Yes, I searched, I searched. :mrgreen:
Kerry aparently has (or had, it was an old thread) the same set of Tourmaster saddlebags I'm looking at, so maybe he'll wander by.
What exactly is involved in installing saddlebags? Do they just lay over the back of the seat and use straps to secure them? Is there some kind of mounting hardware that needs to be drilled/bolted on? Is there some compatibility issue with GS500's, or are all "sportbikes" about the same?
I hate to spend the money and end up with something that won't fit or involves complicated mounting.
Can you still attach your helmet to the under-seat hook (while not in use) with the bags attached?
Quote from: CaffeineYes, I searched, I searched.
:dunno:
http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18629
I have some tourmaster saddlebags, dont know the model but they are about 12" high by 16" long by 7" thick. They are universal mount and they only work so so. They secure by draping adjustable straps over the seat and then strap to the footpegs. The right side rests on top of the muffler so I put some exhaust tape on it to keep it cool and they didn't melt. If you put too much weight in the left bag it will toutch the tire on big bumps. I would recoment getting some shorter ones.
On a long trip I strapped a duffelbag with a rigid bottom on top of the backseat and I tied the saddlebags to it, which kept them from resting on the pipe and tire, and it gave me a lot more room.
Gee whiz, Roadstergal...THAT was the kind of thread I thought I searched for...thanks a million!
:thumb:
How much stuff are you going to haul, and will you take a passenger?
I use a Cortech (regular, non-sport) tailbag on my 93. Throw it over the pillion, the 4 plastic hooks on the subframe, and I'm off. Plus if I have to carry it anywhere, its just one bag rather than two, and there are no straps left on my bike when its gone.
I may get the saddlebags to go with it, but I haven't yet found the need around town. Made an overnight trip with just a tank bag and tail bag, and had 4 quarts of oil, shop manual, and filter with me!
Personal preference on a lot of the above, but be aware that its a viable option. I should post a pic... if you'd like one, let me know and I'll throw the bags on the bike in the garage (effing winter... :guns: )
I won't be taking a passenger, so I may opt for a bag on top of the side bags as well, just to have more storage space. I tend to take very little with me when I travel anyway, but I do want to do some "long" trips of a week or so. I may even get a fair sized tank bag for even more storage. But I want bags that go on and come off easy, because they will also function as my luggage.
Lots of great input, everyone! Thanks! :cheers:
The Cortech bags have a Velcro cinch for the handles that turns them into a single duffel.
i got the jc whitney $30 ones, made a rack that you thread the center strap through, and crash tested them at 70 held up fine.
Don't forget to mount them under the seat not over :thumb: :cheers:
I mount them over because it's easier to put them on and take them off. I've done scads of trips with them on the '04 and the '05 that way.