Luggage

[JohnC]

So here's a real sporty topic

I'm buying the Interceptor with an eye towards some longer trips. Rather than carry everything in a backpack (as is my usual uncomfortable custom), I'd like to hear what brands/styles of luggage you guys are using and having success with.

[stevegula]

I have no idea what brand mine is, but here's some things to pay attention to -

My tail bag is not waterproof, I thought it was. That made one trip suck.

Not all gas tanks and airbox covers are magnetic, so be sure yours is when you buy a bag.

At speed, any bag attached to the bike is going to vibrate due to the wind, make sure your bag isn't making contact with paint otherwise it will rub paint off. Also look out for any stray straps, zippers, flags, etc, because they'll rub off paint too.

Saddlebags are the way to go, especially the fibreglass ones. Even better if you can score a luggage rack, the more things you can attach bungee cords to the better.

A good backpack that straps to you around the waist might be of pretty solid help too. I like having a backpack on cold rides because you can strap them tight and keep warm a tad bit better.

*edit* because Siray just mentioned some good stuff

get telescoping bags

and if you get a tank bag, make sure up at the front it has a strap that will go around your upper triple to keep the front end down just incase the magnets fail.

[Sijray21]

i personally love my Chase Harper Magnetic Tank Bag. It expands to fit a lot and compresess to lie low when at speed with a few things in it. It has a grip surface near the magnets so it doesn't harm the paint. If i go anywhere for a weekend i usually take the tank bag and a backpack, but i try to fit as much as i can into the tank bag. It has 2 main pockets, a smaller front pocket, and a clear plastic pocket to put maps or directions. It came with the purchase of the bike, so i'm not sure how much it costs.

The only problem i've had i can't really fix b/c of the bike. My Fuel Tank is basically a plastic cover covering a smaller metal fuel tank so it doesn't stay very well in the front, but luckily there is less wind there so it doesn't really move around much.

[Mike]

corbin beetle bags = win


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[.RJ]

I have these on my F3 - <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.newenoughhp.com/nelson_rigg_mini_saddle_bag_page.htm">http://www.newenoughhp.com/nelson_rigg_ ... g_page.htm</a><!-- m -->

They do the job, but could fit better... plenty of room for a few days worth of clothes and they get the job done.

If you dont mind spending a little more, these are better - <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.newenoughhp.com/tour_master_cortech_sport_saddle_bag_page.htm">http://www.newenoughhp.com/tour_master_ ... g_page.htm</a><!-- m -->

Seabass has those and I'd prefer them over what i've got but I'm a cheap bastard with things that are not used very often

I also have a cheap magnetic tank that I bought from coleman for $30 - I think its Tecknic (sp?) brand... I like it, does the job.

[JohnC]

corbin beetle bags = win
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Jeebus... $1200! Thats more expensive than the Honda OEM stuff for the 6th gen VFRs, which is pretty impressive.

Givi apparently has some decent hardcases for the VFR - they run upwards of $400 for the set though.

I like those Tour Master bags.