Since I bought my first tank bag in 1984, I have always had a bag on my motorcycles tank and for many years a Harro Elefantenboy was a faithful and practical companion. When I bought the Honda NC 750X, I thought that the big «frunk» would take over the tank bag’s job. But I quickly found that a tank bag will be a good supplement to the frunk. I always have small things with me such as a camera, for which it would be nice to have easy access to.
I started to orientate myself in the market. I had two requirements; the new tank bag had to be waterproof, and it had to be small and have a clear plastic pocket on top. A bit of googling revealed that Givi had made a tank bag (EA116) for the NC 750X, but it only fit the previous model. The strap fasteners that adorned the frunk lid on the previous model are gone. I looked further and found two options: the Givi GRT716 and the Schad SW23.
I decided for the Givi GRT716. It is compact, holds only 6 liters, but this is enough for my camera and small things that are practical to have readily available. It is waterproof, so I don’t have to bring an extra rain cover. With this tank bag I now have room for everything I need for a day short trip with an overnight stay, toiletry bag, civilian trousers, and shoes plus a little more, without luggage at the back.
Before I placed an order, I had to find a practical way to attach the Givi bag. Straps were not applicable. I began to look around. In my search I came across Tenax buttons for canopies. Better than traditional push buttons, and easy to install and with a good hold, I found that they would be perfect for my use and ordered four complete buttons in black, as well as a key to fasten them with. The male plug has 5 mm metric threads, while the female part requires an 8 mm hole and is screwed together using the key.
The Givi tank bag was ordered and arrived a few days before the Tenax buttons. I tried the bag on the bike, and it fit perfectly, has the perfect size and sits where I want it to. I still have access to the latch to the rear seat and the frunk. In other words, I can refuel without removing the tank bag. The fasteners for the straps were snapped off. When I got the Tenax buttons I drilled 5mm holes in the front cover and in the frunk cover, these matched the position of the flaps on the tan bag, and I mounted the buttons, so they hit the buttons on the bike.
The result was great. The tank bag fits well. Is easy to take off and put on. I can easily open the frunk, just must unfasten the front buttons, the rear buttons can still be attached to the frunk lid. If I take off the tank bag, the fixings on the bike are barely visible.
I’m starting to take possession of this bike now, and the card with Nils Aas drawing Maasen (the Seagull) which has accompanied me on all motorcycle trips since 2014, is back in place on top of the tank bag.
