Luggage Suggestions

[JF Coastal_imp]

Looking to purchase a small tank bag and some additional rear storage for longer weekend trips. When I search the forum, I only seem to come across one thread, that is detailing close to what I'm looking for. Thanks Ferret !!

The right size saddlebags

Any other threads I should look over ? Does anyone have any suggestions or brands that are highly recommended0? I don't want to add anything permanent, I want everything I add to be easily removed.


Thanks,

JF

 

[emptysea]

I really like my Icon Urban tank bag. It holds a lot of stuff for its size and easily converts to a backpack. I have a Cortech tail bag for day trips, but I don't think they make that particular bag anymore. I think that Ferret has a similar one. So far, I have had no real need for saddlebags, but more than a couple people have taken Ferret's recommendation and I have not seen any complaints. I use a Dry-Spec waterproof duffel that I got from Twisted Throttle that I like pretty well. I think I got the smaller of the two that they sell. It has a plastic liner in the bottom that helps it keep it's shape when it's not completely full. I also purchased a medium sized roll-top dry bag from REI that I use if the other bags are full or as a liner of sorts for my tail bag. Hope that helps.

 

[JF Coastal_imp]

Thanks for the reply emptySea ! That icon ubran tank bag looks pretty close to what I"m looking for. I'm just afraid that it's too big. I don't want anything that could get in my way. You happen to have any pictures of it on the bike ? I really like how it doubles as a back pack. I like the REI DrySac idea ! I have those laying around my house for kayaking and paddleboarding, didn't even cross my mind. I can just bungee tie them down and save some money.

 

[dr_rock_imp]

I am in the same situation JF Coastal. I currently have a waterproof soft rear bag and two soft saddlebags that worked okay on my previous bike. I just purchased my 2013 on Friday and I'm looking to take some trips this summer. Here is what really caught my eye and it comes with a quick release connection that allows you to remove the mounts with a key (extra $25 for that I believe).
Webike: Motorcycle Parts, Accessories, Gears, OEM parts & Reviews

 

[HikerToo_imp]

Hepco Becker

 

[emptysea]

Here's a pic showing my bike with all luggage at capacity or nearly so. You may be concerned that the Icon bag looks very tall. It's not as tall as it looks in the picture and it is filled nearly completely. This picture was taken during a 9 day trip and I had an iPad and maps along with all manner of clothing layering crammed in there. On a typical day or weekend trip, it would be no taller than the tops of the side pockets. It comes with a loop to clip it to the bars which I like as an additional attachment point. The blue bag is from REI and easily ties to my Dry-tech bag. When I don't need as much capacity, I have a bungee net (it's on the bike in the picture, but it's hard to see) and I use it to hold the REI bag in place.

Also, and you may know this, if you buy a magnetic tank bag, be sure to double check that there is no debris on either the tank or the magnets, especially the magnets. I usually just rub my fingers over each one before I put it on the bike. I've picked up two or three tiny slivers of metal over the years that would have scratched the tank. I know that they would, because I learned to check the magnets only after scratching my tank. Of course, this would be true on any tank bag that uses magnets.

Hope this helps.

MTC

 

[the Ferret]

Ahhh the Cherahola. Will take a pic by that sign in May

 

[JF Coastal_imp]

Wow Empty Sea!! That bag looks pretty big up there. I'm looking for something about 1/2 the size. You say that it's stuffed full of gear. does it have good compression straps if it isn't so full ? On a typical day, I'll have my tablet, wallet, keys, cell phone, some water, possibly a little towel, maybe some flip flops. That's about it.
The way that you have the rear of your bike setup, is exactly what I was looking for on the longer weekend trips.

Hiker too. .. The hepco becker looks a little too small.

I'm leaning towards the Icon Primer tank bag. Anyone have any experience with it ?

 

[EGAlvarez_imp]

Take a look at the Dowco MLS-OB rear bag. It looks tidy and can be stacked with another larger or smaller Dowco bag for longer trips. It only costs around $75 on eBay.

 

[aschem_imp]

RKA Luggage makes some nice luggage; they make it in N. California.
RKA Motorcycle luggage Store | eBay Stores

 

[emptysea]

Wow Empty Sea!! That bag looks pretty big up there. I'm looking for something about 1/2 the size. You say that it's stuffed full of gear. does it have good compression straps if it isn't so full ? On a typical day, I'll have my tablet, wallet, keys, cell phone, some water, possibly a little towel, maybe some flip flops. That's about it.
The way that you have the rear of your bike setup, is exactly what I was looking for on the longer weekend trips.

Hiker too. .. The hepco becker looks a little too small.

I'm leaning towards the Icon Primer tank bag. Anyone have any experience with it ?

I don't think there are compression straps. The flap which has the map pocket expands and is popped up fully (or nearly so) because I had gloves, a fleece jacket, a iPad (not the mini), a water bottle, about 6 maps, a notebook, cigars and related paraphernalia, and some other less important items. The spiral notebook, the iPad, and the maps were all at the very top of the bag which is probably why it looks so tall. I like it for commuting because it has more room than some other bags so I can toss my gloves and mid-layers in the bag along with the other items that you mentioned. As you probably know, it also has a sling in which you can carry your helmet. If it only carried what you described, it might be a little large, but it really does flatten down nicely and having the extra space for weekend trips is great. Oh...and there are two side pockets that I have filled in the picture (with rain gear, if I recall). If you left those empty, the bag would be significantly narrower.

 

[JF Coastal_imp]

Thanks for all the info. Empty Sea and everyone else. I ended up going with the Icon Primer tank bag, Should be here in a few days. I think this will work with my situation better. If I need more gear than this can handle I will either wear a backpack or strap a drysack to my seat. When it gets here I'll post pictures if anyone is interested.

 

[emptysea]

Pictures or it didn't happen