Nelson-Riggs saddle bags - too big?

R

rozbabbo1100_imp

First service completed
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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.

 
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.
 
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.

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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.
 
4 Paws, I'm WAY past that point :D
 
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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
 
Beautiful bike!! :heart:

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

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. :dodgy: Tank bag was returned and changed for a tail bag.

Welcome to the forum. :hello:
 
rozbabbo1100_imp said:
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
Click to expand...
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
Thread starter
DaSwami_imp said:
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
Click to expand...
I have also seen those oval or square "frames" that folks are putting under the hard bags as a way to mount them. Has anyone tried using those to keep soft bags away from moving parts? I was thinking about this last night. Might need to have someone customs make them. Might not be worth it for all the troubles...I only use the bags once a year haha

Jedd, you are totally right...nothing like the sound of nature to relax you at the end of a hectic day or racing, swap meets, and the occasional fermented beverage...or 6 :P
 
I purchased a set of Tourmaster Elite saddle bags and they fit great. They are however a little smaller than the Nelson Rigg. They hold 20 liters each. The Nelson Rigg bags hold almost 29 liters each.

I purchased mine from my local dealer and was able to test fit my sleeping bag (down) and air mattress. Both will fit in one bag. The tent I will either strap on seat or put in a tail bag. The tail bag will hold the tent, cooking gear, food, etc. The tail bag is a medium Moto Fizz camping seat bag.

http://www.aerostich.com/medium-motofizz-camping-seat-bag.html
 
Thread starter
Pete Erickson_imp said:
I purchased a set of Tourmaster Elite saddle bags and they fit great. They are however a little smaller than the Nelson Rigg. They hold 20 liters each. The Nelson Rigg bags hold almost 29 liters each.

I purchased mine from my local dealer and was able to test fit my sleeping bag (down) and air mattress. Both will fit in one bag. The tent I will either strap on seat or put in a tail bag. The tail bag will hold the tent, cooking gear, food, etc. The tail bag is a medium Moto Fizz camping seat bag.

http://www.aerostich.com/medium-motofizz-camping-seat-bag.html
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Now that is a tank bag and a half! Ill have to remember this should my wife ever care to join me...you know...for her makeup:cool:
 
In my third pic in my first reply the bag sitting on the back of my seat is the Nelson Rigg Tankbag that goes with your saddle bags. In the pic it's NOT expanded. Fully expanded it's cavernous and easily takes as much as one of your saddle bags and prob more. I could go out and shove a sleeping bag in it and take a pic if interested.
 
rozbabbo1100_imp said:
DaSwami_imp said:
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
Click to expand...
I have also seen those oval or square "frames" that folks are putting under the hard bags as a way to mount them. Has anyone tried using those to keep soft bags away from moving parts? I was thinking about this last night. Might need to have someone customs make them. Might not be worth it for all the troubles...I only use the bags once a year haha

Jedd, you are totally right...nothing like the sound of nature to relax you at the end of a hectic day or racing, swap meets, and the occasional fermented beverage...or 6 :P
Click to expand...
I have a pair of Nelson Rigg Spirit 50s (24 liters each) that are similar in size to yours. The protective pad that goes between the bag and the bike should be sufficient protection. Especially if you don't use them all the time.

I don't use my bags on the CB11 very often because they're kinda big and butt up against the turn signals, but they work in a pinch. I originally bought them for the CB750, which they fit perfectly.

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