August 22nd, 2012, 02:11 PM | #1 |
Wartown, USA
Name: Bryan
Location: Warner Robins, GA
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.
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Luggage options for your Ninja 250R
I know some of you guys occasionally ask about tank bags and such for taking longer trips on your Ninja 250R. I know I mentioned these bags last year in a thread about a trip report, but here are a few closeup pics so you can really see them on the bike.
I searched long and hard for great saddlebags and tankbags for the Ninja. My critical criteria are as follows. 1. Must be absolutely 100% waterproof. I regularly take expensive DSLR cameras and lenses with me, and I want to be able to protect them from the elements. On long rides, inclement weather can occasionally pop up without warning, and I dont want to have to stop and seek shelter just to keep my gear dry. 2. Must be able to be removed in minutes. Many times on a long ride, I want to take the bags off the bike so that I can return the bike to a twistie carving machine. So it is important to me that I can quickly install and remove the bags without a lot of work or special tools. 3. Must not shift, or move while in motion. Riding a bike with flopping storage is a nightmare, and on a bike as light and nimble as the 250R, it can be downright dangerous. I want gear that stays put no matter what. Now the ninja 250R is particularly difficult to find appropriate luggage for. For one, the back of the bike is just about impossible to install any kind of saddlebags as it really was not designed to ever have them. There are two options...a hard saddle bag mount bolted or soft side bags that conform to the bodywork of the bike. The hard mounted option doesnt work for me, because of the time required to install and remove the luggage. After searching, and trying a bunch of options, I found that the "Rapid Transit" bags are almost "made" for the ninja 250R. They fit extremely well, can be installed or removed in under 5 minutes, are waterproof (they have covers that work great, and are stored in the bag itself), and they stay put. First off, the tank bag. Rapid Transit tankbags are just insane in how well they are designed. They are magnetic, but have soft rubber covers over all the magnets. The bag fits the ninja tank very well. Even at 90mph, the bag stays perfectly locked in place. It has a camel bak storage inside the bag, along with a tube port, and clips for the mouthpiece. This is fantastic on long rides in the summer months to stay hydrated. There is also storage and routing for iPod and phones. Touchphones can be used through the plastic on the phone pocket. It has a map pocket. And even has backpack straps that can convert it to a backpack, which are stored in a special pocket in the bag. It also has pockets for change, spare keys, headphones, GPS, map pockets, tollbooth pockets,etc. The saddlebags are perfect for the 250R. They have large spacious storage. As you can see in one pic, I have two pairs of jeans, and 5 t-shirts in one. They have waterproof covers stored in a special pocket on the bag. The covers will NOT open accidentally as they zippered, velcro'd and latched. While its very secure, you can open it in seconds with a rip open technique. The bags are held open with a stiff internal liner. The 250R's exhaust is rather dramatically upturned, however the Rapid Transit saddlebags do not contact the exhaust, and have plenty of space so there is no risk of heat damage. The part of the bag that contacts the bike is soft rubber coated so it wont damage the bike. It simply straps on, and with the latch buckles, it can be removed from the bike in minutes. On the top of the bags is carry handles that allow you to carry them easily like luggage. There are also d-rings on the top that will allow you to easily bungee something over the rear passenger seat, or attach further storage with a Rapid Transit seat bag. Street price for the saddlebags is around $79 USD, and around $60 for the tankbag. They are worth their weight in gold in my opinion. I cannot recommend them enough. Mine have spent thousands of miles with me on my bike traveling, and I will keep using them for a long time to come. |
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August 22nd, 2012, 02:15 PM | #2 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
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Cool stuff but I feel a move comin' on.
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
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August 22nd, 2012, 08:16 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Darren
Location: Sandy Springs, GA
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Yamaha FZ6R, 2014 Suzuki GSX-R600 Posts: 299
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Those look like exactly what i have been looking for. Thanks for the review
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August 22nd, 2012, 10:50 PM | #4 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Derrick
Location: Livermore
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 250 CLG Posts: 51
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Great review. Thanks for the info.
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August 23rd, 2012, 06:27 AM | #5 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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/moved to Cargo Space area
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August 23rd, 2012, 06:43 AM | #6 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Eric
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): '13 300 Posts: A lot.
