What soft luggage are you using?

[goldeneye_imp]

I bought a 2013 CB1100 on Monday. Right now, it is at my parents' house in Ohio, and I plan on riding it back to my house in Missouri, but I need to carry some things for the trip. I'm currently looking at a soft luggage bag like a Kriega or someone similar that I can tie down to the seat. I haven't completely eliminated the rear luggage rack, but I'd rather spend the money on other gear and equipment. Can you recommend some soft luggage that I should look at? I'm thinking 20 liters at least, and 30 liters+ would be nice.

ETA: How are you guys tying your bag down? Nylon straps, bungee-type netting, something else?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Cormanus]

G'day and welcome, goldeneye. Congratulations on the new bike.

I have a 60 liter SW-motech waterproof duffel that I use. It has Velcro on the top and rolls down to seal. It also comes with tie down straps. I've tested it pretty thoroughly and found it completely waterproof.

Edit: it's an earlier model of this beast.

 

[A440_imp]

I currently use a Kriega US 20 on the seat of my Bonneville. Straps hide underneath the seat so that when you are not using the bag there are only 4 small loops showing. I'm sure it would fit the same on the CB. The bag is extremely high quality, is very secure, and it is waterproof. I never worry about riding down the highway with this bag.

The down side is that since the bag is built like a dry bag, to reach inside you must unwrap it. I use a tank bag or my top box for items I need to access quickly.

 

[Django]

G'day and welcome, goldeneye. Congratulations on the new bike.

I have a 60 liter SW-motech waterproof duffel that I use. It has Velcro on the top and rolls down to seal. It also comes with tie down straps. I've tested it pretty thoroughly and found it completely waterproof.

Edit: it's an earlier model of this beast.

I use the 35 liter version of that beast and I really like it. Just drop it at the bike, tie it down easily and go 4,000 km on a ride.

 

[4 Paws_imp]

Um, I'm a cheapskate. I shop at Goodwill and Army Surplus stores. Really prefer soft luggage. Usually can find dry bags in various sizes and colors - good way to organize your packing - there or at canoe/kayak/dive/camping stores.
Got a monsterous dive bag at Goodwill, cheap, and fill it with various dry bags packed with my "stuff" then lash it to the bike with straps - bungees have their place but not secure enough for me. Bungee nets useful utility item but lashing with straps prevents most accidental losses.
Garbage bags can provide a "line of defense" when packing. Goodwill online usually has quite a variety of bags, hard and soft, if you are looking to accumulate over a period of time.

 

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Cue Sanford and Sons music - I use an old gym bag I've had for years and a couple of bungee cords. That's been more than enough for an overnight trip. If I ever get to take a proper, multi-day ride, I'll likely invest in something more appropriate.

Congratulations on your new CB and welcome to the forum!

 

[redbirds_imp]

I like my Oxford 50 liter waterproof bag. Attaches easily either in-line or across the seat and holds a lot of gear.

 

[Dharma_Jones93_imp]

I've got the coretec 2.0 saddle bags. They're cheap, and expand to something like 30+ liters. Only problem is they are a bit large on this bike and require relocating the tail lights :/.

 

[DaSwami_imp]

I've liked the Cortech bags in the past, go on top of the frame under the seat with adjustable velcro straps. They were PERFECT on the GSX1100G with it's monoshock and low exhaust. On the dual rear shock setup, I've had a problem with the bags getting caught in the shock springs and getting tweaked. Don't know if it would be a problem on the CB1100

 

[Lord Popgun]

I have some Cortech bags that I got when I bought the bike. I have never used them, but set them up. They fit ok, but because of the signal lights I angled the rears up. Seemed to work for me. IIRC Ferret has some too. There are pics somewhere on the board.

 

[the Ferret]

Packed for my trip to the rally

 

[DaSwami_imp]

Those saddle bags work ok? I see you placed the straps on top of the seat not under?

 

[Lord Popgun]

DaSwami,

Zoom in and notice that they are strapped down. The bags do not just flap in the wind and cannot fly off the bike. Same with the Cortechs. There have been a few members that put the strap under the seat though.

 

[the Ferret]

Those saddle bags work ok? I see you placed the straps on top of the seat not under?

Yes multiple multi state trips. I always put the straps over the seat, there is a strap that goes down to each footpeg bracket and one that goes around back under the tail light. They don't move. Maybe you can see the straps better in this thread

The right size saddlebags

Used them first on my 2013

 

[4 Paws_imp]

Just did an Amazon search for dry bags out of curiosity ........ Lots of inexpensive choices. Peach individual dry bags in a duffel bag.
Mother Earth news has a good article on how to waterproof materials, in essence how to make waxed cotton at home; simple, cheap, efficient.

 

[DBXXX_imp]

I use dry bags + paracord from my local outfitters shop on the rack + passenger seat and a pair of c-bow street bags on the sides.

 

[widude]

I went with the 'Iron Rider' bag off Amazon, standard size.

 

[Pete Erickson_imp]

Just installed a pair of Tourmaster Elite saddlebags.

http://tourmaster.com/inc/sdetail/elite_saddlebags/290/493

Installation took less than 15 minutes. If I didn't know better I would swear that the bags were specifically designed to fit the CB1100. They are on sung and tight and have plenty of clearance between the bags and the stock exhaust. Turn signals did not have to be moved. The top straps are on top of the seat.

Their capacity is less than the OEM hard bags on BMW, but the BMW bags have more capacity then I need.

The Tourmaster bags and my medium Motofizz tail pack will hold all of my gear for any extended trips I may take.

Neither are waterproof, but have rain covers. Having done enough week long bicycling tours, I always pack every thing in zip lock bags.

 

[DJS_imp]

Just installed a pair of Tourmaster Elite saddlebags.

http://tourmaster.com/inc/sdetail/elite_saddlebags/290/493

Installation took less than 15 minutes. If I didn't know better I would swear that the bags were specifically designed to fit the CB1100. They are on sung and tight and have plenty of clearance between the bags and the stock exhaust. Turn signals did not have to be moved. The top straps are on top of the seat.

Their capacity is less than the OEM hard bags on BMW, but the BMW bags have more capacity then I need.

The Tourmaster bags and my medium Motofizz tail pack will hold all of my gear for any extended trips I may take.

Neither are waterproof, but have rain covers. Having done enough week long bicycling tours, I always pack every thing in zip lock bags.

pics of them mounted???

 

[alphonsus_imp]

Yes please, could we have some pics?

Would they work with a passenger, or do the bags cover the pillion pegs?