So, I want a bit of a storage option for my 900 custom. I'm not trying to go grocery shopping, or live out of my bags for a month. I want something small that doesn't wreck the lines of a 900 Custom, that I can pack a book, a lunch, and other odds and ends in.
Basically I want the space the backpack I wear on my sportbike provides, split across 2 saddlebags.
You might have guessed that I'm not a fan of hard bags, and you'd be right. Most of what I'm seeing in "soft" luggage has a rigid liner, making them more like leather covered hard bags. So far, I've been looking at saddlebags for horses for that reason, but nothing's won me over quite yet.
I've skimmed a few "Show off your bike" or "Show us your bags" threads, but most of what I've seen is hard bags or big bulky hardsoft bags. Anybody have suggestions, pics, or links to help me find what I'm looking for?
Try a Google search. It sounds like throw over bags will be what your looking for, if they are look at Rive road or Viking bags for inexpensive ideas. What I think looks good is a single side saddlebags if you don't need much room.
I'll keep looking at horse tack for a little while. There's a huge leather/western shop down by my sister in law's house that I'll check out before buying anything. I'm leaning toward going with a swingarm bag and a sissy bar bag if I can't find throwovers I'm happy with.
Look for a tail bag... they are generally small enough or can be larger if needed but you can take it off when needed and put it back on easily depending on which brand you go with. I had a ogio tail bag prior to getting my saddlebags.
^ I picked up something similar, and it works. I'll probably like the look better as the leather wears a little.
I've also been using a black canvas medic bag (similar to http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-Canvas-Nato-Medic-Bag/dp/B000YV6RUC) I picked up years ago as a sissy bar bag, and toying with the idea of buying another, stitching a thick strap between them, and making my own saddlebags.
If I get around to dropping the $20 and spending the time to put it together, I'll put up some pics.
I tend to go a little overboard with these things, and I've got a busy few weeks coming up, but I'll eventually be back with pics of a customized canvas setup. I've been digging through the garage/junk drawers, and I think I've got most of what I need to waterproof the bags, rig up mounting points, and possibly make them easily detachable. I just need some canvas, leather, or nylon, and some free time.
Got around at making a saddle bag with a canvas satchel/shoulder bag.
Bought the bag on Ebay for next to nothing. You could get something of your liking in a thrift store as well.
Bought a solid but thin plastic cutting board that would fit the back of the bag.
Bought 2 pre-dilled for convenience flat metal bar and hardware.
Mats
the bag has a liner so I unsewed it, centered the board then drilled holes through the back of the bag onto the board. I then sewed the liner back so the board wouldnt be exposed.
Bought heavy duty industrial tie wrap and mounted it on my tail light/side plate mount.
an other pic.
Not a huge project nor is it the best thing since sliced bread but it gets the job done for gym clothes or anything i want to bring along.
Leatherup has a lot of different styles and prices are good. I use these leather bags on my Custom. I added sheet aluminum inside to stiffen them up and easybrackets for mounting.
I have used the First Gear Onyx bags for 3 years now. They hold quite a bit and unzip and expand. They come with rain gear and have handles for carrying to the hotel room.
I'm currently waiting to receive my Tsukayu Strong Bags and will probably sell my soft bags. Just got tired of reshaping the internal plastic that holds the shape and tired of all the pop up showers that send me running to put the cover's on. Also wanted a secure locking lid.
if i was you, i would get a swingarm bag along with either a tool pouch up front and a sissy bar bag.
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