Hey guys, new member here with a relatively new-to-me 08 VFR.
I'm looking for some luggage, something unobtrusive. I was thinking of a tail pack that can, at the very least, fit a helmet or come close to it. I'd rather have something that straps under the seat as opposed to the bungee mounting system but I know it's somewhat difficult with the VFR's wide one piece seat. Please give me any retrogradations you may have.
Oh Yea...... Welcome to our humble group......... Enjoy your bike.......
thanks guys! Monk, funny because I would see your post a lot when searching on google. Do you know if the Held bag will hold a helmet? Also, where is the most inexpensive place to buy one? From what I remember, they're pretty pricey and not readily available.
How do you feel about trying to stuff a full face helmet in there for me? lol.
Its about half the price of the HELD so I'm thinking this is a no brainer if it has the necessary room. Also, does it mount with velcro under the rear seat? Looking to make sure its stable.
I have a Cortech Sport Tail Bag and I absolutely love it although I don't think its quite tall enough to get a helmet in but I've never tried
How do you feel about trying to stuff a full face helmet in there for me? lol.
Its about half the price of the HELD so I'm thinking this is a no brainer if it has the necessary room. Also, does it mount with velcro under the rear seat? Looking to make sure its stable.
Thanks for the help
My initial response would have been no-way so for S&G I tried to shoehorn my XL Shoei inside of my Cortech Tail Bag and sure enough....It Fits!! It will also hold a lot of beer. :fing02:
The Cortech sport bag is great IMHO and super stable. I never worry about it moving or shifting while i'm riding. I just use the built in bungee system for ease of removal, and lock my helmet on using the hook under the seat. I quit using a tank bag once I got it!!!
I use a Nelson Rigg tail bag It works great, holds a ton of stuff but, it is a bungie mount. I fixed this by whipping up this bottom plate on the Fadal at work. Its made out of .25 Kydex and straps to the seat. the bag the mounts to the plate with the bungies.. It Works great now and never touches the paint.
If you're considering Nelson Rigg tailbags, check out motorcyclegear.com (FKA newenough.com). Just got an email from them a couple days ago with Nelson Rigg tailbags on sale. :wink:
I have a FirstGear Onyx expanding tailbag that will hold a full-face helmet, but it's a huge bag, not the 'unobtrusive' kind you referred to, Vifferup.
Man, you guys are great! Thanks for all the help, I'll seriously be considering the Cortech bag. I'm going to check out some of them at my local shop before I order.
I think the main reason I wondered what type of bag everyone uses is because some of them seem to strap down under the seat and be much more secure than the bungee system. For the guys using the bungee, what/where are you strapping it down to create the most secure connections?
Man, you guys are great! Thanks for all the help, I'll seriously be considering the Cortech bag. I'm going to check out some of them at my local shop before I order.
I think the main reason I wondered what type of bag everyone uses is because some of them seem to strap down under the seat and be much more secure than the bungee system. For the guys using the bungee, what/where are you strapping it down to create the most secure connections?
I think that's the point in a nutshell, it's hard to use a bungee cord when there is nothing to attach it to without touching the body. I'm not sure how the Cortect bungee works, but if it were to have the cord only run under the seat, then have the hooks attach to the bag away from the body, I think would work fine. But if it has the hooks under the seat it would seem to be a problem with the bulk of the hook. The thing I like about the flat straps, is that the tightness is adjustable and the straps aren't bulky. Of course the bungees could be replaced with custom straps, maybe?
Man, you guys are great! Thanks for all the help, I'll seriously be considering the Cortech bag. I'm going to check out some of them at my local shop before I order.
I think the main reason I wondered what type of bag everyone uses is because some of them seem to strap down under the seat and be much more secure than the bungee system. For the guys using the bungee, what/where are you strapping it down to create the most secure connections?
Check with newenough.com( can't remember their new name) they are fantastic people and have great prices! :fing02:
I have the coretch sport tail bag instraps under the seat plus sponge cords, Its useable.
THe only thing, everytime I put the rain cover on the rear of the bike felt crazy, seems the spongs cords arent that strong and degrade over time so the bag can bounce around, so I added two extra straps over the top.
