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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Saddlebag recommendations? /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1096252206 Message started by 2wheelingwoman on 09/26/04 at 19:30:06 |
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Title: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by 2wheelingwoman on 09/26/04 at 19:30:06 Now that I've got my Savage (and LOVING it!), I'd like to add some saddlebags so I could use it more frequently for trips around town, runnings errands, etc. I watched a used set just go for $187 on eBay this afternoon. Yikes! :o A bit out of my budget. :( Any recommendations on either types of saddlebags that will fit the 2002 650, or vendors you've been happy with or any "gotchas" to avoid in purchasing and/or installing saddlebags? Any pros or cons you've found to saddlebags versus strapping a bag to the passenger seat? Thanks for the input! It's great to be able to get real advice from people who KNOW what they're talking about. |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Paladin on 09/26/04 at 21:41:20 You say the savage is a little lacking in luggage capacity, eh? The guy I bought my Savage from threw in a fabric bag about 15" cube that he bungeed to the pillion. It served him fine for three or four years. On the ugly side you could fabricate some L-brackets to bolt a milk crate to/over the pillion. In another thread someone extended the factory luggage rack to take a $50 (or so) lockable travel trunk. I've looked at some saddlebags on used bikes -- floppy, droopy, uglier than the milk crate solution. No idea of brand or quality or maintainance records. While a bit more than the $180 you're balking at, I'm looking at the LeatherLyke "saddlebags." Lockable hard panniers actually -- factory fitted to the Savage with quick and easy on/off. Playing around in PaintShopPro to get an idea of what I am working toward (bag size/placement approximate, they had no pictures available): http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/images/savage-bobbed-bagged.jpg Also thinking about removing the pillion and rear pegs -- I don't do passengers. . |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Susan on 09/27/04 at 07:14:50 I have Willie & Max saddlebags ($84 at ClassicCruiser with free shipping). Underneath, I have the regular Suzuki saddlebag brackets, which I think were about $50 from the dealer. The bags are a good fit for the bike. I'll take a picture soon and add it here. Here is a link for the bags: Willie & Max Deluxe Compact Slant Saddlebags at ClassicCruiser.com (http://www.classiccruiser.com/srvs/data/Classiccruiser/product.asp?item=69596) |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by dfortner on 09/27/04 at 14:53:24 I've bought some cheap leather stuff for our bikes, here are a couple of places. Please note that they aren't the best stuff, but they do work and they are afforadable. http://www.jilliandistributors.com/ (see second page under "Motorcycle Leather") http://www.bransonwholesale.com/ Hope this helps. Dave Fortner |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by 2wheelingwoman on 09/27/04 at 15:35:52 Thanks for the recommendations. I just don't think I could do the milk-carton solution, no matter how desperate I get for hauling space. Just too ugly. My bike probably wouldn't start, due to the embarrassment. ;) I'm going to follow up on the links from Susan and Dave, both seem to have some bags I can afford after spending most of my dollars on the bike itself. I don't need any 'show quality' stuff right now, just something to stash stuff in. Paladin, someday I'd love to pursue the locking pannier option, so keep me posted about how it goes. Lots of places around here (LA) stuff gets stolen before you can even slow down. :( Something that locks would be great. Today I bungeed on a little soft-side pack I scrounged up, and was able to pick up a couple of things at the grocery store and some fabric for my quilting project, and it worked out OK. Where there's a will, there's a way, right? I could have opted to take the car, but where's the fun in that?? |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Michael on 09/27/04 at 16:22:15 I still have not found the "perfect" bags for my savage.....been looking around, and figure if I am gonna get bags, i want maximun capacity, without compromising style. For the time being I purchased a 15" x 15" bungie net, for less than $10 at an automotive store. When I go away overnight, or for a long day trip, I uses this net, to bungie a napsack to my back seat.You would be surprised how tight these bungie nets hold your gear.. I then wear another napsack over my shoulders, with a chest harness. It works great, because the one i wear sits on the bungied one, so i even forget I have it on, even with 40 plus pounds of junk in it.........Can cary a lot of gear using this method.... BUT.... Make sure the 2 napsacks match, or the gold wing riders will snub ya.....lol.(kidding).............. cheers.........Michael |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Paladin on 09/27/04 at 21:42:12 I did the first two days of the MSF course last Thursday/Saturday. Next/last two this week. Then they send me my certificate. Then a visit to the DMV, a phone call to the insurance man, and I can start riding. (Legally. Been riding off and on since '64.) Will just bungee my laptop case to the bike for the commute to work. I want the hardcases, the wife wants a new dishwasher. Guess which wins? As for looks and comments from others -- hey, it's a Thumper. It's getting looks and comments anyhow. |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Greg_650 on 09/28/04 at 03:06:55 Paladin wrote:
