Inflatable paramotor bags: how they work and how to install them
Endurrad technical guide
The bag that inflates on the crash bar, explained piece by piece
Six liters of waterproof storage attached to the crash bar tube and, once inflated, an air cushion between the motorcycle and the asphalt. Here you can find out how the LOBOO Wanderer BHGB05T works, how to check whether it fits your motorcycle, how to install it, and what the manufacturer actually states.
Every piece of data comes from the LOBOO manual, the official technical panels, or a laboratory test report. Anything the manufacturer does not state is written here as not stated.
In brief. An inflatable crash bar bag is a waterproof bag that attaches to the crash bar tube (in English crash bar) and takes shape thanks to an air chamber: it is inflated by hand with an integrated pump and, when inflated, fills the space between the bar and the fairing without wobbling. The LOBOO Wanderer BHGB05T is sold as a pair, one bag per side, with 6 liters per bag, and requires a 25 mm diameter round tube.
The manufacturer's stated figures. Water resistance IPX7, meaning it remains sealed even during temporary immersion; load capacity not less than 300 kg with the bag inflated; protection guaranteed for at least 6 hours with a single inflation; fastening with an M6×10 screw tightened to 12 N·m. It is not an approved safety device and does not replace crash bars: it presupposes them.
Who it's for. For anyone who already has crash bars with a 25 mm tube and wants a dry, lockable compartment that can be accessed without opening the panniers, then removed at the end of the trip.
| Data | Value | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Package | Pair: 1 left bag + 1 right bag | LOBOO manual |
| Capacity | 6 liters per bag, 12 liters total | LOBOO manual and panels |
| Bag dimensions | 230 × 100 × 330 mm (width × depth × height), including valve | LOBOO dimensioned drawing |
| Required crash bar tube | Round section, 25 mm diameter | LOBOO manual |
| Water resistance | IPX7, with an airtight waterproof zipper | Manufacturer's declaration |
| Load capacity with inflated bag | Not less than 300 kg | Manufacturer's declaration |
| Duration of one inflation | At least 6 hours of protection | Manufacturer's declaration |
| Fabric | 70% TPU and 30% nylon composite, 840D weave, 0.6 mm thickness | LOBOO technical panels |
| Fastening | 5-position buckle with an M6×10 screw tightened to 12 N·m, straps with Duraflex buckles | LOBOO manual |
| Anti-theft | Stainless steel cable with keyed lock, defined by the manufacturer as “primary anti-theft” | LOBOO manual and panels |
| Laboratory tests | TTTS-WF24001497 report according to the QB/T 1333-2018 standard: compliant | Test report, March 2024 |
| Weight | Not stated by the manufacturer | — |
Photo: how it looks mounted on the engine guard
LOBOO's official photos of the bag and its installation on the BMW R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure. Tap a photo to enlarge it.
What is an inflatable engine guard bag
An irregularly shaped empty space remains between the engine guards and the motorcycle fairing. A hard case will not fit in it, while a traditional soft bag will fit but sag and shift. The inflatable bag solves the problem with air: when inflated, it stretches against the tube and fills the space without any play.
Engine guards, crash bars, and protective bars refer to the same component: steel tubes surrounding the engine and fuel tank to protect them in the event of a fall. The bag rests against and attaches to these tubes, never to the bodywork. That is why there is no list of compatible motorcycles: there is a tube requirement, which we will look at later.
The bag does two jobs at once. The first is storage: 6 liters per side, waterproof and accessible while standing beside the motorcycle, without opening the cases or taking off your helmet. The second is passive protection: when inflated, it is an air-filled volume between the bar and the ground.
LOBOO calls it the Inflatable Crash Bar Bag and places it in the Wanderer series, alongside the non-inflatable BHGB11T version. On Endurrad, you can find it on the page for the LOBOO Wanderer BHGB05T inflatable motorcycle bags.
How to inflate it and how long it stays inflated
You need neither a pump nor a compressor. The bag has a one-way valve, meaning a valve that lets air in but does not let it out until you open it, and a built-in pump that you squeeze by hand.
The procedure in the manual
- Open the valve by pressing its switch with one finger.
