Anybody use them? I'm considering trying a set for some longer trips this summer. Seems like they're not too expensive from Nelson-Rigg, Cortech, Cycle Case, etc.
I've been using a set of CorTech bags for over 10 years, they're awesome.
They clip to their tailbag as well, so it all works really nice.
10 years ago for a camping trip to Death Valley:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7671472654_f32a9d8d8c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/cFUixU)
Last year for a trip up the coast to Oregon:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8019/7539607344_d4fb937249.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/cufsA5)
I'm looking to get some saddlebags this year, too, so I'm interested in ChrisK's question too.
Speeddog, do you have anything that supports those? I saw on DMF member eric's bike (he was the guy that went from LA to Alaska on his S2R) that there was something that looked like a tail extension which I assumed was aftermarket and provided more space/support.
[popcorn]
Curious to know how those attach to the bike Speeddog, any closer pics?
Quote from: 1.21GW on April 02, 2014, 10:26:40 AM
I'm looking to get some saddlebags this year, too, so I'm interested in ChrisK's question too.
Speeddog, do you have anything that supports those? I saw on DMF member eric's bike (he was the guy that went from LA to Alaska on his S2R) that there was something that looked like a tail extension which I assumed was aftermarket and provided more space/support.
[popcorn]
I don't remember what Eric has and I'm too busy to look, but could it be the Ventura Rack? http://www.ventura-bike.com/fitments.aspx?modelid=128 (http://www.ventura-bike.com/fitments.aspx?modelid=128)
Quote from: howie on April 02, 2014, 12:52:42 PM
I don't remember what Eric has and I'm too busy to look, but could it be the Ventura Rack? http://www.ventura-bike.com/fitments.aspx?modelid=128 (http://www.ventura-bike.com/fitments.aspx?modelid=128)
That looks about right.
Yes, Eric had a Ventura rack.
Not necessary for the CorTech stuff.
I don't have any close-up pics of how they attach, can do later, as bike and luggage aren't together at the moment.
I made these supports, 1" x 1/8" aluminum strap, to keep the bags out of the spinning bits.
Some folks have used these bags without any support, and not had problems.
They seemed a bit too close for comfort when I put them on the first time, so I made the straps and don't worry about it at all.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/13587983983_5732e00d61_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mGHYeV)
That's a tricky rearset lowering bracket you've got there
Quote from: ChrisK on April 02, 2014, 02:21:48 PM
That's a tricky rearset lowering bracket you've got there
8)
Down an inch and back an inch.
Requires a torch to persuade the header outlets lower, and remounting the cans.
Longer/extended shift rod, and had to shave the bottom of the brake lever to get operating clearance.
A quick and dirty mod prior to my 2012 Oregon Trip.
Much more comfortable for my 6'1" self spending all day in the saddle.
What happened to the Cherry Bombs? ;D
Quote from: ducpainter on April 02, 2014, 02:40:57 PM
What happened to the Cherry Bombs? ;D
Those were on my S4 (which is undergoing lackadaisical refurbishment). :)
I've considered putting them on the M750 commuter/tourer/junkyard dog/mechanic's special, as they do fit the theme better.
Shows you how sharp my powers of observation are...
I didn't even notice the bike pictured was a 2V. [bang]
I saw red and saw your S4.
I have high pipes with thick cans as see here:
(http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii603/1pt21GW/_20140406_131053_zpse951ad20.jpg)
Could those cans serve as support for my saddlebags or do I need a layer of protection? I don't recall them getting too hot, but then again I'm not in the habit of testing their heat level after a ride, so I really don't know how hot they get.
I've not had carbon cans on one my own bikes, so I don't have much experience.
From what I remember, the carbon part doesn't get very hot.
But I'd expect the metal end and bands to get hot.
I also have high carbon pipes on my bike. Like Speeddog says it's the metal parts that you need to worry about. On my bike I bought Givi side racks for that reason, to keep the saddlebags (wolfman monarch pass) from the pipes.
Quote from: Speeddog on April 02, 2014, 01:50:00 PM
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/13587983983_5732e00d61_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mGHYeV)
Think I might try to make these for my bike. What is that bracket you're using for the upper connection around the tail frame?
Quote from: 1.21GW on April 24, 2014, 10:53:51 AM
Think I might try to make these for my bike. What is that bracket you're using for the upper connection around the tail frame?
It's a stainless steel Adel Clamp.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#pipe-routing-clamps/=rohv48 (http://www.mcmaster.com/#pipe-routing-clamps/=rohv48)
(http://images1.mcmaster.com/Contents/gfx/large/3225t24p1l.png?ver=18193342)
The strap is 1" x 1/8" 6061-T6.
Give it a bit of radius in the bend, otherwise it may crack.
About 11" from bottom hole to the bend.
Quote from: Speeddog on April 24, 2014, 02:01:46 PM
It's a stainless steel Adel Clamp.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#pipe-routing-clamps/=rohv48 (http://www.mcmaster.com/#pipe-routing-clamps/=rohv48)
(http://images1.mcmaster.com/Contents/gfx/large/3225t24p1l.png?ver=18193342)
The strap is 1" x 1/8" 6061-T6.
