I've got this idea...

for a hard case tank bag, specifically for my BMW R12GS. I'm thinking
welded and formed sheet metal.
It'll have:
a lockable lid with a map window.
the sw-motech Quicklock attachment, but I'm not sure they sell the bag
side hardware without a bag.
A neoprene pad on the bottom to protect the tank.
Detachable shoulder strap.
Electrical port.
Minimum 1/2" radius on the corners.

Two challenges: one, simply making the thing. I'm not a welder, and I
don't have any metal forming tools. Second, designing the shape. My
bike is in Germany, and I need to make the bag here at home in
California so I can take it with me the next time over. I need to find
a sample bike here and figure out a way to model up the shape. The GS
has a strange shaped tank, a high dome with steep sides, and the bag
must conform to that. And the bag needs to accommodate the handlebars
at extreme swings. Both are just challenges that I know are
surmountable.

Comments, criticism, & suggestions welcome.

 

As you say, these things are mere trifles of challenges.

Find a similar bike, learn to design and prototype, buy metal forming
tools, learn to weld.

Easy!

 

outsource it to Vern

Easier

http://www.projectvnd.com/

 

Yes they do:
http://www.motohaus.com/acatalog/Accessories_for_the_Quick-Lock_tankbag_system.html

I realise that this is UK based, but their customer service is
excellent so worth giving them a call.

 

pay attention to detail design in the seat to tank transition area, lest
your nadgers be grindled and pulled through ye motts.

Otherwise, go for it, what could possibly go wrong...

 

Bookmarked.
Ta.

 

If only he were within 1000 miles of me. Dang.

 

That's reminded me that I need to give him a bell and see how he's
getting on with the panniers he's making for my Tenere.

If you draw up what you want and send him details he'll certainly have
a look at doing something for you. Try him and see what he says.

 

What's wrong with a soft tank bag, like everyone else seems to find
more than adequate?

--
Lozzo
Versys 650 Tourer, CBR600F-W racebike in the making, TS250C, RD400F
(somewhere)
BMW E46 318iSE (it's a car, not one of those 2-wheeled pieces of shite
they churn out)

 

useless at removing bollocks in a crash.

 

I'm surprised Touratech don't do a R12GS bollock remover - they do just
about every other useless accessory you could possibly imagine.

--
Lozzo
Versys 650 Tourer, CBR600F-W racebike in the making, TS250C, RD400F
(somewhere)
BMW E46 318iSE (it's a car, not one of those 2-wheeled pieces of shite
they churn out)

 

You can be the first UKRMer to ride my S1000RR next year

 

Cheers, I look forward to it. It'll probably be quite a revelation
compared to the BMWs I've tried so far, but I'll still wait a couple of
years before deciding if it really is the great bike everyone says it
is - there's still the reliability issue to be addressed.



--
Lozzo
Versys 650 Tourer, CBR600F-W racebike in the making, TS250C, RD400F
(somewhere)
BMW E46 318iSE (it's a car, not one of those 2-wheeled pieces of shite
they churn out)

 

The biggest accessory Touratech do is a Versys 650 Tourer.

 

Security. I want to be able to leave the bike, with an expensive
camera, laptop, ipod, and any other crap that fits, in the tank bag
and not have to worry about some scrounger unzipping it. I lost a soft
tank bag and some nice gear in Barcelona to a thief. I'd like a tank
bag that's as secure as the panniers.

 

My (Baglux) tankbag has straps so it can be worn like a rucksack, so
it just gets carried everywhere. Mind, I only have a notepad, not a
sodding great laptop.

 

petrolcan wrote:

For use when the R12GS breaks down again.

Speaking of which, I saw another one broken down on the A413 south of
Aylesbury today, AA van in attendance.

--
Lozzo
Versys 650 Tourer, CBR600F-W racebike in the making, TS250C, RD400F
(somewhere)
BMW E46 318iSE (it's a car, not one of those 2-wheeled pieces of shite
they churn out)

 

I carry just the essentials in my 2 litre capacity Baglux Tweety
tankbag - reading specs, wallet, phone, tobacco and lighter. Like
Colin's it has a strap so it can be slung over my shoulder or I can
carry it by the handle. There's no way I'd leave valuables in a soft
tankbag anywhere. I always leave a little room in the topbox or a
pannier so I can chuck the empty bag in there if required and put the
contents in my pockets. Something like a laptop would go in the topbox
every time, **** carrying it in a tankbag.

--
Lozzo
Versys 650 Tourer, CBR600F-W racebike in the making, TS250C, RD400F
(somewhere)
BMW E46 318iSE (it's a car, not one of those 2-wheeled pieces of shite
they churn out)

 

I don't think the SW Motech Quicklock device provides the secure locking
you desire. Stick your expensive electronic toys in the panniers or a
topbox. Or leave them at home and make do with a 200 quid netbook whilst
travelling.

 

No container is entirely secure, ever. We make judgments on acceptable
risks, and deal with it. The Quicklock is obscure enough to defeat the
casual grab and run artist, and an obvious lock on the case will deter
a few more. And perhaps with some aftermarket engineering, it can be
made more secure.
I'm one of those who carry waaaay too much gear, and the panniers are
always full. Then there's the duffel bag on top with camping and beach
gear (wetsuit, fins, mask, snorkel.) For peace of mind that the duffel
won't walk off, I have one of these:
http://tinyurl.com/32v83se
I've always had a tank bag - for me they're invaluable. In all my
years of touring, the Barcelona debacle was the first theft. My Pan
Euro has a locking glove box, and it seems a logical extension to have
a locking tank bag.