- Repeatedly squeeze the pump until the bag is full.
- Close the valve by pressing the switch again.
The manual warns that any actions other than these will damage the valve: no pressure pumps and no objects inserted into the switch.
How long an inflation lasts
LOBOO states that a single inflation guarantees the protective function for at least 6 hours. This is a minimum value, not the maximum duration. In practice: if you set off in the morning, feel the bag at your midday stop and, if it feels soft, a few squeezes of the pump are enough.
The shape without air
When deflated, the bag remains semi-rigid and fills out while standing on its own. In LOBOO's comparison table, the structure of the BHGB05T relies on the inflation system: under load, air gives it its shape. The rigid plastic panel, on the other hand, is the solution used in its non-inflatable sibling, the BHGB11T, which we discuss in the comparison.
What it protects in a fall, and what it does not
The most frequently cited figure is also the most misunderstood. LOBOO states that, when inflated, the bag withstands a load-bearing force of at least 300 kg in the event of a sudden accident. It is worth reading it for what it says.
What “300 kg” means
It is the force that the inflated bag can withstand without collapsing. The figure does not specify the fall speed, the type of surface, or the number of impacts: it is the manufacturer's reference for the air chamber's strength, not the result of a standardized impact test.
What LOBOO says about how it works in a fall
On its website, the manufacturer explains that in stationary or low-speed falls, the bag touches the ground before the bar, changes the angle at which the motorcycle comes to rest, and makes it easier to lift. This is the manufacturer's description, consistent with the bag's position: it protrudes outward from the bar.
What it is not
- It is not an approved safety device: the manufacturer does not claim any approvals for this accessory.
- It does not protect the rider: that requires a helmet, riding gear and certified protective equipment.
- It does not replace the engine guard: the engine guard supports the motorcycle; the bag works on top of it.
A practical tip. In a slide, the bag's contents end up between the bar and the ground. Hard objects such as keys, spray cans or tools should be wrapped in the rain cover or a cloth.
Compatibility: the 25 mm tube matters, not the motorcycle model
The LOBOO manual specifies just one requirement: a round-section engine guard bar with a diameter of 25 mm. The mounting system then adapts to irregular, quadrangular or triangular engine guards. The motorcycle model matters only because it determines which engine guard you have installed.
How to measure the tube in two minutes
- With calipers: measure the tube's outside diameter at the point where you want to mount the bag.
- Without calipers: wrap a tape measure around the tube, read the circumference and divide it by 3.14.
- Check the space: there must be room around the chosen point for a 23 × 33 × 10 cm bag, away from the exhaust and engine heads.
- Check the movement: turn the handlebars fully to both sides, with your legs in the riding position and the gear lever and brake pedal unobstructed.
| Tube diameter | Circumference measured with a tape measure | BHGB05T |
|---|---|---|
| 22 mm | approximately 69 mm | Not specified for this diameter |
| 25 mm | approximately 78.5 mm | Diameter required by the manual |
| 28 mm | approximately 88 mm | Not specified for this diameter |
LOBOO engine guards on Endurrad: which ones have a 25 mm tube
The diameter below is the one listed in the specifications for each crash bar. For other engine guards in the catalog, and for original manufacturer or other-brand guards, use the measurement taken on your motorcycle.
Stated 25 mm tube
22 mm tube: BHGB05T not suitable
- CHG862 for Yamaha XMAX 300
- CHG37 for Honda Forza 350
- CHG511 for Honda ADV 350
- CHG332 for Honda X-ADV 750
- CHG102 for BMW C 400 GT
For these tubes, see the BHGB11T non-inflatable crash bar bag, which attaches with adjustable straps.
Do you have a BMW R 1300 GS Adventure? In addition to the BHGB05T on the CHG151 upper crash bar, the catalog also includes a dedicated 5-litre crash bar bag with a rigid shell. If you do not yet have a crash bar, start with the crash bar collection.
Mounting on the crash bar: four steps and a 4 mm Allen key
The manual describes the installation in four steps. The crash bar must already be mounted on the motorcycle: it is the structure to which the bag attaches.
What you need
- 4 mm Allen key, included.
- Medium-strength threadlocker, the liquid that prevents the screw from loosening due to vibrations: recommended, not included.
