Well I finally got my saddle / tank bags in. Usually on the weekends I make a trip back home to Waco Friday and then come back Sunday afternoon. 3 hours both ways. Last weekend was rough because of the sudden cold front that came in. Freezing rain that night.. Anyways, had to figure something out because making that trip with only a backpack loaded down with stuff was killing my back. Here's the picture, what do y'all think?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/3178382788_426530abc6.jpg?v=0

I was a little annoyed I couldn't get the seat cowl to lock down because the padding from the bags were getting in the way and I really don't feel like cutting the bags up just yet.. So it looks like I'll be going cowl less on long trips.

Looks like you're ready for the trip. :)

If you still need a bit more room, you could also add a small tail bag to the mix. I use one on my commute and it stays on well.

Looks nice! I'm still using a backpack to carry everything i need.

Where'd you get these at? I'm intrigued.

Saddle bags and tank bag are from the same place..

http://www.motosport.com/dirtbike/product/NELSON-RIGG-CLASSIC-MINI-SADDLEBAGS/?catalogId=104886


http://www.motosport.com/street/product/JOE-ROCKET-MANTA-TANK-BAG/?prodId=958782&nav=&sMMY=

I think you have them on backward ;)

Do you run the strap under the seat? I have just benn putting mine over the seat.

I think you have them on backward ;)

Do you run the strap under the seat? I have just benn putting mine over the seat.

Well I'll be damned, from the looks of that picture I do. Whenever I get home from work I'll have to investigate because the straps all go where they should go..

I ran the strap under the seat.

It looks fine the way it is, pretty sleek. Besides, all of us non-greenowners need all the extra speed we can get from what I understand. If it works and looks good I'd keep it. But then again... you didn't ask me.

Well I'll be damned, from the looks of that picture I do. Whenever I get home from work I'll have to investigate because the straps all go wear they should go..

I ran the strap under the seat.

Well if it works, and you like it that way keep it like that. I have mine the opposite way, and it works fine too. I think we just have the buckle-on straps on the opposite ends (both with the long ones toward the front).

The only thing is it doesn't look like you have them full, and when you fill them they might hang a little bit lower toward the exhaust. If you turn them around it gives you more clearance.

Greez, I got mine from Sam`s Club, also sold at VIP Auto. Tank bag, saddle bags, and tail bag, $127.00 delivered to m door. They appear to strap on like yours. I flop mine over the seat and strap them down. Mine look very much like yours.

*grins sheepishly* So I got home tonight from work and ran to Home Depot for a few things and when I got home I threw the bags back on, but the other way this time.. MUCH better fit, lol. Might even get the seat cowl on, but I bought some velcro and applied it to the cowl and bike so I'm letting them bond for a bit before trying it out. I'll get a new picture up when its light out again so y'all can see.

Don't feel bad. I've seen others on forums mount them backwards when they first got them, too. Enjoy the trip, but please be careful.

BTW, how much stuff are you planning on packing? Approximate weight?

Now it's screaming " Road Trip " !
I need saddle bags myself ... I have a 'home-made' tail bag (I use a Sony camera bag)
but those saddle bags could add so much more storage!
Good job :thumbup:

Don't feel bad. I've seen others on forums mount them backwards when they first got them, too. Enjoy the trip, but please be careful.

BTW, how much stuff are you planning on packing? Approximate weight?


Ick, thanks for bumping this thread back up Strider, I didn't see Kkim's reply. Yeah, they've been screaming road trip to me too. Just no where to go and the military frowns upon us just getting up and disappearing a few hundred miles away from base without doing ridiculous amounts of paperwork. - Which most of the time doesn't get approved anyways.

Kkim, to tell you the truth I haven't seen what all I can fit in them. I do know my laptop is just a little too wide :( to zip it in. I won't be going back to Waco for a few weeks, but when I do and pack up, I'll let you know.

Just remember that if you load it up and it's heavy (100 pounds or so) you might want to bump the rear shock up a notch or at least be aware the bike will not handle quite like you are used to. It will turn "slower" than without the loaded bags in corners and curves.

Hmmm, yes yes Kkim thanks for reminding me. That hadn't even crossed my mind yet.

Kinda off topic, but If you can put like 100lbs in those things, that about the same weight as a small person. If you wanted to ride 2-up would saddle bags loaded down help train the driver a little in handling a loaded down bike?

I don't know NinjaGirl, maybe.. I haven't even gathered the courage yet to attempt to ride 2-up. One of these days..

I would not recommend riding "2 up" until you are very proficient at riding "one up". :)

I understand that, I'm just curious if it'd be good training. There's no way I'd endanger someone I love on the back of my bike just for a couple minutes of fun.

I'm sure it would, but I would think you would have saddlebags on there long before being proficient enough to carry a passenger. In fact, carrying saddlebags may be good practice for getting ready to pack someone, from a weight load perspective.

Not a dig at you, just stating things as a general observation. :)

I appreciate you looking out for me. Good to have those people around.

I don't think the saddlebags will be able to emulate the change of your center of gravity when riding two up.

not completely, but it will give you some idea of how it feels to have more weight behind you and how it affects the bike.

Don't forget the aspect of someone moving around while riding with you. In that way saddle bags are nothing like 2 up riding.