VFRDiscussion ARCHIVE / READ-ONLYREAD-ONLY

Hard bags- yes or no?

25 posts Started 14 Mar 2005 Last recovered post 23 Mar 2005 Wayback Machine snapshot 18 May 2005

#1
I'm about to put my money down on a new 2004 Interceptor... and am debating whether or not to equip it with hard bags from the get-go. It's been quite a while since I rode, and I want to avoid regretting the choice to get them or not... Ordinarily I'd just leave 'em off and see if I feel the need, but I'm getting *such* a good deal as part of the bike purchase, I'd like to take advantage of it.

Also, the bags that I picked are the Corbin Beetlebags, so I'd be interested in anyone's perspective on pros and cons. When I looked at the possible choices, including Honda OEM, I simply loved the way the Corbin bags are sculpted to the lines of the VFR, even wrapping around the exhausts... and they seem to get good reviews on durability and function as well.

So, what say you all?

Thanks-

Bob
#2
Peregrinus, Mar 15 2005, 12:48 AMI'm about to put my money down on a new 2004 Interceptor... and am debating whether or not to equip it with hard bags from the get-go. It's been quite a while since I rode, and I want to avoid regretting the choice to get them or not... Ordinarily I'd just leave 'em off and see if I feel the need, but I'm getting *such* a good deal as part of the bike purchase, I'd like to take advantage of it.

Also, the bags that I picked are the Corbin Beetlebags, so I'd be interested in anyone's perspective on pros and cons. When I looked at the possible choices, including Honda OEM, I simply loved the way the Corbin bags are sculpted to the lines of the VFR, even wrapping around the exhausts... and they seem to get good reviews on durability and function as well.

So, what say you all?

Thanks-

Bob

#3
Get the factory bags!! Center of gravity is MUCH better, and dont leak at all. Also the are much easier to take off when you dont want them.
#4
I will be vote number two for the factory bags. Not only do the bags come on and off easily but the mounting hardware does as well, after the initial install that is. beer.gif
#5
I don't have a set of bags yet but I have decided to purchase the factory bags when the time and the money come along. I read that with the corbin bags you lose space because of the way the bags mold around the exaust. Good luck with your purchase.
#6
I hate the way the Corbin bags look, plus you can't get a helmet in them from what I hear. Mostly it's the looks, though. blink.gif

If you like the way they look, go for it. I really want the OEM bags, though.
#7
While I have the '96 VFR, if I were to upgrade to a newer one(*) i'd definitely get the OEM bags before the Corbins. The Corbin bags look kinda neat, but the top opening is quite restrictive on what you can put in there. Definitely no helmet storage. The OEM bags wrap around the pipes too, and will carry more.

(*) I will not upgrade to a newer VFR beyond the 2001 model year, unless Honda puts back the gear-driven cams. Honda, are you listening? smile.gif
#8
Hey, thanks to all who have responded. I've actually (a) decided that I will indeed get hard bags, and that ( cool.gif I'll switch to the OEM bags, based on the info I got here. (Especially valuable was the matter of helmets not fitting into the Corbins, as that was a big part of my reason for purchase- I thought I'd read that they *did* fit!)

I'm glad that I found this site- not only good info, but very active compared to anything else out there! wheel.gif

I'll post a pic as soon as my new beastie arrives...

Bob
#9
GET THE FACTORY BAGS, you will not regret them. And you don't have to use them or have them on when you don't need them.
#10
Peregrinus, Mar 15 2005, 04:50 PMHey, thanks to all who have responded. I've actually (a) decided that I will indeed get hard bags, and that ( cool.gif I'll switch to the OEM bags, based on the info I got here. (Especially valuable was the matter of helmets not fitting into the Corbins, as that was a big part of my reason for purchase- I thought I'd read that they *did* fit!)

I'm glad that I found this site- not only good info, but very active compared to anything else out there!  wheel.gif

I'll post a pic as soon as my new beastie arrives...

Bob


If you can, just add them to your bike purchase, they are a bit pricey, but worth it.
#11
Good choice on the factory bags. Also, since you are buying the Asphalt model, Honda discontinues the non-red bags after awhile, so buying them now is a good idea. If you have a red bike, the bags are always available. IMHO, the Corbin's are just plain ugly. I couldn't stop laughing when I saw the back end with those goofy polka-dots. They seem well made though, as Corbin builds good stuff.

