Looking For Luggage/Storage

Discussion in '6th Generation 2002-2013' started by Zapp, Aug 15, 2018.

  1. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    I've got a problem that I'm having a bit of trouble sorting. I just purchased a 2007 and want a minimal amount of carrying capacity. Problem is it has a rear seat cowl and I really like how that looks. On my other bikes I use a Cl 1060 tail bag from Nelson Rigg, absolutely perfect for my needs but there is that seat cowl. Complicating matters I don't like the look of a top box on the Interceptor and not overly fond of tank bags. I had thought the Blaze luggage system might work but I can only find kits for the 8th gen VFR.

    As far as GIVI aftermarket hard luggage I can only find the big PLX 166 and don't like how wide they make the bike.

    I'm leaning towards a small tank bag or just using a backpack for now. Any thoughts?
     
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2018
  2. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Really depends on how you define "minimal" storage capacity, and also how secure the stuff being carried needs to be, how often the storage space will be used and of course how far you then plan riding.

    Personally I do loads of long trips carry plenty of stuff, so my rear seat cowl lies covered in dust in the garage as it significantly reduces the versatility of my VFR. Without a cowl fitted, I can carry a pillion or just use the rear seat to attach loads such as waterproof roll sack containing a tent and clothes for a week away.

    However if you are really talking minimal then I am pretty sure there is a tiny amount of potential storage beneath the Cowl which may be big enough to hide a wallet or a small bag of crisps.

    Likewise if you remove the seat you should find there is a bit of space for stuff. Typically there should be space to carry the standard user manual which is held in place with those rubber bands However if you are prepared to modify stuff, then careful examination will show areas where there are completely unnecessary elements of the moulded under seat plastic which can be carefully removed with a Dremel to allow a lot more to be stored below the seat. I have managed to create space for a pretty comprehensive tool kit to fit in. Just do not go mad as you won't want to remove the locating lugs for the seat.

    If you need significantly more room and do not want to add stuff to the bike then carrying stuff in back pack or even ruck-sack is probably the cheapest answer.

    But if you plan to often carry heavy weight in a backpack - especially on longer trips - it can cause enough back pain that you may decide to dump the cowl and just strap the back-pack onto the rear seat.

    Normal magnetic tank bags can offer a lot more space but even with very careful use, they can result in scratches to the tank. One way round that is buying a filler ring mounting system and matched tank bag system. They are effective and won't take ages to remove at filling stations.

    If however you want to be able to leave stuff securely on the bike whilst you are not around, then there is no real alternative to hard luggage. OEM is costly but perhaps the most aesthetic and you can stick two full size helmets in the standard 45 litre top box or one in each of the panniers. Givi hard luggage is pretty good too and a lot cheaper. There are a few other less well known choices out there.
     
  3. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    Thanks for the reply, skimad4x4. I should have been clearer about minimal. I'm talking ear plugs, sunglasses and riding gloves. Right now I have a Versys LT for touring and that's kitted for that job. I really want to use the Interceptor for local riding for now. I thought about under the seat but I don't want to monkey with removing the seat every time I stop and park the bike. I'm thinking a fuel filler ring and tank bag may be the best plan, as you suggested. That or I ditch the rear cowl and get a tail bag.
     
  4. Dav668

    Dav668 New Member

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  5. Laker

    Laker New Member

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    IMG_1346.JPG
     
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  6. Laker

    Laker New Member

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    I really like my Cortech tankbag. Fits my water, phone, glasses, University of Guelph hat etc. I don't leave without it.
     
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  7. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Once you get creative with the Dremel you can store a heap of stuff under the seat of a 6th Gen. Whilst bulky stuff will never fit, I found space to squeeze in a decent amount of emergency stuff, so I know it is always there should I need it on longer trips.
    IMG_1092.JPG IMG_1095.JPG IMG_1097.JPG

    Honestly all this lot fits under the seat, but it takes a fair bit of time to squeeze it all in and just as long to remove. Thankfully my VFR has proved very reliable so the tools usually only come out to help others sort their bikes.

    I suspect you could easily tuck some spare gloves and earplugs under the seat - but glasses in a case may be too bulky. So I suggest you search small adds for someone selling a filler ring mounted tank bag.
     

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  8. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    Maybe a ring mounted tank bag isn't such a bad idea. Really appreciate the suggestions. Like I said, on my other bikes my go to storage is a Nelson Rigg tail bag, like these a lot because they are semi-rigid and the straps wrap under the seat so it's a nice and tidy installation.

    [​IMG]

    Thanks to all for the good suggestions.
     
  9. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I really think what you are best sited for is the fuel filler ring type bag based on what you are wanting to do. I used a Joe Rocket, and still do for errands and the such but it is too small for what you want. Also held in place with magnets and I see you fear the scratches. A friend of mine had one of the fuel filler type and he just loved it. It was much bigger than mine and would easily accommodate what you are wanting, while still being compact and easy to use.
     
  10. Dead Eye Dick AKA Carpy

    Dead Eye Dick AKA Carpy New Member

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    if you are concerned about scratching the tank fit a Bagster Baglux tank cover, they do a range of colours to match your bike and also do matching tank bags of various sizes which clip into the tank cover. I have one on my 2007 and never take it off. Takes seconds to clip the bag on and when removed there are traps to allow you to wear it as a sort of rucksack.
     
  11. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    Thanks, I will look into it. I'm not overly concerned about scratching the tank, I've used magnetic tank bags before and was careful not to let debris gather on the underside of the bag and never had any troubles. Having said that, I think I may get a temporary tank bag for this year. I've been researching saddlebag options and a few ideas have come up. Some harder to get than others.

    SHAD has a real neat 3P system that removes a lot of the framework for the side bags. Unfortunately they don't have a rig that matches there small top loading luggage which I prefer, their bigger bags sit kinda wide and I'm not a fan. There is an old discontinued SW Motech item called EVO Side cases that look promising if I can find them. Then there is hunting ebay for OEM luggage, which I could spend my winter trying to get. They don't have to color match, I was thinking I could paint or wrap them IF I find them.

    If anyone has anymore ideas, keep em' coming, your suggestions are appreciated.
     
  12. Justin Robichaud

    Justin Robichaud New Member

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    I'm actually in a similar dilemma but I actually want the hard side bags. Hoping to get some long haul trips in with my father (he runs a 2004 ST1300) and all I have is the factory top box. The only issue is all the ones I find are bloody expensive and I can't justify it.
     
  13. Vegeta2410

    Vegeta2410 New Member

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    Hi highly recommend Held Tenda tailbag. Its small enough to carry around, large enough to hold a bottle of water, wallet, spare shirt and sneakers if you really want to. detachable by zipper. Goes on top of my pillion cowl.
    [​IMG]
     
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  14. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    If you use the Honda top box system you can still use the cowl.

    Personally my gloves are always with my helmet.
    The ear plugs, wallet & glasses & keys in a inside pocket of my jacket.
     
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  15. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    Thanks, don't really like top boxes on most bikes. I'm leaning to the 3p system from Shad now. I may do nothing, it really depends if I ever take the Interceptor on a trip. Like you I toss most of the stuff in my helmet and jacket when I'm off the bike.
     
  16. Hivizukusa2016

    Hivizukusa2016 New Member

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    I use a bagster tank bag and renntec rear carrier which still allows the use of the cowl , plus oem hard bags.
     
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