This after I was bout 100mp in a sweeper, in turbulant wind conditions and the bag came undone all Bungies.
No more issue after adding the over the top spongies and no more issue with the rain cover either
I just did a couple thousand miles last summer with the Coretech tail an saddle bags and they were awesome ! The tail bag is super versatile and light. I have a set of rails that came with the bike and gear when I bought it that mount in the rear peg mounting holes and extend back giving perfect mounting for the full bagger setup but I havent run the tail bag alone yet.
Hi, with this set up what have you done to your rear shock ? I'm assuming its not the stock shock and that you have a spring to match your weight. With such a variance in the tail capacity would there be enough adjustments in the shock to compensate for the weight ?
While we wait for him to answer, I'd say if you look at all the stuff on the back, it probably still doesn't weigh more than a passenger.
Hi, with this set up what have you done to your rear shock ? I'm assuming its not the stock shock and that you have a spring to match your weight.
With such a variance in the tail capacity would there be enough adjustments in the shock to compensate for the weight ?
I used to just jack the preload but after I noticed some wallowing in Canada a few years ago I upgraded front and rear suspension including springs. I rebuilt the rear and added a gold valve plus a beefier spring. RaceTech did the job.
Man, you guys are great! Thanks for all the help, I'll seriously be considering the Cortech bag. I'm going to check out some of them at my local shop before I order.
I think the main reason I wondered what type of bag everyone uses is because some of them seem to strap down under the seat and be much more secure than the bungee system. For the guys using the bungee, what/where are you strapping it down to create the most secure connections?
I think that's the point in a nutshell, it's hard to use a bungee cord when there is nothing to attach it to without touching the body. I'm not sure how the Cortect bungee works, but if it were to have the cord only run under the seat, then have the hooks attach to the bag away from the body, I think would work fine. But if it has the hooks under the seat it would seem to be a problem with the bulk of the hook. The thing I like about the flat straps, is that the tightness is adjustable and the straps aren't bulky. Of course the bungees could be replaced with custom straps, maybe?
I just did that with my very old Tracy tailbag and sitting in the garage, it appears they should work OK. I haven't had the occasion to try it on the road yet. I purchased a 1" wide X 60" camping tiedown strap, (Less than $2) and a packet of 2 extra connectors. (Less than$1) The 60" of strap was enough to make both straps. Just enough so don't start cutting untill you are sure of your measurements. If it doesn't work, it isn't going to be a great loss.
+ 1 on both Nelson Rigg and motorcyclegear.com (newenough). I have an expandable tail bag and it's great.
I attach it with its bungees, but may have to make a mounting plate similar to vwrxtrd's after I eventually
have my 4th gen painted. For now, a little bungee burn doesn't concern me.
I just did that with my very old Tracy tailbag and sitting in the garage, it appears they should work OK. I haven't had the occasion to try it on the road yet. I purchased a 1" wide X 60" camping tiedown strap, (Less than $2) and a packet of 2 extra connectors. (Less than$1) The 60" of strap was enough to make both straps. Just enough so don't start cutting untill you are sure of your measurements. If it doesn't work, it isn't going to be a great loss.
I've got an RKA tail bag and it works very well. A full face helmet will fit easily inside, and it has three outside pockets. It uses straps to tie down and not bungees, more solid if you ask me.
I love it I hook to the rear grab bar and the bolt that holds the rear foot pegs on ( I have removed the rear foot pegs where I used to hook onto and had to put one of the bolts back in on each side to hook to)
It is firm never moves and looks like a briefcase bag when you take it in with you
I love it I hook to the rear grab bar and the bolt that holds the rear foot pegs on ( I have removed the rear foot pegs where I used to hook onto and had to put one of the bolts back in on each side to hook to) It is firm never moves and looks like a briefcase bag when you take it in with you
Are you able to use the bungee cords without contacting the bodywork and scuffing the paint?
I love it I hook to the rear grab bar and the bolt that holds the rear foot pegs on ( I have removed the rear foot pegs where I used to hook onto and had to put one of the bolts back in on each side to hook to) It is firm never moves and looks like a briefcase bag when you take it in with you
Are you able to use the bungee cords without contacting the bodywork and scuffing the paint?
