SW-Motech Tank Bag (Formerly Bags Connection)

Micro Tank Bag

What was known as Bags Connection is now SW-Motech. Here's the link to an earlier review of the Bags Connection model "City" from a previous post:  http://www.airheadmoto.com/reviews/2014/3/bags-connection-review

Here's a quote from their website: "SW-MOTECH’s history began in the year 1999 with the development of touring gear made from metal, while BAGS-CONNECTION’s first line for high quality textile accessories started production in 2003. Shortly after, the two companies found common ground in their passion for motorcycle accessories. A history of jointly produced products was the result, and today SW-MOTECH in more than 60 countries stands for a long term expertise in engineering and manufacturing of textile and metal solutions alike." For more information: www.sw-motech.com

It's the same bag, but the mounting rings on both the bag and tank are different. I had the "City" style bag on my '13 RT and switched over to the smallest size available, the "Micro". It's intended to carry just the bare essentials, ie. phone, keys, wallet, sunscreen, sunglasses, ear plugs, etc. 

I believe that the tank sits a little higher than the older style, but that may be due to the keyless entry to the gas tank which is new on my '17 RT. 

Notice the gap between the tank and bag. 

The bag cost approximately $103 and the tank ring added another $40+-. You can still order the older style tank rings if you have the Bags Connection type that you want to move over to a new bike. 

Here's the new style base on bag.

...and here's the mating tank ring.

Here's the older style bag base. It looks very different, but both the new and old look very well made and sit on the tank ring without any loose movements. 

Installation is easy. The tank ring has four holes and supplied with four new screws (longer than OEM) four spacers, a base for the tank ring and the tank ring itself. Goes on in minutes. The base on the bag is not installed. You have to do that yourself, by placing it on the tank ring, adjust it to where it fits (move it back and forward) and looks best (making sure it's not to front forward to interfere with anything (turning radius). Keep your desired location by lifting the bag and base up, off the tank ring, mark its location. Once you know where you'd like it to sit then it's just a matter of drilling four holes, with the supplied drill bit, and screwing on the base plate through the velcro closed inner covering and you're done. Just snap it on, pull the cord to take it off and it's that simple. 

Essential carrying handle makes it a snap to carry around with you. 

For those unfamiliar with the quality associated with these bags, it's great. The ballistic nylon will take a beating, on and off the tank.

These bags have a handy carrying handle so you can just pop the bag off the tank and take it with you or lock it up in your saddle bag during those extended pit stops. They also come with a rain cover that will cover the bag in both when extended and non-extended. 

The little Micro almost doubles in size when expanded. Note the sealed port for your ear phones or an external power cord.