- A torque wrench, if you want to precisely observe the 12 N·m torque: not included.
Two abbreviations to understand
- M6×10: metric screw with a 6 mm diameter thread and a length of 10 mm.
- 12 N·m: newton-metre, the unit of tightening torque. It is the twisting force used to tighten the screw: no more, no less.
-
Choose the buckle position
The fastening buckle can be mounted in five different positions on the back of the bag and rotates on its own axis. Choose the position that best follows the angle of your crash bar.
-
Tighten the buckle onto the tube
Secure the buckle to the crash bar tube with the M6×10 screw and the 4 mm Allen key, tightening to a torque of 12 N·m. A drop of medium-strength threadlocker on the screw is recommended.
-
Route the straps around the tube
Route the fastening straps around the bar, following its shape, and fasten the buckles.
-
Pull the straps in sequence
Tighten the straps one after another and adjust their length until all slack is eliminated. Then inflate the bag.
Post-installation checks
- Turn the handlebars to full lock on both sides: the inflated bag must not touch the fork, radiator, or bodywork.
- Make sure it does not touch the exhaust or cylinder heads: the manufacturer does not state a maximum operating temperature for the fabric.
- Sit in the riding position: your legs, gear lever, and brake pedal must remain unobstructed.
- Recheck the bolts and straps after the first few dozen kilometers.
The LOBOO user manual can be downloaded here: BHGB05T manual in eight languages (PDF). The QR code on the cover links to the manufacturer's installation video.
IPX7 waterproofing: what it means and how to maintain it
IPX7 is a designation in the IP code, defined by the international IEC 60529 standard. The first digit concerns dust, the second water; X indicates that dust protection has not been classified.
- IPX6: resistance to powerful water jets from every direction.
- IPX7: resistance to temporary immersion, up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes according to the standard.
For the BHGB05T, the IPX7 rating is stated by the manufacturer for the complete bag. Two elements achieve it: the TPU composite fabric (thermoplastic polyurethane, a flexible, waterproof plastic layer bonded to the nylon weave) and the airtight waterproof zipper, a zipper with sealed teeth like those on dry bags.
Beware of confusing product sheets. Some retailers attribute the roll-top closure and IPX6 rating to the inflatable version. These are the features of the BHGB11T, the non-inflatable version. The BHGB05T closes with an airtight waterproof zipper and is rated IPX7.
Waterproof zipper rules
The zipper is the component on which the bag's lifespan depends. The manual gives two rules.
- Pressure: the zipper works properly when the pressure inside the compartment is equal to the pressure outside. If there is overpressure inside, the closure is seriously damaged and has a shorter lifespan.
- Grip: pinch the slider between your index and middle fingers and pull it along the track. Holding it differently makes it slide poorly.
A silicone lubricant for waterproof zippers, applied occasionally to the teeth, keeps the closure sliding smoothly.
Keyed anti-theft system: how it works and how far it goes
Each bag has a nylon-coated stainless steel cable and a keyed lock. With a single pass, it secures two things: the zipper opening and the bag's detachment from the crash bar.
- Pass the cable through the hole in the waterproof zipper slider.
- Pass it through the eyelet provided on the strap.
- Insert the end piece into the mounting buckle housing and lock it with the key.
The manufacturer calls it a primary anti-theft device and specifies that it cannot be used as the main anti-theft device. In other words: it deters someone who opens it out of curiosity in a parking lot, not someone who arrives with bolt cutters. Keep your documents and wallet with you.
One key for everything. According to LOBOO's technical documentation, the key can be matched with the key for LOBOO aluminum cases by providing the key number. If this interests you, write to us before ordering: we will check with the distributor whether matching is possible for your supply.
During installation, check that, in the position chosen for the buckle, the cable reaches its housing comfortably.
Materials and laboratory tests
What it is made of
- Fabric: 70% TPU and 30% nylon composite, 840D weave, 0.6 mm thick. The designation 840D refers to denier, the unit used to measure thread thickness: the higher the number, the thicker and stronger the yarn.
- Closure: airtight waterproof zipper with auxiliary zipper pull.
