Cortech bags. (Saddlebags and Tail Bag)

[optiato]

I wanted to be able carry things on my bike without wearing a backpack.  My back isn't in the best shape and doesn't get along with them well.  I searched, I researched, I tried bags on at dealers... I just didn't want to pay twice what I should have to to get the Ducati bags.

I finally settled on the Cortech bags. They fit perfectly with no additional brackets, nothing fancy.  They stay in place at high speeds!

[Jnaids07]

Just got a cortech tank bag.  Great stuff!  Really good build quality, and really good placement of pockets.

I use the clear map area for my ipod.  Tried riding with music recently, so much fun. Engine/wind noise on a 50 mile trip gets old pretty fast.  (flame away)

[CDawg]

If I just get the tail bag, how flush is the fit?  Thanks!

[optiato]

[dang_wind]

hey optiato, i just posted recently (in the Gear section) inquiring about saddlebags for the monster...and you're post hit the spot (thanks to DesmoDiva).  so would you say that the tail is required to secure the bags?  just pondering this important point as my tail went buh-bye sometime ago.    thanks!

[sugarcrook]

What about a Wolfman bag? 

http://www.wolfmanluggage.com/Tail/MiniBeta.html

This is what I'm thinking about for my 695 with high-mount pipes. 

[mxwinky]

Hey, no flaming about listening to tunes while riding!  The only thing I miss about my Harley bagger is the stereo.  That thing was awesome!  I'm definitely putting tunes into our helmets for our summer tour coming up. 

[Gone Ape]

I just acquired a Cortech tail bag in red to match the bike and I love the thing....it expands to oversize, it mounts securely with quick remove bungies, has a useless rain cover and comes with a shoulder strap....  and has good zippers....it was tough at first getting by the odd look of the thing, but utility rules and now I'm sold......

Mine just sits on top of the seat (pillion area) and does not rest on the tail at all..and I run a seat cowl underneath it all (with lots of wax on it!) and no scratches so far.....

[optiato]

The tail bag works great on it's own as do the saddlebags.

I imagine they'd work fine with a tail chop, maybe even a little better.  It depends on how you did your signals.  Right now I'd like the bags to sit an inch or two further back, but the signals are in the way, not that it's all bad, I use the signals to attach the bags to, I haven't played with alternative mounting locations yet.

The bags have two straps that sit over (or under if you're better at making them fit than I am) the seat. Then each bag has a clip on a strap front and back.  These clips attach to nylon loops that you attach to your bike somewhere.  I usually loop one over each turn signal and attach to the back of the opposite side bag.  The front ones I attach (put the loop over the frame and pull the end through so it's cinched up) on the frame under the side covers.

The problem I see with a chopped tail is if you mount your signals any further back from the stock location, the bags would sit even farther forward and start interfering with the rider's room.  I'm currently trying to figure out how to do a tail chop keeping my stock signals in about the same spot.

[optiato]

What about a Wolfman bag? 

http://www.wolfmanluggage.com/Tail/MiniBeta.html

This is what I'm thinking about for my 695 with high-mount pipes. 

I had actually been thinking about a bag like that instead, but I wanted the utility of picking the tail bag, saddlebags, or all of the above.  The only problem I see with that one (or really any... with high pipes) is obviously heat.  If you have carbon pipes so they don't heat up as much I'd think you'd be just fine with that one.

[CDawg]

I really like the look of this.  Does anyone have FHE
http://www.wolfmanluggage.com/Tail/PeakTailBag.html

[sugarcrook]

I had actually been thinking about a bag like that instead, but I wanted the utility of picking the tail bag, saddlebags, or all of the above.  The only problem I see with that one (or really any... with high pipes) is obviously heat.  If you have carbon pipes so they don't heat up as much I'd think you'd be just fine with that one.

Agreed.  I've got high-mount CF cans and I've been told heat isn't a problem. 

[dang_wind]

What about a Wolfman bag? 

http://www.wolfmanluggage.com/Tail/MiniBeta.html

This is what I'm thinking about for my 695 with high-mount pipes. 

i actually already have this bag and will be using it for the first time in about 2 weeks.  i really like the look & material seems rather durable.  was wondering about saddlebags for those shorter jaunts without having to use a backpack or when i want to do some shopping.

[ducsix]

One word of caution on the cortech tail bags.  I discovered that even with fairly secure mounting the bag has a tendancy to get pushed backwards and can completely cover up your taillight if you aren't careful.  I only discovered this when a truck chased me down to say my taillight was out.  I'm thinking of putting some kind of velcro system in place to keep this from happening in the future.

[NorDog]

I just got a Cortech tail bag and think it's great.  Fits fine on both my bikes.  Simple on/simple off.