BMW GS Tank Bag Install

I've resisted using a tank bag up until now, but I've relented on the advice of others and here's my video on how you fit the BMW GS Tank bag to the bike....

[@bmano7850]

Just pick up a second hand one today…. 25/07/2024. Looked up helpful tips and one of my favourite KZbinrs (you) was the first in the list 🥰🥰🙏🏼

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad I could help

[@vedatcoskun]

Your garage vidoes are like a treat to people who suffer from mild OCD like myself. Not to mention the content and videos are always of quality as well.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Ha ha, love it Vedat, glad to be of service (I wish mine was just mild OCD!).....all the best, TMF

[@chipm2544]

Just bought my first tank bag today, installed it, then came across your video. Coincidentally, bought the same one you installed. I have heard concerns about it scratching the paint, but today a friend said he had had many bikes & tank bags without scratches. We’ll see. I think the bag should be helpful. Enjoying your videos as usual. Take care.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Mine hasn’t scratched my tank!

[@andrewtofts7884]

Hi TMF, bought the bag and used it on the trip to Northumbria. Had no issues with it when I disconnected to refuel; I have the high sear fitted so maybe that holds it in. Cheers, Andy

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Andrew Tofts Hi Andy, I don't have any issues when I refuel either, and I have the low seat! It's a very useful bag, only real issue is on the rare sunny day you can get a strong reflection off the shiny top - a Matt map pocket would be better. Thanks for watching and dropping by once again - all the best - TMF

[@TheDervMan]

I'm in awe at how organised your garage is :-o

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+DervMan Thank you, you would love my underpants drawer......second thoughts, maybe not....

[@TheDervMan]

+TheMissendenFlyer LOL, thanks but no thanks, I'll stick to watching your bike videos ;-)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+DervMan ....glad to hear it :0)

[@thearchibaldtuttle]

Just recently bought a 2011 R1200GS Adventure and will buy the bag too. Thanks for the video, helped me to make my decision!

[@RCFlyBoy314]

I use mine for the 09 every day. The water proof liner on it is a draw string, really glad to see the "dry bag" styled update for yours! So much easier to close than mine.... The buckles are a great update as well! My front support goes under the VIN plate and the rear is zippered to a flap on the tank. Sometimes its hard to zip up with the riding gloves on, and I have to wiggle the bag to line them up. I love mine... but man, watching your videos on the new WC boxer makes it hard not to want one for all the great upgrades and improvements! Time to start saving pennies... :)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+RCFlyBoy314 You know it makes sense!! They were good bikes before, but the current machine is awesome!! .....plus they hold their value well so you should get a good price for your '09 model ;0)

[@NickStaib]

Thanks for that. Whenever I've taken my bike and tank bag on a longer (and potentially dustier) trip, I've protected the painted tank surface (immediately under the bag) with duct tape. This was after finding multiple surface scratches under an older magnetic tank bag after a weekend of sandy trail riding.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Nick Staib Good advice Nick! I shall heed that come next year's touring season....(roll on)

[@colinrichardson1613]

I have had the same tank bag for about six months now... The rear attachment is a pain as it always comes loose when refuelling and the map pocket on mine leaks and causes copious condensation for a few days afterwards. I've tried sealing around the edge with silicon but still can't see where the water could get in. Apparently, the 'drawstring' in the rear pocket is for holding a drink bottle upright in there. I cant see how that would ever be practical... but I think I saw it on the BMW site somewhere. Thanks for all your videos, they have been most helpful at times.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Colin Richardson Hi Colin, LOL!! I hope that they haven't been positively unhelpful the rest of the time!!! :0) Not good news on the tank bag feedback, I hope I haven't bought an expensive dud....time (and a few tours) will tell! Thanks for popping by again, all the best - TMF

[@jimsdrivingschool]

Excellent video again. We’re just about to buy the bigger one for our gsa. Looking forward to it. Really enjoying the channel

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thrilled to hear that! Thank you…

[@petertaylor2503]

I have sufficient storage (for now) with the 3 alloy boxes, however an informative video and a good point you made re the storage of phones etc while charging on the go.Thank you again.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Peter Taylor You are very welcome Mr Taylor, frightfully glad you found the video of some interest! Safe travel sir - TMF

[@BavarianBiker]

This could be the tidiest & cleanest garage i`ve ever seen^^ Nice tank bag !

