I unexpectedly tested my new saddle bags for waterproof-iness on a ride around Chicago today. Worked like a charm! I figured I should share some pics.





I scored these off of a guy on Craigslist. He said he planned on doing a cross country ride on his '79 Bonneville, but could never get it running reliably. (No surprise there) His loss, my gain. Got them for $300 for the set, new, never used, perfect condition with all packaging and instructions.

They work great. No clearance issues with the exhaust (stock) and they worked fine at 65mph. They are large enough for each saddlebag to hold a full bag of groceries and I have even fit my helmet in there (Nolan N91) as you can see in pics 1 & 2. In the rain today, nothing inside got a drop of moisture. I picked up some carry out in the city and rode home with it. It made it home in tact and still warm! 

Saddle Bags: http://www.ortliebusa.com/prodInfo.asp?pid=341&cid=2

Tank Bag: http://www.ortliebusa.com/prodInfo.asp?pid=344&cid=2

I haven't tried any other saddlebags or tank bags, but these work for me. Great IMO. Recommend.

Now that the cargo situation is figured out, now I just need some proper rain gear and I can probably ride 3 seasons in Chicago. Any recommendations?

Really nice!  Great pictures too. I have been pondering the idea of some saddlebags myself.

Quote from: ShowBizWolf on August 02, 2015, 03:18:20 PM
Really nice!  Great pictures too. I have been pondering the idea of some saddlebags myself.

Thanks!

I recommend it if you are looking to use your bike for everyday things. These bags are good for two bags of groceries, which is exactly what I need in the city. The tank bag is perfect for my work shoes and a change of shirt for when I commute and need to be presentable in the office. I can find parking much easier for two wheels rather than 4, so this is a great way to get it done.

Man that looks pretty. Clean. Jealous.


The front cowling/fairing around your light.. wants the name / brand / where did you order from?

Quote from: CanRider on August 02, 2015, 08:07:40 PM
Man that looks pretty. Clean. Jealous.


The front cowling/fairing around your light.. wants the name / brand / where did you order from?

Thank you for the compliments. The headlight fairing is apparently a stock light from an older model. I bought it from another member here. It is plasti-dipped black now, but it is red underneath.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=69124.0

That's exactly what I was thinking, getting the bags for trips to the store. I have one of those cargo nets (but I don't really like to use it) and I almost always have my drawstring backpack but I thought saddlebags would be better. Just gotta find ones I like!

@CanRider... yes I too like the looks of that headlight fairing! When it popped up in the For Sale section I figured it would sell fast. Here are some more options for the GS (I thought there was the actual name for this fairing in the link... I was wrong but figured I'd share the info anyway!)
http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.Windshields