Thoughts on racks and top boxes

[rboe]

I've "toured" on the '13 with just a tank bag and a waterproof duffle bag. On the '14 I've added a full Givi hard saddle bags and top case (with and without the tank bag).

On other bikes I've used mostly soft bags (not as secure nor as waterproof) using the original Eclipse bags, Giant Loop Great Basin (that thing is a hoot! need to try it again), Wolfman panniers, Ortlieb panniers and Moto Guzzi bags for the Griso (kinda small - Ortliebs were a better choice).

All in all I prefer softbags (but not by a large margin) but I've changed from a rabid tank bag fan to a top case fan. it's really nice to have something to lock things up in (like your helmets if you leave room for it). With so many popular products out there peoples' tastes (and budgets) seem to be all over the place. Good luck!