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Bavarian Biker Thanks BB - funnily enough you're not the first person to comment on my orderly man cave - it's the one place I have some control over at my house!

[@BavarianBiker]

TheMissendenFlyer I know this situation^^ You can be the president of the United States but at home (except for your garage) your wife is the big boss :D

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Bavarian Biker You got it too eh? To be fair I do have control over (one of) my cars too.....but everywhere else I have little say over....

[@BavarianBiker]

TheMissendenFlyer Haha yes, cars&motorcycles are in the grey area^^

[@tonywheeler1281]

+TheMissendenFlyer interesting have a look at wunderlich tank bag that's what I have on my gs

[@arthurb8631]

Just got the Wunderlich fairing pockets. Unreal great fit for ezpass and key fob wallet.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Arthur B Nice one Arthur!

[@peterpaneuro4280]

some people have too much money. 200 quid for a bag!! buy upper crash bars for 135 quid,and strap a sportsbag to them,and you have 65 quid for a nice soft fluffly tank cover. Good video though Mr Flyer. I love your bike parking garage. So clean.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+peter paneuro Yes it is a lot of money for a bag I agree....very useful though. Cheers for watching, TMF

[@HJC1950]

TMF, I've got that same bike and tank bag. I have had a little issue with the rear mount sliding down while refueling, which requires the bag be pulled back out of the way. This was an annoyance on a long trip, since it required removal of both seats to put the rear mount back in place, and this also involved removing duffel bags as well. What I've done is to use Velcro squares with sticky backs to attach the rear mount so that it will no longer slide down while refueling. I've got the "tall" seat on my bike, which might be a factor in the problem that I had.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Harold Clark Hi Harold - you're not the first to report this problem (see the comment from Beans earlier!) - so it's something I obviously need to watch out for, thanks for the tip re Velcro, think I might give that a go...... Good to hear from you again, I trust all is well???

[@HJC1950]

+TheMissendenFlyer Thanks, TMF. I'm doing well for an old guy. Just waiting for winter to set in, and trying to get some rides in before that happens.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Harold Clark Good plan! ....I hope it works ;0) All the best - TMF

[@CaptainK007]

Hi. Think I am pleased I got the Givi tanklock bag. Perhaps you should do a vlog on all the staff you have keeping the garage tidy. 😊 watched all your vlogs. Informative and entertaining. Steve (Gyronaut)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Steve Kennett Thank you Steve - appreciate the kind comments, all the best - TMF

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Steve Kennett Thank you Steve - appreciate the kind comments, all the best - TMF

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Steve Kennett Thank you Steve - appreciate the kind comments, all the best - TMF

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Steve Kennett Thank you Steve - appreciate the kind comments, all the best - TMF

[@FlamingT]

I have just taken delivery of my LC 2104 GSA TE... loving it. Lucky for me it came with the larger version. My question is to do with the small pouch at the back..... the draw string inside doesn't seem to do anything that i can see. Since making this vlog, can you advise if it does as you say or is there another purpose. Buy the way, really enjoy your varied vlogs. I do the odd vlog myself for a bit of fun..

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Nope I haven't worked that out either, would love to know what it's for! Maybe someone can tell us??? Thanks for the kind words...will take a look at your VLOGs now - cheers - TMF

[@samsara3694]

maybe this, from the blurb "A pull cord on the inside secures a 0.5-liter water bottle""

[@peterbaader334]

Looks like a very useful extra - will order one for my GS (to be delivered on the 8th of January - hooray!)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Exciting times!

