Motorcycle tank bags

Safety and quality for motorcycle tank bags

The "GS" seal stands for "Geprüfte Sicherheit (Safety Tested)" and indicates that the goods concerned comply with all valid relevant statutory requirements. Furthermore, it is a sign for the vendor/customer/consumer that the given product together with its usage instructions and method of manufacture has been put through a thorough safety check. TÜV Rheinland Product Safety GmbH is one of the organisations authorised to perform such checks. All the points covered by our test programme, which in this case was developed specifically for motorcycle tank bags, were carefully selected by experts with great experience in the sector concerned and/or in the field of quality assurance.
The main focus of our work is to test the product's safety.
Nevertheless, the aspects of practicality and usability as well as that of the market situation at the given time were all taken into account when developing the test programme.
In hundreds of similar cases we have drawn up test programmes for products for which no standards or other guidelines existed at the time. This is just another reason why our safety- and quality-conscious customers consider us to be a competent and objective partner.

In its role as an independent testing institute, TÜV Rheinland is able to provide manufacturers with certification of their products' high safety and quality standards by means of the test seal/ certificate it awards. The test the products undergo are advantageous to manufacturers in other ways too. They can help:

• strengthen customer confidence
• make products stand out from those of competing companies
• improve marketing strategy
• improve internal quality structures
• cut costs in various areas
• avoid complaints
• improve and stabilise manufacturing quality
• achieve optimum results usage for input into new designs
• meet Product Safety Act requirements.

We hope the above details in respect of our test programme for motorcycle tank panniers and luggage systems has aroused your interest and would be delighted if we could co-operate on this basis.

Test programme
As the original text of the test programme provides in-depth coverage of the subject matter concerned, we have produced the following brief overview of the individual test phases for quick reference purposes.

The following general requirements are tested with due consideration given to the specific characteristics of the product concerned:

1. Materials
1.1 Non-metallic materials
Resistance to weather-related/mechanical stress when vehicle is in motion
1.2 Metallic materials
Resistance to corrosion in respect of the metal components used
1.3 Resistance to fuel and oil

Resistance to fuel and oil in respect of the base plate/fastening systems/connections

2. External design
2.1 Nature of finish
Search for and examination of any sharp corners/edges or other potential sources of injury
2.2 Size (also see ride/practical test section)
Usability/Hindrances such as movement restrictive features etc.
2.3 Shape
Compatibility with one or more motorcycle and/or tank types

3. Fastening/Adjustment system
3.1 General requirements (for all fastening/adjustment systems)
3.2 Functionality (for all fastening/adjustment systems)
Usability/Strength/Safety tests using test persons
3.3 Strength test (for all fastening/adjustment systems)
Determination of minimum tensile strength in main direction of force
3.4 General requirements (for magnetic motorcycle tank bags)
Adhesive capability in respect of height and volume
3.5 Adhesive durability (for magnetic motorcycle tank bags)
Reduction in adhesive strength may not exceed 10% during the course of the product's anticipated service life

3.6 Resistance to cracking (for magnetic motorcycle tank bags)
Susceptibility to crack damage when dropped accidentally or subjected to impact
3.7 Restrictions in functionality (for magnetic motorcycle tank bags)

Disruption of functionality of other components/equipment, e.g. engine control system/cheque card

4. Carrying facilities/Additional components
4.1 Grips, eyelets, loops
Minimum strengths/Investigation of any permanent damage and impairment
4.2 Straps
Ergonomic Services/Functionality/Practical test
4.3 Other accessories

Examination of additional components/accessories in respect of safety and functionality

5. Operating safety
Quasi-static stress
5.1 Slippage resistance

Test performed in laboratory with 15% inclination (product filled as per manufacturer's instructions)

5.2 Lifting forces/Forces in direction of travel (at top speed too)
Calculation of resultant forces (max. travel and wind pressures)
Dynamic stress
5.3 Vibration tests

Test performed with 15 % inclination/frame acceleration of min. 1.5 g

6. Ride/Practical tests
6.5 Hindrance test
6.5 Brake test
6.6 Behaviour through bends/in inclined position
6.7 Maximum speed
6.8 Manoeuvring

Remarks: during the ride tests, the driver should not suffer any major hindrance. Neither the tank pannier nor any individual components thereof should come loose (slippage of < 3 cm from the initial position is considered to be excessive). Furthermore, no damage to the product such as cracks in seams, fractures etc. should be identifiable.

7. Labelling
7.1 General
Durability (embossing; sewn-on labels or similar)/Comprehensibility/Visibility
7.2 Details

Information on cleaning/care/risks, designation, weight of contents, other information

8. Usage instructions
8.1 General

Comprehensibility/Completeness - comprehension and practical test using test persons
8.2 Details included in the usage instructions

See section 7.2/+ description of special functions/fastening system/safety measures.

We are always at your disposal. Please contact us!