I'm thinking of bags for the VFR (the wife doesn't know it, but she's going to become an avid sport tourer!!)
So, here's some questions:
* Best value of hard bags - OEM? or Givi? or ?? * Best place to buy said bags? I gave up finding them used for a decent price * What about soft saddle bags? Best brand? Price? etc etc
Also, this is not VFR related, but if you happen to know a good source for Goldwings...
What's the best suggestion on the bag liners? OEM is pretty expensive, so if anybody knows of similar quality - but better price - please advise.
Harring10, Feb. 21 2004* Best place to buy said bags? �I gave up finding them used for a decent price * What about soft saddle bags? �Best brand? Price? etc etc
Kev -
Kev, As far a as the hard bag situation goes the cheapest prices I and I believe others found was David Silver Spares in the UK. I did not end up going that route, but if that's still not the best, I'm sure someone else can correct me.
As far as soft bags, one thing you need to consider is the pipe issue. If you stick with stock pipes with the shields, you should be O.K. with soft bags. Popular choice is the Tourmaster Cortech saddlebags with attachable top bag if needed as well.
If you go to aftermardet pipes(i.e. with no heat shield) you may have trouble be able to use soft bags. I know that the 'Tunes get too hot to be able to have a bag resting against them.
I bought the OEM bags because they fit the bike really well. The mounting racks look as good as anything extra that bolts on the back of your bike can, contour the rear end somewhat and don't stick out very much when the bags are not inplace.
I skipped the bag liners. I had bag liners for my Sprint Exec bags. They were expensive and actually decrease the amount of stuff I could fit in the hardbags. I found it was better off if I used more, smaller bags and packed them together into the hard bags. You can find small stuff sacks at camping stores.
I recently had a look at kaapa's, I think they are actually manufactured buy Givi. They have a nice mounting system and are decent bags. I don't think that they look as good as the OEM set but are about 1/2 the price in Canadian dollars.
I thought about hard bags but they didn't really fit me or my life style. I've found that the Ventura system works best for me, I basically ride alone. When going to a show or something like Super Sunday I wear the bag as a backpack. I know that many people love their OEMs and wonder how they ever got along without them. Good luck in your search their are many choices out there.
I also have Staintunes mounted, not a problem as the luggage sits atop a rack system similar to a sissy bar but don't lean on it.
I'm leaning toward the OEM's, and so far, AZ Motorsports seems to have a lower price.
Of course, availability is an unfortunate issue, they are saying 7 -10 business days before they have them. Then a week to ship to me, PLUS, an added shipping cost of $40.
Wouldn't it be nice if the Honda dealerships would try and be more competitive?
I have the OEM bags on my bike and really like them. Easy to use and remove in a few seconds. Makes the bike much more practical.(Boy I'm gettin' old :ghostface: )!! They look really good to boot.
mtradtke, Feb. 23 2004I have the OEM bags on my bike and really like them. Easy to use and remove in a few seconds. Makes the bike much more practical.(Boy I'm gettin' old :ghostface: )!! They look really good to boot.
Michael
Did you buy them through your local Honda dealer? Or, do you by anychance have a secret source with good pricing AND availability?
I just bought the OEM hardbags from Service Honda, like $815 shipped to my door, took 10 days from order to delivery and I ordered on a sunday. Installation took me about 3 hours, taking my time and installing a new steering whell on my Starion at the same time. I sometimes have a short attention span :p
I like them, accept that I scratched the right one within 12 hours of installing them, T H E Y A R E W I D E.
Of course, availability is an unfortunate issue, they are saying 7 -10 business days before they have them. Then a week to ship to me, PLUS, an added shipping cost of $40.
Wouldn't it be nice if the Honda dealerships would try and be more competitive?
Why not take a print out of the GIVI bags at AZ Motorsports to your dealer and see if they could come closer to matching the price on the OEM's. They may value your business and you've got nothing to lose.
I have to agree with Nightflight on this one. I ordered the Ventura tailbag system. With the two bags it has a 80 liter capacity and it fits on a rack behind the rider, creating less aerodynamic drag then do the OEM's. I thought the OEM's made the bike too wide. The Ventura system is not as aesthetically pleasing as the OEM's, but cost less than half as much. I got the entire system plus storm covers and a sport rack for $370. The Ventura system plus a good tankbag will hold all I need.
I went with the Givi PL166 mounts & the 21 L bags for $275. Don't let anyone tell you that you have to have the top case hardware with this setup. The OEm bags look good but for the difference in money, I'd go with the Givi. The PL166 mounts are easy to take off if you want the clean look. I have Staintunes & there is no heat problem.