Rogue Tank Bag

ROGUE TANK BAG

CW EVALUATION

Sportbike carry-all

SOFT LUGGAGE COMES IN A WEALTH OF capacities and colors, but Rogue's all-leather tankbag promises something more: It's tapered to complement a sportbike's racy ergonomics.

Rogue’s Kurt Jennings wanted a distinctive, large-capacity tankbag that didn’t interfere with his Suzuki GSX-R1100’s riding position. So, he plopped 100 pounds of potter’s clay on the gas tank, then sculpted and smoothed until he found a suitable shape. Unlike many conventional tankbags, which are often manufactured from cordura nylon, though, Jennings’ finished product is hand-sewn from garment-grade cowhide. A central, one-way zipper runs the length of the bag, similar to a shaving kit.

Problem is, leather can break down when exposed to the elements. Jennings acknowledges that the bag’s chemically treated leather is not waterproof, and that stored items may get wet (a waterproof zipper, a raincover and a removable map pocket are in the works). Also, the Rogue is devoid of pockets inside or out. On the plus side, the bag holds its shape without cardboard or plastic inserts.

Nylon straps and a pair of quick-release buckles anchor the bag securely in place. To prevent fastener-to-paint contact, Jennings recommends placing swatches of leather (included) under the plastic buckles-a stop-gap measure at best. Slippage was not a concern, even under full-throttle acceleration, heavy braking or through bumpy transitions. As a bonus, the bag can be transformed into a light-duty backpack with a provided strap.

At $125, the Rogue (P.O. Box 85, Auburn, NE 68305; 402/274-4970) is more expensive than most tankbags and not nearly as versatile. But for the high-style sportbike rider who craves carrying capacity and doesn’t want to compromise his ergonomics, the Rogue is a viable-if not ideal-choice.