hardcase options for VFR700F?

Are there any hardcase options for a VFR700F ('86). I'm looking for a pair of saddlebags that I can carry a laptop and some other computer hardware in. I'd prefer hardcases over soft (since it's work-owned stuff, and if something happens, I'd like the extra protection).

Although if the only option is generic-fit soft-sides, I guess I can go the pelican route for the hardware.

the stuff I need to carry is laptops (15" dell, 12" powerbook), and some off-the-shelf and prototype home-router sized stuff (I write software for this sort of thing).

Thanks,
Aaron

 

I like the ventura bike-pack system (soft sided)

About 8 years ago I bought this system:

http://www.ventura-bike.com/english/products/pack_system/index.html

And I have loved it. It's soft sided, but I think it would work very well. I personally carried a laptop computer in it several times and I had no worries.

Also, good news for you, is that it seems that the price has been lowered substantially since I bought my system. I think I paid about 3 times as much as they currently charge... but that was the going rate back then.

I ordered mine directly from the company, but they didn't have a US distributer back then.

I also found this link:

http://store.azmusa.com/venbikcom.html

But i have no personal experience with this distributor, so I can't comment on them in either a good or a bad way.

Please post back if you find something that meets you need. You never know, I might buy the same thing if you find something good.

-Phil
'87 VFR 700 - RWB

 

Reviews of venutra bike pack system

I found these links
http://www.ventura-bike.com/english/reviews/articles/magazine_two.htm

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/accessoriesandgear/ventura_bike_pack/

http://www.canyonchasers.net/reviews/accessories/ventura.php

http://list.gpz1100.com/gear/luggage.htm

Which either mention or review the ventura system.
I have to say that I agree with the gpz1100 poster
who said that changing from one rack to another could
be a little easier than it actually is. I personally keep a rubber mallet handy, and that does the trick.

I have both the luggage rack along with the "sport rack" and the "grab handle". I uses the "sport rack" the most, and only put on the luggage rack when I'm actually using the luggage.

I really do love the system. (And no, I don't have ANY type of affiliation or ties to them in any way.)

-Phil

 

The problem you're likely to come up against with any hard luggage system on the older models is finding the mounting hardware. If you can overcome that . . .

Givi make some small capacity side boxes that have generic pannier mounts, but I think they're likely to be too small for the larger of your two laptops. If you don't fancy the Ventura system, you could always look into a larger capacity tank bag - my personal favourite is the Baglux range, although the website is a nightmare to navigate. Tank protectors and matching tankbags.

Alternatively (and if you're really stuck) you might wanna consider a hard rucksack. Axio make some very nice ones, and they've also started making tank luggage too, apparently . . .

Neil

 

I have a FIVE STARS top box holder on my -87 vfr750f, it fits Kappa and Givi hard cases. I buoght it 2002 and I think its still awable, at least in europe. I also have same make side bag holders, but they where ment for the the -88-89 model and had to be slightly modyfied to fit (only one fastner, easy mod)

 

Been a bit in coming back to this, sorry.

I have an axio hardcased backpack (the one with the hump on it). Very nice, but I'd prefer to have the weight off my back. My wife loves it on her NT650, though.

Keny, would you be able to snap a pic of the modification you made? I can be e-mailed at my username here at gmail.com.

 

Hello Keny,
would you mind letting me see some pictures of your 86 bike with its cases thats what i wanta do thanks Tim you can PM me if you want

 

Here is a pic of my five stars holders mounted on my -87 VFR. Givi and Kappa hard cases fits.

 

One pic more from other side