Charles
On mine I ditched the hooks and tied the bungies together in a knot. That way I just slide them around the seat and latch it down. No danger of scuffing. Baileyrock uses a similar method except he hooks the bungies into the storage compartment of his sargent seat.
I love it I hook to the rear grab bar and the bolt that holds the rear foot pegs on ( I have removed the rear foot pegs where I used to hook onto and had to put one of the bolts back in on each side to hook to) It is firm never moves and looks like a briefcase bag when you take it in with you
Are you able to use the bungee cords without contacting the bodywork and scuffing the paint?
Charles
On mine I ditched the hooks and tied the bungies together in a knot. That way I just slide them around the seat and latch it down. No danger of scuffing. Baileyrock uses a similar method except he hooks the bungies into the storage compartment of his sargent seat.
With that type of set up, is the bag stable and is the seat able to just clip back in without any problems? thx
If you're not regularly riding around at triple digit speeds, then wind buffeting isn't an issue so you should just go with a lockable hard case so that you can leave the helmet with relative security...
I went through this progression of soft helmet sized strap-on...Nelson Rigg...sold (pictured)
to a knock-off hard case, low profile "solo rack" style then factory grab bar rack that fit two full face easily...Model 929...sold
I love it I hook to the rear grab bar and the bolt that holds the rear foot pegs on ( I have removed the rear foot pegs where I used to hook onto and had to put one of the bolts back in on each side to hook to) It is firm never moves and looks like a briefcase bag when you take it in with you
Are you able to use the bungee cords without contacting the bodywork and scuffing the paint?
Charles
On mine I ditched the hooks and tied the bungies together in a knot. That way I just slide them around the seat and latch it down. No danger of scuffing. Baileyrock uses a similar method except he hooks the bungies into the storage compartment of his sargent seat.
With that type of set up, is the bag stable and is the seat able to just clip back in without any problems? thx
I've used mine that way for thousands of miles in tight twisties without issue even when fully extended. I have to offset the knot near the seat latch but it clips right in.
Man, you guys are great! Thanks for all the help, I'll seriously be considering the Cortech bag. I'm going to check out some of them at my local shop before I order.
I think the main reason I wondered what type of bag everyone uses is because some of them seem to strap down under the seat and be much more secure than the bungee system. For the guys using the bungee, what/where are you strapping it down to create the most secure connections?
I don't even strap mine under the seat or tail, I strap it directly to the passenger handles with the bungess. I've never had any issue with it moving or being unstable
If you're not regularly riding around at triple digit speeds, then wind buffeting isn't an issue so you should just go with a lockable hard case so that you can leave the helmet with relative security...
I went through this progression of soft helmet sized strap-on...Nelson Rigg...sold (pictured)
to a knock-off hard case, low profile "solo rack" style then factory grab bar rack that fit two full face easily...Model 929...sold
then finally antied-up for a oem color match box (purchased from a fellow member)...love it!
take a short-cut, do it right the first time :fing02:
Agreed. Been side tracked with life stuff lately haven't been into making decisions for my bike lately but I've considered what you've said. I've been speaking to the helpful people at newenough who recommend this: http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/luggage/seat_bags/the_cycle_guys/fastpack_seat_bag_for_one_piece_seats.html Awesome seat bag, but looks like storage is minimal, I just LOVE the design. Seems simple enough I wish more companies would make basic straps like that.
Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions and help!
Vifferup.... Agreed. Been side tracked with life stuff lately haven't been into making decisions for my bike lately but I've considered what you've said. I've been speaking to the helpful people at newenough who recommend this: http://www.motorcycl...iece_seats.html Awesome seat bag, but looks like storage is minimal, I just LOVE the design. Seems simple enough I wish more companies would make basic straps like that. Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions and help!
Now that's a nice tail bag.... And does it hold a helmet(which is what you wanted in the 1st place)?
Vifferup.... Agreed. Been side tracked with life stuff lately haven't been into making decisions for my bike lately but I've considered what you've said. I've been speaking to the helpful people at newenough who recommend this: http://www.motorcycl...iece_seats.html Awesome seat bag, but looks like storage is minimal, I just LOVE the design. Seems simple enough I wish more companies would make basic straps like that. Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions and help!
