RI_Grinch
Well-Known Member
Ok so I haven't even gotten my bike home but im already considering mods...First thing I want to do is get luggage racks. What do you guys suggest for panniers. I know I would like a hard case setup.
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Givi is probable your best option, maybe not the cheapest though.
+1 @ Givi! I have the top rack with V46 top case and the quick release side racks with V35 cases. Absolutely LOVE my setup!
I've been watching eBay for a while for a set of Givi bags and hardware, but so far, all the listings have been out of the price range that I'm willing to pay. I don't "need" a set of luggage until the Spring, but I started looking at alternate systems in the event that I decide to go with something else.
I really like the Bags-Connection setup (possibly more than the Givi). I commute to work, but don't really need to carry that much stuff, and the ease with which the mounting rails come off is attractive. Mostly I would use the side bags/panniers for longer overnight trips, and being able to "clean up" the bike for everyday use seems like a big advantage.
The lower price for the soft bags frees up some budget for a tank bag as well, which I think would be perfect for 75% of the riding that I do.
The question that occurs to me is how much weight can those Bags-Connection panniers reasonably hold? Could I put a gallon of milk in one side without damaging anything? Would the bars hold up under that amount of stress? Are they big enough for a laptop, which can be useful on a multi-night trip?
I've been toying with the idea of a top bag, but I'm not a big fan of the appearance. I have considered picking up a "spare" seat and doing the mod to add a pelican bag or something like that for secure storage but that has the potential to be even "uglier" than a more finished case.
I've been watching eBay for a while for a set of Givi bags and hardware, but so far, all the listings have been out of the price range that I'm willing to pay. I don't "need" a set of luggage until the Spring, but I started looking at alternate systems in the event that I decide to go with something else.
I really like the Bags-Connection setup (possibly more than the Givi). I commute to work, but don't really need to carry that much stuff, and the ease with which the mounting rails come off is attractive. Mostly I would use the side bags/panniers for longer overnight trips, and being able to "clean up" the bike for everyday use seems like a big advantage.
The lower price for the soft bags frees up some budget for a tank bag as well, which I think would be perfect for 75% of the riding that I do.
The question that occurs to me is how much weight can those Bags-Connection panniers reasonably hold? Could I put a gallon of milk in one side without damaging anything? Would the bars hold up under that amount of stress? Are they big enough for a laptop, which can be useful on a multi-night trip?
In reference to the Bags-Connection Blaze bags...
For $300, I've been very happy and am considering a set for my wife's '09 Ninja 250r. They weren't available for the Ninja 250 when I first ordered mine. I'm sure the bags and mounts are all the same, they just bend the support bars in a different direction to fit the contours of the bike. I'd recommend these bags for anything short of long trips or heavy items.
That's great to know... all good information. I somehow imagined that there was also a side-open zipper in addition to the top-open one, but I see now that is just for the bag expansion.
In reference to being good for anything but a long trip, what do you consider long? I'm planning a six- or seven-day trip in 2012 (Michigan to Maine), and these would be my primary baggage. I tend to pack pretty light, and have no problem spending an evening at a laundromat, but still need to have enough room for several days of clothes and a change of shoes. Seems like 42 liters would be more than sufficient (I think I have about 16 in the bags on my old Shadow that did a similar trip last year).
I too have the stock muffler on my FZ1, so I'm glad to hear that they don't get too hot. I suppose that some heat-reflective tape/insulation on the bottom of the bag would eliminate any lingering concerns about melting them. On the up-side, a couple of potatoes in the bottom of the bag would bake nicely on a long ride, offering a good snack in the middle of the day (and more riding time as a result)!
You think you could put about 15-20lbs worth of crap in each side bag using the SW motech system?
I am wondering if I am better off building some sort of a support system for my Nelson Riggs bags, or if I should just get the Blaze Sport saddlebags. I think the Nelson Riggs that I own currently will hold more stuff than the blaze sport though. I enjoy the space.