VFR Discussion Group -> Hard luggage:  saddlebags or topcase?

I'm realizing now that I have protective gear and riding 2up now and then that I could really use some storage when taking trips to a sight-seeing destination.  I figure having something to hold my pants, jacket, gloves, helmets (possibly), etc. would be good.

I really like the Givi hard luggage -- the matching candy red hard saddlebags & top cases.

My question is -->  what do you recommend I purchase FIRST .... the saddlebags or the top case? I'm going to order the largest capacity of either available.

Thanks for your suggestions.  :wheel:

Tough decision as to where to start, but here're some considerations:

Top case is kind of hanging off and high behind the bike.  It seems to increase drag more than sidecases.  I prefer to have the bike be wide, but it's awfully convenient to be able to rummage through the topcase without having small stuff spill out.  I combat that by using E41 sidecases with the keyless entry fearure on top.

At this point, I've decided to just run with sidecases and if I need extra capacity for a very long trip, bungie a duffle on the pillion.

I dont' think you can do better than Givi, and I really like the Motech racks for the VFR.

That probably wasn't much help, was it? :D

Thanks for the suggestions Sally.  Do you know if the E41 side cases come in the candy red top-lid or only the flat or gloss black or silver lids?  I like the look of the E21 cases which I believe come with the candy red lids, but they don't carry all that much compared to many of the others.  

I really like the looks of the Givie cases!  They sure are a pretty penny!  But, appear to be well worth it for the long-haul.

Can you fit a helmet in the E41 cases?  Where did you buy your Givi items?  Were you satisfied with your purchase experience?

Arizona Motorsports appears to be a good place ... with competitive prices.

Thanks   :D

Woodcycl,

I have used the E21s as well as the E360's as side cases for my 99' and 02 VFR's and I can't imagine a better set-up. �I've only considered using a top case to hold our helmets and she'd like the back rest that integrates with the top case also. �I'm not sure how long your trips are but only one case might end up being to limiting- especially with two of you. �This link (below too) shows pics of an 02 with E21's on the side and another larger case as a top case and might be something to consider. �The E21's are very convenient being that they're top opening cases. �I should add that the E21's will hold quite a bit if you plan it all out well.

VFRMike.

http://community.webshots.com/album/42573810XGwAOn

woodcycl, June 29 2003Thanks for the suggestions Sally. �Do you know if the E41 side cases come in the candy red top-lid or only the flat or gloss black or silver lids? �I like the look of the E21 cases which I believe come with the candy red lids, but they don't carry all that much compared to many of the others. �

I really like the looks of the Givie cases! �They sure are a pretty penny! �But, appear to be well worth it for the long-haul.

Can you fit a helmet in the E41 cases? �Where did you buy your Givi items? �Were you satisfied with your purchase experience?

Arizona Motorsports appears to be a good place ... with competitive prices.

Thanks � :D

The E41s do come in red -- that's what I have.  If you want to see a pic of them mounted (yeah, it's on a cruiser) go to www.motive-corp.co/moto/rs4sale.html

I'm using the Motech racks on my VFR.  I used 5 Stars racks on my Road Star.  Yes, I can fit a helmet in the E41s.  I can't recall for sure, but I think I test-fitted two helmets when I first got them, but I could be wrong about that.

I buy my Givis and racks from Riderhaus (www.twowheelsburning.com - new site, www.riderhaus.com -- old site) in Germany -- they have the best pricing around, but their website says they aren't taking new orders at this time.  Might want to send them an email to check on thier status now.  I've dealt with Riderhaus several times and have found them to be extremely helpful with answering questions.

Once you pick your cases, it's even more important to pick racks to hold them with.  For the VFR, Motech racks and 5 Stars racks both offer easy removability to get back to the naked look.  5 Stars racks require that you remove the passenger grab handles for mounting.  Motech side racks can be mounted with the grab handles in place, however, if you add a top rack, you must then remove the grab rails.  When you remove the Motech side racks, you're left with just a couple small tabs on the bike.  It's a very clever arrangement.

In my experience, Motech and 5 Stars make better racks than Give for Givi cases.