I drive my 2008 GSF back and forth to work daily. I carry food, drink and other items with me. Needless to say loading all this one my bike takes time each day and is sometimes a headache. So I ask you guys, What do you all use to carry your supplies? I'm considering saddle bags or a trunk. What would you folks do? Thanks.
I used saddle bags for about a year. I had the cortech ones -- http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/5236/ITEM/Tour-Master-Saddlebags.aspx. They're plenty big. They're actually probably a little too big for the bike. The bottom of the right side one was pretty much up against the exhaust can.
The problem with the saddlebags is that most of the time they were empty, and if I did carry something in them, I couldn't just leave it somewhere because someone could just walk up and steal stuff out of them.
I ended up switching to a wolfman magnetic tankbag. It's a good size, and expandable if I need to carry something big. And best of all, I can just pick it up and carry it with me when I park the bike.
The only reason I would use saddlebags would be for a long trip or something where I would unload everything at my destination.
Now, if the GS had a good set of locking panniers, I would totally do that.
If this is a poll I vote trunk. :icon_lol: Saddle bags are more in the way, trunk is out of the way and easier to pop off and carry in. I put a small Givi trunk on after fussing with tank and saddle bags for years, always a pain in the neck fighting the rain with saddlebags. Trunk has been on for 9 years and 90k miles and never leaked a drop yet including riding in monsoon like rains. Bought just a lower priced lightweight Givi Monolock one.
http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/500/02GS500wPlexi2.jpg
Tank For Bike Stuff (Spare plugs, Small Tool Kit, Air Pump, Etc.), Book Bag For My Stuff. Magnets In The Tank Bag Do Not Mix Well With Wallet, USB Drive, And Cell Phone.
(Sorry For The Caps Everyone, My Phone Does That)
I commute on mine as well, I bought a cheap (steal, but not stolen ;)) used Givi case. I store rain gear, extra tools full time, and my helmet when I'm at work.
Couldn't imagine not using it.
I've had both and I much prefer a trunk. A trunk is out of the way, generally carries more and keeps things dry and secure. I've been using a Shad SH-40 for two years and love it. I put my laptop with case and my lunch in it on the way to work. Once there I lock lock my FF helmet, gloves and armored jacket in the trunk. Works great and keeps me from having to lug my helmet and jacket into the office.
Quote from: dsmirnov83 on September 15, 2013, 07:01:29 PM
Tank For Bike Stuff (Spare plugs, Small Tool Kit, Air Pump, Etc.), Book Bag For My Stuff. Magnets In The Tank Bag Do Not Mix Well With Wallet, USB Drive, And Cell Phone.
(Sorry For The Caps Everyone, My Phone Does That)
Eh, the magnets are strong but they're not that strong. Phones, hard drives, credit cards are fine with tank bags.
i have hard saddles, im going to be selling them soon, they are just cheap ones, they work and hold stuff pretty well tho.
Quote from: knowles on September 15, 2013, 09:34:24 PM
i have hard saddles, im going to be selling them soon, they are just cheap ones, they work and hold stuff pretty well tho.
Hard saddles? Do you have any pics? Are they lockable?
Found them. i just made them up quick so i could use the bike to ride to work.
(http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u400/knowles02/DSCF0223-Copy.jpg)
Those are badass! You custom made them?
Thanks for the opinions folks. I think I will go with a trunk it just seems to be a bit safer and secure. Thanks again GS Brothers.
Quote from: 007brendan on September 16, 2013, 02:11:13 PM
Those are badass! You custom made them?
I made the brackets and bought the bags,
I have and use an Alpinestars tank bag. Its huge and it unzips so I can use it as a back pack. I do also have an Axio tank and tail bag also though