Universal Saddlebags

[Speeddog]

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.

[Dirty Duc]

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.

[Dirty Duc]

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:


You just wrap the dangling strap around a convenient piece of frame and through the dangling buckle.


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.

[SpikeC]

 Does anyone have experience with the Areostich tank panniers?

[Speeddog]

Does anyone have experience with the Areostich tank panniers?

No, but those look really good.

On my short list now.

[jduke]

Any suggestions for us with high pipes?

[bob795]

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.

[jduke]

You have any suggestions where I can find these side racks?

[bob795]

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

If you want to purchase it, you better hurry   ... When I was looking for mine, side racks for monster with high pipes were difficult to find.

[1.21GW]

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:

[jduke]

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!

[1.21GW]

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:




This is a close-up of the right side, where it burned.



This is the left bag, which has some markings on the silver section, but nothing serious.



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.

[DesmoDiva]

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.

[Dirty Duc]

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.

[seevtsaab]

I found 5 gal ziplocks online, after learning a valuable lesson about keeping stuff dry.