Harro Tankbag
HARRO TANKBAG
EVALUATION
Tankbags are the best all-around carrying device that can be connected to a motorcycle because they are adaptable to all kinds of motorcycles, are small enough not to get in the way while being large enough to carry the necessities of life such as six-packs and a week's dirty laundry. At least a good tankbag is big enough and small enough and can be adapted to all kinds of motorcycles. Some can't do any of those things.
One of the best tankbags around is the Harro. Actually, it’s not so much a tankbag as a collection of carrying devices, each one made slightly differently so there’s a Harro tankbag to fit your carrying needs whether you need to carry a wallet or a 22 lb. turkey.
Originally we were sent the model 413, a small bag intended for enduro bikes. It was large for an enduro bike, really too large, but it made a dandy compact tank bag for small street bikes or for around-town use where a large bag would be cumbersome. The small Harro 413, like larger Harro tank bags, has a foam base that straps around the steering head and around the gas tank, making a secure and easy to mount base. A well made leather bottom bag zips to the base and has a detachable, expandable upper compartment with map case and adjustable holddown flap.
As a product, the Harro 413 is hard to fault. It attaches well to a variety of bikes, is exceptionally well made and highly versatile. But most of the time we want a larger tank bag, something with enough space for an overnight trip or to carry enough camera gear for a road test, so the 413 was sent back and we asked for the larger, universalmount model 416 ZN.
Like the smaller model, the 416ZN has a foam base that conforms to most common tanks and straps around the steering head and around the back of the gas tank for a secure fit. The buckles rest on leather pads to protect the gas tank and the straps are long enough to fit easily on the largest of motorcycles. Moving the bag back on the tank to fill the bike with gas requires loosening the forward strap, not difficult, and recinching the strap when done. The straps, about an inch wide and oneeighth of an inch thick can irritate some riders who hug a gas tank with their legs and find the straps rub into
their legs, otherwise the mounting is fine.
The leather base is strong enough to hold its shape and protect the contents of the lower compartment. About 15 in. long, the lower compartment tapers from a width of 9.5 in. at the front to 6.5 in. at the rear of the bag, corresponding to the shape of most motorcycle tanks. The bottom compartment is about 3 in. tall, the entire bag being only an inch taller if the top compartment is folded down and empty.
The top compartment zips onto the bottom and is made of a rubberized canvas. Fully extended, it’s about 9 in. tall on top of the base.
On top of the top compartment is a clear vinyl map pocket, accessible only from the inside so it should remain dry. The zipper at the top of the expanding top portion is covered by an overflap
and the entire bag can be protected by an optional waterproof cover.
Both of the Harro tankbags used proved to be excellent carrying devices. With the rain cover attached, they were absolutely waterproof and even without the cover nothing ever got wet in light rain.
More than the convenient size and large volume of the 416, the Harro bags are noteworthy for their quality. It’s entirely possible one of these bags could outlast a motorcycle. Everything on the Harro bag is first rate from the brass zippers to the leather base compartment. And good quality accessories aren’t cheap. List price of the 416ZN is $98.95 with another $6.95 for the waterproof cover. The smaller model 413 lists for $74.95. Available from Bavarian Cycle Works, 385 8th St., San Francisco, Calif. 94103.
