It might be worth it as the bag fits perfectly on the bike and attaches to a ring lock on top of the fuel tank so there is nothing to scratch the tank.
You will need to order 3 different parts to assemble a full tank bag; this I only discovered after the tank bag was delivered, there are no required mounting parts (see tank bag instructions on the V-Strom 1000 ABS blog).
In addition to the tank bag itself, called the Suzuki Ring Lock Tank Bag (Part 990D0-04600-000; $249.95), you will also need a ring mount (Part 990D0-04100; $52.95). US) and ring mount adapter (Part 990D0). – 04610; $56.95).
Depending on shipping, you can save a few dollars by purchasing the SW-Motech tank ring for $39.99.
You can then purchase the Twisted Throttle SW-Motech/Bags Connection fuel tank bag, which is available in many different shapes and sizes (Twisted Throttle is a webBikeWorld affiliate seller).
In fact, the Suzuki accessory tank bag and fasteners are said to be manufactured by SW-Motech.
My biggest complaint about the Suzuki tank bag system is that the owner has to drill through the bottom of the tank bag to install the adapter plate piece that snaps onto the filler ring.
Suzuki has to do this in the factory, primarily because for the price they charge, it should be a no-frills process.
Do you really want to buy a $250 gas tank bag and drill some holes in it first?
I found the instructions quite vague, which is my second complaint. It took me a long time to figure it all out, and there are actually 3 sets of instructions, one for each part, which makes things more difficult.
It doesn’t help that the instructions for the ring and adapter on the tank show the line drawings in the instructions for the tank bag.
But now that I’ve done all the hard brain work, you can use this detailed webBikeWorld review as a reference, right? !
Here’s a hint: after many “I told you so” lessons I’ve learned the hard way, the most important thing you can do is read the instructions slowly and carefully several times until you fully understand them.
Lay out all the tools, all parts and equipment and familiarize yourself with the nuts and bolts. Then do a test run of the entire program before launching.
Trust me, once you find something different from what you originally thought or envisioned, the extra time and effort is well worth it.
This is a photo of the instructions. If you click the text link in the instruction box, you can view larger individual photos of each instruction showing the required parts, equipment, and tools. There is also a link below the photo to a .pdf line drawing that perfectly illustrates the assembly, i.e. how the damn thing fits together.
You will need a Phillips #1 screwdriver (I use the excellent Wiha Micro-Finish screwdriver (review)) and a 3mm and 4mm hex wrench (I use a Craftsman T-handle hex wrench (review)).
You will also need a metric scale (ruler), an electric or cordless drill, and an 8.5mm bit or its old school equivalent 21/64 which is only 0.2mm smaller.
Please note that Bags Connection brand EVO tank bags using the same closure method come with an 8.5mm drill bit.
The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS fuel tank bag is a welcome addition to the Adventure model’s cargo capacity.
The Quick Lock tank bag attachment system works well and prevents the bag from rubbing against the paint. It is quite easy to remove, but it is easier to install on the retaining ring.
The initial installation process was more complicated than it should have been, but anyone with basic mechanical skills and some tools should be able to do it. Don’t forget: read the instructions carefully and take your time!
From JP (June 2014): “I installed an SW-Motech version EXACT tank bag on my Suzuki GSX1250FA and traded it in for my 2004 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom. The price put me off too, but I liked the design, so I pulled the trigger.
I also took the time to install the device, measuring it twice, thrice, four times, five times… before finally drilling through (!) my new bag. In the end, it was worth it.
I love the quick set up and take down, the way it stays unpainted, and the way it allows me to use my iPhone 5S as a navigation device.
I bought an accessory holder that can hold my phone or GPS device and it worked great. I also bought a hell of a few hundred dollars already, a box of maps attached to the top of a bag of road maps. nice results.
So with a full monty I have my phone, navigation, phone power and maps all at my fingertips in this very practical fuel tank bag. Expensive, but very functional and easy to use setup.
Oh, my release strap was in place on my SW-Motech version and it snapped nicely into the room’s arm. If you can afford a coin, this is a worthy addition to the bike. ”
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Post time: Nov-07-2022
