Saddle Bags

[rbike_imp]

I thought I once saw a post regarding the Tourmaster Bags, but the Forum search did not find anything.

Any Feedback regarding the Tourmaster Elite (http://www.tourmaster.com/inc/sdetail/el...s/290/493) vs the Select model (http://www.tourmaster.com/inc/sdetail/se...s/293/496)

I notice that the Elite is 75% wider. Obviously it will hold more, but is that a good or bad thing? L & H are apx the same.

Also there are 2 other models too.
Cosater - http://www.tourmaster.com/coaster_sl
Nylon Cruiser - http://www.tourmaster.com/nylon_cruiser_iii

[Lord Popgun]

Well, about 10 threads down from yours is this one: http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=7316

Might be a start.

[the Ferret]

Really? You typed "TOURMASTER" into the search engine and came up empty? Interesting. I just did it and turned up approx. 80 threads that mentioned Tourmaster

Here is the latest one

http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread....Tourmaster

I also typed in "SADDLEBAGS" and came up with 120 threads

http://cb1100forum.com/forum/search.php?...order=desc

you have plenty of reading to do lol

[rbike_imp]

Retried search and it worked - no idea why it didn't before - possible typo from my end.
However, as I read posts, I did not see any feedback regarding preferred width or what manufacturer most liked.

Also, I read the posts regarding rear rack. No consensus there - all choices are very personal and cost dependent. I guess if the Honda was less expensive most would get that one.

I may have to put this off 'til bike week in February '16 to see if any are at the show. Hard to buy based on internet pics alone.

[the Ferret]

Some (like me) had the priority of not moving the rear turn signals. That dictated a short front to rear saddlebag. Some ( like me) don't want to use metal guards to keep the bags from crabbing in toward the wheels so that necessitated a small carrying capacity and some ( like me lol) have learned from many many trips how to pack small and light so I don't need huge bags in volume. And some ( like you know who) add a tank bag amd tail pack for extra carrying capacity.

Really depends on how many will be on the bike, how long you are going to be gone, and much stuff you truly need. I have it down to a science.

I like Tourmaster and Cortech gear ( clothing and luggage) but I also have some Nelson Rigg stuff.

[rbike_imp]

Some (like me) had the priority of not moving the rear turn signals. That dictated a short front to rear saddlebag. Some ( like me) don't want to use metal guards to keep the bags from crabbing in toward the wheels so that necessitated a small carrying capacity and some ( like me lol) have learned from many many trips how to pack small and light so I don't need huge bags in volume. And some ( like you know who) add a tank bag amd tail pack for extra carrying capacity.

Really depends on how many will be on the bike, how long you are going to be gone, and much stuff you truly need. I have it down to a science.

I like Tourmaster and Cortech gear ( clothing and luggage) but I also have some Nelson Rigg stuff.

Thanks, that's the type of feedback I've been looking for on this forum. My initial concern was the esthetics and crab factor of wide bags. You addressed my concerns exactly in detail. Thanks.

I just looked at the Cortech bags and they have an expand feature - best of both worlds?
http://www.cortech.net/inc/sdetail/super...gs/181/613

[the Ferret]

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/CB1100%20Forum%20Rally/CB1100%20Rally%20007_zpsv80unndh.jpg.html]

Packed for 7 days on the road. This trip was to the rally in May this year in North Carolina. Encompassed 6 states and 1831 miles.( Notice stock seat lol). Carried the CB 1100 Forum Banner in the tube. There was no camping involved (too old to lay on ground unless I'm hurt) and I packed basically the same amount of gear (different motorcycle though) to ride something like 22 states and 5500 miles in 11 days on another trip last year (Ohio to Pacific Ocean and back..southern route out, northern route on return). It really is about learning how to pack light..like back packers.

[rbike_imp]

From your photo, you have the select vs elite Tourister. Would you consider the Cortech instead if doing it again or would you still choose the Select? I did a trip on my 450 back in the 70s from the NE to Texas. It was packed on the rear with suitcases 3' high, plus a tank bag. LOL It was a semi permanent move.

That bike "seemed" (obviously didn't, before someone comments) to have as much power as my CB1000 does now, but with 2 cylinders. It definitely revved much higher on the interstate. It makes the discussion on sprockets funny in comparison. What I wouldn't have given back then for an overdrive or 2 more cylinders. I put over 25K on it and still had original chain & sprockets. Adjusted every 100 miles or so works! It's what got me hooked for a lifetime! It will always have a special place.

[the Ferret]

I think the selects are really nice bags. i would buy them again, but if they weren't available I could try bags from several mfgs., Cortech included ( Tourmaster and Cortech are sister companies)


That would be quite a trip on a 450 back then, but really the 450 was equivalent in power to a 650 back then, and unless you were going BMW or Harley, 650 was considered a large bike.

My first out of state riding trips ( when I was discovering travelling) was in 1969 on a new Honda CB 350. It was a medium sized bike then ( but much more sophisticated than my kick start, 4 speed CL77) and represented true freedom to me. With it I realized I could travel ANYWHERE by motorcycle.

[Frulk_imp]

I'll echo Ferret on the Selects. I have them and like them a lot. You can mount the straps UNDER the seat if you so choose. I carry a lot of ultra-light backpacking gear in them but if pressed for one thing I'd like to change I'd say maybe 4 inches wider for extra capacity. Not had any problems with the zippers/seams etc. Just a little material color fade but I'm in Utah and we have long/hot summers. I have both TourMaster and Nelson Rigg tank bags. Like them both. Difference is one is mid sized and one is HUGE.


Under the seat