Now that's a nice tail bag.... And does it hold a helmet(which is what you wanted in the 1st place)?
Hey Monk,
No, unfortunately it wont, theres another with a similar designed by Joe Rocket called the Spack Pack 2.0 which will fit a helmet but the straps are just shy of the length of the VFR seat. I must say though, I've ordered through newenough before but have never known that their customer service is beyond exceptional until now.
For anyone else looking for soft bags, another company that seems pretty good with quality is DOWCO, they seem to have a nice but relatively expensive set of elite series soft luggage.
If you're not regularly riding around at triple digit speeds, then wind buffeting isn't an issue so you should just go with a lockable hard case so that you can leave the helmet with relative security...
I went through this progression of soft helmet sized strap-on...Nelson Rigg...sold (pictured)
to a knock-off hard case, low profile "solo rack" style then factory grab bar rack that fit two full face easily...Model 929...sold
then finally antied-up for a oem color match box (purchased from a fellow member)...love it!
take a short-cut, do it right the first time :fing02:
Agreed. Been side tracked with life stuff lately haven't been into making decisions for my bike lately but I've considered what you've said. I've been speaking to the helpful people at newenough who recommend this: http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts/luggage/seat_bags/the_cycle_guys/fastpack_seat_bag_for_one_piece_seats.html Awesome seat bag, but looks like storage is minimal, I just LOVE the design. Seems simple enough I wish more companies would make basic straps like that.
Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions and help!
I absolutely love my fast pack! I've had one for 600rr, then kept it for my 636 and again going to keep it on the new 600rr I'm about to pick up. Its definitely on the small side but I love it for what I'm out and unexpectedly want to pick up food to take home or whatever
I would recommend Kriega every time as they are fully waterproof and all clip together and universal with all Kriega rucksacks too.
Srap under seat and the best ive come accross yet!!!
I have a Marsee Zipp Bag (pics somewhere) and it's great. Plenty of storage and makes for a nice backrest between me and the Givi E52 on the back. I would highly recommend the Marsee bag it holds a ton of stuff. See the review here: http://www.webbikewo...r4/marsee-zipp/
I've used mine that way for thousands of miles in tight twisties without issue even when fully extended. I have to offset the knot near the seat latch but it clips right in. [image: Posted Image]
um, maybe 'cause you blacked out your exhaust with matte paint, the tail bag straps stick better :idea3:
Kriega all the way. British company and a little expensive but awesome stuff. As mentioned before you can add different bags to each other to make up and size needed. Also can be attached to rucksack when needed and converted to a tank bag as well with one simple extra purchase. Just switched onto them myself. Used the rucksack for years.
One is for smaller loads and styling, but the "Held" gets most of the use, it holds what I like to carry 24/7 and can be expanded to hold more when needed(like other riders that don't have enough space for all their stuff :beer: )compressed it's holding Electric air pump;tyre kit:camera;GPS;first-aid kit;rotor-disc lock;I-pod;Chain spanner;BMW's hi-tech undercover body top(take bottoms as option);water bag(works like a camel pack without all the tubes and harnesses, when empty it's a sturdy sheet of plastic). [image: Posted Image] DSC00119.JPG
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae351/bdegross/2006%20VFR800/vfrbostonmills.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp111/toddulu/MISC/15404155-20090718_PalomarMountain_0.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh271/Interceptor58/Divers/__elite_seat_sak_LARGE.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/26868/2968570630099738507S600x600Q85.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/Theduke_13/Bike%20trip%202010/IMG_4659.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/42943/2421887610099738507S600x600Q85.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg142/Gamecock71/Motorcycles/2003%20Honda%20VFR800A/133a8af2.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg142/Gamecock71/Motorcycles/2003%20Honda%20VFR800A/f4c3772a.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg142/Gamecock71/Motorcycles/2003%20Honda%20VFR800A/e485a526.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z350/frankoqpb/20110605%20zumo%20install/DSC_4091.jpg){kind=link}
![[image: Posted Image]](http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z350/frankoqpb/20110605%20zumo%20install/DSC_4093.jpg){kind=link}