Last week I had the chance to buy a original Energica Tank Bag for small money because the guy who sold it had no use for it anymore. Knowing the RSP (over 300 €) I took immediately the opportunity (to have it not needing it is better than the other way round
)
First impression: the bag is big.
REALLY BIG!
It has an extension fold and according to Energica can hold 16 liters. Without the extension out I guess it carries about 12 liters. Probably this does not include the two small side bags (good for glasses, handkerchiefs, snacks...) and the flat top compartment with a transparent window (good for gloves, scarf, bible...).
Carried effortlessly my charging brick, rainjacket, extra set of gloves and some small stuff (all in the main compartment without the extension).
It has a carrying grip, comes with shoulder strap and a rain cover.
The bag is fixed by clamps (front) and a 'click'-fix (back) on a 'carpet' which in turn is helt by straps (front left & right) and a screwed down strap (tank backside under the seat). To a certain extend, the position of the bag can be adjusted back and forth. The 'carpet' is soft underneath and the straps are also designed to minimise chafing on the tank.
The fixings do not look much, but they hold at least to 180 km/h (testing to that speed that was enough for me
).
PRO's- Large bag.
- High quality manufacturing (at least looks and feels that way). No cheapo stuff as far as I can tell. Should not damage the paint as everything looks properly covered with soft stuff.
- Flat compartment on top with integrated velcroed compartment with transparent window maybe for GPS or phone.
- Extension fold with zipper.
- Easy to de-chlip from the holder/carpet. Can be carried by handgrip or with included shoulder straps.
- Included high quality rain cover.
- Installed and dismounted in two minutes with a 3 mm hex.
- Will most probably not interfere with aerodynamics, i.e. no increased energy consumption.
CON'S- Large bag
When all compartments are really filled to the max the view to the speedometer can be restricted, especially if you are smaller and the bag is positioned more to the front. I had some problems looking at my phone which is positioned in the vicinity of the bar holder. See pictures.
- Even if not filled, the top compartment with transparent window is what feels like directly under your nose. For me in a position useless e.g. for a GPS or a phone with route finder. The velcroed compartment is too small for my phone (admittedly which is an iphone Plus).
- The 'carpet' fixing straps flap around. See pic of the backside strap. For that money I would expect something like Kriega puts on their bags to keep the from flapping.
- Destroys the sleek look of the bike (at least to my taste). See pictures.
SUMMARYIf you like tank bags, want large capacity, have money to spend and do not mind the looks, that bag is something for you. Be prepared to adjust your phone/GPS-holder for a better view. If you are a small person, that bag might sit too high (Ribelle).