- Buckles: Duraflex, a brand of technical plastic buckles widely used in outdoor equipment.
- Valve: nylon and silicone.
- Anti-theft system: nylon-coated stainless steel cable.
- Visibility: high-visibility reflective inserts on the sides, that is, on the part of the motorcycle most exposed laterally.
Test report TTTS-WF24001497
In March 2024, the Shenzhen company that produces LOBOO had two BHGB05TBK bags tested by an external laboratory according to the Chinese standard QB/T 1333-2018, the industry standard for bags and backpacks. The overall result is compliant. These are the tests and results.
| Test | Method | Result | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance quality: fabric, lining, zipper, accessories | QB/T 1333-2018 | Compliant in all items examined | Compliant |
| Zipper durability | QB/T 1333-2018 | After 200 opening and closing cycles, no teeth were missing, misaligned, or damaged | Compliant |
| Load-bearing shake test | QB/T 2922-2018 | After the handle test, the sample showed no damage according to the standard's criteria: breaks, open seams, or loose parts | Compliant |
| Durability of plastic buckles | QB/T 5247-2018 | Working after testing | Compliant |
| Corrosion of metal parts | QB/T 3826-1999 | No surface corrosion | Compliant |
| Color fastness to rubbing | GB/T 3920-2008 | Grade 4-5 on a scale from 1 to 5, both dry and wet | Compliant |
| Free formaldehyde | GB/T 2912.1-2009 | Not detected (below 20 mg/kg, limit 300) | Compliant |
| Aromatic amines from dyes | GB/T 17592-2011 | Not detected (below 5 mg/kg, limit 30) | Compliant |
What it covers and what it does not. This is a voluntary test commissioned by the manufacturer on the samples provided: it applies to those samples and is neither a type approval nor a European certification. It does not concern the IPX7 rating or the 300 kg load capacity, which remain manufacturer claims. The report is in Chinese and we can send it upon request.
Dimensions and capacity: 23 × 33 × 10 cm, 6 liters per side
The LOBOO dimensioned drawing lists 230 × 100 × 330 mm per bag, including the valve: 23 cm wide, 10 cm deep, and 33 cm high. The manufacturer warns that the measurements are taken by hand and may have tolerances.
The weight is not stated by the manufacturer, and we do not publish an estimate.
What fits in 6 liters
Six liters per side is the compartment for things you want within reach without opening the cases:
- puncture repair kit and mini compressor;
- rain gear and spare gloves;
- documents protected from water;
- a headlamp;
- a half-liter water bottle with something around it.
It is not the main luggage: it is the external pocket that adventure motorcycles lack. For real capacity, you need cases or panniers.
Inflatable, roll-top, or hard case: which one to choose
The LOBOO Wanderer series includes two engine-guard bags made from the same fabric and with the same capacity, but with a different design. And neither replaces side cases.
| BHGB05T inflatable | BHGB11T roll-top | Side panniers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it mounts | Crash bar with a 25 mm tube | Crash bar, with adjustable straps | Rear side racks |
| Capacity | 6 L per bag | 6 L per bag | Dozens of liters per side |
| What gives it shape | Air chamber inflated with the pump | U-shaped internal PP panel, i.e. rigid polypropylene, removable | Own shell or structure |
| Closure | Airtight waterproof zipper | Roll-top: edge rolled three times and closed with two buckles | Depends on the model |
| Stated waterproof rating | IPX7 | IPX6 | Depends on the model |
| Passive protection in a fall | Yes: stated load capacity ≥ 300 kg per inflated bag | Not stated | Not their function |
| When it makes sense | You want a waterproof compartment, lockable closure, and an air cushion on the crash bar | You want a compartment that keeps its shape even when empty, or you have a different tube from 25 mm | You need the main luggage for the trip |
| Feature | BHGB05T | BHGB11T | Motorcycle panniers and bags |
Those who want inflatable technology for their main luggage will find the 23- or 30-liter Alps inflatable motorcycle panniers in the same family. They mount on side racks instead of crash bars. Compatible racks, spacers, and load per side are explained in the guide to inflatable motorcycle panniers. Crash bar bags and panniers are not mutually exclusive: the former keep what you need during the leg close at hand, while the latter hold the rest.
