I got the 650 as a utility machine.  I need to carry things.  I splurged on a tank bag, but really can't go first class super expensive on other things.  Stopped by the biker supply shock.  The saddle bags were a bit long considering the rear turn signal lights.  The passenger seat bag was too long at 14" and expensive.  The sissy bar bags seem to require a rack, which seems expensive.  On the front end, I suspect a little tool bag on the fork would be good.  There's room between the bars and the windshield.  I can lash little stuff sacks on the bike, but that's not for every day.

I think I need to know a brand & model of utility saddlebags that will actually work well.  And maybe a passenger seat bag, although with saddle bags I can lash something cross wise.

suggestions with brands & models?

Thanks!!

So saddlebags haven't proven to be useful?  

I need some way to carry permanent equipment.  I'm out in the boonies, so I need tire irons, lube, tube & patch kid, a bottle of oil, key tools, sunscreen, water bottles, rain gear.  All the time. I was thinking a fork bag for tools, find or make a windshield bag for maps and the like.  Saddlebags for the usual stuff that I don't need to take inside anywhere.  I'm not worried about theft, just about having the stuff required to keep going.  And having room for a couple of bags of groceries.

My bicycle (the commuter) I equipped with two open top bags that I can just drop things into.  I have a rack trunk, too, or can lash junk on the rack.  And a front rack with bags as well, if I need them.  A handlebar bag.  Seems really odd that I can easily carry stuff on a bicycle, but am more stumped on a motorbike!

I'll try out the various packs I have on the seat.  So far none really fit neatly.  I'd like things to look nice.  Less hassles for being an undesirable that way.

There are some older threads here about using .30 or .50 caliber ammo cans for saddle bags.  They're usually pretty cheap on eBay or at a local flea market.  There are also people who've modified an Igloo cooler to attach to the back seat.

Do a search for "hard saddlebags" and make sure you change the search criteria to "(all posts)" and have at it.

I'm planning on installing Mutazu's LN saddle bags http://www.mutazu.com/products.php?cat_id=7&menu=Hard%20Saddlebags&product_id...this winter, but they'd be about $170 for the bags and brackets.

I have a gym bag with a piece of 1/8th ply sewn under the bottom & another glued inside & a block glued up under it all to help w/ the tie job. A couple of small D rings sewn up front & its ON there. With a long bungee & a piece of parachute cord I can get a double pass across a load. It will haul a 12 pack & some groceries easy enough. Cost? Dang near NUthin..

voldigicam wrote on 07/15/09 at 05:04:12:


Most of us just re-locate the turn signals. There are several threads about doing it.

Put hhese on my bike. A bit tight but they do work pretty well. The turn signals are not blocked.
http://www.leatherup.com/p/Motorcycle-Saddlebags/Waterproof-Slant-Eagle-Braid....

JC Whitney makes a medium size saddle bag with slant sides. My '02 came with them and they are handy enough, right side for the bike, left side for the rider. I was thinking about strapping a 5 gallon bucket on the back of my ride for more capacity on shopping trips. If I got one with a snap on lid it would be waterproof.  

My bags are mounting in FRONT of the rear turn signals. They are OVER the seat on purpose so I can whip them off quickly, and so they ride higher away from the wheels (dirt catchers).

I wish I had been able to try the slant-style waterproof bags before purchasing the ones I have now (Jarfum).  They are leather with decorative stitching. Well guess what? The stitching put HOLES in the bags, so they leak when it rains. DUH.

But they work for now. One is always loaded with repair gear, tools, baseball cap, small towel, plastic bag, cargo net, safety vest. The other empty for daily use of purse, files, mail, keys, etc.