Triumphrat

Gezzer

Hey all.
I'm just getting back into the bike scene, after being without one for way too long :-D

I've had many bikes in my younger days, but the one I remember most fondly was my 77 Triumph Tiger. Great bike wish I'd never sold it.
Every bike I've owned has been used with mixed results, so this time I decided to go for a spanking new baby.
After much research I decided on either a V-Strom or a variation on the current Bonneville line. So needless to say because my old Tiger was such a great bike the scales were tipped in that direction, and I'm currently waiting for my new 2006 America to be assembled and road tested (nice savings on last years model). :-D

The bike will be and "all rounder" with at least one week long road trip in the works. I've purchased the "official" Triumph summer screen, and low sissy-bar/rack, but decided that the saddle bags were a little more then I was willing to pay.
So now I need some suggestions for good bags to go with the bike. I've had Willie & Max bags suggested to me, and from what I've seen they look like good bags for the money.

My problem is which Willie & Max bags will work best for my bike? Can I use throw over bags or do I need a support bracket system? Are these the only option for me, or are there others that are a better value?
I'm trying to keep the cost under $200CN all in, so any ideas will be a big help.

TBirdVI

Welcome to the world of Triumph Jason. I bought a 2004 TBS last summer and have been acquiring stuff to make it what I want. Bought some Oxford Sports bags from Savage Cycle last fall. Haven't actuality used them yet, but riding from Sidney to Cobble Hill they seemed fine. More than Cdn$200, but they have a lifetime warranty and are well made with rain covers and all the stuff we need on the wet coast.

The Oxfords use elastic cords to keep the bags where they belong, and in my limited use of them it seemed to work. I'd suggest if the Willie & Max bags have a similar system they should be ok for limited trips.

Welcome aboard. Don't forget to check out Island RAT for a group to ride with. We even drink beer (which is why I'm here!

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Vern . . .
Vancouver Island

Gezzer

Actually Savage is where I'm getting the bike from, so I might ask them as well.
Thanks for the welcome, I've already checked out the island RAT page and will be joining fairly soon I think.

As for the bags, the nylon bags from Triumph are $275CN with the leather being $475CN, or there abouts.
I'm thinking that I'll most likely take weekend runs if any over nighters at all, except for a family reunion in Regina this summer. So I don't want to put too much into bags that will see limited use.

The one thing I liked about the Willie & Max bags were they're man made materials, so hence truly water proof, durable, and they will be low maintenance.
I've found unless you pay for the really good quality ballistic nylon it isn't great for durability, and leather needs a lot of TLC, no matter what price point you buy at. As well neither one is what I'd consider truly waterproof, something all us peeps in the northwest have to take in to consideration. :-D

As for W&M products, any site I checked prices on was around $75-100US for a fairly decent set, so maybe $100-$150CN max.
My only problem is what set would work best? Someone also mentioned at the CMG forum that the American might need a mount system, so W&M might be out. If I have to I might just bite the bullet and buy the stock nylon ones, but often with after-market you get more bang for your buck I've found.

I'm still in the process of getting the bike, plus my week long trip isn't till July, so I'm most likely a little premature on this, but I figured start beating the bush so I have a few ideas.

P.s Though I might consider answering to Jason, my given name is James. :-D :-D
But you can call me Jim, or you can call me Jimbob, or you can call me Jay, or you can call me Ray, or you can call me Ray Jay, or you can call me Jay Ray, or you can call....... :-D

9264

Oxford are superb throwovers, and well priced.

Triumph have their own for that bike though.

jenglandtoyman

I am using the tourmaster slant nylon II's. Love em because they unzip from the yoke (which remains installed under the seat) and they can go in with you. Good quality, with rain covers stayed dry in a three hour deluge, and the price was right. I have braces behind them on the Legend but don't know what you may need on a Bonnie.

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Most famous last words: "Hey ya'll watch this"!

brolane

If you're looking for the best price, check out motodirectusa.com. I ordered a back-up helmet from them and was surprised by the quality. They seem to be good folks. I got the address off E-bay

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Matter can neither be created or destroyed, but it can be lost.

indy288

i purchased saddleman bags. i also used the quick brackets. they worked really good. i also picked up a item called the hooker. it mounts under the pillion and has hooks on both sides. you can attach a bag to your pillion with out having to bungy to you fenders or parts. of course i have the short sissy bar and added the windshield. i could keep going but my finacial officer has been giving a strange look.

Gezzer

Oh, but I know that feeling well. My budget for saddle bags may be a bit higher now. I budgeted around 500CN for both a helmet and any luggage I would buy. So I figured at least 300CN for a helmet, maybe more.

So I went to a local store to try on some helmets and was surprised to find the one that was the most comfortable on my strangely shaped noggin was a cheapy Zox helmet running a measly 100 bucks. Did a bit of research and found that Zox helmets are currently a best bang for the buck helmet, only missing the hotly debated Snell certification, so I grabbed it. Might upgrade and use it for a passenger helmet, all depends on how it feels 6 months down the road.
As well the person who sold me the helmet said that though saddlebags are a useful addition, a good backpack is a better route to go, and is what she uses on the road. So thanks to our local Canadian tire, I now have a 35lt pack for 70CN, :-D

Thanks for all the suggestions, and I'm still pretty sure that I'm going to get some sort of luggage that goes on the bike, just not too sure what at this point. Might just spring for the OEM nylon ones since my budget for bags has a bit more head room now.

Gezzer

Only problem is being in Canada. Shipping, duty, and all that fun stuff can quickly wipe out any cost saving I would get ordering from a States based site. I'll give them a look see any way. Might be worth the boarder hassles.