How Nice are the OEM Saddle bags on a 2002-2009 VFR?

Discussion in 'Gear & Accessories' started by sunofwolf, Jun 4, 2014.

  1. sunofwolf

    sunofwolf New Member

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    I wonder what you guys think of the OEM saddle bags, I am thinking of getting a set. How much do the hard ware weight without the bags.? How about the weight with the bags too? :nelson::whoo::drum::mechanic:
     
  2. nearfreezing

    nearfreezing New Member

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    The OEM saddlebags fit perfectly, have great fit and finish (except the fraying lid stays), match perfectly, look great (except the stupid reflector), hold a full bag of groceries each. They completely expand the utility of the VFR, making it a capable commuter, grocery-getter, and touring bike. I use them pretty much every time I ride the VFR... couldn't daily drive/ride the motorcycle without them. In comparison, a tankbag gets in the way and a backpack is unsafe/uncomfortable. And they were a bargain from DSS for $500, though they can be had used for the same price. They retain their value, too, so it's not a completely sunk cost like many mods.

    Edit: Weight--figure about 5-10lbs. for the hardware, about 10lbs each bag. Maybe 25-30lbs.?
     
  3. Arnzinator

    Arnzinator New Member

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    +1 to Nearfreezing. You can offset some of wieght of the saddlebags by loosing the factory exhaust.

    They can also hold a pretty good size pizza!
     
  4. nearfreezing

    nearfreezing New Member

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    You put a pizza in there?! I'll have to try this. Was going to get the OEM bungee net accessory for pizza runs.
     
  5. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Are you racing the bike with this stuff on there? If not, forget about the weight. Not enough to even consider. I don't quite agree about the back pack being unsafe and uncomfortable. A "good" back pack is expensive but when properly adjusted, you can carry a whole lot of weight in there without any trouble.

    One thing I am really sorry about when I bought my bike new, was that I decided against the OEM backs. I used soft bags for several years with great success. But the opportunity to purchase a used set arose, and I jumped at it. After this trip that I am on right now, I became convinced I made a wise choice in getting them.

    What I do recommend though, if you get some OEM, following the instructions mounting the frame, leave all the bolts as loose as possible until they are all in. Then tighten them up. That fit is not the best and you need to force them to some degree so the loose connections will assist with that. Once all tightened up, the bags ride along very secure.
     
  6. nearfreezing

    nearfreezing New Member

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    My comment about backpacks being unsafe refers to dressing for the crash, not the ride. If I were to crash, I'd prefer not to have a backpack full of things (unless they are pillows) that could cause further injury. Whether they are uncomfortable is a personal call.
     
  7. Arnzinator

    Arnzinator New Member

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    Small pizzas fit with room to spare. A medium from Domino's is snug but fits.
     
  8. Dead Eye Dick AKA Carpy

    Dead Eye Dick AKA Carpy New Member

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    The OEM setup is great. Over here we dont have the reflector fitted as standard. You can buy a nice set of inner bags for them which makes life so easy. Leave the cases fixed to the bike, load up the bags in the house, then simply open the lid of the case, pop the now loaded bag in, shut and lock the lid and away you go. When you reach your destination open the lid, remove the inner bag leaving the cases locked to the bike. The inner bags have shoulder straps leaving your hands free.
    I leave my panniers on all the time, it makes my bike look wider than it is and makes car drivers think twice about squeezing past me in small gaps.
    The other advantage is that you can leave your stuff in them securely which you cant with soft luggage.
     
  9. jethro911

    jethro911 Member

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    I would say that the OEM bags are probably the #1 best option or addition you can put on the bike for all the reasons explained in great detail above. They are removed so easily that I use them like totes and don't have the liners. When they are off the bike, the mounting hardware (which probably weighs 3-5 pounds)is barely even noticeable.
     
  10. sunofwolf

    sunofwolf New Member

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    I am picking up a new set today, I will have fun with the install:cower:
     
  11. Stony

    Stony New Member

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    I really love the OEM bags. On my past bikes I've had other after market bags but the OEM VFR bags are the best I've used. They come on and off really quickly. I commute to work and my computer bag fits easily. My only (minor) complaint is my Arai helmet doesn't quite fit in the bag buy my son's Shoei does. The Arai is just a tad too wide and eventhough you can close the bag on the helmet it takes too much pressure so I don't do it.

    Hope you enjoy your purchase! And go ahead and try transporting pizzas. Let us know how it goes.
     
  12. Arnzinator

    Arnzinator New Member

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    On the downside: your buddies will ask you to carry their crap for them. ; )
     
  13. jethro911

    jethro911 Member

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    The install isn't that difficult, I'm sure you will be fine.
     
  14. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Very good point and I agree. Should not have missed that but I did.
     
  15. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    There is a very simple answer to that which consists of two words. Use you imagination.
     
  16. nearfreezing

    nearfreezing New Member

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  17. Arnzinator

    Arnzinator New Member

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    Yes. Those two words are dependent upon the gender of your buddy!
     
  18. jev.

    jev. over there

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    The OEM bags are hands down the best money I've spent on any of my bikes. I bought new and with a good discount got them for @ $850.00 but at full price I think they are still worth it.

    Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk
     
  19. Kerby

    Kerby New Member

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    I've used the hard saddlebags alot last year. For 1 person it was ideal. enough for me to carry (3) days worth of clothes in 1 bag and the other had some tools, raingear, and a jacket.

    I recently purchased the top case because later this afternoon the wife and I are going on our first trip. She's got the top case all to herself... I'll report back how it went.
     
  20. mofo

    mofo New Member

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    My bike is all stock and the weight of the OEM luggage -3 pieces- doesn't make any difference while riding. Instead of pizza, I know for a fact that I can carry 60, 12oz cans of beer in the trunk. I don't recommend it though, carrying that much weight obviously exceeds the trunk's capacity.
    OEM bags are the best!
     
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