This may be an obvious question, but I do want to make sure that they are safe and securly attached to my bike, can anyone explain to me the proper Installation of the Cortech Tri-bag set on my 2003.. (2 saddlebags and the additional dufflebag on top) Having never had any luggage on my bikes previous to this, it is new to me, and like I said, just want to make sure I am doing it right for safety reasons!
Thanks in advance for all your help!
Cunch
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first of all, i don't have all three bags, just the two saddles, but i i imagine anything i say would still apply just with the duffle clicked in on top.
second of all, my cortechs get jerry-rigged every time they go on the bike and they are very frustrating. they are especially frustrating when they don't have anything in them as they flop around in the wind a lot.
on recommendation is to put the passenger pegs back on if you've taken them off. they make a nice anchor point. if you (like me) just really prefer to not have the passenger pegs on, then you can pop the seat off and hook those little accessory attachment loops around the black metal d-rings that the seat tabs insert into. then pu the seat back on and the attachment points will be visibly dangling on the outside.
the real problem is the back end of the bags. i have staintunes and it's quite a trick to find a solid attachment point back there without rubbing the hot pipes. i simply attach the bags to each other under the pipes and behind the license plate.
even after all that nonsense, they still don't sit right. i'm currently trying to concoct some method of stable attachment. if you come up with something let me know, but in the meantime, this little set-up is getting me by.
trip.
That was the reasoning for my post -- "where to put the straps on the end of the bags at the rear" I tried it out with them wrapped around the fender below the lisence plate, I was just wondering if I was doing this right -- or if there was a "proper" installation for these bags on this bike.
Thanks
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Cunch, May 07 2004
That was the reasoning for my post -- \"where to put the straps on the end of the bags at the rear\" I tried it out with them wrapped around the fender below the lisence plate, I was just wondering if I was doing this right -- or if there was a \"proper\" installation for these bags on this bike.
I took off my license plate and then put one strap for the Cortech system around each side of the license plate frame. �Then I put the plate back on. �The straps are secured between the plate and the frame and I've never had a problem with 'em. �I don't have a fenderechomy, just the stock mud flap.
For the front straps I loosened up the rear peg assembly and slid a strap around each side. �Tighted the assembly up and that holds the front straps in place.
The duffel bag simply snaps right to the saddlebags.
Very simple & effective. �Literally takes me seconds to put the bags on & off once you attach the straps. �I leave the straps on permanently.
I dont own a VTEC so the points are a bit different for mounting. I own oxford side bags and they tend to scuff the paint, so put some masking tape or a clear tape, some kind of protector between the bags and the cowl.
I have some shitty oxford bags that have 2 big velcro straps that lay over the seat, I remove the seat and let the straps go below, I have it worked out just right. It seems more stable that way and the bags dont flop around as much on the bumpy stuff.
On a side note I alway pack stuff I end up never using, thinking "well just in case" camping gear mostly, well hell I am not going on a camping trip why do I need all that stuff. From now on its a Tent and sleeping bag, and a small one person or bivy at that, I am not taking a bunch of cooking gear again, or electronic stuff I wont use, MP3 players I cant hear at 70mph, cell phones that dont get service, if your taking a phone make sure your service is availible or it will roam, mine sucked never get service anywhere practically. I am not taking a lot of food again since I can get that on the road but do bring water, I have a foldable water bag. Clothes as little as possible, take advantage of a coin op laundry or where your staying should have a washer. Maybe some sneekers since boots get hot. Going spartan next time too much wieght on the bike last time really hampered my ride. I met some guy who rode from Washington to Laguna Seca on his Priller, all he had was the clothes on his back, a few changes of underwear and a cell phone, no bags whatsoever now thats spartan.
Having had this system in the past, I think I can tell you how I installed them, and they worked just fine. :goof:
First, if you are putting them over your rear seat cowl, get some kind of protection, as even a little roughness will saw through the paint eventually. I used self adhesive shelf paper.
Second, attach the two saddlebags together with the huge velcro straps such that the straps are properly interlaced and stay where you put them, and the slength is so the bag are suspended even with the top of the seat, getting you maximum height on the sides, away from hot pipes. The bottom is coated with a heat resistant coating, but not heat proof! mad.gif
Now that the side to side and height attachment is done, attach the bottom front straps to your pillion pegs "wings", the little metal loops that keep the pillion feet from going into the rear wheel. I looped the attachment strap through the pegs first and than adjusted the length of the strap on the bag for a snug fit. These anchod the bag front to back abd keep them from moving to far back. to tight and they pull the bag forward. When the bag are not on the bike, they can be left on if you make sure they stay with a rubber band around the strap.
The back straps can be attached to your license plate light or just each other, but keep them behind the fender (or what's left) to keep them from getting frayed from debris. Adjust length to keep the bags parallel to the rear wheel and a little tight. Keeps them from pulling to far forward and looking good from the back. They can stay with bike when no bags or go. The reflective tape goes to the rear. tongue.gif
The top bag attaches down with the tabs. Again, protect the tail and cover with a cloth, etc., to keep the top bag from vibrating against soft paint. I liked my top bag facing so the tool pouch was facing front. Again, ususaaly reflective tape goes back. tongue.gif
When you arrive, unclip from front pegs and rear and take whole system off as one.
Nice system, good capacity, just pack everything in a garbage bag or two and forget the waterproof covers, they flap in the wind.
Larry beer.gif
Thanks guys for the responses, it seems like a good luggage system, my first real test will be in a couple of weeks when I take it north to Chicago, but only for a couple of days, so I will hardly be packing anything.
I wasn't aware of the bags scratching or ruining the paint -- Something I am going to have to take pre-caution too.. !
Cunch
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