Give it a bit of radius in the bend, otherwise it may crack.
About 11" from bottom hole to the bend.
Perfect. Thanks.
Mock it up on the right side and confirm that you can still get the key in to release the seat. [beer]
Speeddog: How do they attached underneath?
Attach points i see in your picture are: passenger part of rear set and maybe the tailbag (can't tell).
Another vote for the CorTech bags. You can use them with the CorTech tail-bag for even more storage.
Can't go wrong.
A few good pics in this listing..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cortech-Super-2-0-Sport-Tail-Bag-24L-Saddlebag-Black-Luggage-Combo-Bag-Set-/131170406860 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cortech-Super-2-0-Sport-Tail-Bag-24L-Saddlebag-Black-Luggage-Combo-Bag-Set-/131170406860)
Lashing cord (red box) from the top handles back and under the beertray, keeps the bags from sliding forward.
Front snap buckle and loop (blue oval) from front, down to passenger peg area of footpeg bracket.
Green star is where the tailbag snap buckle attachments are.
Green oval is the tailbag snap buckle not hooked to bag yet.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/14048167276_3c1e4bf5a2.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/npowGC) (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/14068100512_473e24cb9f.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nr9Ga7)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/14071733924_ce12b8421c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nrtjf9) (https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/14048150736_7db0e89975.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nporMs)
Quote from: DexterMorgan on April 29, 2014, 06:28:08 PM
Another vote for the CorTech bags. You can use them with the CorTech tail-bag for even more storage.
Can't go wrong.
A few good pics in this listing..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cortech-Super-2-0-Sport-Tail-Bag-24L-Saddlebag-Black-Luggage-Combo-Bag-Set-/131170406860 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cortech-Super-2-0-Sport-Tail-Bag-24L-Saddlebag-Black-Luggage-Combo-Bag-Set-/131170406860)
That's the small tail bag, I've got the big 'duffel' tail bag.
Those new pannier bags look a bit nicer, the red interior is handy to see what's inside.
Mine are black inside, so if there's not much light, you can't tell make the beast with two backsall what's in 'em.
Those new bags and that tailbag expand out sideways, that's nice.
Not sure how they compare capacity wise with my old ones.
The rain covers are dodgy if you're riding.
I've not lost one, but I quickly realized that with how much they flapped, it would be foolish to ride with them on.
Thanks for the detailed pics, speeddog! Looks like the rope you're using for the taillight connection is your own improvisation (just like with the support bracket). I figure I'll need to play around to find out how to make them fit best on my bike. Likely will order today.
Regarding rain covers: I've read online that some people have bought aftermarket treatment like waxes, etc. for the bag cover that have done well. Not perfect (zippers tend to leak in water), but perhaps an option if you don't want to use the bags.
The bags come with the same loops and snap buckles on the back as well.
I used them for a while, but they didn't quite get enough of a rearward angle to keep the bags from sliding forward off the seat cowl.
Not a big deal for moderate loads and short runs, but the front cross-strap does crowd the seating area.
With the bike really loaded down for my Oregon trip, the load wouldn't stay back, so I did the cord loop.
In reality, with that big a load, it really needs some sort of rack to stabilize it.
I had to pack carefully to keep it as balanced as possible, or it would shift to one side.
For long rides I'll throw a set of universal ones over the tank. Centralizes the mass, and doesn't compromise the passenger seat (which gets used on my bike). plus I find that the smart rider in the desert carries water for drinking, and water for emergency, and rain gear.
I have a set of the foam Chase Harper ones, but have since swapped for a set of waterproof Wolfmans.
pics?
Quote from: Dirty Duc on April 30, 2014, 10:33:42 PM
For long rides I'll throw a set of universal ones over the tank. Centralizes the mass, and doesn't compromise the passenger seat (which gets used on my bike). plus I find that the smart rider in the desert carries water for drinking, and water for emergency, and rain gear.
I have a set of the foam Chase Harper ones, but have since swapped for a set of waterproof Wolfmans.
I'd forgotten that for my first long trip I built a bracket out of mild steel, and ran that until the wife complained that it kept grabbing her upon mounting the bike.
(http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k519/mergatroyd/AngryDuc/045_zps88d50d93.jpg)
At this point, the AZ sun had taken it's toll on both my seat and the bags (which used to be a nice black)
(http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k519/mergatroyd/AngryDuc/043_zps468cf869.jpg)
If I didn't cut it up to make something else, I can take pics tomorrow.
The only photo I can find with the over the tank mounting is this crappy one taken by a random bystander with the bike peeking out from behind me (in the yellow jacket).
(http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k519/mergatroyd/AngryDuc/100_0430_zpsfc9f98e6.jpg)
I don't have a pic of the Wolfman setup, but Zilbert saw it at DiTR two years ago and may have snapped a few. I'll see if it still works with the new configuration and take some snaps of the whole shebang sometime this weekend.
and a bump to trigger the new post feature.
