Saddlebag recommendations.

RustiePyles

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Ok, I know this has been talked about before. But from my searches it looks like its been a while so here goes. I'm looking for a set of small-medium bags for my 80G. Something I can toss over the seat or under it. I also have no desire to make my XS look like a heritage softail, so canvas or other non leather materials are fine. I know I could make a system out of old military bags but I had enough OD green in my SeaBee days and don't really want any more of it, at least not on my black XS. What is everyone else using?
 
I would also be interested in adding some storage on my '80. Anyone have any experience with magnetic tank bags? I have been pondering something like this.
 
I would also be interested in adding some storage on my '80. Anyone have any experience with magnetic tank bags? I have been pondering something like this.
I had one once upon a time. I didn't really like it, they do move around a bit. It was also not great for the tank paint. Putting anything on my tank makes me cringe.
 
I had one once upon a time. I didn't really like it, they do move around a bit. It was also not great for the tank paint. Putting anything on my tank makes me cringe.

I had pretty much the same experience.

mine didn’t really move too much but the magnets were so strong, when taking the bag off it would scratch the paint.

ditched it pretty quick.
 
I saw some very flash ones at the gentlemen s Pictures.
Picked the bags up on E-Bay. They were made in the 70s or 80s I think. I need to make supports to hold the out a little.

Those red/white ones are pretty sharp but much bigger than I need, those are real luggage.
I wish they were a little bigger. I only use them on trips.
Gary's are a little smaller than mine. I think newer also.
upload_2021-5-18_9-52-29.png
 
I picked up a tank bag at the Ozark Rally. Really like it. Doesn't move around at all. Not worried about it scratching the tank. Tank is Cerakoted and bag has nice material between magnets and tank.
The tank bag was the 2nd place prize for riding the farthest to get there. Thanks to @JRP01, he was in charge of the second place prize.
@gggGary should post a pic of the prize he got for first place.
upload_2021-5-18_9-54-41.png
 
Picked the bags up on E-Bay. They were made in the 70s or 80s I think. I need to make supports to hold the out a little.


I wish they were a little bigger. I only use them on trips.
Gary's are a little smaller than mine. I think newer also.
View attachment 191554
Are those actually saddlebags or soft side suitcases modified for cycle use? They look like they came on the bike.
 
I picked up a tank bag at the Ozark Rally. Really like it. Doesn't move around at all. Not worried about it scratching the tank. Tank is Cerakoted and bag has nice material between magnets and tank.
The tank bag was the 2nd place prize for riding the farthest to get there. Thanks to @JRP01, he was in charge of the second place prize.
@gggGary should post a pic of the prize he got for first place.
View attachment 191555
man card.jpg


20210518_091919.jpg


I'm kinda thinking I got screwed here.
I giggled when @desmoman900 handed it to me and he immediately revoked it.
 
592338df-95be-4b0b-b1a2-d0e7144d262b-jpeg.189426

I recently purchased this Viking tail bag. Shown in it's expanded state. IIRC, it contains 1.5 L gasoline, a motorcycle cover, rain cover for the bag, 1st aid kit, bag of tools, bag of sundries (sunscreen, epi-pen, naproxen, etc.), lunch, change of clothes, a hoodie, and stuff I forgot. My rainsuit is riding on top. I replaced the bungee hooks with stouter ones found on Amazon (just to make me feel better)

2__40733.1563456249.jpg

Viking also has these cafe racer saddlebags very similar to SW Motech. I have no experience, but they appear perfect to throw over an XS650 seat.
 
I would also be interested in adding some storage on my '80. Anyone have any experience with magnetic tank bags? I have been pondering something like this.
I have a very nice Star (Yamaha) tank bag. It's really too big for the XS650 and it's now at least 15 years old. My gripe is when I open it wide to find something, stuff is falling on the ground.
I'm going to go with another Viking bag. It looks like the SW Motech, but less expensive. I think the quality is there.
lt1_web-416x325.jpg
 
First things first. A right-side saddle bag will interfere with the kick start. So, I only run a left-side bag. It's part of the bike, always on.
I've been using inexpensive pommel bags for decades. Cut them down the center, attach under the seat, use one bag until it wears out (years), then use the other bag.
Try this link:
https://www.google.com/search?q=pommel+bags
and when you get there, click "images."
Couple examples I like:
TE030897.jpg

https://www.statelinetack.com/item/...kaYTWS4GVeYjaSJHdfpW1OJEaK4pu7EBoCx5sQAvD_BwE

61ZJOoflkeL._AC_SX569_.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/Weaver-Leather-Trail-Gear-Pommel/dp/B01DCKTER4
Be sure to check the size. Many pommel bags are very small.
I put a simple, heat-formed plastic stiffener in my bags so that they retain their shape when empty, and don't get that droopy, floppy look. Long day ahead, but I'll see if I can find time for some pics.
 
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First things first. A right-side saddle bag will interfere with the kick start. So, I only run a left-side bag. It's part of the bike, always on.
I've been using inexpensive pommel bags for decades. Cut them down the center, use one bag until it wears out (years), then use the other bag.
Try this link:
https://www.google.com/search?q=pommel+bags
and when you get there, click "images."
Couple examples I like:
View attachment 191563
https://www.statelinetack.com/item/...kaYTWS4GVeYjaSJHdfpW1OJEaK4pu7EBoCx5sQAvD_BwE

View attachment 191564
https://www.amazon.com/Weaver-Leather-Trail-Gear-Pommel/dp/B01DCKTER4
Be sure to check the size. Many pommel bags are very small.
I put a simple, heat-formed plastic stiffener in my bags so that they retain their shape when empty, and don't get that droopy, floppy look. Long day ahead, but I'll see if I can find time for some pics.
Yeah, I had been looking at actual tack. Real saddle and pommel bags seem to be better sized for I want. those leather ones you posted the pic of actually pretty cool looking, be better if they were black though.
 
I have a pair of Eclipse Bags that I had on my Seca. Make me an offer...TRADE?
*****SOLD TO JIM******
 

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I have to disagree. I can kick mine just fine with the bags on. They do have to be positioned back far enough.
So can Gary with his on his bike.
yupper super happy with these gears bags, had a couple years, thousands of miles, on and off several bikes quite a few times even did pretty well staying dry without using the included rain covers. They have a double top zip, quick in and out with no spills, have a zippered expansion, velcro straps. cam locks extra straps to attach lower front to bike D rings etc. :thumbsup::thumbsup:
received_309867403852656.jpeg

https://www.denniskirk.com/gears/mini-saddlebags-100173-1.p506556.prd/506556.sku
The kirk pic shows them expanded
I've used equine bags, but these are hands down better. :bike: They're not old school cool styl'n. :shrug: But the constant admirers of our old bikes on the Ozarks trip didn't seem to mind.
 
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