Universal Saddlebags

[ChrisK]

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.

[Speeddog]

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:




Last year for a trip up the coast to Oregon:

[1.21GW]

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. 

[ChrisK]

Curious to know how those attach to the bike Speeddog, any closer pics?

[Howie]

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. 

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

[1.21GW]

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

That looks about right.

[Speeddog]

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.

[ChrisK]

That's a tricky rearset lowering bracket you've got there

[Speeddog]

That's a tricky rearset lowering bracket you've got there

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.

[ducpainter]

What happened to the Cherry Bombs?

[Speeddog]

What happened to the Cherry Bombs?

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.

[ducpainter]

Shows you how sharp my powers of observation are...

I didn't even notice the bike pictured was a 2V.

I saw red and saw your S4.

[1.21GW]

I have high pipes with thick cans as see here:



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.

[Speeddog]

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.

[bob795]

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.