Stupid Luggage Question

I have a 2005 Honda Silver VFR ABS. It's a great machine that needs some luggage. I have looked at all the Givi and other stuff and am intested in putting Hepco Becker 38L Alumnimum bags on it.

Even the vendor suggests that doing this will make it look like "painting a Bentley camoflage". So my question is, has anyone else done this. The bike is silver, so at least there will be some color compabitility, but dropping $1k on luggage needs the approval of the CFO (wife), so don't want to look like a looney afterwards.



Anyone with any pics or suggestions? Here are the bags

Someone with some photoshopping skills may be able to put them on your bike from a photo.

Maybe a silly question, but why the Hepco Becker and not Givi or OEM bags since you already know what they look like?

I personally think that they would ROCK!! I have kinda invisioned the same set up on my 5th gen. Kinda military touring...

I scored a set of OEMs when I purchased my bike. But since I was not expecting find a bike with hard bags, I was considering the Hepco Becker Journey 42L. Having toured with my OEM's, I would take the extra space. I also think the silver/black combination of the Journey bags would look good with your silver paint. I think the bags you picked out are a better fit for a dual sport, say the proposed Cross-Tourer concept.

I really think that people that like this type of look on any bike are in a class of their own(and I'm not being funny). I see no reason not to use them(strong / holds more / weather-proof), and just like the people that were the 1st ones to put them on any bike, it takes a strong conviction to carry it out($1000). It's not like the OEM's are molded like the Corbin Beatle Bags.

Being one that has no issue with going outside the box(pun unintended), I'd say go for it.

[image: View Post]hondalover, on 15 November 2010 - 09:15 AM, said:

Someone with some photoshopping skills may be able to put them on your bike from a photo.

Maybe a silly question, but why the Hepco Becker and not Givi or OEM bags since you already know what they look like?


I guess I think the v35 Givis are probably the way to go, they snap off quick and store a helmet, however, I think they just look boring. I'll admit I have a bit of onroad/offroad hankering, so perhaps that is it. I love the look of my silver, but don't really want to put "plastic" silver bags on it.

...but the E45's hold two helmets!

Other than the fact that they would look a bit out of place and are pretty expensive, if they're what you want, then do it. Will probably look better than the bright orange pelican cases anyways.

I have Corbin Beetle Bags. They look great, but that's about all I can say good about them. They leak, the interior is an odd shape, the opening is small, and they are a pain in the arse to take off and put back on. But they do look very good!
[image: Posted Image]

I do not like the looks of the factory bags. It would be great to have something like the Hepco Becker cases that could be easily put on and taken off. I wouldn't really care if they looked "funny". My brother has similar cases on his V-Strom, and they are strong, roomy, easily accessible (inside), don't leak, go on and off in a few seconds, and are nothing short of 100% functional.
[image: Posted Image]
Anyone out there who can Photoshop this?

I like my V35s, but they won't hold a helmet. Well, maybe a small open-face, but AFAIK, not a full-face.

Glenn

[image: View Post]mikeodial, on 15 November 2010 - 09:48 AM, said:

[image: View Post]hondalover, on 15 November 2010 - 09:15 AM, said:

Someone with some photoshopping skills may be able to put them on your bike from a photo.

Maybe a silly question, but why the Hepco Becker and not Givi or OEM bags since you already know what they look like?


I guess I think the v35 Givis are probably the way to go, they snap off quick and store a helmet, however, I think they just look boring. I'll admit I have a bit of onroad/offroad hankering, so perhaps that is it. I love the look of my silver, but don't really want to put "plastic" silver bags on it.

I think the Trax may look better on the VFR. With the SW Motech mount could be the ones? Photochoped so not sure if the size is right .....

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• [image: Attached Image: vfr silver trax.jpg]
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I am NOT trying ot be a D*ck when I say this.

I just had an idea, I have lots of Dewalt Tool cases left from years of buying tools. I like to recycle and upcycle as much at I can. How crazy would it be to just hang tool cases on the paniers? Really? They are tough and lockable and leak as much as more expensive cases. So eitherway big zip lock bags would be used. I could just put a big VFR or VFRD sticker over the Dewalt label. Is that nutty, just to hold crap. I own plenty.