[@Bubbleback01]

I bought this tankbag recently and had a few rides with it. What I don't like about it are the nasty reflections you sometimes can get from the sun shining on the transparent top of the bag. It's like a flashlight going off, right in your eyes 🙈 But hee, it fits well and looks good on the GS 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Rob Yes that is an issue (if you're lucky enough to ride in sunshine!) - I thought about attempting to apply some matt translucent covering to mine to see if that fixes it....

[@PlymouthbikersCoUk]

Good vid fella. keep um coming. Ive just purchased this exact bag and can tell you its great. The front pocked also comes in handy to keep the satnav once leaving the bike.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+ThePlymouthbikers Good idea - like it! Thanks for stopping by, good to hear from you again, it's been a while!

[@PlymouthbikersCoUk]

+TheMissendenFlyer A YES i do keep a regular eye on your channel. Always informative videos and good editing. 3 bikes you lucky fella. Ride Safe. Ill keep an eye for the next vid.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+ThePlymouthbikers Thanks for the kind comments....you know what they say about the right number of bikes to have, the formula is: " Right number of bikes = Number of bikes you have + 1" :0)

[@mountainbikerpaul2267]

I had no interest in this bag install, I just liked watching to admire the tidy garage layout and bikes on display, lol. One day I will have my garage as organised and tidy as your garage, maybe when I find the time when the kids are grown up and I've maybe retired, lol. Keep up the good work with the vids, regards, Paul.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Slowrider Paul Cheers Paul, I had no interest in the bag either, just wanted to show off my recently vacuumed garage.... ;0)

[@mountainbikerpaul2267]

lol, excellent, good come back, honestly, I cant wait to spend more time in my garage one day, especially on those rainy days when I cant ride. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, cheers, Paul.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers Paul - you too....hoping to go flying tomorrow so fingers crossed for the weather....I will of course ride my bike to the airfield....

[@mountainbikerpaul2267]

Like a real life Maverick from Top Gun! Hope its clear and dry tmw for you, have fun out there.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Slowrider Paul Well if Maverick was balding, overweight and flew a Piper Cherokee, yes, I guess so......

[@Martin-mhm]

I purchased one of these a couple of weeks back for our trip to France. I would say it's a good bag and sits well on the bike which you'd expect as it's designed for it. However, two things, £199.00 is well over priced for what it is, presumably £99 quid of that if for the GS logo (cynical moi!) the big issue I had was due to the glorious weather last week I got absolutely blinded by the reflection of the sun on the plastic map cover. In the end I had to buy a roll of duct tape and black it out so I could see where I was going. looks rather cool now I must say.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I completely agree with you on those 2 points, it is pricey, but it is good...and yes that blinding thing is a real pain, luckily we don't get much Sun around here!!! I was thinking of trying to get some matt sticky backed plastic to put on mine (so I can still use the map pocket for its intended use). Thanks for watching and for stopping by - TMF

[@TerryBlanchard]

As always, another fantastic video. I'm very much looking forward to your followup review when you've spent a little more time with this bag. I'm on the fence between this and the Touratech tank bag. Help me MissendenFlyer, you're my only hope... ;-P

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks Terry, it's likely to be a while before I can test it on a decent trip, the bag seems pretty good to me although I don't have any real world experience of using it yet - it's worth reading the comments on this video from a fair few that have......all the best - TMF

[@andrewtofts7884]

Hi TMF, hope everything is well with you. I am thinking about getting one of these and wondered how you were getting on with yours. Cheers, Andy

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Hi Andy - Yes, brilliant bit of kit, don't know how I used to survive without it! Thoroughly recommended....TMF

[@Japster-rg5cs]

ive got one on my 2011 GSA great piece of kit. easy to fit plenty room in it and excellent waterproofing, a quality product, but very pricey, ouch......

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Alex Japp Certainly seems well made, not had the chance to try it yet of course (roll on Summer)...but agree on price.....BMW eh?

