Bags Connection Quick Lock Evo Sport Tank Bag

Bags Connection Quick Lock Evo Sport Tankbag – Review

Bags Connection – now part of SW Motech – has built something of a reputation by taking traditional motorcycling accessories and then applying ice cool German Technik to create something similar but better; usually more functional, often better made and always easier to use. Their Blaze Panniers (which we reviewed a while back) are a case in point. We were so impressed with them that we decided to fit the matching tank bag to our long-term tester, Kawasaki’s ZZR1400. We went for a medium sized option – the Quick Lock Evo ‘Sport’.

The USP of these bags is connection to the tank by a mounting plate that bolts onto the fuel cap. A push / pull catch enables the bag to be rapidly attached and removed with a click.

The system works on both metal and plastic tanks and you can say goodbye to flapping straps and paint-scratching magnets; pop-on, pop-off with a secure mounting and easy removal whenever needed, so simple it’s surprising no one’s thought of it before.

The ‘Evo‘ version we’re testing here is the latest iteration of the Quick-Lock system. That’s been available for a few years now, but this version is updated to create an even more secure 4 point mounting and a neater, more streamlined fit for modern sloped tanks.

Click Image to go to our install video

Check out the install video that accompanies this article to see how we got on with fitting. Click image to go to video now..

Features

The Sport is a medium capacity bag, which we chose as an appropriate partner for the Blaze panniers we already have on the ZZR, as each are really designed for commuting or weekends away rather than full-on touring. The bag has a capacity of 14 litres, expandable to 21 by means of a zip.

You get an integrated map holder, pockets inside and out, plus cable ports for GPS and other gadgets ( a fully wired version is also available). There is reflective detailing, a carry handle, shoulder strap and storm cover.

Construction is 1680 Ballistic nylon (the ‘ballistic’ bit alludes to the origin of the material, used in WWII flak Jackets – so you can be sure it’s tough). Zips look tough too, but for extra piece of mind there’s a 2 year warranty.

How it works…

In order to use the bag you need to shell out for the bag and a tank ring mount. The ring bolts onto the fuel filler cap and once secured you can use it with any bag from the Bags Connection Quick Lock range. Inside the bag you then fit a black plastic inner mounting as shown above.

Once the tank ring is installed and the inner mounting is aligned inside the bag (see fitting video) you can use the bag of your choice simply by pushing gently down until the locking mechanism engages.

Release is via a pull cord at the front. The outfit doesn’t interfere with fueling (indeed fill ups are easier than with a strap-on or magnetic bag) and it makes getting the thing on and off really quick at then end of the trip.

Accessories

Accessories including Sat Nav mount are available

The basic bag and mount can be supplemented by a range of add-ons which include a luggage lock, GPS mount and dry bags for smart phone and tablet.

You can run your gadgets via grommets in the bag powered from your own connections, or there’s an electrical version of the tank ring which brings power into the bag in a neat and unobtrusive way.

Install

If you watch some retailer videos, you’d think the install of Quick Lock bags was as simple as popping a few bolts, but there’s a bit more to it than that. See HERE.

The oddest part is that you have to drill holes in the bag. Yup, you read that right; a £150 bag and you need to push a fast rotating piece of metal right through to get it to fit.

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The advantage of this system is that it enables a precise fit to your own bike – as you can chose exactly where the holes go. Nevertheless we were surprised that such an information-age product could have such an iron-age install process. It wasn’t too difficult though, and a template is provided. You can see how we got on in our video.

First Impressions

At around £150 for the bag and tank ring, this is not a budget item. Then again, it’s not budget quality either. Construction is robust and materials very good. It all looks neat, practical and a bit posh. Pretty Germanic then.

Attention to detail is great too, for example the elasticated loops that stop the zipper ends flapping about, or the inclusion of a cloth carry bag for when the tankbag is in storage off the bike.

Using it

We used the bag both on a daily commute and for a weekend-in-Wales trip. Total mileage was about 600 and the bag came on and off about 20 or so times.

Capacity is fine for taking a change of clothes, a tablet, your lunch, a smart phone and various bits and bobs. With the Blaze panniers as well there’s just about enough room fully expanded for 2 people on a weekend away (see the Blaze review for what we managed to get into the panniers). For the commute it’s great, although the bag is too small for a laptop, even expanded.

The best thing about the bag though is, as you might expect, the way it just pops on and off. Centering it precisely over the mounting takes a few times to get right, but once you have the trick it’s easy. Given that bags are not very secure, its handy to be able to just pop it off and take it with you.

Durability

Materials look good enough for this bag to last, and this seems to be the case judging from real-world feedback from online forums. Zips look better than some of the competition – notably Oxford, which seem a bit more flimsy in comparison.

We had a slight tumble on the ZZR – nothing serious – just a low speed off which left the bike on it’s side. The crash bungs took the force (we have rear one’s too so no damage to panniers). Happily the tank bag also stayed attached and unharmed.

Conclusion

This is a high quality piece of kit; well made and likely to last. Price isn’t cheap but it matches quality, yielding good value for money in our opinion. The bag fits neatly onto the tank of our ZZR and takes a good amount of gear without getting in the way. Design is thoughtful, and access to the contents of the bag easy, even with cold, gloved fingers.

Best of all is ease of use, with the bag popping on and off the tank with ease. No scratching, no flapping straps and no hassle, and yet it’s secure even in a crash. The whole thing feels so much more appropriate for modern, plug-and-play living. Perhaps one day all tank bags will be made like this.

Our only gripes are that, for the price we’d hope for a waterproof outer shell rather than the old fashioned ‘incontinence pants’ rain cover that comes with it. We also think that the outer pockets could do with a bigger capacity. But these are small quibbles. It’s a great product.