Advice needed. Hard case/luggage options?

The time has come for me to step up and get some hard case/luggage. I've always had textile soft saddlebags and I don't really know anything about the better luggage. I'm looking for quality side bags that aren't massive and won't bust the bank. Any recommendation?

Thanks!

 

I had been looking for good bags since I got my vfr earlier this year. My experience is good bags aren't cheap. I was lucky enough to find a set of factory bags and mounts on eBay, but one bag has a crack in it. I'm ok with that as I think I can get a body shop to do a little plastic welding on it fairly cheap. They still cost me a little over $400.

I've heard good things about the Givi bags. I just preferred the way the factory bags fit on the bike. And Givi isn't inexpensive either.

Best bet, find the ones you like and look for a used or slightly damaged set that can be repaired on the cheap.

 

I'm on my second set of Shad cases. They tend to be cheaper then Givi and still good quality.

Here they are on a 8th gen.

 

I've owned a 5th, 6th, & 7th gen. On the 5th I had Givi e41's and a JC Whitney topcase. On the 6th I had OEM side cases and a Kappa Top case. On my 7th gen I have the OEM side cases and tried a Shad top case first. I had to send that back because it was worthless. The lock mechanism was pathetic and the case could be opened with little to no effort. It could have just been my bad luck, but I don't think I will ever buy another Shad case. I ended up with another Givi top case.

In my opinion, the OEM cases are superior IF you want the best possible look. Meaning they match the lines and color. They are very capable cases too. Generally speaking the mounting is very good. In the case of the 7th gen, the mounting is the best possible scenario and completely invisible when the cases are off. However, I think that even knowing that I would rather have the Givi or Kappa cases next time. They are made from that flat black plastic that goes well with anything and they are far more durable. My OEM cases are brittle and have cracked twice and I have no idea what I did. Plus, no one cases if the Givi's get scuffed. Painted cases make it look as though you don't treat your bike well. Also, you can keep your Givi/Kappa cases for your next bike and just buy new mounts. Can't do that with OEM.

I would recommend Kappa over Givi for a first time buyer on a budget. They are made by the same people, though Kappa generally tend to be of smaller volume. But they are of the same quality for about $100 cheaper.

 

I have an offer to buy a full set of Givi with mounting racks for $700. Side bags are keyless flat black and the top case is gloss grey/gun metal. Sounds like a deal to me. I've only seen photos of them, the seller promised no defects and none are visible in the pictures. Guess I'll be headed to check them out.

 

Are we talking both side cases and topcase with mounting hardware? If so, that is a pretty decent deal. If it is just the side cases, I'd just buy the new.

 

No, it's all three . But I do need to see them in person

 

Someone is selling their Givi Wingrack 2 + 2 side cases here for $300. It's off a 96 so it's got the required fitment kit too. That's a great deal, though there may be a deal pending.

It's the same setup I have. Works great, and the Wingrack can be installed/removed in 5 minutes for when you need it. A top case can be added separately, or you can use a single side case as a top case.


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There's also a Wingrack 2 + 2 keyless side cases + 4th gen fitment kit for sale on VFRD. Seller is in Tucson too.