If you're going to remove the rear pegs, here is an idea. Removed, ground flat, welded, Bondoed, and painted. What pegs? I don't do passengers, either. BTW, you have to remove the rear wheel to get the bolts out. http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/215/215131/folders/156326/1248717Swingarmmerge1web.jpg |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by LittleRedster on 09/28/04 at 10:30:05 I have the same Willie & Max compact slant bags that Susan has, I think. They're perfect for around town. In addition, when I need more space, I have a "Biker's Friend" which bungees onto the pillion. It's formed out of molded plastic so it's rigid, and detaches easily. It also serves as a backrest which is really nice on those longer trips. http://www.bikersfriend.com/pages/description.htm Cheryl |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Munson_kl279 on 09/28/04 at 10:41:27 It's a little late in the season but I've found that I get the best deals on leather goods at the swap meet/runs that I go to. I picked up my bags for $55. |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by savagethumper on 09/28/04 at 21:18:45 I have the Willie and Max bags that were mentioned earlier. They can be seen in the pics in the link below my message. They can hold about a 12 pack of Cokes in each bag. I can easily carry anything I need for work plus a little jacket. I have the Suzuki brackets, too. I am thinking about buying a backrest bag I saw at a bike supply store in Arlington. It's tube shaped, and has a backrest indention on the side. It straps to the bracket, and holds quite a bit of stuff. Kinda pricey, though. Almost $175. I also have a HD fork bag, that I picked up for $25 at the HD dealership. It holds all my tools, a flashlight, extra bulbs, and a few other little items. I ran the leather strap around the base of the headlight, so it wouldn't ride down and scratch the fender. |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Greg_650 on 09/29/04 at 02:38:38 savagethumper wrote:
Good point :o |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Susan on 09/29/04 at 05:23:12 LittleRedster wrote:
Cheryl, Which size did you get and do you have a picture of it on your bike? What a great idea for traveling! Thanks. |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Pat B on 09/29/04 at 06:03:20 I have the Tour Master Cruiser 2 slant bags, medium size. They work great, and hold all that I need for work. If I remember they were like $130. I got them locally, so no web deals. |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by klx650sm2002 on 09/29/04 at 07:47:27 Greg do You do Your own welding. Clive W :D |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Munson_kl279 on 09/29/04 at 07:54:29 savagethumper wrote:
I have a similar bag that my father made (we do leather work on the side), and when I switch my headlight to a springer style I mounted the bag above the headlight. I like the look of it better and it helps hide some of the wires. |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Greg_650 on 09/29/04 at 09:35:56 klx650sm2002 wrote:
I can, but I'm not very pretty at it sometimes (not enough practice). The swingarm and frame welding was something that I let a shop do. I did the setup and prep and let them do the rest. The battery box brackets were the ones that I cut and rewelded myself ::) |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by klx650sm2002 on 09/29/04 at 09:48:36 I can gas weld but like You not enough practice. Tony in the next village does gas and TIG. Clive W :D |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by LittleRedster on 09/29/04 at 16:34:34 Susan wrote:
I have the medium Biker's Friend. However, I can't seem to figure out how to insert a photo. If someone can give me some pointers, I'll get it posted. Otherwise, I'll try to email you a photo directly. |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Greg_650 on 09/30/04 at 02:44:09 LittleRedster wrote:
The images need to be on a web site like Yahoo Photo and then you insert the image location (http://.....) in between the 2 tags that you get with the image button above (4th from the left)... For an example, click "quote" on someones post that includes a picture and you'll see how it works. |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Susan on 10/01/04 at 07:46:25 Greg_650 wrote:
Since how to do this has come up several times, I just created a topic that we can refer people back to: Posting Pics/Links (http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=RubberSideDown;action=display;num=1096641323). I tried to make it as easy as possible by listing step-by-step. My hope is that it will make it easier for everyone. ;D |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by LittleRedster on 10/01/04 at 10:35:33 Greg_650 wrote:
Yeah, I figured as much when I tried to "insert image". I had the same problem when I wanted to find an image for my profile. I'll have to find some time to register at a site and get the photos up there. Thanks Greg. And Susan, thanks for the instructions and stay tuned for the photo. Cheryl |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by LittleRedster on 10/02/04 at 06:08:45 LittleRedster wrote:
