Thank you for the kind words, I appreciate you! I am glad to have been helpful. As to the vision, when fully expanded and loaded up, at my 5’11” height and sitting fully upright, I would loose sight of the bottom 10% of the dashboard. But, just leaning forward a couple inches allowed me to see the whole dash. So it will depend on your height (actually torso & neck length) and how you like to sit on the bike (upright or leaning a little forward). I got used to it after a couple hours and didn’t see it as a problem. If the bag wasn’t 100% loaded, it wasn’t an issue at all. I hope this helps as well!

[@TexMexStrada]

Kim Brad Also, just to clarify, I used the XS308. The XS307 is smaller and should cause no vision issues at all (depending on bike and rider size).

[@timcully4706]

Great review and thank you, I have been given one, I will have to adapt it to fit my Honda Crossrunner as it sits 2 close to the handle bars due to the fuel filler position, Givi don't have a connection, I will use the SW Motech adapter, then modify to accept the givi adapter, super video, the bag looks very well made.

[@TexMexStrada]

Thank you for your kind words! Did you already max out the adjustment to the clip on the bottom of the bag? It has a couple of positions, maybe even three, if I recall correctly. What year is your Crosstourer? The Givi website shows the BF20 for the 2014-2019 model, and the BF03 for the 2012-2013 model

[@TexMexStrada]

here are the links: BF20: www.motorcycleplanet.co.uk/products/1852-givi-bf20-tanklock-fitting-kit-honda-crosstourer-1200-dct/ BF03: www.motorcycleplanet.co.uk/products/1364-givi-bf03-tanklock-fitting-kit-for-honda-crosstourer-1200-dct/

[@timcully4706]

@@TexMexStrada Thank you for the reply, I have max out the positions, mine is a Crossrunner, unfortunately Givi never made a ring for it, I have ordered a BF38 which is for the CB1000 18-19 model, I will see if I can adapt it for my bike, I have also a SW-Motech on order, which is for the Crossrunner, but will have to adapt the plate. Fingers crossed one will work out.

[@TexMexStrada]

@@timcully4706 Sorry, my bad, I didn't read that right. Please keep me posted how that works out, either option. I think that would be great info to have if SW / Givi can be adapted to each other! I appreciate you!

[@timcully4706]

@@TexMexStrada No worries, I will let you know how I get on, fingers crossed one of them will work :) thanks again for a very informative video on the Givi XS308

[@samacumen]

Thanks for nice review. You haven't talked about problems navigating..as in how well can you see your TomTom/navigation device. Is that a problem having this on?? Thanks.

[@TexMexStrada]

samacumen Thank you for your question! I actually don’t use a navigation unit, so this comment is not specific to that, as I just use my phone and the Waze app. It works decently well, with limited glare. I have a screen cover on my phone, so I have to push down on the phone fairly firm to get the touchscreen to respond. In the Texas sun & heat, I have to cover the multimedia pocket with the map pocket, otherwise, within and hour or less, the phone will overheat and shut down. Especially when I charge the phone while using. A little annoying, but physics is physics. I use the Bluetooth intercom for voice directions and just reference the screen every once in a while. I hope this helps!

[@CroMagnun]

I think the thing you call "technology storage" is actually the map storage, and the thing you call the "map bag" is a tablet carrier or for other technology. Does the standard map fit better in the actual map storage than it does in the tablet carrier?

[@TexMexStrada]

Christofer Wilder Thank you for your feedback! The top pocket is actually labeled "map/tablet", so it is safe to presume it is designed for both. The tech compartment is not suitable for a map as it is #1 actually smaller than the map pocket, and #2, the flap access would require you to crumple up the map to insert. I do appreciate your feedback though, wished it had worked.

