DIRTSACK FORESTER NEO EXPANDABLE Tank Bag
June 2, 2016DIRTSACK FORESTER NEO – EXPANDABLE “tank it or tail it, youse it as you like it”
The scalability of the Dirtsack DG3 (read review here) floored us and we decided to opt for another product. After scouting by land and checking the Rhino, the DIRTSACK FORESTER NEO fit perfectly. Thus, creating a balance in terms of costs vs storage capability. To aid our review we approached a fellow rider who was already using the RACEPACK KTM – EXPANDABLE , on his KTM Duke 390. Since our test subject is a close cousin of the KTM Duke 390 we mounted the bag to check before making an actual purchase, it fits like a dream.
The KTM 390 and its close cousin the Pulsar 200 NS
The Pulsar 200 NS gets Racepacked
Just that the straps we a tad bit short for the bike. in the KTM’s case it has the trellis frame whereas the NS does not. Now this did not deter us from finalising our plans. It gave us an opportunity, one to explore and toy with.after much deliberation we purchased the magnetic version from XLIMITZ ADVENTURE WORLD’s Yerwada Store(If you are reading this a note of appreciation for your salesperson who not only attended to my questions but took the initiative sort out a few concerns). The product purchased was the older version on sale with them. Both versions have a difference in the way BACKPACK straps are setup. Apart from that there is no other visible differences.
DIRTSACK FORESTER NEO – Green for the Blue Print
Given the fact that the tank bag is going to be extensively used until it finds itself a successor it makes business sense to settle for this one. To be used on magnetic and non- magnetic surfaces alike. Are we impressed with the product, well it is too soon to comment. However, yes whether purchased from whichever channel, sale or not the product definitely is value for money.
While on the magnetic surface sans the straps the bag tended to shift while the motorcycle went off road or on pothole ridden roads. Whereas on even surfaces it holds its own. The ideal solution is to fasten the bag along with the straps provided or use bungee cords to anchor it down. Yes, they do have loops for the use of bungee cords or ropes. I Am sure that am still yet to unwrap the glitches irrespective of those who have already gone the distance with the DIRTSACK FORESTER NEO.
Irrespective, it is a well thought out product and this is a thought worth thinking about!
Note the glow of the 3M reflectors when the flash is used..
Mag – Neo
DIRTSACK FORESTER NEO – no strings attached
So throwing in a few nick nacks, loose cables and action camera accessories we were off to celebrate a close friend’s birthday. Packing in two cameras worth of fitments turns out to be worth the while. The bag was full with no need to expand it. The sling strap provided, makes it easy to tug along for the purpose of a sling/office bag. Though not yet tested it is safe to assume that an iPad, diaries and other items should be a snug fit in this bag without any hassle. After all why should rider’s restrict its use to just rides. What’s more, take to the office and college too!
Shaken but not stirred, At the foothills of Tamhini Ghat..
DIRTSACK FORESTER NEO – Sans the Maglev
After the Mag-Neo test we decided to NS it out. Installing the DIRTSACK FORESTER NEO on the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 takes longer than 5 minutes the first time. After that all I had to do was decide: whether the crash guard or the rear foot pegs. In both cases, it is a snug fit so as long as you have bolted the straps on and adjusted it to size. Here with a little innovation the retrofitted straps are a blessing indeed. We extend our gratitude to the person who got this “update” in place. It truly is worth every minute of labor down to the last second spent to get them made.
DIRTSACK FORESTER NEO – charge your gadgets on the go !
The bag held its own while travelling the Pomgaon route between Maale (Mulshi) and Jambulene near Aamby Valley.
Rear footrest view – Left
Rear footrest view – Right
Where are the straps??
( Yes the picture is of poor quality, but its upto the richness of your observatory skills to find them)
DIRTSACK FORESTER NEO – Tail it, as you like it
The tank bag did serve its purpose, however there was another purpose – Tail bag. Quite simply the rear foot rest was but the obvious choice. Simply meander the steering strap from under the tailgate to the corresponding side. Then, buckle it in and strap it out! For all the while it was there, over 12 hours it didn’t budge. Even with the sudden downpour, putting the rain cover is not as tough as made out to be. Unless, you left your patience to baby sit your sanity at home. Having said that, even chaos has a method – just pull the cord here!
With Sourabh Sane – Cofounder, The Saddle Store
This review isn’t over yet, many more miles to come, abhi toh touring season shuru hui hai.
As per the manufacturer’s website here is a detailed specification of the DIRTSACK FORESTER NEO – EXPANDABLE
(This is for the Latest version available)
- Heavy denier ballistic fabrics exterior for extreme durability
- Neoprene padded base to negate damage to painted and chromed surfaces
- Expandable ? by 4 inches & 4 litres
- 100% waterproof all weather cover in concealed stow pocket
- Reinforced side walls and base for added strength and shape retention
- Seams are bound on the inside and stress points are reinforced
- Soft plush interior lining
- 8 ‘Rare Earth’ Magnets anchor bag to tank
- 2 additional secure mount straps provide added security and a 0 displacement fit while fully loaded and on those off road runs
- U-shaped open loading main compartment allows easy packing and access to contents
- 3 exterior zippered pockets + 1 transparent map pocket
- Includes a secure clamped, seam sealed , rain cover in a stow away pocket
- Additional straps enable more secure bike mount or convert the bag into a compact back pack.
- 3M 500 cd lux high visibility reflective tapes on 2 sides for safe low light riding
- Heavy duty YKK zippers & slides
- Dimensions: L38/B25/D20
- Capacity: 16 litres expandable to 20 litres