Cool idea or did I just venture into space?

mikeodial - Those look really good! Surprisingly good!

[image: View Post]flavadave98VFR800FI, on 15 November 2010 - 12:12 PM, said:

I am NOT trying ot be a D*ck when I say this.

I just had an idea, I have lots of Dewalt Tool cases left from years of buying tools. I like to recycle and upcycle as much at I can. How crazy would it be to just hang tool cases on the paniers? Really? They are tough and lockable and leak as much as more expensive cases. So eitherway big zip lock bags would be used. I could just put a big VFR or VFRD sticker over the Dewalt label. Is that nutty, just to hold crap. I own plenty.

Cool idea or did I just venture into space?

Cool idea! Do it!

[image: View Post]Knife, on 15 November 2010 - 12:14 PM, said:

[image: View Post]flavadave98VFR800FI, on 15 November 2010 - 12:12 PM, said:

I am NOT trying ot be a D*ck when I say this.

I just had an idea, I have lots of Dewalt Tool cases left from years of buying tools. I like to recycle and upcycle as much at I can. How crazy would it be to just hang tool cases on the paniers? Really? They are tough and lockable and leak as much as more expensive cases. So eitherway big zip lock bags would be used. I could just put a big VFR or VFRD sticker over the Dewalt label. Is that nutty, just to hold crap. I own plenty.

Cool idea or did I just venture into space?

Cool idea! Do it!


I am I would have to moch it up first and see if it looks totally retarded, somewhat stupid, or flat out cool. There is no way to tell until I try it. Would need to dremel out all the junk inside the case. the trick would be how to mount and still be able to remove them. These cases do have handles......Hmmm :idea3:

[image: View Post]Knife, on 15 November 2010 - 12:13 PM, said:

mikeodial - Those look really good! Surprisingly good!



Yes, the black ones are powercoated and look pretty sharp.

[image: View Post]flavadave98VFR800FI, on 15 November 2010 - 12:28 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Knife, on 15 November 2010 - 12:14 PM, said:

[image: View Post]flavadave98VFR800FI, on 15 November 2010 - 12:12 PM, said:

I am NOT trying ot be a D*ck when I say this.

I just had an idea, I have lots of Dewalt Tool cases left from years of buying tools. I like to recycle and upcycle as much at I can. How crazy would it be to just hang tool cases on the paniers? Really? They are tough and lockable and leak as much as more expensive cases. So eitherway big zip lock bags would be used. I could just put a big VFR or VFRD sticker over the Dewalt label. Is that nutty, just to hold crap. I own plenty.

Cool idea or did I just venture into space?

Cool idea! Do it!


I am I would have to moch it up first and see if it looks totally retarded, somewhat stupid, or flat out cool. There is no way to tell until I try it. Would need to dremel out all the junk inside the case. the trick would be how to mount and still be able to remove them. These cases do have handles......Hmmm :idea3:


I had looked at the Pelican cases which Twisted Throttle are now offering. Just worried about making that high end finish look tacky on the VFR. The Silver has a gorgeous finish and I am trying not to spoil it. However the price is a lot lower. The Trax cases are around $300 each for the 38l pls about $240 for the racks, so we we are right up there in cost. However the cases will likely be for a long time, so they can be moved from one steed to another.

[image: View Post]mikeodial, on 15 November 2010 - 01:02 PM, said:

[image: View Post]flavadave98VFR800FI, on 15 November 2010 - 12:28 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Knife, on 15 November 2010 - 12:14 PM, said:

[image: View Post]flavadave98VFR800FI, on 15 November 2010 - 12:12 PM, said:

I am NOT trying ot be a D*ck when I say this.

I just had an idea, I have lots of Dewalt Tool cases left from years of buying tools. I like to recycle and upcycle as much at I can. How crazy would it be to just hang tool cases on the paniers? Really? They are tough and lockable and leak as much as more expensive cases. So eitherway big zip lock bags would be used. I could just put a big VFR or VFRD sticker over the Dewalt label. Is that nutty, just to hold crap. I own plenty.