[@CroMagnun]

I have used this for a roundabout trip from Northern Maine to Alabama, about a 2100 mile ride so far. Weather has been in the 90's without rain. It is flawless, and very easy going on and off the tank. I have tire patch kits, a 12V powered portable tire inflator, medium sized bottle of tire slime, large tablet, couple of microfiber cloths, power bank for recharging, several types of 12v recharging adapters, rain cover, two cell phones, my wallet, and a fold up kangeroo hide hat. I still haven't opened the expansion zipper. This thing is amazing.

[@SH_Prodz]

I just got this tank bag and wondered what the thing was on the bottom. It had a snap closure and when the top is lifted, snaps line the sides. Also the connection port on the front doesn’t go through. Do you poke a hole in the bag to charge something in the bag. Thanks

[@TexMexStrada]

Not sure what you mean by “snap closure”, can you elaborate please? As to the wire channel, yup, you have to cut a small opening to get the cable through

[@mockingrbird]

I have exactly same ducati mts1200, please tell me, is there any problems when you turn handlebar at maximum to the right\left with this tankbag installed? I ask you bacause on givi`s site they didn`t suite this tankbag on mts1200 (in model finder). Its only ST603B, ST605, UT810. Thank you!

[@TexMexStrada]

mockingbird Thank you for the question and the subscription! At full handlebar lock, there will be slight contact between the bars and the bag, but very gentle. I have ridden off road with the tankbag on, and it didn’t cause any major problem as mentioned in the video, very stable. There is a way to adjust the attachment mechanism of the bottom of the bag, and with it set to have the bag closer to the rider/away from the bars, you can steer the bike just fine. Another factor to keep in mind: When the bag is fully extended in height and filled up, depending on your stature, you may need to lean over it to see some of the instruments. At 5’11”, sitting upright, I have to lean forward a little to see the bottom 20% of the dash when the bag is completely full. Not a problem, just something to be aware of. I’ve had it for almost 2yrs now and still love the bag though. Use it on almost every ride. Highly recommended.

[@greg7293]

Do you find that you can see the gauges well while riding?

[@TexMexStrada]

Greg Patrick Yes, not a problem at all when the bag isn't expanded. When expanded, only a fraction of the lower dash gets covered, but a gentle straightening of the back or lean forward is all it takes to overcome that. I'm 5'11" with 32" inseam and ride on the DP comfort seat with a bead rider, for size reference. I was worried about visibility of the dash myself when I was getting a tank bag, and I chose this one because it was wider and "shorter" then some competitors at this capacity. Ended up being a good choice as dash visibility is a non-issue with it.

[@greg7293]

Thanks...good info. We are exactly same height and inseam. I ride a 2006 DL1000 and I think this setup will work well. Cheers

[@ProMrXXX]

Does this fits a fullface helmet? Im looking for a way to put my gf’s helmet on, but i dont feel to get a top box which made the bike ugly in looking.

[@TexMexStrada]

Chris Loh Thank you for watching and your question! Unfortunately, I think the answer is "No" unless the shell size of her helmet is really small. My wife wears an XS modular helmet (those are a little bulkier by design), and it isn't even close, the bag is too narrow. Two recommendations: #1, I believe the rule of thumb is 28L volume minimum is necessary to fit a full size helmet, and 30L for a modular, as long as the shape is right. Which leads to #2, measure out the helmet, and shop for a bag that is wide enough, there may be some out there. I purposely picked the Givi as a narrower bag, to make sure it doesn't interfere with handlebar mounted accessories when turning. I recall some of the bags I considered were wider, but can't recall which ones. If you check on Revzilla, they do a good job listing all the specs.

[@TexMexStrada]

Chris Loh Another thing to consider: unless the tankbag is lockable to the bike (this one isn't, the new generation is), it is really easy for somebody to steal it (5 sec or less), so it may not be the best option for storing a valuable helmet while away from the bike. I can appreciate your perspective regarding the look of the top box, it doesn't add any charm to my Multistrada neither, but man is it practical and it enhances the usefulness of the bike. While my bike looks tons better without the top box, I never take it off, and I use it on every single ride. I have the factory Givi/Ducati luggage, I believe it is 48L, and it holds two modulate helmets, gloves, rain gear, maps, tire kit, etc.. I stopped caring about the looks and my wife really appreciates the added comfort, as well as sense of security, of having a stable and comfortable backrest. Happy wife, happy life

[@TexMexStrada]

I hope this helps!

