Viaterra Fly V2 - Non Magnetic DSLR Camera TankBag / Tailbag - A tank bag designed for the motorcyclists who are keen photographers as well.
Why the Viaterra Fly V2?
After having spent a good amount of time on reading up on them online, had to get down to the basic requirement first. It should serve the purpose, should be adaptable, reliable, affordable, should look good and lastly should be available. Short-listed the following >> Viaterra Fly V2, Dirtsack KTM Racepack and the Rynox Optimus S.
A non-magnetic version works on both metal and non-metal tanks on motorbikes. Also works as a tail bag. Has clear compartments to hold a DSLR camera along with its relevant stuff. An online purchase was doable but a hands-on feel of the product before purchase is always better. A price of Rs.2900/- is definitely worth it and it looked smart. The deciding factor was the subtle branding of Viaterra as against the Rynox or Dirtsack. Personally, not happy with flashing a brand, no matter what the product or company. Finally, on deciding which of them checked off the requirements, promptly went over to Let’s Gear Up, the only motorbiking retail outlet close to me that had stock of it.
Viaterra Fly V2 on the outside
Comes built in a rugged 1680×1680 denier synthetic fabric (with ULY coating) on the outside. Has a flat zip pocket on top with a 4 corner plastic clip removable map pocket attachment with a zip on the underside. The Fly V2 has two tapered zip pockets on either sides with 3M reflective lining at the centre in between the folds. A handle on the front and a not-so-evident but flat small zip compartment at the rear which is likely meant to store the rain cover.
Well padded shoulder straps are fixed at the front while the other ends are to be attached to two D rings at the back, to make it a backpack. When unused, the shoulder straps can be neatly tucked away into the space provided. A foam padded faux leather base with three point attachment points – one corner has two clip fasteners with a short adjustable strap in between (this goes around the neck of the bike if used as a tank bag or around the tail light section if used as a tail bag) while the other two corners has the double-D fasteners with straps going through them, each strap containing a loop at one end (these go and strap around the frame section of the bike if used as a tank bag or around the rear foot peg section if used as a tail bag).
On how to mount/dismount this product on your motorcycle, check videos available online for tanks in non-metal or in metal. The grey coloured rain cover that comes with it has an elastic band with a short Velcro strip at one end. The rain cover when folded, is supposedly to fit into that little zip pouch at the rear but it’s a tight squeeze, so store it into the flat zipped pocket on top instead. If using the Fly V2 as a tail bag, remove the map attachment and store it away here as well.
Note that in the first six pictures, the background is a 2×2 feet vitrified tile flooring to give a sense of its size.
Viaterra Fly V2 on the inside
The top section is unzipped to flip open and give access to the inside, that which comes in a 150×150 denier lining (with PU coating) with a load capacity of 14 litres that is expandable to 18 litres with the help of the zip running around the top lid area. The inside of the top section contains one zipped mesh pocket for spare batteries, cables, etc. Comes with a shape retaining removable padded inserts with Velcro divider flaps for fitting of camera and its equipment. If not carrying a DSLR, simply remove the designated padded insert and get a lot more space in there to pack.
To get an idea as to how much can be packed into the Fly V2 meant for a couple of days trip, this is how I worked with it. Although would have preferred to use all transparent covers or zip lock bags for extra measure, I have just made use of the plastic covers got when purchasing clothes at any good brand outlet. Do use whatever suits you or simply ignore the separate covers used here.
- White cover: One jeans, a compact sweater, a pair of casual/night wear, inner-wear (3), small perfume
- Red cover: T-shirts (3), a compact quick-dry towel, spare balaclava
- Blue cover: Rain pant and jacket (with reflective strips), ventilated reflective half jacket
- Transparent cover: Riding boots cover, flip flops
- Transparent cover (small): 3 pairs of socks, 2 spare plastic covers/zip-pouchs
- Transparent cover (small): Miner’s lamp with extra batteries
- Left outer pocket: Toiletries zip pouch, compact quick-dry hand towel.
- Right outer pocket: Medical/First aid zip pouch
Alternatively, if using this as a tank bag to hold your camera or just the frequently accessed items such as documents, rain gear, tool kit and medical kit, then a tail bag or saddle bag ideally would hold most of your clothing along with the rarely accessed items during the ride.
Note that all clothes are rolled up and tucked in one direction along the length of the bag.
Observations on Viaterra Fly V2
- Rear end of the Fly V2 doesn’t come with reflective strips, which would have been helpful.
- The rain cover doesn’t quite cover the bag entirely when in its expanded state and the single elastic strap with a small Velcro patch to hold it down isn’t reassuring. An extra bungee chord over it might be required or two adjustable straps with clip fasteners would be good.
The Viaterra Fly V2 works efficiently as a tank bag or as a tail bag just as well. For the purpose, it’s definitely worth the price.
Other notable alternatives for reference and worth checking out : Nelson Rigg – Sport Adventure, Giant Loop – Diablo Pro, Icon – Primer, Givi – EA 110, Wolfman – Blackhawk, Cortech – Super 2, Moto Detail – City 2, Held – Agnello Velcro 4421 WP, Oxford – First Time, Richa – Multi Tank Bag.
However, do note that NOT all of the above mentioned alternatives are likely to be available for purchase at a motorcycle accessories store near you.
