I'm looking to get some soft saddlebags for my Bonnie. So far it looks like I'll go with either the Cortech Sport bags or the Triumph soft bags.

The Cortechs are quite a bit bigger, but I'm not sure how well they will fit on my bonnie. I don't have or really want any rails or racks on the back, and I have the stock seat. I want to mount them under the seat, so if anyone has input on this setup I'd appreciate it.

On the Triumph bags, I'm hoping someone can post some pictures because the pics on the Triumph site don't really show much. Do they just have the strap that under the seat, or are there straps in the front and back as well? I suppose it is a safe bet that the Triumph bags fit better, but they are smaller and more expensive.

Maybe it's a stupid question, but does it matter if the soft bags rub on the shocks. I'm guessing it wouldn't hurt the shocks, but will it wear the bags out quickly.

Thanks for the info

Here is what I am going to do. http://www.triumphrat.net/bonnie-own...ght=saddlebags

That is a great solution, but I don't have the grabrail (although I am considering it after looking at that thread).

Are the MCResources luggage racks at Newbonneville easily removable? If they are, then that would probably work.

The Triumph Fabric Pannier Bags do come with Chrome rails to support them. They are included in the price. My pannier bags are mounted under the seat and there are small velcro tabs that also attach to the rails. They hold quite a bit and come with rain covers. The lid straps have quick release buckles, then there is a zipper closure under the lids. That is my main nit-pick, the zipper closure makes it tough to put a sizable item (like a riding jacket with body armor) into the bag. Also, mounting them under the seat does discourage theft, but if you wanted to carry them into a motel room you'd have to unbolt the seat to do it. They have reflective piping that is pretty effective at night.

I also bought a set of the medium Tourmaster Cruiser II Slant Saddlebags, which also fit nicely against those chrome rails. They have a mounting yoke that fits under the seat, but they have a zipper quick detach system. Unfortunately, they are awfully small. I should have bought the larger size.

Personally I wouldn't mount any saddlebags without rails. And if you do need rails, the chrome Triumph ones are better looking than most.

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Paul

2007 Triumph Bonneville T100
2006 Kymco People 250

I have the Cortech sport bags, and they work on my bonnie without any racks for support. They are laid over the seat and then secured with some straps. I put straps on one of the tube attached to the frame near the passenger peg to prevent the bags from going backwards, and then straps go under the tail light to prevent it from going forward. Because the sport bags are not as tall as some others, they don't extend that much below the fender so that I'm not worried about them interfering with the wheel. I don't recall any problem with the shock. The straps come with the bags. I'm pretty happy with them, although I've not had to use them much. I use the sport tail bag fairly often, and that sits on top.

John

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2007 Bonneville Black :cool:

whatever you do stay away from the Triumph Leather bags, they're total crap, ugly, and not very useful.

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Ride, Wrench, Post, repeat.

Bonnie cafefighter!

Originally Posted by Pauljo

The Triumph Fabric Pannier Bags do come with Chrome rails to support them. .... They hold quite a bit and come with rain covers.

But the rain covers dont cover the bags on the inside , where the water from the rear wheel hits...

I've got the Triumph leather panniers, and they work fine for me. Agree that the design is not the best, e.g., small opening, but for my use carrying a coffee thermos, tool bag, wet weather gear - they work fine.

ride on

rick

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live to ride

Originally Posted by sweatmachine

whatever you do stay away from the Triumph Leather bags, they're total crap, ugly, and not very useful.

+1
worst $300(ish) I ever spent.

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2006 Bonneville Black - Lots O' Black
best mod - Hedge's 8-ball choke...email him if you want one!

I have the same as John has. Cortech Sport Bags, no rails. I just throuw them over the seat when I need them. I know some have put them under the seat which looks great and has a more finished look. Maybe they can post a pic with them installed that way.

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"Keep the government poor and remain free"
Semper Fi!