Soft luggage options advantages disadvantages

[the Ferret]

Tank bags install with either magnets or straps. The magnets can scratch the paint and I usually put clear vinyl on my tanks where the magnets hit. Tail trunks attach with either straps or elastic cords with hooks. Saddlebags usually have velcro straps that you put either under or over the seat, and straps to anchor them to footpegs and behind seat or turn signals. Sometimes with matching sets the tail trunk and saddlebags snap together. Installation of any/all takes but a few minutes.

Here's a list of what I took on my last 5 day trip which easily fit in my Nelson Rigg tank bag and tail pack

Tank bag:

Microfibre cloth, shield cleaner, bottle of water, 2 types of water enhancer, 6 energy bars, flashlight, camera,cell phone, small camera tripod, spare reading glasses, bottle of aleve

Tail trunk:

Rainsuit, rain gloves, spare riding gloves, spare pants that do double duty by zipping off into shorts, dress shirt, spare C9 riding shirt, spare C 9 riding shorts, 4 pairs of socks, ball cap, gym shoes, swim suit, camera charger, cell phone charger, shaver, 2 bottles of prescription medicine, tooth brush and toothpaste, can of chain lube, factory type rear axle nut wrench and extension and an 8 mm box end wrench wrapped up in a shop towel.

I packed a tire repair kit under the seat incl a tire guage, air pump, and tools with worms

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I wore a full face HJC helmet, tourmaster jacket, pants and boots. C9 shirt and shorts, socks, tourmaster gloves and of course carried my wallet and keys.

Of course with saddlebags you can pack a lot more if you are so inclined. The C9 shirts and shorts I mentioned are easily hand washed in the sink in the motel room and dry out overnight so I don't need to pack as much.

To keep my stuff dry in my soft saddlebags or tail pack, I line the insides with a large garbage bag. Leaving the usually included rain covers in one of the side pouches. However on the tank bag I use the included rain cover, since its easy to reach and use from the seat of the bike, and I don't have to worry about it blowing off.

Some more pics:

My 750 Nighthawk wearing Fieldsheer tank bag and Cortech tail pack.

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I even requested a tank bag on our rental BMW in Europe

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I love the hard luggage on my ST 1300 but I find for most of my travels, soft luggage is indespensible.