If you have to pick one...Trunk or Bags????

I have managed to save enough for either a trunk system or the saddlebags on my 2006 white VFR. Being I have a 40% discount on one or the other I am debating which would be better. Given the $200.00 difference in price, what are the benefits of a trunk system to that of the hardbags. This will be honda factory items. Do the bags have to keep their mounting brackets when the bags are off? Do these brackets remove easily? Which has more room? I am hoping someone will post a couple pics and tell me which one they perfer.

 

just an opinion

A travel trunk maybe convienent but that is too much weight to high up.

Keep in mind that the latest rage among all the manufacturers in MotoGP is mass centralization. Keep any weight as low as possible and between the axels if you can.

Besides bags look cool!

 

For myself, I have a very easy way to decide between the two.

I think trunks look retarded on sportbikes. I'm talking the ones that are up on metal brackets aft of the passenger seat.

I don't mind the way Givi saddle bags look.

Pretty simple decision making process.

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

My vote would definitely be for bags with a tankbag for added space. As stated before mass centralization is important for safety and handling.

 

Life got in the way. They are on the "To Do List" for the spring. I'm getting the Givi Keyless 41's on the Tubular Side Case Holder.

My parents moved to Central PA to the tune of 280 miles each way so I'd much rather get 47MPG on the VFR instead of 15.8MPG in the POS F-150. Then there's the great roads in the area they live in.

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

Bags for sure

1) Keeps the centre of gravity very low.
2) Easy to distribute weight.
3) Makes the bike appear wider - vehicles give you a wider berth.
4) Holds two helmets.
5) The stuff you need is not always at the very bottom.
6) Take all your stuff to the hotel room in the bags.
7) Pack up inside and carry the bags out easily.
8) Even left on a great looking bike looks even better.
9) Once they're on you won't want to take them off.
10) They make great covers for those mufflers some folks want to cover.
11) And so on.....

 

Sorry trunk owners, they just don't look right.
Saddlebags are the way to go, strap on a small tail-bag when you need it.

 

Wow...and to think I was leaning in the direction of the trunk....???I thought the backrest would provide a little more support for my riders...but it seems that for all practicality (is that a word?) the hardbags are the way to go...For the record...I have a email sign up sheet that allows for factory savings...if you don't mind ordering from the Hot Springs AR, dealer...They have a 40% coupon on honda parts till Dec 15th....I can get a set of bags with the mounts for about $750..not a bad deal...

 

Saddlebags - definately. The reason? During my ride this summer the trunk acted much like a sail as I rode from the Yukon to Alberta. When the wind was perpenticular to the highway - it made for a frustrating ride - fighting that wind! I actually took the trunk off and mailed it home! With no trunk and just saddlebags - Saskatchewan was a breeze and so was Manitoba. Not to mention the return trip back to BC and then up to the Yukon. Saddlebags - definately get saddlebags.

 

I have got the trunk (topbox) and use it every day on my commute. Haven't had any problems with it. I'm in the process of getting the parts together for the saddlebags (panniers). I'm only concerned that the panniers will make the bike too wide to split lanes with... Can anyone offer any insight into lane-splitting with panniers fitted?

 

I'd get saddlebags for my 5th if any existed that didn't look horrible. I went with a 39 liter Givi trunk, it actually doesnt look near as bad as my bag choices. It's very sturdy, and makes a great backrest for the pass, and holds things that are larger than any 1 saddlebag. Plus, it comes on and off in all of 2 seconds. I don't tell any difference in handling or wind resistance.
That said, if I had a 6th gen I'd have bought the bags long ago.

 

Thanks Jason, hehe. Yeah, I use the mirrors as a gauge too. The problem is that as I move around in between the cars, I'm concerned about hitting something with the bags. Oh well, I'll find a left hand bag on ebay sometime, and then will have them both painted, for a full set of hard luggage. :biggrin:

 

'Nough said! Now let's have a peek at that email address my good friend! :biggrin:

 

I have just the bags and I have yet to look back. I love the damn things and I have only ridden the bike once with them off (incedently it was the only time I have ever had a highway patrolman zoom up on me and give me the evil eye...). If I had a girl freind that would prefer a back rest I would buy the trunk but you have to buy the trunk and the rack seperate. dollar for dollar your getting more capacity for your money with the hard bags.

 

I vote for trunk.

1) Helmet can be stored - Not so for trunks and that is what I love mine for.
2) I use tank bag which can be put in trunk or carried.
3) Don't like looks of bags or hard sides
4) No exhaust clearance issues or if you want a rider forget it.

 

True, the topbox is expensive when you have to buy the rack too. I fluked the box and rack in the right colour for just over $350AUD on ebay, so was very happy indeed.