Ducati Small Tank Bag

[scooter]

My dealer called today and told me my tank bag finally arrived. So, I pick it up and it turns out to be the dreaded "flies off the bike" small bag, not the big bag with bra I ordered. So, I did a quick search to re-read all the old threads on this bag and, before I return it, I wanted to ask if this is actually the same bag. The only reason I'm even considering keeping it is because it's a great size for carrying my lunch, a camera or other small stuff.

The part number is different than the one mentioned by BlackbirdXX. His part number was 96749006B and my GT bag is 96752607B. Obviously, this difference might simply reflect the difference between his Paul Smart and my GT. But, does anyone know if Ducati addressed the problems with this bag?

Here's a quick description of my bag. The tank protector has 4 straps, 2 up front and 2 in back. It has a hole for access to the gas tank and 3 round, not quite quarter sized magnets. The bag has a clear cover insert for maps with single zip access, a small strap with rubber/plastic grip at the top and a large black plastic "D" ring (2 total) sewn to each side of the bag right where the small strap attaches to the bag. Inside the bag there's a very simple adjustable strap with black plastic clips that attach to the "D" rings.
"Ducati" is stenciled in black on each side of the bag and on the front of the protector. The bag has two chrome zippers.

The magnets "seem" very strong. They attach with a solid "clunk". So, those of you who tried this bag and suffered greatly, do I have the same bag or something different?

[MrStinky]

I have the same bag and it has yet to fly off. If you lean over the tank just right and nudge it loose i can see how it might go airborne. Get some circular adhesive velcro and stick them over the magenets...that should add some security to it. The leather tank protector looks really sharp w/o the bag too. I'd say keep it unless you need a bigger bag.

[DERJ]

Originally Posted by MrStinky

Get some circular adhesive velcro and stick them over the magenets...that should add some security to it.

You do have the flyer and I agree with our stinky friend except I didn't stick the circular adhesive velcro patches (black industrial strength BTW) over the magnets. I fit three patches to sides and in between the magnets because I found the rearmost magnet to be a good repositioning locator for the bag at fueling up. The bag can and will fly off (if you depend on only the magnets) but is far more prone to flying when you have a few pounds of weight in it. Since I velcroed it, it ain't never going nowhere and I love it's convenience.

[slowerthan]

As wonderful an invention as Velcro is, I find that it does not hold up well to repeated use. If you plan to take the tank bag off repeatedly, eventually, the Velcro loses its effectivness, and the grip gets progressively weaker. The speed at which this happens is a simple function of how often you pull it apart.

My point is that if this is the bag you want, yes, Velcro will make it work better, but it is not a permanent fix, and you should plan on replacing the Velcro periodicaly. If that is too much of a hassle, or more importantly, if this isn't the bag you really want, I'd exchange it for the bag you ordered.

[BLACKBIRDXX]

Originally Posted by scooter

My dealer called today and told me my tank bag finally arrived. So, I pick it up and it turns out to be the dreaded "flies off the bike" small bag, not the big bag with bra I ordered. So, I did a quick search to re-read all the old threads on this bag...

Hopefully you have read:
Ducati Tankbag

[dietrichpfeifer]

Is there any way to use the D rings on the bag to attach it to some kind of safety clips on the tank protector? Like maybe small carabeeners (sp?).

[scooter]

Thanks everyone! I did read all the previous threads, I think, including MMarsh's horror story. I was hoping Ducati addressed the problem but my educated guess is this is still the same old bag with a different, GT-specific, part number.

Here's what I'm thinking. I don't want to keep this bag as a replacement for the bigger bag. The bigger bag is perfect for those weekend rides 2-up that we'll take every now and then. For everything else, especially when I ride to work, the small bag would be much more convenient. I'm leaning towards having both, although I may just take a look at a non-Ducati version of the larger bag to save some cash.

I'm going to play around with this small tank bag for a couple of days. As suggested by some, I'll add velcro if I keep it. I was also working on some sort of safety strap using the D rings as suggested by Dietrich.

If we figure out something particularly clever, I'll post an update. And, if I wind up losing my digital camera, I'll definitely post an update.

[BLACKBIRDXX]

Originally Posted by dietrichpfeifer

Is there any way to use the D rings on the bag to attach it to some kind of safety clips on the tank protector? Like maybe small carabeeners (sp?).

That's basically what I did. I used some of that webbed strapping material and couplers like on most tank bags.

As I mentioned before, I have NEVER seen a magnetic tank bag without a safety strap of some sort.

I think this is another example of Ducati's "boutique" mentality. Maybe Ducati should have added some fringe to this tank bag.

[Xannadu]

Any chance of a pic of your safety strap blackbird? (or can i find one on pakbikes)

[BLACKBIRDXX]

Originally Posted by Xannadu

Any chance of a pic of your safety strap blackbird? (or can i find one on pakbikes)

Attached are three images of what I am talking about. You can pick up the webbing and "buckles" at any camping/outdoor store. Same stuff most tank bags use to attach to a bike. The webbing in the images is 1" but you could use smaller.

I buy the webbing by the 50 yard spool and have a box-o-buckles. I use this stuff for securing all sorts of things.

Its right up there with 3-M Dual Lock, zip ties and Duct-Tape

Hope this helps.