As a motorcycle journalist who’s always on the move, I’m on the lookout for a convenient way to carry my essentials on a motorcycle. In the past, I’ve managed with backpacks but it’s the first time I’ve tried out a tank bag and, as a quick access tool, it certainly makes life easier.
The Rynox Navigator is their smallest tank bag that’s been designed to carry a few daily essentials and then some. Cargo volume, hence, is a pretty decent 15 litres. That’s enough to hold my phone, wallet, a spare T-shirt and a foldable rain jacket. There’s a nifty Velcro loop on the underside of the lid that can be used as a spare/house key hanger. Below this are two cargo nets for carrying knick-knacks. Two side pockets, large enough to hold papers, make up the rest of the storage options. The 2021 model also gets YKK zippers for better durability and puller tabs for ease of use.
The mounting system is pretty simple. Three monopole magnets at the base attach the bag firmly to a bike’s metal fuel tank. If you don’t have a metal fuel tank, there are straps to hold the bag in place. A new rubberised PU material ensures the paintwork isn’t damaged or scratched. I, however, make it a practice to wipe the tank and the base of the bag with a microfibre cloth, for added peace of mind.
All through a 2,400km round-trip, in rainy weather and on pockmarked roads, the bag stayed on securely. Rynox suggests using the supplied quick-release straps in addition to the magnets, when mounting a fully loaded tank bag. However, I never felt the need to use them. Speaking of straps, the 2021 Navigator gets an additional set of these along with attached D-rings to mount it as a tail bag. Having tried this on a Triumph Trident (that has a plastic tank cover) the bag sits securely. In addition, the detachable shoulder straps allow you to convert the tank bag into a sling bag, making it convenient to carry the bag once you’re off the bike.
The supplied rain cover works as expected to keep your belongings dry in a downpour, although the outer surface of the bag did get damp. Another point to remember is that, once the rain cover is on, you can’t use the transparent smartphone screen to view Google Maps. Maybe the next iteration could do with a clear screen on the rain cover.
Overall, the Navigator is quite a nifty way to carry your stuff around at a very reasonable price. To me, the convenience of accessing anything quickly, even with gloved hands is what seals the deal.
Where: www.rynoxgears.com
Price: Rs 2,200
Dinshaw Magol
Rishaad Mody
