A tank bag with expectations

[Barbarian]

I've written another article over at webbikeworld about the Ixon X Pand tank bag. If you're looking for something a little larger than a map holder, it's a good pick.

[heath3n]

Great Review!  Now see if you can get a Joe rocket Manta XL tankbag to review. :P That's one of the ones on my list, but I'm a review freak and hate to buy something without having see a few reviews of the product.

[Barbarian]

I've seen the Manta, and I prefer the Gears Canada Classic. Even if you have to fold up your map page a bit, the Classic is a nice bag with loads of extras.

[Red01]

Based on the other tank bags I'm used to seeing, that one looks like it's mounted on your bike backwards. I'm used to seeing the opening of the bag & the carry handle face the rider and the flat, style-less surface face the front.

[ZenMan]

Excellent review... lots of pics and detailed commentary. Well done!

I'd love to see you do a review on the Dowco Rallypack Value Series. For an unbelieveable $108.99 + shipping, you get a tank bag, tail bag, and 2 saddlebags... a basic, no-frills set of soft sport-luggage for the weekend warrior on a budget. Good quality and looks good, too. You just can't beat it for the price.

Check it out:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/5600/ITEM/Dowco-Value-3-Piece-Tank-Bag-Set.aspx

I purchased the more expensive Rallypack Deluxe Series set, which you have to buy seperately... but the total price was only about $175 plus shipping. They are larger, enough to hold all my gear and clothes for long trips.

You can check out Dowco motorcycle luggage and their line of bike covers here:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/146/MANF/Shop-by-brand-Dowco-Street-Bike.aspx

I'd put my Dowco luggage up against any of the more popular, pricey brands like Joe Rocket or Nelson-Riggs... and I think the Rallypack set looks better. They are made with tough, thick-grade nylon canvas and heavy-duty zippers. The internal plastic inserts hold their shape even when stuffed with bulky camping gear. Both the tank and tail bags are expandable (Deluxe Series) and have lots of mesh pockets built inside. I even brought a watermelon home in the tailbag once.

I really can't say enough about this product... I don't know anyone else who has purchased or has any Dowco stuff, but I think they deserve more exposure. The value is excellent, and if you don't care about impressing people with fancy "name brand" labels and just want a good set of luggage without paying out the nose, you should take a look.

Ok, end of spiel... sorry!  

[Barbarian]

Based on the other tank bags I'm used to seeing, that one looks like it's mounted on your bike backwards.

I operated on the assumption that the triple tree strap belonged where I found it when I took the X Pand out of the plastic bag it came in. I could flip it around, but it doesn't really matter with rectangular bags. It's just aesthetics, right? Besides, I prefer having the flat side towards me when I ride so nothing rubs against my belly...

Zen that Dowco looks like a steal. Want to lend me your stuff so I can check it out ;)

Next article: winter gloves (Joe Rocket bad, GKS Ganka good) and maybe another one on winter/wet weather pants.

[Red01]

I operated on the assumption that the triple tree strap belonged where I found it when I took the X Pand out of the plastic bag it came in.

I figured that was the case. I didn't think you actually put it on backwards. Just making a comment on how the bag itself looked a little backwards.    

[Barbarian]

For what it's worth, I flipped it around today for a ride out to the in- laws. No real difference in anything, except that when I took it off the bag, the tree strap flopped around a lot more, since it no longer had a pocket to tuck into...