Product Review: Mustang Tankbag

 

 

While planning for this year's (2006) Ladakh ride I had one thing in the back of my mind, how I was going to carry all the luggage that I needed. On my previous trip I had to carry a 10kg backpack on my back which caused a lot of discomfort. While this year I had the option of carrying most of my stuff in the saddle bag and a backpack tied to the rear seat of my motorcycle, there was still some stuff left which I didn't wanted to carry on my back.

While shopping for spare parts in Karol Bagh (New Delhi) I went to Chopra's to get a visor for my helmet. While there I enquired if they had any tankbag. They showed me Mustang tankbag, while it looked a little bigger then the Cramster tank bag and the quality and finish was ok as well, the cost turned out to be the icing on the cake. At Rs. 535 it was a steal, I Immediately brought one for my upcoming trip to Ladakh

In the photo you can see the tankbag mounted on my Bajaj Pulsar 180 Classic with stock handle bars. Beside the main compartment which is expandable (fully expanded in the photo) there is a top pocket with pocket with transparent top which can be used to store maps, GPS, watch, compass etc. Beside this, there is a detachable goggle/spectacle case and a small pocket toward the rider which can be used to store mobile phone, money etc. Bag has seven magnets (three on each side and one in the middle) which hold it in place in even the bumpiest of terrains. This tankbag should fit most of the Indian and imported motorcycles unless the motorcycle has a really small petrol tank.

During my Ladakh ride I had opportunity of putting all my gear, motorcycle and myself through some of the most challenging terrain and weather known to men. Here is my take on this tank bag...

First and foremost I was impressed with its carrying capacity which took in quite a lot of my luggage which other wise I would have had to carry on my back.

Secondly the material used in the construction of the bag seems waterproof and while on my way to Baralacha La I encountered light showers for over half an hour and water did not enter the bag. Having said that the top transparent pocket might be susceptible to water leakage due to the positioning of the chain.

Top transparent pocket is a real boon, now you can carry a Map and Compass and can checkout directions with ease.

While the magnates do a fantastic job of holding the bag in place, they do rub a little bit with the petrol tank and that causes the paint to faint. Best way of avoiding this damage is to use scotch tape at places which will come in contact with the tankbag or use any other packaging material which would be able to prevent or minimize the damage.

Another problem comes when you are negotiating traffic and/or hairpin bends at slow speeds, at which point the handle bar comes in contact with the tankbag. Which causes a little bit of problem and annoyance especially when the horn switch comes in contact with the bag and causes the horn to go off! However the same issue is also documented with the use of Cramster tankbag.

Last but not the least I had problem with the chain of the main pocket, which ended up with a small non working area in the middle, it might have been a one off instance or due to rough handling on my part. However the last thing any one would want is a non working chain in the middle of nowhere! My advice carry safety pins just in case the chain develops any issues.

In the end the Mustang tankbag did the job what it was suppose to do and I am satisfied with its performance. Although I might not carry them on every one of my trips, but they are a life saver when it comes to really long trips and at Rs. 535 they are a steal. The only thing missing is a small plastic cover like the one that comes with Cramster tankbags which will further improve Mustang tankbags ability to withstand rain.

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