Advice on a tailbag

[CB2RN]

Hey guys and gals, long time lurker, first time poster. Great board you've got here.

Anyway, I'm looking at tail bags for my GS as a possible Christmas present from the wife. But never having owned a bike before this one, I need help deciding what I need. Here's the requirements:
1. Large enough to hold my after-gym gear (shoes, jeans, long sleeve shirt at most), shower up stuff, and a few PowerBars.
2. Easily detachable from the bike (I commute to a college campus) with a carry strap or handle.
3. Not too big as to cause a distraction on the rear of the bike.

I know I've probably just described 3/4's of the bags out there, so here are some specific bags I'm interested in: Cortech Sport Tail Bag, Chase Harper Sport Tail Trunk, Chase Harper Sport Trek Tail Trunk (links: http://www.chaseharper.com/TailTrunks/TailTrunks.htm , http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/product.php?productid=148&cat=31 ).

Anybody own one of these/has used one of these bags with success, and/or have a suggestion that would fit my criteria and I haven't listed it?

Thanks in advance,
Don

[Bulwark]

I like the loom of the Cortech one but will the straps go under the seat?  If the straps will go under the seat and still have the seat close then I like it.

In fact I woyuldnt mind getting one for myself.

[TR]

I have a 17 liter TourMaster tail bag, it doesn't seem to be for sale any more, not in the link you provided, but I'm happy with it, and costed almost the same than the Sport tail bag, it stores a full face helmet, and enough groceries for myself, the only problem is, under heavy loads (let's say 20 pounds or more, the bungee hooks slip from the bag's floor and the bag fall over to right or left side, to remain hang, and the risk to get the bag burnt with the can or the tyre. That happened to me, no big deal but now the bag needs a patch. If I were to buy a bag from those you said, I'd choose the Sport Tail bag...

[gmingst]

Wow I can help on this one.  I have the cortech.  I have an 06GS and it attaches quickly to the 4 hooks below the seat.  I love the bag.  I pack it and take it into work with me.  It "fits" the bike nicely, and is expandable.  I highly recommend it.

Regards
Graham

[onefastgs500]

look at nelson riggs tailpacks i've had one for years great product.

[scratch]

I just bought a Nelson-Rigg TP-902 Pro Tailpack ($44.95), on the suggestion of a member here, and am very pleased with it!
Scroll down- http://www.nelsonrigg.com/fibertech.htm
Picture of it on my bike soon (I can even put it on sideways).

[CB2RN]

Thanks for the advice. I hear a ringing endorsement of the Cortech bag. That Nelson-Rigg bag in the last post looks pretty nice too. I wish I could get my hands on one in person to examine them, but unfortunately, no one local carries any of them. Maybe I'll just let the wife choose....
Seems a little dangerous...

Thanks again

[mp183]

Cortech Sport Tail Bag.
Packs lots of stuff.  I would loop two hooks around the luggage rack and the other
two would attach to the hooks on the side.
When you expand, it holds lots of stuff.
Had mine for 3 years and just lost it off my V-Strom with about $300 worth of stuff.
Forgot to attach two of the hooks after I picked up a call on my cellphone.
After 3 years and about 35,000 miles it looked good as new.
Got a GIVI Monolock E33 case for $96 delivered for my V-Strom but will probably
get another Cortech for the GS.
That E33 case looks like it would be an easy install if you have a luggage rack on the GS.

[sys49152]

I had the Givi E35.  It is an easy install as long as you've got a luggage rack.  The mating plate works with just about all of them.  I think it was Cal Price that helped me out with that one.. I ordered a luggage rack from Rev's Performance and attached the Givi case to that.  Besides looking a bit like UFO landed on the back of your bike, the rack/case combination was excellent.  My XXS HJC and XS Shoei fit no problem, plus a change of clothes for work, lunch and other bits and pieces.