National Cycle Storage Pod
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Product Feature
- National Cycle's extremely versatile four liter rear Storage Pod is a great addition or alternative to the standard tank bag.
- In addition to the Pod's main compartment, four zippered storage compartments (three main compartments and one document holder) are attached to a cleverly designed removable tray.
- Stuff them all and fill the top cavity of the pod, or remove the tray altogether to open the space into one very large main storage area.
- The hook-and-loop hinge makes removal of the tray a snap.
- Sturdy double zippers keep everything secured inside while the pod's web straps and coated hooks attach it to the bike.
Product Description
Plenty of length in the web straps is included to make mounting the bag - under the seat, to the rear tail cowling, or through a rack - an easy process. Excess strap is pulled to the inside of the bag, keeping everything tight. Dimensions: 6.0 - 4.5"H (tapers front to back) x 12.5 - 9.0"W (tapers front to back) x 13.75" (15.2 - 11.4 x 31.8 - 22.9 x 35 cm). Volume (approx.): 1 gallon / 4 liters.National Cycle Storage Pod Review
I've lived with this tail bag for nine months now and I've been please with the purchase. As anyone with a sport bike knows, there's just no place to put anything. Saddle bags seem like overkill and a tank bag just might not float your boat. I personally don't want anything touching the paint on my tank, so I was looking for a tail bag. I settled on this one after looking for quite a while.The good: First, On a sport bike's rear seat, this will look good. It's nicely sculpted with a pleasingly swept-back look. Unlike a lot of tail bags it is not a lumpy blob sitting on your rear seat. It's rigid and looks like it belongs on the back of your bike. I have a Ninja 1000 and it looks like it should've been original equipment. Second, I've ridden in the rain with this on the back and although it's not billed as waterproof, I didn't have any issues with water intrusion and everything stayed dry. Third, the interior pockets have a decent amount of utility in keeping things in place. I keep a tire repair kit, a brush, a small pocket knife and a small air pressure gauge in one of the three pockets and have plenty of space left. I keep a pair of cheap rain pants under the insert. If the insert gets in the way you can easily remove it (or flip it over and just make it the bottom of the bag). And as long as you're not planning to take the kitchen sink with you and you do some planning you can fit a surprising amount in it.
The bad: While you can fit a surprising amount in it, the first surprise is all you get. It will not expand because of its rigid construction. There are certain things that just will not fit in here, so plan carefully when taking a trip. It's also not going to let you fit certain things without a bit of work, such as a pair of shoes, sized 9+. It's best for a lot of smaller things. Second, you're NOT going to open this while riding, so don't even think about it. If you do you'll end up losing everything in it. And that assumes that you can reach it while riding (which I wouldn't recommend). This is purely for accessing things when you're stopped. Third, this is not a very secure place (theft-wise) as there is no lock and unless you mount it like I did, there's nothing to really stop anyone from simply taking the entire thing if they feel so inclined (unless you modify it as I did- see below). Of course, you're on a bike, so that's not a surprise. Fourth, the thing unzips around the edges. This means that you need to be prepared for things to fall out if they're not secured.
The worst thing, however, is the mounting system. It seems like it has a clever system, and it is. Unfortunately, it just didn't work well for my bike and probably won't for yours. Attempting to get the hooks to hold onto the bottom of the seat was asking for disaster. Fortunately, however, this was something easily remedied by a trip to the hardware store to purchase four small bolts (with nuts), four itty-bitty clamps and four d-rings so that I could mount the d-rings under my seat and then clip the hooks to the d-rings. Problem solved. And it holds up to at least 120 mph. Not that I'd ever go that fast, mind you...
On the whole, I'm happy with my purchase. For a sport-bike rider with a need to have a place to put small things to carry around and who doesn't want a tank bag or a back-pack, this will serve the purpose. It also looks better than the average strapped-on tail bag. If you want something expandable or that be your only luggage for overnight trips, this won't be big enough for you.
Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "National Cycle Storage Pod" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from National Cycle Storage Pod ...

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