RKA Saddlebags

So, starting to look for saddlebags, panniers. Not really thinking one way or another, hard or soft. Have read plenty about the Givi but was wondering if the 5th Gen group had any thoughts on this soft bag supplier: http://www.rka-luggage.com/A05 Saddlebags/saddle.html

I sort of like the idea of the bags being really close to the bike and not on a frame that sticks out in the wind.

Thoughts, considerations?

Thanks,
Guy

 

About the only thing that comes to mind here is that with the distance the rear cowl on the fifth gen sticks out from the edge of the seat, there is a risk of the bags scratching the rear cowl. Even with soft materials of some sort on the rear of the bags or something placed between the two, if any grit comes between the two, it will act like sand paper to the finish. If you do plan to use the soft bags regularly I might suggest having some clear 3M vinyl film applied to the area that the bags might rest against to protect the paint. Other than that, they certainly look to be of high quality, and they are certainly as big as the GIVI cases.

 

Not familiar with the brand you're looking at, but they look sharp.

Is you exhaust at stock height?

I have a high mount pipe. I run Nelson Rig bags. Easy to take on and off. Hold a decent amount of stuff. Stay secure at speed, and then some (i.e no flapping or shifting).

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/parts..._rigg/cl950_deluxe_motorcycle_saddlebags.html

 

Stock mount pipe. I really like the look of those Nelson Rig bags. Better price than my RKA version. To prevent rubbing on the rear bodywork I will apply a Scotch or 3M vinyl film to that whole area. Thanks for the input guys. Good to know there are options out there that are tried and true.

~ Guy

 

I have no doubt the vinyl film would be helpful. I'm not a professional detailer, but I am particular about my bikes finish and looks. I can say that I haven't seen any hazing, scratching, oxidizing or other where the bags rest against the tailpiece. But better safe than sorry...put the film on.

 

I haven't heard anything bad about the RKA bags from folks that have them. I have a set of Chase Harper ET 4000 (61.7 liters) that I am very happy with.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5032/i/chase-harper-et-4000-saddlebags


I found my set on Amazon on sale of $130 a few months ago. Here is a pic of them (It looks like they are touching the exhaust pipe, but they had about 1 to 1.5 " of clearance and were cool to the touch on the bottom after a long ride. I did have a heat shield on the bottom of the bag though.)


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Thanks for all the responses to my post and to reg71 for the generous offer.

Funny how things turn out. I have a friend in England who likes touring in the UK and the continent with a Triumph Tiger. I ran the same question about hard cases vs soft. Then today he sends me an email that says, "hey, I have some really good cases, (used once because he went to hard cases) yours for free". I say sure! Here is the link to the cases. http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Produ...ign=Panniers&gclid=CMmy3-aQvLsCFUzHtAodvmAAfQ

Only thing that strikes me is that they are sort of large when fully expanded. I guess it is good to have a lot of space but I am wondering about how they will mount up and secure too. Well we will find out in a week or so.

I will update when I get them in and on the VFR.

~ Guy

 

Guy,

I have an Oxford tank bag in my pile of old bags and it is a higher quality piece. Your side bags should make you happy, especially at the price you are paying which sounds like you pay shipping and that's all, eh?

 

Yep, that's basically the deal, but also got a discount on UPS charges because I can use the company account which has a pretty good discount. Should be in my hands in a week or so.