Nelson-Riggs saddle bags - too big?

[rozbabbo1100_imp]

Afternoon. i was looking around at the choices for saddlebags and wasnt too keen on anything too small, however, after purchasing and dry fitting the Nelson-Riggs CL-855 bags i fear they are too large. Every year i ride from Buffalo, NY to Mid Ohio raceway for VMD where i camp out for 4 days.

I need your opinion as i have only been a CB1100 owner for a month. I do not want the size of these bags to interfere with my riding the bike itself. Below are a couple pics i just snapped of the bike and wanted your feedback.

i have seen other threads where it is mentioned that the bag is touching/rubbing up against the rear shocks/springs. i cannot imagine prolonged exposure would be good for the gear however i did not see any further comment on this. Anyone care to give their two cents?

I wish the rear blinkers were a tad farther back...

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

[the Ferret]

Those wont interfere with your riding, but may contact the back of your legs from what I can see (obviously a passenger won't be going too). The trunk is on backwards in the pictures (stripe should match those on bags)

Those will hold a LOT of gear, you planning on criss crossing the country without doing any laundry? Lol

I use the tourmaster select bags which are smaller and will hold all the gear I need for a week or more.

[Frulk_imp]

I like them and think they look good. I have a pair of saddle bags and they're prob the next size smaller by a different brand (but not by much) and always find myself wishing they were larger (I have some of the best ultra light backpacking gear made and can't go any smaller gear wise). Mine also lay against the shocks and it hasn't been a problem as they have a cushion protector on the inside like yours appear to have.

I say better a little too large and have the room than not enough and need it.

[4 Paws_imp]

I've never had too much space when packing for a trip. Really prefer soft luggage - saddle bags and a duffle on the rear plus a tank bag. Lash camping gear anywhere if will stay.
I'm getting to the point where roughing it means second floor of the motel.

[Lord Popgun]

4 Paws, I'm WAY past that point

[rozbabbo1100_imp]

Ferret, yeah I just threw that up there for the picture. When I sit on the bike I have a few inches before the bag hits my legs. I am good there. Regarding the size haha...between 4 days cloths, toiletries, tarps, sleeping bag, tent, sneakers, and so on...and so forth you lose space real fast! The only thing left to get is a good tank bag to match. I hate the idea of putting a bag over that beautiful paint though...

Frulk, I was looking at those tour masters but for a few bucks more I got a ton more space...plus the Nelson Riggs bags came with the waterproof covers for free. I couldn't pass it up plus I had coupons for motorcycle superstore.

Thanks for the comments. I appreciate it. ITs going to be 65 all weekend in western ny...bout friggen time

[Nemo_imp]

Beautiful bike!!

You won't need that much luggage space to attend the CB1100 Rally this year.

Last year I bought a bike somewhat like yours and riding it home from the dealer I put a tankbag on the glossy and pretty black tank. Only once. The scratches could be seen in satellite photos. Tank bag was returned and changed for a tail bag.

Welcome to the forum.

[the Ferret]

Ferret, yeah I just threw that up there for the picture. When I sit on the bike I have a few inches before the bag hits my legs. I am good there. Regarding the size haha...between 4 days cloths, toiletries, tarps, sleeping bag, tent, sneakers, and so on...and so forth you lose space real fast! The only thing left to get is a good tank bag to match. I hate the idea of putting a bag over that beautiful paint though...

Frulk, I was looking at those tour masters but for a few bucks more I got a ton more space...plus the Nelson Riggs bags came with the waterproof covers for free. I couldn't pass it up plus I had coupons for motorcycle superstore.

Thanks for the comments. I appreciate it. ITs going to be 65 all weekend in western ny...bout friggen time

Yea since I basically quit laying on the ground years ago (except for 1 weekend a year when I go m/c camping with my brother) I never think about packing tents, sleeping bags etc. That makes sense.

[jedd_imp]

Camping is what i live for whenever a long distance trip is called for.
There's just something very satisfying and spiritual in waking up next to the lake and/or to nature and hearing all the wilderness come to life. Then you boil water, make coffee and oatmeal and start off the morning packing your camp gear back on your bike. Makes me appreciate the bike more anytime I get to do this ritual.

But I'm sure as I age more my bones will start to complain and I'll have to replace this with that.

[DaSwami_imp]

OK, I'll say it, those look honking large, and I did have one of a pair of Cortech bags get unraveled by contacting the shock area over time. Plus any weight and sag and you are real close to that exhaust.

Good luck, but that setup does not give me the warm fuzzies