Side bags: + carries weight low = better stability + Honda bags are especially nice looking, givi ok too - makes bike wider for lane splitting - even if you just want to carry a little stuff you still need two (it looks really bad if you just put on one)
Top case: + can be huge (givi makes a 52 liter one) + safety - givi can add an extra brake light + doesn't increase width for lane splitting + becomes a built-in passenger backrest - putting much weight up there adds to bike's instability - looks ugly
I couldn't decide, so I got both top and side cases. And since I lane-split all the time I use my top box much more.
I went with Tourmaster's Cortech Tri-Bag series for my panniers, tail bag and tank bag system.
I like soft luggage, easy to pack. Much cheaper than hard bags. The duffle bag clips into the rear panniers and is very secure. I used this set-up on my trip to Ariz. and the rain covers worked fine in the monsoon I hit.
The tankbag set has a large bag and a medium bag. You can use them separately or zip them together for the Godzilla of tankbags.
The Tourmaster stuff also has a fair amount of reflective material so people can see you at night.
It all depends on how much stuff you want to carry on a regular basis. If it's just basics, and you want security, then hard side luggage is the way to go. You might want to consider Givi vs. OEM. So much cheaper. If you plan on touring later, you'll have the option of adding a topcase.
I have both the oem saddlebags and top case. To my surprise, I use the top case much more than the saddlebags. It doesn't look as good and it does make a slight difference in the handling of the bike at low speed, but it is really convenient. [image: user posted image]
Anyone try a RocketLocker. It looks like nice quality and locks on to the bike under the seat. Thinking of purchasing one but first want to hear others opinions, if any. I plan to go with a soft tail bag for now for around town and commuting to work.
I don't think I would survive without my tankbag. It's very handy. I have tried several and really like Eclipse. When not on the bike I can tuck the "bottom" strap under the seat, and the two forward clamps tuck under the front edge of the tank. I tried a magnetic mount once, and screwed up a fuel tank, big-time. My own fault...it not only sticks to the metal tank....but screws, nails and all the other metal stuff in your garage does too! Live and learn.
I'm getting ready to take a trip and am trying to find a way to protect the painted sides of the tail when using soft saddle-bags (Joe Rocket). Any ideas?
jpm163, May 11 2004I don't think I would survive without my tankbag. �It's very handy. �I have tried several and really like Eclipse. �When not on the bike I can tuck the \"bottom\" strap under the seat, and the two forward clamps tuck under the front edge of the tank. �I tried a magnetic mount once, and screwed up a fuel tank, big-time. �My own fault...it not only sticks to the metal tank....but screws, nails and all the other metal stuff in your garage does too! �Live and learn.
I'm getting ready to take a trip and am trying to find a way to protect the painted sides of the tail when using soft saddle-bags (Joe Rocket). �Any ideas?
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jon
I had that same issue with my zx12 with saddlebags. I ended up putting electrical tape in strips along the tail where the bags made contact.
In the end, there were no new scratches and the tape peeled off easily. I had to use some goo remove to get the tape residue off.
I heard that 3M makes a clear plastic that sticks on and is easy to remove.
I would vote for a rocket locker. http://RocketLocker.com
I used one along with a tank bag for a 4 day 1500 mile trip from Houston to Mena, AR. It sits the passenger section of the seat and attaches under the seat making it hard to steal. I spent the extra $20 and got the water proof material.
I use it daily to commute to work and store my rain gear and laptop. It is not the largest piece of luggage, but is big enough to hold a twelve pack of MGD longnecks. I bought two master lock luggage locks and feel confident leaving my laptop in it while making small stops on the way home.
Clement: I just purchased a RocketLocker. I called the company with some questions regarding size and capacity. The owner quickly called be back and gleddly answered my questions. There have been some good reviews of the bag. I should have it by the weekend.
Has anyone tried to use the Honda top rack with a standard Givi top case?
I know the Honda cases are made by Givi.
I have been looking for a top case but I would like the rack to mount on the grab rails like the Honda ones. �The Givi ones mount on the passenger foot peg brackets and I have mine removed and like the look of it.
The Honda top case is LARGE (52liter) all I would need is a small one like this �Click Here
02VFR, May 11 2004Has anyone tried to use the Honda top rack with a standard Givi top case?
I know the Honda cases are made by Givi.
I have been looking for a top case but I would like the rack to mount on the grab rails like the Honda ones. �The Givi ones mount on the passenger foot peg brackets and I have mine removed and like the look of it.
The Honda top case is LARGE (52liter) all I would need is a small one like this �Click Here
It is just for day to day stuff going to work and such, if I do go away I have a expandable tank bag and a Rocket Locker.
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The Honda/Givi stuff and the Givi/Givi stuff are NOT interchangeable in any way whatsoever. �Even to use the Honda sidecases with a Givi top case system. �If you use the Givi top case with Honda side cases, you have to modify the Givi rack for the top case for it to fit. �I LOVE my OEM system (side and top cases), but have one HUGE complaint with them. �If you break, lose or damage ANY portion or part of the Honda system, there are NO parts available for them AT ALL! �I ran into this problem when a side case decided to take a solo side trip at about 75 mph. �I needed reflectors for my US model cases and couldn't get them. �Luckily, it was reflectors and I simply opted to have the guy that repaired/painted for me remove the reflectors "a la" the Euro/Canadian bags. �I'm sure Optimus1 will share my sentiments, since he needs a part for his bags now and can't get it. � mad.gif
Other than that, I love 'em! �They look great, keep the lines of the bike nice 'n neat, provide more than adequate storage space for me regardless of my trip distance (and I tend to camp fairly luxuriosly). �I also wouldn't take anything for my Marsee "Mr. High Pockets" tank bag. Even without a rain cover, nothing has EVER gotten wet in it and it would basically take a tropical storm front up my ass to keep me from riding.
End of thread · 16 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 17 May 2005
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