So, because I'm getting tired of having a soft tailpack (my backpack with the work laptop tends to shove it backasswards), I'm wanting to put a pair of saddlebags on.
But the Storm has a problem my old Sprint didn't have - two obnoxiously large shocks where the bags would go!
I tried a set of Saddlemens Tattoo bags, which measure 16 1/2" long x 6" wide x 9 1/2" tall, with a BIT of a slant to them, but... I can't seem to get them to sit properly and stay aft of the shocks. The Mediums are only slightly shorter, and the same height, and likely the same yoke.
I COULD put the pillion seat back on, that'd give me a couple inches of extra height for the yoke and also something solid to anchor to, but I prefer a solo seat.
What brands/sizes have people found work decently well with the Storm? or am I pretty much limited to sportbags and/or a luggage rack with a bungee net and a milk crate?
Also... tool roll... above the headlamps, below, or immediately forward of the bars/behind the windscreen?
I had Easy Brackets on my 2012 TBird. I started with the Slimbags but changed them out to Cs4. I wanted the bag to fit over, not behind the shock but it barely hit the shock. I cut plexiglass spacers to the shape of the Easy Bracket and that worked.
My leather jacket wouldn’t fit. The cutout for the shock takes up space. A lot of the usable space is in the cover. The locking mechanism blocks some of the opening and one of my locks broke. Other than that, they look good. You can get them primed.
$800 paint matched, $130 ish for the brackets, from memory.
I had to do some rivet repair / re-screw hinges, which was disappointing, otherwise not a horrible purchase. I did the easy brackets figuring I'd ride signifcantly without them / stripped down. Reality, once the rear bars went on, the bags stayed on.
The top box was about the same money as the hard bags, much better for touring trips but very wind-catching and fugly on the cruiser.
I've seen a few Storms online with the Viking Lamellar Extra Large bags. I'm toying with the idea of getting them but I've read some Viking horror stories online. I've also read some really good reviews from Storm owners so I may take the leap after the riding season. Here's a video I've been watching a bit as it gives a good walk-around of a Storm with these bags mounted.
Well I hit the Viking website, and their chat support said straight up that they don't stock anything for the Storm. So while the guy may be wrong, I see no need to throw any money at a company that isn't willing to work with me to at least look around.
In the meantime, I'll keep the Sedici for a bit longer and keep looking. Thanks guys.
Do NOT put on Easy Brackets. They only connect to two (of the three) adjacent bolts and not suited to handle weight in the long run. The bolts broke off on both sides and was a pain to get them out.
All easy brackets mount on two fender bolts. I’ve never heard of them breaking off from the fender. How much weight did you carry? There’s a limit. I’ve also used longride bags and mounting brackets.
My experience with fibreglass is that they are heavy and easily damaged (if the bike topples over for example). Then again it's a few years ago I had some so the material might be better these days.
The plastic ones I have are remarkably strong and have survived one such fall with no more than a few scratches.
It's possible to repair fibreglass but it's not easy to make a good job of it. One of my old bikes had a FG fairing that inevitably got damaged (when the bike got knocked over) and although I managed a sort of repair it looked a mess and needed expert sanding and repainting.
I've never had to repair a plastic one.
I think the FG ones look more "authentic" on a cruiser but I chose mine more for practicality. They are waterproof, quickly detachable and very strong but not to everyone's taste. I only use them once a year on my European trips and they have proved invaluable. The rest of the time they sit in my basement!
I agree with your assessment but I don't use a topbox. Too much weight,too far back. I ride fast on bumpy backroads.
I'll still consider. Maybe a real small one with a rack on top.
Thanks for your help. They tell my my detatchable sissybar won't work with these.
These days our main roads are bumpy! I've never really noticed the top box affecting the bike but as I never ride without it perhaps that's not surprising.
I had Triumph sissy bars and luggage racks on 2 Rockets and a T Bird and used the Kuryakin Grantour on all of them. Straps on and big enough for a full helmet.
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