GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: reminor on May 22, 2008, 11:23:08 AM

Title: Ideal saddlebags for GS500E
Post by: reminor on May 22, 2008, 11:23:08 AM
After lots of research looks like I found my match -- Gears Mini. Nylon, sturdy and well-made, expandable, look good, under $85 shipped http://www.mawonline.com/google/67986.HTM (http://www.mawonline.com/google/67986.HTM).
The key is that they are only 14inch long (while most others are 16-17", which look HUGE on the smallish GS). They still hold LOADS of stuff. I am actually yet to use the expanding feature.

Now I wonder how did I ever live without  :icon_razz:


(http://i25.tinypic.com/207vp6q.jpg)

(http://i32.tinypic.com/1jlqow.jpg)

(http://i31.tinypic.com/23w4dcn.jpg)

(http://i28.tinypic.com/14ch1xt.jpg)


PS The tail bag depicted is my DIY bag from a leather travel pouch (search the forum if need more detail).
Title: Re: Ideal saddlebags for GS500E
Post by: ohgood on May 22, 2008, 11:28:08 AM
you need more bags. ;)


no really, what are those tiny bags for up by the steering tube, hanging off the frame ?

the saddle bags do look like a nice size. are you planning a cross country tour with all the luggage ?
Title: Re: Ideal saddlebags for GS500E
Post by: scottpA_GS on May 22, 2008, 12:13:25 PM
Quote from: ohgood on May 22, 2008, 11:28:08 AM
you need more bags. ;)


no really, what are those tiny bags for up by the steering tube, hanging off the frame ?

the saddle bags do look like a nice size. are you planning a cross country tour with all the luggage ?

  :laugh: I didnt notice those... Hes got a pocket for everything  :thumb:

Nice bags, I like em  :cheers:
Title: Re: Ideal saddlebags for GS500E
Post by: ben2go on May 22, 2008, 12:57:56 PM
Bags look great.The pouches on the front are cheapo universal cell holders?


May I inquire about the clear leaver/hand gaurds and the tank bra?Where can they be purchased.Does the tank bra stay put when you grip the tank with your knees?Thanks.
Title: Re: Ideal saddlebags for GS500E
Post by: birdman on May 22, 2008, 01:13:39 PM
Very clean looking.
So are you sacrificing a squeaky toy as a tire stop???

And when did Line 6 start making mufflers.  Do you have a custom pedal for your GS?

How does it look from 50-100 feet away???? Everyone takes closeup shots but I'd like to see how it looks as others on the road might see it.
R
Title: Re: Ideal saddlebags for GS500E
Post by: reminor on May 23, 2008, 01:09:06 PM
OK, one question at a time.  :)

The handguards/windguards are from National Cycle and I planned to post a separate topic on them (with photos). Stay tuned! In short, I love 'em!! Matched well with tinted F16 Touring winshield (from NC also).

Small pouches are handy for things like a manometer, shop cloth, earplugs, etc. These are indeed el-cheapo backpack cell phone holders and such. I had them gathering dust in the garage anyway..

Glad somebody caught the Line6 decal. The PO (previous owner) dropped the bike and there are some scuffs on the exaust. I put the Line6 decal there to conceal them a bit. I smiled thinking that those in-the-know will get a kick out of it. I like Live6 guitar effects BTW.

I use my bike for commuting and running errands (as much as I can), so extra storage is ALWAYS handy. I always carry my bike cover, a tint visor, bottle of water, rain poncho, etc, etc. so again the storage is handy. And no, I wouldn't go cross-country while equipped only with my saddlebags. I usually pack about 40lb of wearable stuff for one week vacation (never wear half of it though). I know, I need to change.  :icon_rolleyes:

The tank bra is leather, Suzuki OEM. I got lucky and won it on ebay I think last year. They are no longer manufactured and it was some old stock. I love the bra. Fits snug and never goes anywhere. Try to search ebay or craigslist, but alas chances are slim.

Also, look at the rear side reflectors. Self-sticking, about $1 a piece. I mentioned them in the recent discussion about rear reflectors. Now there are photos.

I will post a 100-feet-away view soon. My bad.


Cheers!!

Title: Re: Ideal saddlebags for GS500E
Post by: ben2go on May 23, 2008, 05:52:43 PM
Thanks for the info.Looking forward to the write up on the hand gaurds.