Inflatable paramotor bags: how they work and how to install them

Photos: what it looks like mounted on the crash bar

Official LOBOO photos of the bag and its installation on the BMW R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure. Tap a photo to enlarge it.

• The pair: left and right bags
• The back: buckle and straps on the 25 mm tube
• Mounted on the crash bar of a BMW R 1250 GS
• Side view: the space between the bar and the side panel
• The pair on a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
• Front view on a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
• Installation on a BMW R 1250 GS

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The pair: left and right bags

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The back: buckle and straps on the 25 mm tube

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Mounted on the crash bar of a BMW R 1250 GS

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Side view: the space between the bar and the side panel

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The pair on a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

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Front view on a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

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Installation on a BMW R 1250 GS

What is an inflatable crash bar bag

There is an irregularly shaped empty space between the motorcycle's crash bars and fairing. A hard case will not fit in it, while a traditional soft bag fits but sags and shifts. The inflatable bag solves the problem with air: when inflated, it presses against the tube and fills the space without slack.

Engine guard, crash bar, and bumper 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 requirement concerning the tube, which we will cover 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 removing your helmet. The second is passive protection: when inflated, it is an air volume positioned between the bar and the ground.

LOBOO calls it the Inflatable Crash Bar Bag and includes it in the Wanderer series, alongside the non-inflatable BHGB11T version. On Endurrad, you can find it on the LOBOO Wanderer BHGB05T motorcycle inflatable crash bags product page.

How to inflate it and how long it stays inflated

No pump or compressor is needed. 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

1. Open the valve by pressing its switch with one finger.
2. Squeeze the pump repeatedly until the bag is full.
3. Close the valve by pressing the switch again.

The manual warns that 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 ensures 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 will be enough.

The shape without air

When deflated, the bag remains semi-rigid and fills while standing upright on its own. In LOBOO's comparison table, the BHGB05T's structure relies on the inflation system: under load, the air gives it its shape. The rigid plastic panel is instead the solution used in the non-inflatable 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 failing. The figure does not specify the falling speed, the surface, or the number of impacts: it is the manufacturer's reference for the strength of the air chamber, 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: a helmet, certified clothing, and certified protective gear are required for that.
• It does not replace the crash bar: the crash bar supports the motorcycle; the bag works on top of it.

A practical tip. In a slide, the contents of the bag are between the bar and the ground. Hard objects, such as keys, spray cans, or tools, should preferably be wrapped in the rain cover or a cloth.

Compatibility: the 25 mm tube matters, not the motorcycle model

The LOBOO manual has just one requirement: a round-section crash bar with a diameter of 25 mm. The mounting system then adapts to irregular, quadrangular, or triangular crash bars. The motorcycle model matters only because it determines which crash bar you have installed.

How to measure the tube in two minutes

1. With calipers: measure the tube's outside diameter at the point where you want to mount the bag.
2. Without calipers: wrap a measuring tape around the tube, read the circumference, and divide it by 3.14.
3. Check the space: a 23 × 33 × 10 cm bag must fit around the chosen mounting point, away from the exhaust and engine cylinder heads.
4. Check the movements: handlebars turned fully to both sides, legs in the riding position, gear lever and brake pedal unobstructed.

LOBOO crash bars on Endurrad: which ones have a 25 mm tube

The diameter below is the one reported in the specifications for each crash bar. For other crash bars in the catalog, and for original manufacturer or other-brand crash bars, use the measurement taken on your motorcycle.

Do you have a BMW R 1300 GS Adventure? In addition to the BHGB05T on the upper CHG151 crash bar, the catalog also includes a dedicated 5-liter 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 installation in four steps. The crash bar must already be installed on the motorcycle: it is the structure to which the bag attaches.

1. 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 one that best follows the angle of your crash bar.

2. Tighten the buckle onto the tube

   Secure the buckle to the crash bar tube with the M6×10 bolt and 4 mm Allen key, to a torque of 12 N·m. A drop of medium-strength threadlocker on the bolt is recommended.

3. Pass the straps around the tube

   Wrap the fastening straps around the bar, following its shape, and attach the buckles.