Dave. wheel.gif
#12
Factory bags are the way to go. Congrats on the new ride!
#13
Ditto, factory bags. Corbin "butt-ugly" bags are absolutely friggin' HIDEOUS!

wub.gif Not!
#14
OEM

fing02.gif
#15
oem...oem...oem...oem
#16
I have OEM bags and definitely recommend them over any bags I've seen from any other manufacturer. If I could only get the topcase for a reasonable price now, although my ventura pack is a fine accessory.
#17
[attachmentid=758]
OEM bags on my 2005....
#18
OEM bags and if possible haggle the price and if you are financing add them to the financing.

I got the dealer down to $800 on my hardbags. Just had to install them myself which took a couple hours in the garage, no big deal.
#19
Peregrinus, Mar 14 2005, 08:48 PMI'm about to put my money down on a new 2004 Interceptor... and am debating whether or not to equip it with hard bags from the get-go. It's been quite a while since I rode, and I want to avoid regretting the choice to get them or not... Ordinarily I'd just leave 'em off and see if I feel the need, but I'm getting *such* a good deal as part of the bike purchase, I'd like to take advantage of it.

Also, the bags that I picked are the Corbin Beetlebags, so I'd be interested in anyone's perspective on pros and cons. When I looked at the possible choices, including Honda OEM, I simply loved the way the Corbin bags are sculpted to the lines of the VFR, even wrapping around the exhausts... and they seem to get good reviews on durability and function as well.

So, what say you all?

Thanks-

Bob



Don't have my VFR yet, but I can add my $.02 worth regarding Corbin Beetle Bags.
I currently have them on my Bandit 1200 and really like them. They do blend into the lines of the bike and are functional enough for the everyday commute etc.
On longer rides (read: multiple night) I have to use a tail pack and/or a tank bag.
They are more "part of the bike" than anything else as they fit so well.
Fit and finish is very good.

However, that being said they don;t hold as much as Givi bags or the OEM Honda bags for the VFR. Certainly not enough space to get a full-faced helmet inside.

When I get my VFR I am going to go with the OEM bags.
The Corbin VFR bags are a bit goofy looking.


Cheers,

Robert
Canada
#20
Peregrinus, Mar 14 2005, 08:48 PMI'm about to put my money down on a new 2004 Interceptor... and am debating whether or not to equip it with hard bags from the get-go. It's been quite a while since I rode, and I want to avoid regretting the choice to get them or not... Ordinarily I'd just leave 'em off and see if I feel the need, but I'm getting *such* a good deal as part of the bike purchase, I'd like to take advantage of it.

Also, the bags that I picked are the Corbin Beetlebags, so I'd be interested in anyone's perspective on pros and cons. When I looked at the possible choices, including Honda OEM, I simply loved the way the Corbin bags are sculpted to the lines of the VFR, even wrapping around the exhausts... and they seem to get good reviews on durability and function as well.

So, what say you all?

Thanks-

Bob



Don't have my VFR yet, but I can add my $.02 worth regarding Corbin Beetle Bags.
I currently have them on my Bandit 1200 and really like them. They do blend into the lines of the bike and are functional enough for the everyday commute etc.
On longer rides (read: multiple night) I have to use a tail pack and/or a tank bag.
They are more "part of the bike" than anything else as they fit so well.
Fit and finish is very good.

However, that being said they don;t hold as much as Givi bags or the OEM Honda bags for the VFR. Certainly not enough space to get a full-faced helmet inside.

When I get my VFR I am going to go with the OEM bags.
The Corbin VFR bags are a bit goofy looking.


Cheers,

Robert
Canada
#21
Peregrinus, Mar 14 2005, 08:48 PMI'm about to put my money down on a new 2004 Interceptor... and am debating whether or not to equip it with hard bags from the get-go. It's been quite a while since I rode, and I want to avoid regretting the choice to get them or not... Ordinarily I'd just leave 'em off and see if I feel the need, but I'm getting *such* a good deal as part of the bike purchase, I'd like to take advantage of it.