[@catdaddy3302]

Mine has a base thing I have to put on first.

[@i_lovemurica8820]

Great tips TMF :) what's your three year long term review of your GS tank bag? Thanks a million

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Still going strong! Recommended....

[@Fototherapist]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Any scratching on the tank? I'm interested in getting something similar for my R1250GS Adventure. Thanks.

[@disaar3679]

Still using the same bag? I'm on the fence on what to get... Thanks man!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sure am - very happy with it....

[@neilpatterson458]

I bought and used this tank bag on a tour from the UK to Poland last summer. I had problems with the two rear connection straps when the metal hooks easily became dislodged unhooking from the bike at the front seat anchor point position each time I refuelled the bike. During refuelling you have to unclip the bag releasing the tension which keeps the bag in place the hooks connected, when you partly remove the tank bag to gain access the fuel tank. This wasn't always noticeable immediately but not good when travelling at high speed when the tank bag starts bouncing around on the tank effectively held on by only the single front connector. It was a simple fix to use small pieces of duct/duck/gaffer adhesive tape to secure the metal hooks to the bike anchor points even when there is no tension on the straps. One of the other guys on the tour had exactly the same problem and adhesive tape was the solution for him as well. The rear connectors are the weakest part of the design.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Neil Patterson Hi Neil - Yes I had the same feedback from Beans a few weeks back, seems to be a common issue - as you say a bit of tape or a cable tie/elastic band fix seems to be the way to go with these - thanks for stopping by, all the best - TMF

[@siangell3706]

Mr Flyer. I just wanna say, I'm a huge fan. Also, was just wondering five years on, overall review? Are you still using it, was it value for money, and any problems with it?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I am still using it, only issue is a slight yellowing of the plastic window on top - great vfm otherwise....

[@baobabcs]

Hi, please can you show the front attachment again?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I’ll pop out and make a quick video on it for you….

[@CountMiffed]

Hello mate, hope you are good. I am looking for a tank bag for my GS Rallye 2017 and wondered if you ever had any issue with this one i.e paint damage? I am looking for something waterproof, not too big and like this one doesn’t have to have a plate screwed into the fuel cap area. Cheers

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Nope I've had no issue with this one - great bit of kit (use it a lot)....

[@Mr1wd]

Do you have to remove both the attachment straps when you are not riding with the tank bag so they are not hanging off the bike?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Charlie No you don't have too (the attachment straps are fairly short)...I tend to leave them on if I'm on a multi-leg trip but take them off when I'm back at base....thanks for watching!

[@Motorhaneno]

Is there any product code or type name of the bad so I can search up? I tried to find it but there are plenty of them in the market.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

It's a BMW accessory....

[@Motorhaneno]

I know it is. but there are some large, or medium or small ones. and as size i like yours best ;) (bur size doesnt matter. does it :D)

[@Motorhaneno]

okay i found out that the one you use is the small one.

[@import9163]

Sorry if you have already answered this question. I cannot seem to see anyone asking. What size is that bag? We have large and small available in Canada. I am looking to get one for next season.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I don't know - I'm guessing it's large (as I can't imagine a bigger one!) - but we only get the one model here in the UK....

[@samsara3694]

If it's the expandable 11-15 litre and its 200 quid then it's the large TB. Otherwise it's the 8 litre, which costs £115 and is also available in the UK!

[@christinecreswick8413]

I bought the bag put map tickets etc in the clear plastic section it started raining on my way down to the ferry everything got soaked took it back they replaced it but the second one still lets water into the map section, am I missing something or is it just useless

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I dunno - mine has never leaked!

[@MrRplo]

How do you like the tank bag now after several years of using it or maybe not using it? Functional? Fit? Riding with it?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Very happy with it - always use it on tour...

[@beppesarto]

Good video! Is it the Large or Small version? Thank you very much!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Large...

