What can you fit in hard bags?

I'm trying to save money at this point in time and am thinking about just getting a top bag instead of the side bags, but I want to have enough from for a helmet and 'stich darien jacket and pants for my commutes to work.

Will all of that fit in a large top box either the OEM one or say a GIVI E460? I'd love to have everyone's input!

I have the VFR top box and a Givi E52 top box, and neither of them would fit a helmet, a pair of armored pants and an armored jacket. Just the jacket and pants will take up the much space because the hard armor doesn't collapse very well. But it can be done. Of course, you could just lock your helmet to the bike helmet ring.

But if you don't need to lane share (as we do in Calif.) then I think the side cases look nicer and offer better aerodynamics and weight distribution.

My $0.02...

MichaelR, Mar 17 2005, 05:13 PMI'm trying to save money at this point in time and am thinking about just getting a top bag instead of the side bags, but I want to have enough from for a helmet and 'stich darien jacket and pants for my commutes to work.

Will all of that fit in a large top box either the OEM one or say a GIVI E460? I'd love to have everyone's input!

I was also thinking of the trunk as a cheaper alternative to the side bags at first, $325 list versus $999... but then noticed that the mounting bracket is $235 list, so you're up to 2/3 the price of the bags. Thing is, you don't need to add something to the frame for the side bags, so all your money is going for luggage, not mounting metal.

Good luck on the decision... cool.gif

I have both the OEM side bags and the top bag and leave them on all the time.

I think the side bags alone look great... a few of the members have them on their aviatars... but the one I use the most is the top bag. The top bag is also the most bang for the buck.

I ride to work and leave the helmet, jacket and over pants in the top bag so that I don't have to lug that stuff into the office. Neither the jacket or the overpants are armored, but they fit with room to spare.

I also leave a spare helmet in one of the side bags just in case one of my kids needs me to give them a ride home from school.

I got mine from AZ motorsports, as they had the best price available, but there have been folks picking them up off ebay and I'm guessing they are doing better.

No matter what you get, it'll be good...

Well.....

I think I'm going to go with the side bags, however, I'm torn between the OEM bags and the GIVI E41's. Any opinions either way?

I have been extremely pleased with the fit, finish and function of the OEM luggage. I'm not familiar with the Givi's.

MichaelR, Mar 17 2005, 09:05 PMWell.....

I think I'm going to go with the side bags, however, I'm torn between the OEM bags and the GIVI E41's. Any opinions either way?

Get the OEM bags. They look better, come off quickly and easily, and will hold an assload of stuff. idea3.gif

Hurricane249, Mar 17 2005, 10:08 PMGet the OEM bags.  They look better, come off quickly and easily, and will hold an assload of stuff. idea3.gif

Is it true they Leak....from the inside out if you use them as a cooler for beer?
Just checking before I buy idea3.gif

Tin Man, Mar 17 2005, 10:35 PMIs it true they Leak....from the inside out if you use them as a cooler for beer?
Just checking before I buy idea3.gif

It's more of a seepage than a leak but it never gets under the tire. beer.gif

I have a one peice Roadcrafter, it will fit in my 52 liter givi but not with a helmet! Its one or the other!

Well in the end I decided to go with the Givi E41's because cost is an issue and because I'll be buying a F650GS sometime soon and I'll be able to move the bags between the bikes.

Thank you all for your help!