So I recently purchased a 2015 t100 after deciding sport bikes and such were no longer what I wanted, and I wanted my wife to have a comfortable ride with me. With that in mind, I need to get good saddlebags for weekend trips that also afford space for a 2 up rider to join me on trips.
I put the Tourmaster medium slants on my '12, but could have used the straight ones. I'm using them in conjunction with the MC Resources Super Rack and bag brackets. I mounted them under the saddle and can zip them off to carry with me, if I wish. Anyway, it's starting point for you. If you've got a supplier that you can visit, you'll be way ahead of the game; I had to measure and guess a bit before ordering. The rack provides a bit more carrying area and then you can add a tank bag for extra storage.
Just a couple of thoughts from the "village idiot": Jim
I'm with Andy here. There's so may viable options that your style matters as much as anything...as well as not interfering with the passenger pegs. Are you into the retro look, or more of the utilitarian look (i.e. tail boxes and aluminum panniers a 'la Tiger)? Is waterproofing an issue? Personally, I love the use of Pelicans on these bikes. Google "Pelicans on Bonnevilles" and look at "images". That's the utilitarian look.
I have Hepco Becker 30l Juniors on my '08 T100 and like them, but did have Pelicans on an '01 I had and loved those too. If hard bags are your choice, both HB and Pelicans are good choices. Pelicans can be fitted to Happy Trails racks using their hardware kit, HB's can be sourced from newbonneville.com, you can pick-up used bags too. good luck with outfitting your Bonnie - these are great bikes! If you will be doing much two up riding, maybe better shocks might be in order too.
I dont particularly like that look myself. I do prefer soft bags that I can remove , with a water liner for rain. I tote laptops around for work so it does need to fit that too. Loving the responses so far
With soft luggage I would say that you'll need the luggage rack on each side to keep the bags from chafing on moving parts - you mentioned a pillion so you cannot cheat like I do and use the pillion foot peg assembly as a rack. I also suspect that the Iron and Resin Terrain II bags I have are a bit small for your requirements. They quote 30 litres per bag but for a weekend away you'll need a change of shoes, jacket and the usual clothes for each of you plus toiletries etc. There's a thread on the Terrain IIs here where several contributors have assembled their thoughts on them. If you're thinking of a roll bag or something on a top box rack behind the passenger then the bags might provide the extra capacity you need after all.
Seems I'll need to add a luggage rack on the rear and sides to accommodate my wishes? The iron and resin bags look downright amazing, but so do the terrains for a modern look. I just have to make sure these are placed back enough to allow passenger to use pegs.
If you're adventurous, you could also make something similar for around 50 buying two canvas messenger bags from your local army/navy store. Slice one end of the strap on each side then sew the two together. Drape over your seat and bam
Those are really good looking bags and look to be the type that are waterproof...I couldn't spot a price, but would guess they would be big bux. See the HD with those bags on - no stand-offs to keep the bags away from the rear wheel - duh! ...and if those straps are on your fender that will not help your paint job. But they are pretty...
I had the soft luggage on my Bonneville and it as just O.K. They did not have the utility value that I was used to...so...I retrofitted a set of Happy Trails Aluminum boxes and they performed flawlessly on my trip out West to Billings Mt and the Beartooth Highway...even with a flat tire they can be used as jacking points with no damage at all....just love em!...Hope the pic works!
I had the genuine Triumph accessory windshield when I got the bike new and it did not perform well at all .....buffeting and heavy..This one is from a BMW GS1200....Got it for a bargain price used but (Free!)....took a little work for the mounts, but it turned out pretty good.. I think the handguards and magnetic tankbag I use somehow streamline the whole package...airflow is a science all it's own.....it's a huge improvement over the Triumph screen!....
I've had great luck with the soft Cortech 2.0 bags. They hold all my junk for work and weekend rides. They come off easy and have rain sleeves which I've never used. There is a tailbag that ties into the saddle bags which I'll probably get next year.
I prefer the look of soft bags and you can score them for real short money off ebay. Pull you seat and slap em' on, they should be fine without the brackets. They go with the vintage look better than hard or covered bags in my opinion because they are narrow.
As far a weekend trips go this is simple, just get the luggage rack and bungee an overnight bag, that is plenty for a couple of days. Anyone that has done some miles will tell you there is nothing more waterproof than a couple of hefty bags, always pack with hefty bags. Over-priced liners are just silly...:laugh2:
I went with triumph Classic Leather bags. Racked up 1300km on a trip a couple of weeks ago and did not notice they were on. I use dry bags (cheap as) in case it pelts down. I have rails but I had them powder coated black so they are not so obvious when the the bags are not on the bike.
This is funny...It almost looks like me and my boy when we park. He rides an FZ-09 so you see vintage and modern bikes as in your pic. Your pic just made me think of that
I use the ortlieb moto saddle bags. I did have to buy a set of racks to keep them out of the wheel as they began aging a bit and started to sag. I couldn't be happier with them. Totally waterproof.
Just select any of the products for more information e.g. http://legend-gear.com/index.php/LS1LS2/ and the prices are on the page with the rest of the information...
I bought Gears bags (The canadian company) and Im ordering the MC resources brackets to keep them off the tire. Debating on sissy bar / bag for even more luggage. I hate wearing my backpack to/from work but the saddlebags I get dont really fit the laptop
I'll confess, I'm not much of a saddlebag-kind of guy. But just this am I received an email from an aftermarket company specializing in modern Indian accessories. They're offering a stunningly beautiful distressed brown leather set of saddlebags for the Indian Scout that I think would look smashing on a Bonneville. So good looking, I'd be proud to run them even if they would be 99% empty most of the time. :smile2: Pic attached.
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