Also, the bags that I picked are the Corbin Beetlebags, so I'd be interested in anyone's perspective on pros and cons. When I looked at the possible choices, including Honda OEM, I simply loved the way the Corbin bags are sculpted to the lines of the VFR, even wrapping around the exhausts... and they seem to get good reviews on durability and function as well.

So, what say you all?

Thanks-

Bob



Don't have my VFR yet, but I can add my $.02 worth regarding Corbin Beetle Bags.
I currently have them on my Bandit 1200 and really like them. They do blend into the lines of the bike and are functional enough for the everyday commute etc.
On longer rides (read: multiple night) I have to use a tail pack and/or a tank bag.
They are more "part of the bike" than anything else as they fit so well.
Fit and finish is very good.

However, that being said they don;t hold as much as Givi bags or the OEM Honda bags for the VFR. Certainly not enough space to get a full-faced helmet inside.

When I get my VFR I am going to go with the OEM bags.
The Corbin VFR bags are a bit goofy looking.
I *would* get them straight from the dealer at the time of purchase and just throw them into the pot, but Honda Canada has discontinued the OEM bags in up here.
B@st@rds!!!


Cheers,

Robert
Canada
#22
Peregrinus, Mar 14 2005, 08:48 PMI'm about to put my money down on a new 2004 Interceptor... and am debating whether or not to equip it with hard bags from the get-go. It's been quite a while since I rode, and I want to avoid regretting the choice to get them or not... Ordinarily I'd just leave 'em off and see if I feel the need, but I'm getting *such* a good deal as part of the bike purchase, I'd like to take advantage of it.

Also, the bags that I picked are the Corbin Beetlebags, so I'd be interested in anyone's perspective on pros and cons. When I looked at the possible choices, including Honda OEM, I simply loved the way the Corbin bags are sculpted to the lines of the VFR, even wrapping around the exhausts... and they seem to get good reviews on durability and function as well.

So, what say you all?

Thanks-

Bob



Don't have my VFR yet, but I can add my $.02 worth regarding Corbin Beetle Bags.
I currently have them on my Bandit 1200 and really like them. They do blend into the lines of the bike and are functional enough for the everyday commute etc.
On longer rides (read: multiple night) I have to use a tail pack and/or a tank bag.
They are more "part of the bike" than anything else as they fit so well.
Fit and finish is very good.

However, that being said they don;t hold as much as Givi bags or the OEM Honda bags for the VFR. Certainly not enough space to get a full-faced helmet inside.

The Corbin VFR bags are a bit goofy looking.

When I get my VFR I am going to go with the OEM bags.
I *would* get them straight from the dealer at the time of purchase and just throw them into the pot, but Honda Canada has discontinued the OEM bags in up here.
B@st@rds!!!


Cheers,

Robert
Canada
#23
robertv19, Mar 21 2005, 09:51 PMDon't have my VFR yet, but I can add my $.02 worth regarding Corbin Beetle Bags.
I currently have them on my Bandit 1200 and really like them.  They do blend into the lines of the bike and are functional enough for the everyday commute etc.
On longer rides (read: multiple night) I have to use a tail pack and/or a tank bag.
They are more "part of the bike" than anything else as they fit so well.
Fit and finish is very good.

However, that being said they don;t hold as much as Givi bags or the OEM Honda bags for the VFR.  Certainly not enough space to get a full-faced helmet inside.

The Corbin VFR bags are a bit goofy looking.

When I get my VFR I am going to go with the OEM bags.
I *would* get them straight from the dealer at the time of purchase and just throw them into the pot, but Honda Canada has discontinued the OEM bags in up here.
B@st@rds!!!
Cheers,

Robert
Canada



Sorry about the multiple posts...it didn't seem to work the first two times.
Oh well, at least I added to it each time.
You'd think I was new...
#24
Can you fit Honda hard bags on a 01 VFR?
#25
Moses, Mar 23 2005, 04:44 AMCan you fit Honda hard bags on a 01 VFR?



Don't think so. The mounting points are the grab rail points and off the rear peg bracket. Not the same at all on a 5th gen...
End of thread · 25 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 18 May 2005