Here it is on my bike (although I can't figure out what's wrong with the image I'm trying to insert into this post ??? - the link works fine): http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/littleredster/detail?.dir=fa44&.dnm=ccd4.jpg or http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/littleredster/detail?.dir=fa44&.dnm=ccd4.jpg |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Susan on 10/02/04 at 10:58:40 LittleRedster wrote:
Thanks for sharing. The biker's friend looks great on the Savage and it looks like it holds lots of stuff. I inserted the image below. What I did was go to your link, right click on the pic, choose properties and then used the address I found there (click on quote on this post and you will see the address I used). Thanks again for the pic! http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/users/415e99fdz3793b9fe/fa44/__sr_/ccd4.jpg?phU_uXBBxPmsmuMX |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Greg_650 on 10/02/04 at 11:47:09 As for product reviews, I do know that 4 1/2 years will wear out the straps on the leather bags. I kept mine clean and treated too. It all matters whether you figure that is a good life for the bags. Mine were OEM bags that seemed well made and heavily loaded only a few times. They are in semi retirement now, to be thrown over the seat when needed. If a good fitting set of hard bags can be found, they might be worth the extra money. |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by bassman29 on 10/04/04 at 18:19:59 I just got a set of River Road Compact Slant bags (e-bay): http://www.onlineparts.com/images/catalog/108921.jpg but I'm having a problem with the fit. They seem just a little wide to fit the space between my taillights and the shock. I also need to relocate the license plate. http://home.neb.rr.com/dmorris29/Suzy%20RR%20plate.jpg What is the stock plate mounting bracket like? Anybody have a spare around? Susan, do have a pic of your Willie & Max bags yet? |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Greg_650 on 10/05/04 at 02:46:21 Wow, that's a snow ball rolling down hill. Here you have the rear fender nicely cleaned up and you've got to revert it back to stock. Since you have the bags, can you move the turnsignals more to the rear or something like that? |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by bassman29 on 10/05/04 at 05:02:12 Quote:
I know. It's like I have to choose between having a cool-looking bike, or having a practical commuter bike. I almost wish the mod hadn't been done before I got the bike so I wouldn't have to make the choice. I guess I could just mount the bags and obscure the plate - until I get caught. :D |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Susan on 10/05/04 at 11:07:55 bassman29 wrote:
Yup, sorry for the delay. Trying to squeeze in all the riding I can before the weather gets too cold... Here they are: http://predator.bikepics.com/pics/suzuki-savage-04-bikepics-223087.jpg http://predator.bikepics.com/pics/suzuki-savage-04-bikepics-223088.jpg |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Savage_Rob on 10/06/04 at 14:24:32 I don't know about those but the set of Willie & Max bags I inherited with my bike are quite nice with one problem I've noticed... If yours are the synthetic leather like mine, be very careful with that inner flap and don't let it hit a hot exhaust. It will leave smears of itself on your muffler. |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Susan on 10/06/04 at 19:17:13 Savage_Rob wrote:
Hmm. I'll have to look tomorrow and see if it is an issue. Thanks for the tip. |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Greg_650 on 10/10/04 at 02:51:06 I like your matching windshield. Also better wet and cold protection than my deflector type, too. |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Susan on 10/10/04 at 05:21:30 Savage_Rob wrote:
Hey, I looked at this and it is not an issue with my bags. First of all, I have the snaps positioned forward which means the inner flap opens and lays over to the back away from the exhaust. Also I think the flap is too short to hit the exhaust even if I had the bags on the other way. Maybe you have a bigger set of bags... Thanks for the caution though. I do hate smears on the muffler... |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Susan on 10/10/04 at 05:25:50 Greg_650 wrote:
Thanks. I really like it. Not only do I like the way it looks, it also improves the ride for me by helping stabilize the bike at higher speeds (at least that's how it feels). I wouldn't go on a long trip without it. I do take it off sometimes for shorter rides when it is super hot out so I get more windflow on me. |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by 2wheelingwoman on 10/31/04 at 17:27:21 Well, Susan, I took your recommendation and ordered my Willie and Max slant-bags (and the support brackets), and just got them installed today. They're great! Just exactly what I was looking for - nice and roomy and yet not saggy and bulky-looking. Just right! Thanks for the recommendations! |
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Title: Re: Saddlebag recommendations? Post by Susan on 11/01/04 at 05:24:43 2wheelingwoman wrote:
You are welcome! I'm glad you like them. How about a picture now? :D |
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