Quote from: myfirstluv on August 21, 2010, 02:52:45 PMmesh overpants

MotoPort.

I've commuted in downtown Dallas traffic since I bought my '07 GS500f brand new and love it.  The bike is the best part of the commute.  My gear on the other hand in our 105-110 degree summers on the other hand is difficult to bear.  I only have textile fabrics because they're decent year-round materials, but aren't really good for either and I feel like I'm baking in the summer!

The only thing I don't recommend is trying to ride it like a supersport (which I tried for a little while).  I was an idiot and drove it hard and put way too much strain on the engine causing gaskets to blow, oil leaks, etc.  I've since calmed my riding down and really enjoy the ride now.

Quote from: SRJbb99 on August 22, 2010, 09:26:25 PMbut aren't really good for either and I feel like I'm baking in the summer!

MotoPort.

I'm familiar with motorport and dismissed it a while ago.  It's more expensive than even the aerostitch gear.

I wanted to know if you guys lock your tail bag and/or saddlebags to your bike while your commuting?

I don't anticipate anyone stealing my stuff where I work but you never know, but at the same time I'm having trouble dropping the coin for a topcase.  I'm worried about the weight up so high and in the back from what I've read and what people have said to me. I need the ability to pass and stay away from cars 60-85 mph depending on the road.

My aleternative's are nelson rigg cl-85 and cl-350.

Not sure I'd dismiss Motoport just because it's more expensive than Stich - they make some fantastic gear (maybe Homer and I can duke it out one of these days? ). Of course, if it's more than you want to pay that's really all there is to it. I dug into it a lot when I was shopping for gear - quickest summary I can think of is the motoport will breathe through the fabric (which you don't get from most cordura/carbolex textiles) but is more of a challenge in the weather. Even so, I'm sure there are plenty of meshy pants in the hundred dollar range from the usual suspects (fieldsheer, tourmaster, etc).

I have some First Gear Monza saddlebags on my bike - they are pretty spacious and look decent:


However, their mounting is pretty rudimentary - just a pair of velcro straps over the top. It comes with two small bungee cords but there really isn't a place to bungee on them (??). I have somewhere between an inch and two of clearance over the exhaust. I don't lock mine, but the only thing that's ever really in there are my gym clothes. Anything of value usually ends up in the pockets of my riding jacket. I could get a smallish master lock to tie the zippers together if I was concerned, but I don't like my gym clothes anyway so if somebody feels the need to liberate them from me... more power to them I suppose. I do often leave my riding pants in there at work. I suppose I'll get concerned about theft after it's too late.

I went with saddlebags instead of a top case (or tail bag) because I'm weird and prefer the look. I have no personal experience with top cases, but a coworker of mine said he doesn't even notice his back there when he rides. Of course, he's on a KLR, so he expects everything to be tall! Main point - whatever you get, you will get used to.

Here is mine with First Gear Silverstones.  The saddlebags live on the bike.  Tail bag only when traveling.  Tank bag for weekend rides.  i keep the rain liners for my suit in on bag and use the other for work items and day shoes.  No locks since my main gear won't fit inthem any way.  I never leave my suit or helmet on the bike.  May go to hard bags this winter.  I run the straps under the seat and use the bungees to hook the bottoms of the bags together.  Keeps them form flying.



Keep the shiny side up,

Chuck