[@BacktrackADV]

Hi TMF, You mention at the beginning (0:28) that the tank bag is small. Can you confirm for us? Looking to purchase but would rather not get the large if possible. Great videos, great source of info!

[@Urko63]

Hi sorry if you have answered all ready. do you still use this tank bag? Bryan

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I sure do!

[@FranksBmwAdv]

I don't like the strap idea, there are much better mounting solutions for tank bags. Seems to me the movement of bag will put wear and tear on your paint. Also looks like no fun to fuel up. Thanks for the info.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Actually the grippy rubber underside of the bag means no movement and fuelling up really isn't an issue once you are used to it - overall I'm very pleased with the bag - the only real downside (besides cost) is the shiny map pocket which you get glare off in the sunshine...not a problem for me very often alas!

[@olvforet]

Does it fit on a 2014 gsa ? Thanks.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I strongly suspect yes - but best check with a BMW dealer first....

[@olvforet]

I will definitely do so. Thank you.

[@neilhutton1528]

TMF Now that you have used this bag properly on your epic Scottish jaunt (which I enjoyed). What's the verdict?????? Neil

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Neil Hutton Yes I use it a lot - very useful. Get a bit of glare off the glossy window but other than that top notch....

[@brianbrooking496]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Is a tank bag necessary if you have a navigation system and panniers? I just got a bike (finally) and has the vario panniers and a top box. What is the main use of the tank bag? (outwith the map case) I just cant think of what would go in there that I could not store anywhere else? Educate me :)

[@johnball4983]

I've been meaning to get myself one of these bags. No excuse now really? :-)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+John “Johnnyblot” Ball They seem pretty well made and now you know how they fit to the bike....they are quite expensive for what they are though.....cheers for stopping by - TMF

[@MyQUAP]

Is it an original one from BMW? Because I don't really like them, for one reason, they are to expensive, like most of the BMW optional extras. Yes its a good quality and yes quality has its price, but not that much. I got a F800ST with a plastic tank dummy and for a BMW small tank bag you have to pay 120€ plus 25€ for the fastening stuff... WHAT ON EARTH???

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+MyQUAP Yes it sure is and yes it was expensive - I paid around £110 so about 150Euros.....I agree it is overpriced for what it is....

[@arthurb8631]

Another brilliant video

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you Arthur....

[@chris198004]

the issue i have is whenever i go to fill my tank the seat clips fall out then i have to remove the seat and hook it up again.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I have heard of others that have this issue - doesn't happen for me with the seat on it's low setting - do you have yours set high I wonder?

[@chris198004]

Hey Flyer. Yes mine is in the high setting. I have been placing some cloth tape but tends to not last very long due to the heat i guess. Still falls out now and then. Maybe rings like the one for the front strap would be a better idea. Great Vids!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I guess it's the seat height that makes the difference then - I have no issues with mine coming adrift - thanks for the kind comments Chris, all the best - TMF

[@nikoscosmos]

Looks a bit of a faff compared to the tank ring systems!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Nick Laskaris yeah it might be Nick, I don't like the way the bags with the tank ring fittings don't seem to sit securely/snug on the tank though, plus the tank ring fitments themselves look a bit ugly to me, given I will only use this bag infrequently I therefore opted for this strap on type....but time and usage will tell!! Good to hear from you again, hope you're well???

[@nikoscosmos]

Thanks, yes i'm breathing. Just took delivery of an Adventure and now fitting my essential mods and waiting for the rain to stop...

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

+Nick Laskaris ....I know the feeling, what a grim weekend it's been in Blighty....

[@czondag]

I think SW motech has a much better solution than this 1999 bmw strap idea 😂,

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Actually this works pretty well I think - much better than the Ducati one I use on my Panigale...

[@mikeyb6737]

Its tiny

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I find it perfectly usable and have used smaller in my time!

[@andrewtofts7884]

Hi TMF, hope everything is well with you. I am thinking about getting one of these and wondered how you were getting on with yours. Cheers, Andy