Motorcyclist Tested: Cortech Super 2.0 10-liter Tankbag

Not all motorcycle luggage needs to be the size of a steamer trunk or as elaborate as a John le Carre plot. Sometimes you just need to tote your daily stuff to and from the office, or add just a little bit of convenience to your bike's normal baggage. And that's the perfect place for Cortech's Super 2.0 10-liter Tankbag, the smallest of the Super 2.0 lineup. (Click here to see the even-smaller Micro 2.0 bag.)

I have been using the magnetic-mount 10-liter bag for several months on a range of bikes with metal tanks—and even my own KTM 990 SMT that has a steel rear rack just big enough for the Cortech to lie flat. Eight magnets, four on the flaps, keep the bag secure as long as all of them have a clear shot to a magnetic surface. The magnets in the flaps are attracted to those in the base so the flaps stay tucked away when the bag’s off the bike. Nice touch.

I have been using the magnetic-mount 10-liter bag for several months on a range of bikes with metal tanks—and even my own KTM 990 SMT that has a steel rear rack just big enough for the Cortech to lie flat. Eight magnets, four on the flaps, keep the bag secure as long as all of them have a clear shot to a magnetic surface. The magnets in the flaps are attracted to those in the base so the flaps stay tucked away when the bag’s off the bike. Nice touch.

On the bike, the Cortech is super convenient. Measuring about 6.5 by 10 inches along the floor, it’s big enough for a memo book, a flat-repair kit, a pair of gloves, and a sandwich. A small pocket along the rear edge is big enough for keys or a moto fob (like BMW’s or Ducati’s keyless systems), while another compartment on the leading edge holds the included rain cover.

Inside there are two mesh pockets on the long side, two flap-secured pockets in the lid, a lanyard for keys, and a pen holder. It sounds good but the execution is a little off: The larger of the two lid pockets is clearly meant for a mobile phone, but it’s about 4.3 inches deep—or about an inch too shallow for an iPhone 6. Perfect if you’re still packing an iPhone 4 or maybe haven’t given up on your flip phone. On top is a map pocket too small for much of a map but big enough for a small GPS or your SPOT Tracker.

The listed 10 liters of total capacity is with the accordion base opened and expanded, otherwise it’s a 5-liter bag. Expanding the gusset makes the bag a bit less stable, but not enough to cause problems. Today’s Super 2.0 10-liter bag replaces a version that was 10 liters flat, with no accordion panel. Because of that, the inner side pockets were usefully large and the bag was a little more stable on the tank when filled. But it also was taller regardless of what you’d want to pack.

Still, we like this tiny tankbag, which comes in magnetic mount or a strap version for $20 less. Rather than lug around that big backpack of yours or bolt your bike’s hard luggage in place for the daily commute, try the Cortech Super 2.0. Even at 10 liters, it might just fit the bill.

PRICE: $100, magnetic mount; $80 strap mount
CONTACT: cortech.net

A super handy small tankbag perfect for daily chores. Partial demerits for too-small interior pockets.