This makes me wonder why any throw over saddlebags could not be used as over tank bags....
Quote from: SpikeC on May 02, 2014, 06:04:01 PM
This makes me wonder why any throw over saddlebags could not be used as over tank bags....
The Monster tank is quite a bit more portly than the seat cowl, so that may be an issue.
If the over-the-top straps are long enough, seems it would work fine.
I remember when I was on my coast trip up to Oregon, eating lunch roadside and looking at the bike.
And thinking how some over tank bags would be really nice for the heavy stuff; tools, oil, chainlube, cable lock, etc.
I spent the day organizing stuff inside...
The shape of the throw overs can be an issue depending on your ergonomics. The Chase Harpers were not quite shaped right and had to sit at a funny angle to clear both the handlebars and my knees.
The Wolfman's were no problem, but they are oriented more vertically. They also don't install very well when empty.
Now that I have dug the Wolfman bags out of the closet... these are the large Rolies.
They will not fit in the current configuration because the cross straps are too short, but the cross straps are simply 1.5 inch webbing:
(http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k519/mergatroyd/AngryDuc/NCM_0021-Copy_zps3aaf55d4.jpg)
You just wrap the dangling strap around a convenient piece of frame and through the dangling buckle.
(http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k519/mergatroyd/AngryDuc/NCM_0022-Copy_zpsd80aaf8d.jpg)
They are also set up with a bit of modularity... I also have a set of 20 oz fuel bottles that attach to the outside in textile pouches.
Does anyone have experience with the Areostich tank panniers?
Quote from: SpikeC on May 09, 2014, 06:54:59 PM
Does anyone have experience with the Areostich tank panniers?
No, but those look really good.
On my short list now.
Any suggestions for us with high pipes?
If you have high pipes I would suggest side racks... then you can use any saddle bags you want.
I talked to several makers and all of them suggest I get side racks cause I have high pipes. I might get away without side racks, since my pipes are LV carbon, but I didn't want to take any chance, so I have side racks for my Monster.
You have any suggestions where I can find these side racks?
jduke,
mine is a Givi. I got it from Jeff (Monsterparts). Here's a link to the rack: http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/T681/Comfort-Touring/T681.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/T681/Comfort-Touring/T681.html)
If you want to purchase it, you better hurry ;D ... When I was looking for mine, side racks for monster with high pipes were difficult to find.
Quote from: jduke on June 09, 2014, 05:27:18 PM
Any suggestions for us with high pipes?
Check out earlier posts in this thread. There is the Ventura pack option, or make something like Speeddog's design but modify for high pipes:
Quote from: Speeddog on April 02, 2014, 01:50:00 PM
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/13587983983_5732e00d61_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mGHYeV)
Monsterparts doesn't have anything for my bike with high pipes.
I might have to look at something custom like the picture 1.21GW posted.
Simple yet effective and could be worked to be easily removed when not needed.
Thanks!
So I used my Cortech Saddlebags for the first time last weekend. I meant to make Speeddog's DIY bar, but never got around to it. I just figured that if the bags didn't touch any metal, only CF, I'd be okay.
Well, on the first leg of the trip (320 miles) they were a little too far forward and the front inside of one the bags (the right one) touched to the pipe. I noticed this on the first gas break but it was too much trouble to shift everything back since my tail was loaded with other stuff. I just hoped it wouldn't burn through.
It didn't. It just kinda built up a layer of melt/burn mark:
(http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii603/1pt21GW/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140727_212354995_zpsmidf6eh8.jpg)
This is a close-up of the right side, where it burned.
(http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii603/1pt21GW/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140727_212400588_zpsxavedbix.jpg)
This is the left bag, which has some markings on the silver section, but nothing serious.
(http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii603/1pt21GW/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140727_212408174_zps3sostkbn.jpg)
For the return trip, I adjusted the bags and made sure they were farther back on the tail such that they didn't touch the metal pipes, only the CF cans. No problems and all worked out well.
In summary: you can use these or similar saddlebags on high CF pipes, but ultimately if you plan to tour a bunch and use them often, get or make a rack system. If you do go "naked", take care that the bags won't slide forward and touch the metal pipes.
One final note: Speeddog was right about ineffectiveness of the rain bags. My gear wasn't soaked, but water definitely found its way in. The bags are a great and I'd buy them again, but next time I use them for a long journey I'll pack my gear in a garbage bag before putting it into the saddlebags.
Invest in some dry sacks.
100% waterproof and compress your stuff some.
Not the cheap ones at wally world, but the more $$ ones by Sea to Summit.
Can be found on sale at Campmor or Sierra Trading Post.
Various sizes and colors allows you to organize your gear better.
Garbage bags are really only useful for lining your sleeping bag stuff sack.
The gallon size freezer bags hold a t-shirt, socks, and undies for me and keep my stuff dry and organized.
They'll also hold a pair of jeans.
I found 5 gal ziplocks online, after learning a valuable lesson about keeping stuff dry.