Cool idea or did I just venture into space?

Cool idea! Do it!


I am I would have to moch it up first and see if it looks totally retarded, somewhat stupid, or flat out cool. There is no way to tell until I try it. Would need to dremel out all the junk inside the case. the trick would be how to mount and still be able to remove them. These cases do have handles......Hmmm :idea3:


I had looked at the Pelican cases which Twisted Throttle are now offering. Just worried about making that high end finish look tacky on the VFR. The Silver has a gorgeous finish and I am trying not to spoil it. However the price is a lot lower. The Trax cases are around $300 each for the 38l pls about $240 for the racks, so we we are right up there in cost. However the cases will likely be for a long time, so they can be moved from one steed to another.



Your talking about making a real investment and you may have to drop some real coin to do so (but I guess you are passed that). For what you are talking about, I would lean towards picking a case that does it for you long term (and go just a bit larger than you think you need). Unless you plan on buying lots of compressable gear that space is important. I do not know that I would worry a whole lot about keeping the finish looking grand for long, stuff happens. The hardware involved is likely as important as anything. Locks need to stay locked and need to unlock when frozen (dry is key). Hinges need to not break, gaskets not leak (if possible). The rails have to be secure and last when dropped. Steel maybe the better choice, alloy doesn't like to bend more than a few times before failing and not every town has tig welder when you need a fix.

If I was in your shoes....Your looking at nice stuff for a nice bike. I say go with the cases that mean the hardware check list you come up with and then take the prettiest choice from there. As for your rack system....Pick something you can take off when the bike needs repair. Something you can fix if dropped. Something stable and sure to the bags and bike.

Do not try my idea with old tool cases. Sure I will make a few and maybe even use it a couple of times but, in the end I will toss them on an old enduro or dual purpose bike. For my VFR I would pick something better like you are looking at. The tool cases for me are more of a project I have to try just because I dreamed, so try I must.

Good luck brother I hope you get what makes you happy.

[image: View Post]flavadave98VFR800FI, on 15 November 2010 - 01:38 PM, said:

[image: View Post]mikeodial, on 15 November 2010 - 01:02 PM, said:

[image: View Post]flavadave98VFR800FI, on 15 November 2010 - 12:28 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Knife, on 15 November 2010 - 12:14 PM, said:

[image: View Post]flavadave98VFR800FI, on 15 November 2010 - 12:12 PM, said:

I am NOT trying ot be a D*ck when I say this.

I just had an idea, I have lots of Dewalt Tool cases left from years of buying tools. I like to recycle and upcycle as much at I can. How crazy would it be to just hang tool cases on the paniers? Really? They are tough and lockable and leak as much as more expensive cases. So eitherway big zip lock bags would be used. I could just put a big VFR or VFRD sticker over the Dewalt label. Is that nutty, just to hold crap. I own plenty.

Cool idea or did I just venture into space?

Cool idea! Do it!


I am I would have to moch it up first and see if it looks totally retarded, somewhat stupid, or flat out cool. There is no way to tell until I try it. Would need to dremel out all the junk inside the case. the trick would be how to mount and still be able to remove them. These cases do have handles......Hmmm :idea3:


I had looked at the Pelican cases which Twisted Throttle are now offering. Just worried about making that high end finish look tacky on the VFR. The Silver has a gorgeous finish and I am trying not to spoil it. However the price is a lot lower. The Trax cases are around $300 each for the 38l pls about $240 for the racks, so we we are right up there in cost. However the cases will likely be for a long time, so they can be moved from one steed to another.



Your talking about making a real investment and you may have to drop some real coin to do so (but I guess you are passed that). For what you are talking about, I would lean towards picking a case that does it for you long term (and go just a bit larger than you think you need). Unless you plan on buying lots of compressable gear that space is important. I do not know that I would worry a whole lot about keeping the finish looking grand for long, stuff happens. The hardware involved is likely as important as anything. Locks need to stay locked and need to unlock when frozen (dry is key). Hinges need to not break, gaskets not leak (if possible). The rails have to be secure and last when dropped. Steel maybe the better choice, alloy doesn't like to bend more than a few times before failing and not every town has tig welder when you need a fix.

