Turkana GeckoGrip™ & Bullfrog™ 8L Fitting instructions

Easy as pie! How to fit the Turkana GeckoGrip™ & Bullfrog™ tank bags & harnesses to a motorcycle.

How to fit the Turkana GeckoGrip™ & Bullfrog™ tank bags & harnesses to a motorcycle.

This is a comprehensive guide on how to fit the Turkana Gear GeckoGrip™ tank harness and Bullfrog™ tank bags for front-of-motorbike storage options. All the Turkana gear tank bag harnesses are standard and can easily be adapted for different motorcycles or used between our tank bags. The webbing and buckles are replaceable, and they are field repairable for ease of use. These are the toughest, most adaptable, lightweight, modular systems for adventure and enduro motorbike riders.

Fit the Headstock strap

  • Route the headstock harness from the left handlebar, down around the headstock, and back up. One end uses a male buckle, the other a female buckle.
  • Always use the small crossover strap between the two sides (also known in highly scientific terms as the perineum or “gooch” of the harness). This strap prevents the buckles from dropping onto the ground or into the wheel when unclipped.
  • Adjust the crossover strap shorter and snug so it stays tight. Make sure the buckles cannot slip through the loops.
  • Use the tri-glide buckles to tidy and lock off any excess webbing. If needed, trim excess strap length: Cut at an angle. Seal the edge with a lighter or match to stop fraying.

Critical Safety:

  • Turn handlebars fully left and right.
  • Make sure the harness does not restrict steering movement.
  • Ensure it does not press on, trap, stretch, or rub against brake lines, cables, or electrical wiring.
  • Nothing must be pinched, strained, or obstructed.
GeckoGrip _Turkana Gear_tankbag_harness_motorcycle_fitment

2 – ways to Fit the frame straps

GeckoGrip Turkana Gear tank bag harness motorcycle fitment quick release

Option 1: Cinch Loop / Loopy Loop / Pig Ear Strap

We include two frame-strap options so you can fit the Gecko Grip properly, no matter what bike you ride. This is the simplest and most universal mounting option. This strap has a sewn loop on one end. Once tightened, this creates a strong, low-profile anchor point with no moving parts.

  • Wrap the strap around a solid section of the frame.
  • Feed the free end through the sewn loop.
  • Pull tight to cinch it securely around the frame.
  • Run the strap up to the harness and through the ladder lock.
  • Tension firmly until snug and stable.
  • Important:
  • Keep clear of exhaust heat.
  • Avoid sharp edges.
  • Make sure it does not rub on hoses, wiring, or brake lines.
  • Nothing should chafe or melt.
GeckoGrip Turkana Gear tankbag harness motorcycle fitment straps Cinch Loop / Loopy Loop / Pig Ear Strap

Option 2: Quick Release Frame Buckle (Bottom Strap)

  • The Quick Release Frame Buckle (Bottom Strap) option utilises both male and female buckles, which are secured to the frame using sturdy zip ties.
  • Creates a permanent mounting point.
  • The harness clips on and off in seconds.
  • This attachment is perfect for bikes with tight or awkward frames.
  • Important:
  • Zip ties must be clear of heat, wiring, and moving parts.
GeckoGrip Turkana Gear tank bag harness motorcycle fitment quick release

Final Setup: Tensioning, Alignment, and Load Check

1 – Centre and Position the Harness (Do Not Fully Tighten Yet)

  • Place the harness flat and centred on the tank.
  • Fit all straps, but do not tighten them fully yet.
  • Leave a little slack in all straps.
  • Slide the harness slightly forward or back on the tank.
  • Position it where it feels comfortable and sits naturally.
  • Make sure it follows the shape of the tank.
  • The harness must lie naturally without being forced into position.
Turkana Gear_GeckoGrip_motorcycle_tankbag_harness_fitment

2 – Take Up Slack at the Headstock (Initial Set)

  • Start by lightly tightening the headstock harness.
  • Take up the slack slowly.
  • Do not pull it tight yet.
  • The goal is to remove slack without moving the harness.
  • Re-check full steering lock left and right.
  • This sets the front position.

3 – Lightly Tension the Frame Straps (Position Lock)

  • Now lightly tighten both frame straps.
  • Pull both sides evenly.
  • Keep the harness square on the tank.
  • This locks the harness in your chosen position.
  • At this stage, the harness should feel stable but not fully tensioned.

4. Final Tightening (Lock It In)

  • Now tighten the two frame straps firmly. Use the web tidies to secure the excess webbing.
  • Apply even tension on both sides.
  • The harness should now be solid and secure.
  • Do not overtighten to the point where you bend your own subframe from all the Ranger power.
  • Once this is done, the position is set.
Secure excess webbing with the strap tidies.

5. Fuel Stops and Daily Use (Set It Once)

  • For refuelling, only unclip the headstock buckle(s).
  • Flip the harness forward to access the fuel cap.
  • Do not loosen the rear/frame straps. If using the frame buckles, you can unclip either the frame buckles or headstock buckles.
    Using the frame buckles, unclip and place the tank bag on the handlebars to fill up.
  • When refitting, simply clip the headstock or frame buckles back in.
  • No adjustments are needed every time. Set it once. Ride.

6. Load Test (Do This. Seriously.)

  • Before riding:
  • Grab the harness with both hands.
  • Pull it forward, backward, and sideways.
  • It should not shift.
  • It should not creep.
  • It should not lift.
  • If it moves, tighten and re-check.
TurkanaGear_GeckoGrip_motorcycle_tank bag_harness_enduro_adventure

7. Clearance Check (Heat, Rub, Pinch)

  • Do one last sweep:
  • Turn bars full lock both ways.
  • Check under tank edges.
  • Check near the exhaust.
  • Check around cables and wiring.
  • Nothing should:
  • Rub, Melt, Stretch, Get trapped

8. After First Ride Re-Check

  • Webbing settles. Bikes vibrate. Reality happens.
  • After your first proper ride:
  • Re-check all straps.
  • Re-tighten if needed.
  • Trim excess if everything is final.
  • Seal cut ends.