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I got the Recon 19 tankbag and Platton Tail bag from Rapid Transit last yr.
Only used the tail bag once, but it was great but not enough storage. I thought of replacing the tail bag, but instead I think these saddle bags would be perfect addition. |
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August 23rd, 2012, 07:22 AM | #7 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: jay
Location: N. Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): none yet Posts: 8
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Do you have the recon 45 or 77 model? Thanks for the pics!
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August 23rd, 2012, 07:32 AM | #8 |
Biker
Name: Steve
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 723
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Awesome review. I have the tank bag, the Rapid Transit "The Stack LT", and it works wonderful. Just as you mentioned, I take a DSLR with me sometimes, like today, and it not only fits perfectly, the bag doesn't move at all. Where did you get it at that price? I paid a bit more.
What are the saddle bags that you have? Look great and would work perfectly for me since I currently just use a school backback strap with bungies to the rear seat lol Edit: I know why I paid more, you have the "stack" model. I have the "stack LT" model which has an extra storage bag underneath what you have. @bdavison and this |
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August 23rd, 2012, 08:17 AM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE, 07 Honda CRF230F, 06 Honda CRF150F Posts: A lot.
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I have the 19 tank-bag and I'm really liking it so far. The Recon saddle bag setup is a little bit different in that it would allow to "lock" the straps for it under the passenger seat for some security. My bike is parked in a parking garage while at work and probably would fine in addition to my 2-way alarm. I'm still pursuing option for hard cases though because I'd really like to be able to leave some things in the cases and feel that they are safe from theft. Maybe I'm just too paranoid.
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09 250R SE: Paying it forward one post at a time! Don't forget to add yourself to our Member Map |
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August 23rd, 2012, 08:26 AM | #10 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sean
Location: Middle TN
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r (sold) / '03 CBR 600RR Posts: A lot.
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I have the rapid transit "The Stack LT" and can vouch for it. The rain cover works great, even at 110mph indicated.
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September 3rd, 2012, 03:38 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Amber
Location: Kentucky
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Posts: 103
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For the two people who mentioned taking their DSLR's along on rides ...
What else do you do to keep the cameras safe? Do you put them in the saddlebag or the tank bag? I would love to take my camera along, but I am worried about bumps in the road, etc., jiggling internal components loose. |
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September 3rd, 2012, 04:52 PM | #12 |
Wartown, USA
Name: Bryan
Location: Warner Robins, GA
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.
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September 3rd, 2012, 04:58 PM | #13 | |
Wartown, USA
Name: Bryan
Location: Warner Robins, GA
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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September 4th, 2012, 07:11 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Joshua
Location: Eugene, OR
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 142
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Very nice review. Can you share which model tank bag and saddle bags you purchased? I gathered already that they are the rapid transit brand.
I am also assuming that the saddle bags did not require any hardware to install? I want saddle bags but spend more time with out them than with them. I really don't like the way these sport bikes look with all the metal hardware on the back when the saddle bags are removed. |
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September 5th, 2012, 05:57 AM | #15 | |
Biker
Name: Steve
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 723
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Quote:
I've even carried the camera around my body just using the camera bag. Anything over 70mph and it starts to move around too much! |
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September 5th, 2012, 10:03 AM | #17 | |
Wartown, USA
Name: Bryan
Location: Warner Robins, GA
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
There is no hardware for either of them. The tankbag is purely magnetic. The saddlebags are straps only. When removed from the bike, there is nothing left attached to the bike. |
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September 5th, 2012, 11:26 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Pete
Location: UK
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): '11 250R SE (FI), '14 Daytona 675, '14 Sprint 1050 GT SE Posts: 121
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Hi Bryan,
thanks for the write-up and pics. I saw from this thread: http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=73475 that some saddlebags may obscure the rear indicators (turn signals, in case "indicators" is a Brit saying ;-) Do you have any shots from behind? Any concerns about signal visibility with those bags? Thanks, Pete |
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September 6th, 2012, 07:05 AM | #19 | |
Wartown, USA
Name: Bryan
Location: Warner Robins, GA
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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September 11th, 2012, 06:16 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: jay
Location: N. Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): none yet Posts: 8
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Thanks for the pics and the info. I just ordered these after months of hemming and hawing about which saddlebags I should get.