All bags for mounting on crash bars available on Endurrad are collected in the crash bar bags collection; those with an air chamber are in the motorcycle inflatable bags collection.
What is included in the package, and what is not
Included
- 2 inflatable bags: one left and one right
- 2 fastening buckles
- 2 lock cylinders with clips and 2 keys
- 2 M6×10 screws
- 4 mm Allen key
- User manual
Not included
- Crash bars: they must already be installed on the motorcycle
- Threadlocker for the M6 screws, recommended by the manufacturer
- Torque wrench
- Free shipping in Italy on orders over €100
- Free shipping in Europe on orders over €250
- Returns within 14 days of receipt
- 24-month legal guarantee of conformity for consumers
Maintenance and usage limits
Maintenance
- Open and close the zipper only when the pressure inside the compartment is equal to the outside pressure, pinching the slider between your index and middle fingers.
- Occasionally lubricate the zipper teeth with a silicone product for waterproof zippers.
- After use on roads treated with salt, rinse with fresh water.
- Store the bags deflated and dry, without tight folds in the fabric.
- Before setting off, check the inflation by hand and make sure the straps and screw are tight.
Limitations to know
- They require engine guard bars already fitted with a round 25 mm tube.
- The 300 kg load capacity is a manufacturer's statement, not an approval.
- The manufacturer does not state the weight, the fabric's maximum temperature, or provide a repair kit for punctures in the air chamber.
- The anti-theft feature is a secondary measure: it does not replace a primary anti-theft device.
- The load must not protrude beyond the dimensions permitted by the Highway Code.
Frequently asked questions about inflatable engine guard bags
What are inflatable engine guard bags?
They are waterproof bags that attach to the engine guard bars and take shape thanks to a hand-inflated air chamber. They serve as a handy storage compartment and, when inflated, as an air cushion between the motorcycle and the ground. The LOBOO Wanderer BHGB05T is sold as a pair, with 6 liters per bag.
Do inflatable engine guard bags really protect in the event of a fall?
They provide additional passive protection: the manufacturer states that the inflated bag withstands a force of at least 300 kg and explains that, in stationary or low-speed falls, it touches the ground before the bar. They are not approved safety devices, do not protect the rider, and do not replace the engine guard.
What does a 300 kg load capacity mean?
According to LOBOO, this is the load-bearing force that the inflated bag withstands in the event of a sudden accident. The data does not specify speed, surface, or number of impacts: it should be understood as a reference for the air chamber's strength, not as the result of a standardized impact test.
What diameter must the engine guard tube have?
The LOBOO manual specifies a round tube with a diameter of 25 mm. The mounting system adapts to engine guards with irregular, square, or triangular shapes, provided the tube is 25 mm.
How do I measure the diameter of the engine guard tube?
Using a caliper, measure the outside diameter at the mounting point. Without a caliper, wrap a tape measure around the tube and divide the circumference by 3.14: a 25 mm tube measures approximately 78.5 mm in circumference, while a 22 mm tube measures approximately 69 mm.
Can I mount the BHGB05T on a 22 mm engine guard?
The manufacturer does not specify it for that diameter: the manual requires 25 mm. On 22 mm tubes, such as those on LOBOO crash bars for the Yamaha XMAX 300, Honda Forza 350, or X-ADV 750, it is worth considering the non-inflatable BHGB11T bag, which attaches with adjustable straps.
Which motorcycles can the inflatable crash-bar bags be mounted on?
They can be mounted on any motorcycle with a 25 mm round-tube crash bar and enough space for a 23 × 33 × 10 cm bag. Among the LOBOO crash bars on Endurrad, those for the Aprilia Tuareg 660, Ducati DesertX, Honda NX400 and NX500, BMW F 750, F 800, F 850 and F 900 GS, BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, and BMW R 1300 GS Adventure are specified as having 25 mm tubing.
Do they need a pump or compressor to inflate them?
No. Each bag has a one-way valve with an integrated pump: open the valve by pressing the switch, squeeze the pump until the bag is full, and close the valve again. The manual warns that other procedures will damage the valve.
How long does a bag stay inflated?