4. Pull the straps in sequence

   Tighten the straps one after another and adjust their length until all slack is eliminated. Then inflate the bag.

Checks after installation

• Turn the handlebars fully from side to side: the inflated bag must not touch the fork, radiator or fairings.
• Make sure it does not touch the exhaust or cylinder heads: the manufacturer does not specify a maximum operating temperature for the fabric.
• Sit in the riding position: your legs, gear lever and brake pedal must remain unobstructed.
• Check the bolt and straps again after the first few dozen kilometres.

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; the X indicates that dust protection has not been classified.

• IPX6: resistance to powerful water jets from any direction.
• IPX7: resistance to temporary immersion, down to 1 metre for 30 minutes according to the standard.

For the BHGB05T, the IPX7 rating is declared by the manufacturer for the complete bag. It achieves this through two elements: 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 used on dry bags.

Beware of confusing product sheets. Some retailers attribute the roll-top closure and IPX6 rating to the inflatable version. These are features of the BHGB11T, the non-inflatable version. The BHGB05T closes with a waterproof zipper and is rated IPX7.

Waterproof zipper rules

The zipper is the component on which the bag’s lifespan depends. The manual specifies 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 will be seriously damaged and will last less time.
• 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 running smoothly.

Keyed anti-theft device: how it works and how far it goes

Each bag has a nylon-coated stainless-steel cable and a keyed lock. With one pass, it locks two things: the zipper opening and the bag’s detachment from the crash bar.

1. Pass the cable through the hole in the waterproof zipper slider.
2. Pass it through the eyelet provided on the strap.
3. Insert the terminal into the mounting buckle slot and lock it with the key.

The manufacturer defines it as a secondary anti-theft device and specifies that it cannot be used as the main anti-theft device. In other words: it discourages 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 material, the key can be matched with the key for LOBOO aluminum cases by providing the key number. If you’re interested, write to us before ordering: we’ll check with the distributor whether matching is possible for your supply.

During installation, check that, in the position selected for the buckle, the cable reaches its socket 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 more durable 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 protection: 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 manufactures 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 was compliant. These are the tests and results.

What it covers and what it does not. This was a voluntary test commissioned by the manufacturer on the samples provided: it applies to those samples and is neither type approval nor European certification. It does not concern the IPX7 rating or the 300 kg load capacity, which remain manufacturer’s 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 manufacturer does not state the weight, so we do not publish an estimate.

What fits in 6 litres

Six litres per side gives you space for the things you want close at hand without opening the panniers:

• puncture repair kit and mini compressor;
• rain gear and spare gloves;
• documents protected from water;
• a headlamp;
• a half-litre water bottle with something around it.

It is not the main luggage: it is the external pocket that adventure motorcycles lack. For real volume, you need panniers or side bags.

Inflatable, roll-top, or hard pannier: which one should you choose?

The LOBOO Wanderer range includes two crash bar bags made from the same fabric and with the same capacity, but based on different approaches. Neither replaces panniers.

Anyone who wants inflatable technology for their main luggage too will find the 23- or 30-litre Alps inflatable motorcycle panniers in the same family. They mount on the side racks rather than the crash bar. Crash bar bags and panniers are not mutually exclusive: the former keep what you need during the ride close at hand, while the latter hold everything else.

All crash bar bags available on Endurrad are collected in the crash bar bags collection; those with an inner tube are in the inflatable motorcycle bags collection.

What's included in the package, and what's not

• Free shipping in Italy on orders over €100
• Free shipping in Europe on orders over €250
• Returns within 14 days of receipt
• 24-month statutory consumer guarantee of conformity

Maintenance and usage limits

Glossary of technical terms

Engine guard or crash bar

Tubular steel bars surrounding 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, when inflated, gives the bag its shape 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 bonded to the fabric.

840D

Denier count: indicates a thick nylon yarn that is resistant to abrasion.

IPX6 and IPX7

Water-resistance ratings under the IEC 60529 standard: 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 over several times and secured with buckles.

PP

Polypropylene, a rigid plastic used for the inner panel of the BHGB11T.

M6×10

Metric screw with a 6 mm diameter thread 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 the thread to prevent the 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.