Hi folks,
I'm new to the forums and riding, having just picked up a 2003 naked GS500 about a month ago.
I'm considering some saddle bags and/or a top box for storage and have noticed a tonne of options.
So I thought I'd ask the community here what they prefer. It's a given that some riders seek more storage than others and have different needs so this question is entirely subjective and would be based on everyone's experience. Hopefully it will help others in my wake.
Personally, I would love a means to securely stash my riding gear (pants, boots, jacket, helmet), or failing that, store my helmet / load it up with shopping. I'll be seeking out second hand options to save cash via gumtree or consider buying cheaper kit on ebay. I'll update with whatever I buy.
Cheers
Darren
I've been using the Shad SH-40 top case for 3 years and I love it. It holds a full face helmet, gloves and jacket easily. I purchased it and the Shad luggage rack from Cycleluggage.com. The rack is very solid. Kind of pricey but it's been worth it to me. I commute on the GS and need to secure my gear while at the office.
There are other options available that I'm sure others will share. Good luck with the new bike.
Sounds like you want to use storage just as I do... and I opted for a top case, and would like to have a set of saddlebags to slap on the sides for longer trips I take in the summer. I too have a SHAD top case, though it is the SH-46 model (The number is just size in L). It can hold two full face helmets and gloves locked and secure while I'm off the bike, and can clip off and carry like a piece of luggage if I want. If I'm riding alone (vs 2-up), It holds my jacket, gloves, full face helmet, water, and a lil extra room when I need to secure stuff while I'm away from my bike. If I don't need the full top case for anything, I just unclip it from the rack and leave it at home and just use my tank bag. I used the SW Motech Alu-Rack to mount the top case plate to my bike.
- Bboy
Thanks guys!
I have a Gears Canada Navigator Tail Bag (https://www.gearscanada.com/products/details/83/7/navigator-tail-bag.html) (52L) for around town commuting/grocery. When it's empty it's very low profile; when it's full the weight is nicely distributed on both sides.
Last year I wanted to have the option of leaving my gears with the bike, so I bought the Coocase S50 top case (http://www.twistedthrottle.com/coocase-s50-astra-topcase-volt-edition-with-inner-liner-alarm-integrated-led-brake-running-lights-and-remote-control) (Twisted Throttle) last year with the GIVI Monolock rack/plate + adapter. The top case felt a bit cheap and the adapter sometimes wiggle loose if I carry a heavy load. Otherwise, the 48L case was a good size for what I carry (small helmet, gloves, overpants, leather jacket). If I need to leave my boots too I put them in the tail bag, but that's not lockable.
I have a couple treks planned for this summer, and I've been looking into storage as well. Would love to have a nice hard case, but not a huge fan of the style and price
I think I've settled on the Silverstone saddlebags and tail bag. Found a fellow member with the full setup (http://oi47.tinypic.com/317ayp1.jpg) and it looks better than I imagined. Going get the saddles first and then see if I'll need the tail bag as well.
Wow, those silverstones look pretty good on the silver GS... as good as luggage looks I guess, lol.
- Bboy