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September 15th, 2012, 06:21 PM | #21 |
Limp Noodle
Name: Tyler
Location: Missouri
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250, Fastest Red money can buy Posts: 212
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I have a gigantic hard case trunk. Paid a welder like 100 bucks to make a bracket mount, so now it's thief proof.
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September 15th, 2012, 06:55 PM | #22 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE, 07 Honda CRF230F, 06 Honda CRF150F Posts: A lot.
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Pics?
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09 250R SE: Paying it forward one post at a time! Don't forget to add yourself to our Member Map |
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September 26th, 2012, 08:37 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Larry
Location: Youngstown, Ohio
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 06 KLR 650,12 250 Ninja, 86 DR 125, 07 CRF 100, 09 Tomos Streetmate LEL Record Holder, 88 K100 RT Posts: 434
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switching bag locations
Bryan wouldn't it be better to have the bags open from the rear rather than the front as shown in picture three? The seams are open to the weather and most certainly rain will leak in. Flip the bags so the closed portion of the zipper faces front. I have a set of Dowco bags and tail pack that employ similar zipper arrangements and they've lasted for years and most recently through a horrible rain storm that lasted almost 300 miles from the Indy Moto GP back to Ohio. No leanks. Wardie
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wardie |
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October 27th, 2012, 08:25 AM | #24 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Mary
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): EX250J DL1000K5 Posts: 3
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My DIY hard saddle bags
I looked for hard cases for my wife's Classic EX250 and didn't find anything I could live with, so I decided to make my own from:
some 18' X 13" X 4" Zero Cases I found on Ebay for $60.00 a piece, some 1/2" copper tubing I had left over from a home plumbing project for the case mounting frames, some locks I bought at the local lock shop, and some aluminum brackets I made at work and had black anodized. I used the bungee hook mounting screws for the top mounting points and a third mounting point on the bottom that goes back to the rear subframe to secure the case mounting frames to the bike. The mounting frames are pretty sturdy secured this way. I wanted the cases to be easily removable but reasonably secure if she decided to leave them on the bike when out and about. The key lock on the Zero Case locks the case when it is on or off the bike, and the lock on the bracket locks the case to the mount which I keyed alike with the case locks so everything uses the same key. One twist of the key and pull up on the case handle and it's off in a couple of seconds. Goes back on just as quick. At 18X13X4 they probably don't have enough space by themselves for long touring trips, but they are water-proof and she plans on carrying her computer and some extra clothes etc. when commuting to work and they should work fine for that. All together, I have about $150.00 into the bags so far with about another $20.00 for paint as I plan on painting the mounting frames black, and the bags red to match the bike this winter. Not bad for $170.00. Last futzed with by amjhstn; October 27th, 2012 at 08:32 AM. Reason: add picture |
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October 28th, 2012, 10:30 AM | #25 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Bob
Location: PA
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 121
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I am looking for something to put in a DSLR and that will fit on my pregen Ninja 250. Think those saddlebags would be a good option? They look pretty good to me.
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November 17th, 2012, 07:01 PM | #26 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Al
Location: NorCal
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 EX250F Posts: 19
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Quote:
Just make sure everything is properly secured and you're good to go. I've switched to a locking weatherproof toolbox bolted to a tail rack, just so I can leave stuff on the bike unattended, but for everything else the saddlebags were fine.
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Touring on a 250? You betcha! |
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November 30th, 2012, 07:34 AM | #27 |
Chris
Name: Chris
Location: Charlotte, NC near UNCC
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): BLACK!!! '08 250R Posts: 957
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Pic's
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Some roads are too good to waste on four wheels! Riding in a car is like watching a movie... Riding on a motorcycle is like being in one.... |
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December 1st, 2012, 10:45 PM | #28 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Mike
Location: Hemet, CA
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 7
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Will those Rapid Transit 45 saddlebags fit on the old gens? I like those but am worried they'll hit the turn sigs on my '07.
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December 4th, 2012, 12:42 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org newbie
Name: Alex
Location: NYC
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 NINJA 250R Posts: 6
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thanks for the review!! theyre perfect for what i need them for
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