Too many choices

I'm in need of some travel luggage. I've got an 06 VFR. Me and a friend are planning to travel over to Deals Gap this coming summer which is approx. 500 miles from here. Planning on staying a week. I've looked around in this thread and the number of choices are overwhelming! I don't do a lot of touring and the bags I get may just be for this one big trip so I really want to keep the price down. Whew, some of these bags/luggage are 1200 to 1800 dollars!! WAY over my budget. The Cortech bags look like what I may have in mind. I've never researched bags before and this is all new, thought I'd get a jump on it before this summer. Any and all suggestions from some of you that tour often will really make my trip! I was really thinking of packing a duffel bag and use tarp straps, but I'll wait and see what responses I get. Thanx.

 

Make it simple on yourself. By a Nelson Rigg soft bag and strap it to the rear passenger area. You then use the passenger pegs for the strap hooks. It works like a charm and does not move even fully loaded due to leveraging the rear grab bars. I can take some photos of how I mount it. I used this bag for countless commuter miles and also EVERY tour I've ever taken including 6 or 7 on this bike and several on my previous Blackbird.

The only other thing you need is 4 sweat pants to use as extra protection so your paint won't get dull in any way. Again, tried and true method. Mine also came with a rain cover.

One other thing about the bag is it's the perfect size. With this bag, you can't overpack. Being this is your first tour chances are you'll want to overpack. Without the room, you can't overpack :biggrin: Don't get me wrong, you'll have plenty of room for stuff in my opinion and experience. The hard bags are OK if you do a certain type of riding but the added girth doesn't appeal to me.

Click here for the Nelson Rigg website

Have fun at Deal's Gap. Been there 3 straight years going for 4 in April. Excellent place to visit and ride.

 

+1 on the Nelson Rigg stuff. I have a tail bag and a tank bag from them. Good stuff that has lasted many rides.

 

I have the Cortech bags, they are cheep enough, well made, include waterproof covers and have a neoprene pads that protect paint. I have made five 3000+ mile trips with these bags and recommend them. You do need to pack smart as room is limited.

 

Hey guys, thanx a heap for the info. The Nelson Rigg stuff is right up my alley! Now, which bags/luggage do you recommend for the VFR? I'm thinkin a tail bag and saddle bags. The saddle bags are a concern with the VFR due to the under tail high mount exhaust. What say uins? Any heat/burn problems with the Nelson Rigg saddle bags?

 

Use the one I included in the link. You don't need the saddle bags = too much stuff!!! A few shirts, a few socks, a few panties, some toiletries and your riding gear. Off you go!!!

http://www.nelsonrigg.com/pages/Sport-Touring-Products/CL800-Big.htm

 

I would use a big trash bag bungied down then you did not half to spend anything for one trip.. good luck..

 

I use LuggageLocker bags. I have the tank bag and elite tail sak. They hold enough for a week long tip, and the big advantage to me is that no part of the bags EVER touches your bike, so no scratches! Motorcycle Luggage from Luggage Locker

I've had these bags for the last three bikes I've owned and I would never get anything else.

 

I just bungee an oversized gym bag to to the back seat, if that's still not enough I stuff the excess in the 18 year old Eastpak that I've had since high school and put it on my back. I'm not about to fag up my bike with hard luggage... or hard mounted soft luggage, for that matter.

 

Nelson Rigg are great bags, I have no complaints.

 

I use a Joe Rocket tank bag and a Deuter backpack. It has a mesh panel that keeps the pack from resting flat on your back. I did not want to spend alot on luggage. The tank bag is a must have. I have used for weekends away. The trick is to learn to pack light.

 

Ain't that the truth, and pack smart.

I use Cortech FWIW.

 

what kind of boots are those??? did you play bass for kiss??