If I was in your shoes....Your looking at nice stuff for a nice bike. I say go with the cases that mean the hardware check list you come up with and then take the prettiest choice from there. As for your rack system....Pick something you can take off when the bike needs repair. Something you can fix if dropped. Something stable and sure to the bags and bike.

Do not try my idea with old tool cases. Sure I will make a few and maybe even use it a couple of times but, in the end I will toss them on an old enduro or dual purpose bike. For my VFR I would pick something better like you are looking at. The tool cases for me are more of a project I have to try just because I dreamed, so try I must.

Good luck brother I hope you get what makes you happy.




I am moving towards the TraX bags, here they are on a VFR1200

http://www.sumotobrn...nda_vfr1200.jpg

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• [image: Attached Image: brands_honda_vfr1200.jpg]

traX looks sweet

OK, I think these will be the bags for me. These are TraX Alu-Box 37L, with SW Motech mounts. Now I have to see how I can fund them. ;-) I think they will look even better on my 05 Silver. What do you guys think? These were sent by a very kind guy who has them in CA, purchased via Twisted Throttle.

These are the 37L bags, which are more than enough on the VFR, the 45s would be huge.

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I like the looks of them. What is size of OEM rig? Givi35s I assume are 35 liters so the Alu bags pack a bit more it appears plus it is a lot easier to hang stuff off the top of the flat Trax bags especially since they have attachments for hook ons.

Anybody got a shot of these on a 5th gen?

[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 23 November 2010 - 07:09 PM, said:

I like the looks of them. What is size of OEM rig? Givi35s I assume are 35 liters so the Alu bags pack a bit more it appears plus it is a lot easier to hand stuff off the top of the flat Trax bags especially since they have attachments for hook ons.

Anybody got a shot of these on a 5th gen?


If you call Jennifer at Twisted Throttle she might be able to help find some pics. She got me those photos as I couldn't find anyone who had pics of these on a 6th gen. The mounts would be the key thing, as I think only the SW motech work for these bags. These are 37/38 Liters each, top loading with keys for each one.

The begs are from Twisted Throttle main page. MikeDial are these yours? THey say the bags are 45s but dunno.

[image: Posted Image]

May have to give these a try on my 5th gen?

they look like they need to be rotated a few degrees clockwise.

I really like the size (will fit a large full face helmit), functionality (easy on-off), and look (except for how far they stick out) of the OEM bags.

I do have an extra set in flat black I've been meaning to sell, I could be persuaded to let them go, including mounting hardware, for only a little bit more than the $350 tag of those bags. They wouldn't match, but you could paint them.

But those bags would be very functional, too. Do they come with mounting hardware for a VFR?

Really, it's your bike, do what makes you happy.

[image: View Post]timmythecop, on 25 December 2010 - 08:24 PM, said:

they look like they need to be rotated a few degrees clockwise.


Or counter-clockwise, if you're on the other side of the bike.... :goofy:


But yes, I agree, with them being nearly level, they look goofy.

This shot exaggerates the look even more.
[image: Posted Image]

Quite a beam too at least with the 45s.

[image: Posted Image]

Looks like they will fit just fine - Twisted Throttle has a photo page of the Trax system.

The nice thing about the EVO racks is you can take them off in a minute and ride the bike without them. I've just ordered a set of the Trax for my KLR and they should be here in about a week or so.

[image: View Post]superfunkomatic, on 31 December 2010 - 12:36 PM, said:

Looks like they will fit just fine - Twisted Throttle has a photo page of the Trax system.

The nice thing about the EVO racks is you can take them off in a minute and ride the bike without them. I've just ordered a set of the Trax for my KLR and they should be here in about a week or so.


I was thinking to have some dual purpose hard bags.................work on the VFR and the KLR too.

Did you get the 45s or smaller ones?

