Luggage suggestions please?

[SpacemanSpiff0x0]

I am looking to get some luggage for my FZ-6. Now, before everyone starts yelling about how ugly it is let me explain. I am planning, with a friend (he rides an SV-650), several road trips throughout the summer. These trips will last between 4 and 7 days so I need enough space to pack the essentials and a few pairs of shorts (almost every trip is to the beach).

I have already decided that I do not want to wear everything in a backpack. Having that weight on you is terribly annoying on a long ride. I am leaning towards a tail bag simply because it is out of my way and they seem to have the best capacity.

Anyone with experience buying and using bike luggage please share the wisdom.

Thanks,
JW

[yukon_alex]

I used a tank and tail bag combination for 4300km and they worked great! Lots of room and convenient too! The biggest complaint I had was trying to get my leg over the bike with the tail bag on it. Yoga helps.

I bought the Nelson Rigg gear from NewEnough.com (Luggage > All Types > Nelson Rigg :: New Enough Motorcycle Hard Parts)
I got the SSC-120 tank bag and the SSC-165 tail bag both of the SilverStreak variety. I really like the quality and fit.

[wrightme43]

I like expandable tank bags. I have saddle bags as well. I have had the cargo basics from Cyclegear exp. tank bag and exp. saddle bags. They were nice, had a problem with one clip wanting to come apart and the saddle bags were a tad to big.

Now have the Nelson Rigg exp tank bag. Nice bag, but the map pocket it crappy. Its sealed from the rain, but it destroys the map to get it in since the zipper area is to small. I have the Tecnic saddle bags. They are nice. Thats all I know man. Hope it helps.

[Zealous]

In all the options I've seen I would have to say the best combonation is a tail bag and saddlebags. There are a couple of kits online. You can get saddle bags that tie to the frame and velcro over the seat. They're easy to remove and carry away too. The tail bag is then clipped into hidden locks on the top of the saddle bags making them one big unit with different entry points on three sides. It looks clean and provides maximum storage. If you need a map or radio or something, I'd suggest a tank bag and saddlebags.

Here is a good reference point for what I'm referring to with the first combo.


Installing Tourmaster Cortech Saddlebags & Tailbag on a (pre-'01) Suzuki GS500E

[Hellgate]

I have the Cortechs and I'm very happy with them.

[Whirlygirl]

I used a set of Motopak saddlebags and tailbag on a recent 2-week trip. I have nothing but good things to say about them... very durable, expandable, lots of attachment options, etc. This is how they look on the bike (keep in mind this is with the saddlebags almost fully expanded...)

Cheers!

[Canada17]

I have an expandable tank bag for everyday riding. I also have soft saddlebags and a tailbox. I use the tail box most frequetly as it locks to the bike and closed. I prefer to run with no bags, but it's not a reality for me.

[OneTrack]

Originally Posted by Whirlygirl

I used a set of Motopak saddlebags and tailbag on a recent 2-week trip. I have nothing but good things to say about them... very durable, expandable, lots of attachment options, etc. This is how they look on the bike (keep in mind this is with the saddlebags almost fully expanded...)

Cheers!

That's the set that I bought on your recommendation.
They really do sit well on the FZ6 and look like they are tailor-made for the bike.
The saddlebags do expand to hold an incredible amount of stuff.
Getting on and off is a challenge, but I'm working on that.

[GConn]

What's the inner red thingy behind the bags? Where did you get that from?

[jamesfz6]

All i have is a tank bag i carry my lunch in for work. When i go on longer rides i wear a backpack but have found that to be very cramped when filled with 3 days worth of clothes and food.


I think i will look into the saddlebags you guys/gals have on ya'lls.