Best Hard bags for 6th Generation

I just bought the GIVI V35 PLX side caese with a carrier system from SW Motech
TwistedThrottle.com : SW-MOTECH Quick-Lock Sidecarrier (Honda VFR800 Interceptor VTEC, '02-) Contour Carrier for Givi V35 PLX cases - KFT.01.134.150

That rack system has quick locks so you can take the frame of in about 20seconds.
Only problem is that this frame is designed for the european bikes with bigger license plates
then in the states, so there is a little plate missing underneath the license plate holder

but I made a 2" by 4" plate (1/8" thick) that mounts to the braket (license plate light)
And it looks original and is stiff.

Will post some pix later

 

Oh that's how somebody else solved that issue with the mounting bracket.

I think my steel plate is stiffer ;-)

TwistedThrottle.com : Sally Lawrence's SW-MOTECH and Givi Equipped Honda VFR800 VTEC (2003)

 

Givi bags on an Interceptor look like Dumbo's ears IMHO. You can find the OEM Givi bags and rack mounts on Ebay for cheaper than going to Honda.

As for Spike's opinion that the rack mount system looks cheap or ugly? Wait till you have decent at-speed low-side and your Givi bag explodes off your back end, then tell me how well your multi-piece, bolted together with screws, washers, and bolts Motech rack system holds up (I call their crap 'the erector set'). Sliding on pavement's not the big deal. Side bags can absorb that pretty well. It's when the bike hits the dirt, grass, and rocks off the roadside that the bags catch on the ground and start to shred off the bike. They'll rip up your Motech mounts right wth them. Or bend them into a tangled mess. Been there, seen that.

The Honda mounting hardware is formed and mounted to specifically reinforced sections of the seat frame. A single piece, hardened cage, and the bars themselves will protect the mufflers and tail section like a frame slider does for your side fairing, even if the bag disintegrates.

Personally, I don't get the 'they look ugly' argument. I don't ever take my bags off the bike until I reach my destination. With my VFR, I have the bag liners, so the bags don't ever actually come off unless I am cleaning the bike. I can race the bike around the twisties just fine with them on the bike. You afraid to look dorky throwing your VFR from side to side against the rest of the pack because you have bags on it??!! Most of the time my bags ar fairly empty, aside from a tire repair kit, small toolkit, and a rainsuit. Most sport tourers I know leave their bags on their bikes. There's no reason to take them off really. They're always there for the unexpected load that may present itself.

Comparing the VFR bag mounts to an FJR's is ridiculous IMO. The FJR does not have undertail exhaust. All of the FJR hardware is hidden under bodywork, which will also be shredded in an accident, so go figure the cost of that repair when you have to replace fiberglass/plastic body side panels. Same goes for the BMW mount designs. That nice flush look that comes with all the extra bodywork (and extra weight) only costs you money if you land hard on the side in a crash.

If you really want a flush look, I believe Corbin Beetle bags are also an option, but they do not come off once installed, and they are top-loaders. They also cannot fit a helmet. Pretty useless, IMO. But boy, they sure do look neat-o so flush to the bike! And check out THEIR price!

Maybe it's just me, but I like the Honda roll cage' bag mounts. :biggrin:

 

I have the Honda saddle bags and of course mounts. Now I want a trunk, but don't really want the Honda version, Does anyone know if the mounts for any other brand of trunk will work with the Honda saddle bag mounts? Twistedthrottle.com has the 48 Liter Cooscase with lights and bells and wistles and remotes that I might like, but I can't find out from anyone if you can mix and match the mounts.