I bought the 45 litre bags and the 38 litre top case - I wanted to travel with the kitchen sink. :laughing6-hehe:

That's a great idea to share them between the bikes. The EVO racks would just need a second set of fasteners and you could switch back and forth between bikes.

I already have the OEM hard luggage and top case for the VFR. I really like the looks of the Trax luggage and it has had good reviews for durability and waterproofing - guess I'll find out this spring.

[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 31 December 2010 - 06:02 PM, said:

[image: View Post]superfunkomatic, on 31 December 2010 - 12:36 PM, said:

Looks like they will fit just fine - Twisted Throttle has a photo page of the Trax system.

The nice thing about the EVO racks is you can take them off in a minute and ride the bike without them. I've just ordered a set of the Trax for my KLR and they should be here in about a week or so.


I was thinking to have some dual purpose hard bags.................work on the VFR and the KLR too.

Did you get the 45s or smaller ones?

I bought the 45 litre bags and the 38 litre top case - I wanted to travel with the kitchen sink. :laughing6-hehe:

That is a lot of crap................the bags I mean :cheerleader:

I was actually thinking of putting a 38 top on my KLR and use it for the 5th gen too as well.

they look like they need to be rotated a few degrees clockwise.

Is this possible to actually do with the mounting brackets or bags themselves? After seeing the review on Twisted Throttle (and just picked up my Gen6 VFR last weekend) I am about to order a set.

Forgot about this thread. I got the 45l sidecases and the 38l top case for my KLR. They are really great. The SW Motech racks are easy to mount and remove. The only drawback is they aren't very securely locked. They are watertight, have a waterproof bag and you can even buy internal bags that are removable (nylon). Pretty good deal for under $1500 CDN.

Here are some pics:
[image: Posted Image]

[image: Posted Image]

Sweet dancing Jesus, those are big. I like everything about them, now I really want to figure out a way to get them to angle down a little so the load sits more forward. After seeing yours I find it hard to believe that the ones on the VFR on Twisted Throttle are 45l; yours look significantly wider.

If your asking an opinion? Ok, Those look like shit on a VFR. Buy a vstrom if you want square bags.
I have Givi's G35's and they are just tolerable. Sometimes I wish I had poped for the color matched factory hard bags.
Just an opinion mine you and I hope you get what and like what you get :)

http://vancouver.en....2414136898.html

They are about 42" wide. The KLR is skinnier than the VFR so the bike would be very wide with the 43l bags.

Sweet dancing Jesus, those are big. I like everything about them, now I really want to figure out a way to get them to angle down a little so the load sits more forward. After seeing yours I find it hard to believe that the ones on the VFR on Twisted Throttle are 45l; yours look significantly wider.

45L Trax from Twisted Throttle
[image: Posted Image]

[image: Posted Image]

They are big, but when looking at the 37 and 45 next to each other the difference in width vs available storage made me go with the 45. I can say that you can easily fit a bag of groceries in one without having to take things out and reorganize and a bouquet of flowers in the other (needed something after telling the boss how much I spent on luggage).

I was looking at the Givi V35, which look decent, but could barely hold my riding gear. I figured if I was going to go ugly (Givi Monolock) I'd go all the way. Plus the Trax can be easily removed and used a chair or work surface.

Oh, and those Corbin beatle bags; where do they get off charing $1700 for 31L of storage. :wacko:

The only downside so far is that the bike cover won't over fit over that wide rear end so I've been commuting with only one (need to cover the bike when parked in the city to avoid parking tickets).

loving these trax boxes. Think it will be awesome to carry my photographic and airbrushing kits to jobs. Looking into these right now. Wonder if the SW-Motech connections are in the same place, so you can switch between the Trax and Givi V35 or OEM hardbags.

You can get adapter plates so that may different kinds of luggage can mount on the racks.
They look alright on your VFR, and you're right it's nice to have all the storage space.

loving these trax boxes. Think it will be awesome to carry my photographic and airbrushing kits to jobs. Looking into these right now. Wonder if the SW-Motech connections are in the same place, so you can switch between the Trax and Givi V35 or OEM hardbags.