Rynox Optimus-M Tank Review
I have been using motorcycle-specific luggage for a few years now, but the Rynox Optimus was the first tank bag that I got myself. Having spent over six months with it, the Optimus has now become an important part of my motorcycle rides. Here are the things I liked about the Rynox Optimus-M tank bag, and a few shortcomings –
What we liked
One of the reasons I picked up the Optimus was to smuggle my helmet in flights, as airlines officially do not allow helmets inside the aeroplane cabins. And it has proved to be very effective! I have never been stopped at security checks since I started using the Optimus. It can be converted into a backpack and the security personnel do not bother questioning you about the helmet when it is packed so securely. The main compartment even has an elastic fastener to hold the helmet in place.
The main compartment can hold up to 31 litres when expanded completely. Then there are three storage compartments on the outside which allow quick access for knick-knacks, and a hidden pocket at the bottom. Needless to say, there is no shortage of storage space.
There is also a transparent pocket on top, which I use very often to keep my phone. It comes handy when you need to navigate through some place. And while it is of utmost importance to keep your focus on the road while riding, you can also keep an eye on the phone’s notifications while keeping it safe from the elements. Mind you, the pocket isn’t waterproof.
The Optimus ships with a rain cover. Although it is not completely waterproof, it is an effective safeguard against rain. It can also be folded and stowed easily in one of the pockets.
Shortcomings
During a recent ride to Ladakh on a Royal Enfield Thunderbird, the Optimus kept sliding down while riding through bad roads. The magnets failed to hold the bag in place because of the combination of the inclined fuel tank and bad roads. I had to eventually remove a few things from the bag to lighten it.
The base material around one of the five magnets has started to tear. It is too early to see such signs of wear-and-tear on the bag. As it is not a manufacturing defect, it is not covered under the warranty. The surface has also developed a white layer due to exposure to water. Nevertheless, the company does have a policy where it will repair the damage for a fee.
It is very cumbersome to mount the Optimus on a motorcycle with a plastic fuel tank. Even after using the straps supplied with the bag, it refused to stay in place on my Apache as well as it does on a metal tank. Mind you, Rynox does sell an Optimus-S variant with suction cups at the base in place of magnets, which is meant specifically for bikes with plastic fuel tanks.
Verdict
At Rs 3,450, the Rynox Optimus-M is very reasonably priced, especially when you consider that tank bags from international brands cost at least twice as much. It has abundant storage space, a decent rain cover and versatility of a backpack which make it worth the money. However, I wish the build quality of the base was better and the magnets were more powerful.
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