The CB1100 Community Forum

Mmm ... interesting. My touring rig did not work well last time and I'm trying to figure how to do it better. Saddle bags—at least slung over the seat—may not be the way to go. I worry about interfering with the springs.

Hey Cormanus, you're right about the saddle bags touching the springs, mine did. Webike has these accessories that look like an easy option if you are using soft saddle bags.

https://japan.webike.net/products/23478030.html

Thanks Aussieflyer. Was the saddle bags touching the springs a problem, do you think? My other option is to ditch the top box and sling saddle bags over the top of my duffel a la Pterodactyl.

By the way, that looks like a 2017 in the picture. Would they fit an ancient 2011 do you think?

not so much a problem for me but the springs did rub some of the coating from the inner surface of the saddlebags. Given the distance that you are likely to use them I'd say it would turn into a problem for you however those frames should keep the bags stable and away from the springs. Yep that previous link was for the '17 model however the same site also has these ... albeit out of stock for now.

https://japan.webike.net/products/9693664.html

I really found the saddlebags to be good for carrying a small amount of luggage, the weight was quite low and did not affect my comfort nor the bike in any way. I also liked how easy they are to fit and remove. I don't know how water proof they are however they come with a plastic cover which does imply they are not water proof!!

Can you ride with a passenger with the soft-bags on?

I don't know, never tried. Looking at these ones for the 17 model:

https://japan.webike.net/products/23478030.html

it would seem like they are sufficiently rearward to allow for access to the rear foot pegs.

If someone knows or could measure the distance between the grab rail bolt hole centres of a 17 model then we could determine if the same units also fit our earlier models.