Racks, Bags, Packs?

[uwbernie]

What's the best way to hold my lunch, shoes, etc.

I was thinking about saddle bags, does anyone have ones that work well for them? or a different solution?

[mrriggs]

I prefer a tank bag. I have had the same magnetic bag for years. It fits every bike I've ever owned. It sticks securely but is easy to take on and off. When I crashed my bike, the bag stayed on and protected my laptop. Mine is a "three bag" setup made by River Road. Its actually two bags, a big one and a small one. You can use either one separately or zip them together for long trips.

[maico996]

Check out this link:

www.willieandmax.com/index.cfm

[scotts]

I was wondering about hard bags. I know some of the early XS's had hard bags as a dealer option.
Are there hard bags from other models that will fit? Lots of XS11's/XS1100's came with luggage. How hard would it be to make them fit the 650?
What about luggage from other bikes? I bet there was one company that made luggage for several different motorcycle companies.

[tomterrific]

Check out 5twins Krauser luggage. Drool...

tg

[gruff54]

I picked up 2 small canvas "bags" at the military surplus store, strapped them together under the seat. Not so large that they look bulky, about 10" x 10" x 5". Can't beat the price either, I think they were about $20. Sometimes I'll carry a canvas briefcase on the back half of the seat. Held on with one of those cargo bungee nets. Haven't lost it yet! I've also got a tailbag for longer trips.

[jdn40]

If it dosnt fit on my bike i dont need it . But you could find some used throw over bags . easy on and easy off .

[tomterrific]

I have a very similar/same set up as 5twins. I've posted before how his luggage was the inspiration for mine. It wasn't easy but I have found the aluminum rack/bag mounting frame and the kit that installs the same. NOS! They even have an NOS heavy fabric trunk bag that locks to the rack for easy on, easy off. It's very retro and kind of classy.

Pics on a bike:
w6rec.com/duane/bmw/bags/krauser/index.htm

Buy the frame/rack, install kit and rack bag/trunk here:
www.classiccycleparts.com
You will need to call Scott to get the exact stuff you need.

Tom Graham

[skaere]

this is the route i went. works well for up to a backpack sized object. i suppose you could throw on a pad if you wanted a rider but i dont ever ride 2 up anyway. i welded it together from 1/2'' round stock i think. its held on by 1'' 1/8'' thick steel stock. its strong enough to use to put it up on the center stand and so far hasnt caused me any problems.

i've been meaning to mod it a bit so i can hinge one side up and stick my throw over saddle bags under the rack (allowing the rack to hold the bags on and still have the ability to strap things to the rack)

we shall see.

[5twins]

Yes, a luggage rack with a strap-on bag of some sort works very well. For daily use, I have a Held tank bag strapped to mine. It expands to twice it's height and holds lots of stuff if need be .....



I'm also a big fan of tank bags. For trips, I have an ancient Eclipse standard bag. Old design but still one of the best I think .....



I recently acquired some Harro bags from eBay. These are the "Cadillac" of tank bags with leather straps and a thick leather lower section. Very "Old School" .....



If I need a quick on/off one for short time use or just to hold a route sheet on a dice run or something, I have several smaller magnetic bags .....

[xsleo]

I found a set of small saddle bags at Wal-Mart. They are nylon canvas. Hook to the bike with straps with quick disconnects. I also got the matching tail bag. It hooks to the saddle bags with the same disconnects, or you can use it by itself with its own straps.
Lots of pockets inside and out for keeping small stuff handy. They look alot like the bags for crotch rockets.
Classic Motorgear. The saddle bags are in stores, the tail bag is online only. $58 for the saddle bags and $27 for the tail bag. They are black with grey reflective trim.
As with most saddle bags you need to put on something to keep them off the shocks. I didn't and a 1100 mile trip wore holes in the seams where the shocks rubbed.
I have a sister handy with a sewing machine, so fixing them will be easy. Putting a shroud around the shock or a bracket made of 1/4 inch rod will stop the rubbing.
I will come up with something and have it easily removable like the bags.

[azman857]

I have a back pack that was designed with one strap. The holding compartment is triangular in shape and holds a lot. The strap goes across the chest like a dispatch bag. The zipper is positioned on one side the whole vertical length. I can slide the bag in position to get in it without taking it off. It was made by ACRO-bag in China. My wife gave the bag to me after a convention. They were given to the attendees.

[sgallaty]

For small crap I like to use a bike messenger bag. For saddlebags my best solution ever was a pair of overdyed black army backpacks sewn together on the handles thrown under my seat. Looked good, worked well. I would strap them to the frame at the lower corner.

[tomterrific]

Here is a tip for those canvass Army bags. If the dull green color isn't what you fancy (many do like army green) use a can of spray paint and shoot the canvass black. A buddy and I bought bags back in the 80's. He showed up with black saddle bags one day. I wondered how in the heck he dyed the canvass but he didn't use dye, he spray bombed them! These were used for years and weathered nicely. As far as I know he never had to respray them.

Tom

[tonyc2me]

Has anyone put a Triumph tank package rack on a XS650?