Saddlebags

[jcm]

Any experience with saddlebags for an 01'? I am looking at RKA. I have heir tank bag which is high quality and good design. They have a few different models of saddlebag. I'd like to find one that can be mounted and still leave the seat cowl on, but that's not my first priority. Tourmaster looks pretty good. I like the systems that allow easy removal of the bags. I prefer soft bags for the narrower profile and lower price compared to hard, but any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff McQueen

[Link]

I have been using the RKA 47 liter bags for 2 seasons now,plenty of space for week long outings,and they are stable at speeds well over 100mph! I think RKA has a great product,you can't use the cowl with these bags but thats not a big deal.

[spencerl]

I will be mounting my soft bags to my '98 800 for my first trip.

I tested them and it seems difficult to get the seat back on if I place the straps under the seat, but I see in the catalogs they have the straps on top of the seat.

My questions is: Would using the straps on top of the seat be secure enough? (I will also be using a tail bag on top of the seat)

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[hatzyian]

I have a set of "Oxford" sports throwovers (saddle bags) and use two of the three straps under the seat. I have cut slots out of the side cowl top lip (, so that the straps sit in the cutouts. This makes the seat alot easier to fit, and ensures that the bags go in the same place all the time.

Ian Joyce

[Old_Codger]

Put the Tourmaster Cortech bags on my 03'. Spent ten days with them on the road they were terrific. Didn't have any rain but I know they are not waterproof. Packed my clothes etc. in 1 gal freezer bags. Couldn't tell they were on the bike no matter how fasrt I was traveling.

[Tourmeister]

Howdy,

Bite the bullet and buy a GIVI setup. You'll never regret it!! ;D I did the saddle bag thing for a few years, it was a pain. Rain covers never stayed on properly, the bags would shift around, etc,... The GIVI are nearly indestructible, never leak in the slightest even in torrential downpours, and make excellent frame sliders for the rear of the bike ;) Don't ask. You can get the total setup for less than $500 and it will last forver. Pics and stuff are on my website in case you are remotely curious ;)

Adios,

[woodcycl]

I'll have to 2nd Tourmeister's note about the Givi Luggage!! I just installed the SW MoTech Luggage Rack and the Givi E41 Side Cases ....and WOW!! These babys have more storage space than the Gold Wing stock side cases and they look great and are indestructible!! I rode with them on a 500 mile ride last weekend and am very happy. I even rode the twisties and didn't notice that much difference.