[@ProMrXXX]

TexMexStrada Thanks for your thorough info and suggestions on placing helmet...after reading your text, I think comfortable level is essential when riding a motor as its already risking us 50% 50% on the road, so I think I will get a top box instead of tank bag and will ignore the looks. Thanks alot! Subscribed you already, keep it up with your videos.

[@TexMexStrada]

Chris Loh Thank you for your kind words and your subscription! It is my pleasure to help

[@JKDun]

Do you use the extra steering head strap? Is it needed? Thanks!

[@TexMexStrada]

Kyle Duncan Thank you for your question! Yes I do. It is a nice safety feature, though luckily I haven’t needed it. But I use it at gas stations, to hang the bag off the side of the bike while I fill it up. Very practical for that. I hope this helps!

[@JKDun]

TexMexStrada so the bottom of the bag doesn’t mar your tank?

[@TexMexStrada]

Kyle Duncan there is an rubbery material on the bottom of the bag, so mounted, not an issue. When hanging off the side, I have the straps set long enough for the bag to rest on the crash bars, so no issue there neither

[@JKDun]

TexMexStrada Thanks!

[@TexMexStrada]

@@JKDun My pleasure, glad to help!

[@KemDIY]

Do you think a 15” laptop would fit?

[@TexMexStrada]

Thank you for your question! I tried it with my Surface Book, and it fit, but at a stretch that i wouldn't necessarily recommend. I tried it with my Dell, and that one didn't as the frame around the screen (and therefore the whole laptop) is a little larger. For a laptop, I recommend nice thick protective sleeve (or computer bag) and carrying in in a top box.

[@KemDIY]

TexMexStrada thanks so much for the reply. I ordered the bag for my FJR 1300. Can’t wait. Appreciate your video and response.

[@TexMexStrada]

My pleasure! Thank you for your kind words and your follow up!

[@douwe4549]

Its to big, to wide, if you need to stand, can not hold the tank with your knees..

[@TexMexStrada]

Thank you for your feedback! What bike are you using it on? As each bike’s tank is designed differently, and, as the bag mounting location can be adjusted, the ultimate position of the bag varies from setup to setup. But, in principle, you are correct, this may not be the appropriate bag for a bike used heavily off-road, there are better choices not only from a size but also from a mounting system perspective. But, for the occasional jaunt on dirt, I found the bag perfectly functional on the MTS1200S GT. I appreciate you!

[@douwe4549]

@@TexMexStrada I rode on a. Kawasaki KLR 650, but thought that the same would go for my vstrom 650 because your legs meet each other at your waist line, where the tank bag is.. So I bought the really small Givi tankbag, it is not ideal, but I learned to work with it, put only the most essential things in it, things you need in first instance, like wallet, sunglasses, some essential papers, passport and so on..

[@barryistuk9322]

Shut up and take my money

[@TexMexStrada]

Barry Istuk Several thousand miles later, I still enjoy the bag very much. But having to fold the map is still a little annoying. Nonetheless, I continue to recommend it wholeheartedly.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Far too big for me. I like 10 litres max.

[@TexMexStrada]

Thank you for your feedback! It comes down to use case and personal preference. I enjoy larger tank bags for their use flexibility and that, when loaded up, they transfer weight to the front in the bike, which improves stability & handling. I appreciate you!

[@paultucker4749]

“You can operate your phone whilst riding”..😡...great review otherwise.

[@TexMexStrada]

Thank you for your kind words! And yeah, you are correct, sorry, that wasn't a good choice of words. My intent was regarding the use of the phone as GPS, I don't talk/text on the bike while it is in motion, and I'm definitely opposed to that practice.