LOBOO states that a single inflation provides protection for at least 6 hours. This is a minimum value: on a long trip, simply check the bag by hand at stops and give it a few pumps if necessary.
Are they waterproof? What does IPX7 mean?
The manufacturer states an IPX7 rating, which according to the IEC 60529 standard indicates protection against temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This is ensured by the TPU composite fabric and the airtight waterproof zipper. The BHGB11T roll-top version is instead rated IPX6.
Can they be locked?
Yes. A stainless steel cable passes through the zipper slider and the strap eyelet and locks with a key in the buckle, preventing both opening and detachment from the crash bar. The manufacturer describes it as a primary anti-theft device: it does not replace a main anti-theft device.
What tools are needed to install them?
The included 4 mm Allen key is for tightening the M6×10 screws to 12 N·m. The manufacturer recommends a medium-strength threadlocker, not included; a torque wrench is required to achieve the specified torque precisely. Installation takes place in four steps described in the manual.
How much do they hold and what are their dimensions?
6 liters per bag, 12 liters per pair. Each bag measures 230 × 100 × 330 mm, including the valve, according to the manufacturer's dimensioned drawing. They can hold a puncture repair kit and mini compressor, rain gear, spare gloves, documents, and a half-liter bottle.
How much do they weigh?
The weight is not specified by the manufacturer, either in the manual or in the technical specifications, so we do not publish an estimate.
What is the difference between the BHGB05T and BHGB11T?
They use the same fabric and hold 6 liters per bag. The BHGB05T is inflatable, closes with a waterproof zipper, is rated IPX7, and has a load capacity of at least 300 kg per fully inflated bag. The BHGB11T is not inflatable; it retains its shape with an internal polypropylene panel, closes with a roll-top and two buckles, and is rated IPX6.
Have they been laboratory tested?
Yes, at the manufacturer's request. The March 2024 TTTS-WF24001497 report evaluated two BHGB05TBK bags according to the Chinese QB/T 1333-2018 standard for bags and backpacks, with a compliant result: 200 zipper cycles without damage, functioning buckles, no corrosion on metal parts, and no formaldehyde or aromatic amines detected. The report does not cover the IPX7 rating or the 300 kg load capacity.
Technical terms glossary
- Engine guard or crash bar
- Tubular steel bars that surround the engine and fuel tank to protect them in a fall. They are the structure to which the bag is attached.
- Air chamber
- The airtight chamber that gives the bag its shape when inflated and cushions contact with the ground.
- One-way valve
- Valve that lets air in and prevents it from escaping until opened.
- TPU
- Thermoplastic polyurethane: a flexible, waterproof plastic layer laminated to the fabric.
- 840D
- Thread denier rating: indicates a thick nylon yarn that is resistant to abrasion.
- IPX6 and IPX7
- Water-resistance ratings under IEC 60529: powerful water jets for the first, temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes for the second.
- Waterproof zipper
- Zipper with sealed teeth that keeps out air and water, like the one used on dry bags.
- Roll-top
- Roll-top closure: the edge of the bag is rolled several times and secured with buckles.
- PP
- Polypropylene, rigid plastic used for the inner panel of the BHGB11T.
- M6×10
- Metric screw with a thread 6 mm in diameter and a length of 10 mm.
- N·m
- Newton-metre, a unit of tightening torque: indicates how tightly a screw should be tightened.
- Threadlocker
- Liquid applied to threads to prevent a screw from loosening due to vibration.
- Duraflex
- Brand of technical plastic buckles commonly used on backpacks and outdoor equipment.
- QB/T 1333-2018
- Chinese industry standard for bags and backpacks, used as a reference in the test report.
Don't know whether your engine guard is 25 mm?
Send us the make and model of your engine guard, or a photo of the tube with a tape measure wrapped around it. Before you order, we'll tell you whether the BHGB05T fits your motorcycle or whether the roll-top version would be more suitable.
Related information: BHGB05T motorcycle inflatable bags · motorcycle inflatable bags · crash bar bags · crash bars and engine guards · LOBOO guards and crash bars · motorcycle cases and bags · guide to motorcycle inflatable panniers · how to secure a motorcycle saddle bag