Rk Accessories Mirage Ii Tankbag

RK ACCESSORIES MIRAGE II TANKBAG

EVALUATION

BACK-TO-BASICS BAG

NOTHING CAN SCREW UP A GOOD, sound design quicker or more thoroughly than trying to improve it. Because in the process, it's often meddled with and gussied up until its fundamental goodness gets hopelessly compromised. Improvements and innovations have their place, but sometimes it’s better just to leave well enough alone.

RK Accessories apparently subscribes to that notion, as evidenced by its Mirage II tankbag, a classic four-pouch design constructed with proven materials. For example, the top-loading, 18-liter main compartment uses urethane-coated 1000-denier Cordura for the exterior, a 200denier oxford nylon lining (also coated), !4-inch-thick foam in the sides and lid, polystyrene stiffeners front and rear, and acrylic fleece to prevent scratching the bike’s tank. Unlined exterior pockets on both sides and in back, a map window on top of the lid, and a three-point mounting system complete the basictankbag formula.

But the Mirage U’s makers could not resist fiddling with the formula just a little, so they made all three exterior pockets removable. Each one secures to the main bag with metal snaps and a strip of Velcro, and they all have belt loops sewn on back. Fortunately, their fiddling has wrought a genuine improvement, letting a rider conveniently tote small items away from the bike; most other tank-top luggage forces you to choose between taking the whole bag or nothing. In addition, there’s the usual carrying handle for off-bike portage, and RK includes 1-inch-wide nylon straps to convert the bag into a backpack.

RK also employs 1-inch straps for its version of the familiar three-point mount system. D-rings cinch the front pair to the bike’s frame members, and the rear strap either uses Drings or a rubber-covered clip that hooks over the lip on the back of most gas tanks; Fastex buckles connect the bag and straps. It’s a simple— but effective—system, too. Given widely spaced front mounts, the bag stays securely anchored, even when it’s fully loaded and the rider is snapping the bike into corners.

In handling its loads, the Mirage II is as thoroughly conventional as you'd expect from its design—and just as practical. The traditional fourpouch layout allows a rider to organize his load, and he can stuff' in enough gear to dress to the nines on a weekend hop. Moreover, he needn't fret about arriving with wet skivvies if the clouds open up. despite the lack of a rain cover. RK relies entirely on the fabrics’ urethane coatings for weather protection; and although it refused to rain during our testing, experience with other RK luggage suggests the Mirage II should keep its contents dry through all but the worst deluge.

All in all, then, RK Accessories (RO. Box 1006, Windsor, CA 95492-1006; [707] 928-4643) deserves a round of applause for resisting the temptation to fiddle needlessly with a classic design, instead coming up with a wholly, unabashedly ordinary tankbag. Don't misunderstand, though: In this case, that epithet amounts to high praise.

Unfortunately, however, the Mirage II (available in black, silver, white, red, blue and navy, in single colors for $100 or tri-color for $115, with a lifetime guarantee) is so ordinary it might get overlooked. That would be a shame, because it's an honest, functional piece of luggage— and graphic proof that sometimes it's best just to leave well enough alone.