Saddle Bags?

[McGee]

I plan to get on a nice Trip and take my Forza out to a ride from northern Germany to Lake Garda in Italy. Budget and Sense of Adventure tells me that I avoid Hotels and do Camping instead. So Top box in insufficient and I look for Saddle Bags. As no Frames are available like those on a Burgman i appreciate your Ideas or experience.

[Robert R]

I got the Amphibious Moto bags. Cavernous and totally waterproof. Hold up to 50 litres each side. Slip on and of in seconds to access under seat storage. Easy to mount high enough to avoid exhaust contact and no frames required.

[gn2]

Are you taking a passenger?
If not just get a roll top dry bag and bungee it onto the back seat.

[McGee]

thanks,and no. no sissy. I am all but by myself. I do have a Rollerbag but 4 weeks with tent, sleeping bag, mattress, cooking stuff and clothing will not fit into.
I prefer Saddlebags to Boxes as they are to be opened from the top.

[gn2]

When packing for a trip there's one simple rule.
Lay out all your gear ready to go, then split it into two halves.
Then choose which half to take.
For example, cooking stuff?
This isn't a trip across an uninhabited wilderness, there will be cafes and food shops everywhere.
Its not as if you're coming to Scotland!

[McGee]

Thank you gn2, i don't want to appear rude.
but the topic was not what to take and what not but experiences with saddle bags.
I don't know when you have been the last time on a 4 week ride through mountains and valleys but i want to go camping.
and camping means sleeping in a tent and avoid restaurants, cafes and hotels.

[mjoa68]

I got the Amphibious Moto bags. Cavernous and totally waterproof. Hold up to 50 litres each side. Slip on and of in seconds to access under seat storage. Easy to mount high enough to avoid exhaust contact and no frames required.

I was looking at these online and considering them. Have you had/used them long? Can you speak to their durability at all?

Thanks,
Mike

[Robert R]

Have done several trips with them in the 6 months I've had them. Found nothing to criticise about them at all. As to durability, they are probably overbuilt for most peoples use. Fully expect them to outlast me Have been snowed on, rained on (scottish rain) and not a hint of dampness inside. In fact I only carry one liner bag now for dirty gear. I can be very critical of poor quality but I heartily recommend these bags.

[mjoa68]

...Have been snowed on, rained on (scottish rain) and not a hint of dampness inside...

Thanks very much for the info. I think I'll be ordering some soon. From what I've heard, Scottish rain is much like BC rain, so that's quite the endorsement!

Cheers,
Mike

[davenowherejones]

...Have been snowed on, rained on (scottish rain) and not a hint of dampness inside...

Thanks very much for the info. I think I'll be ordering some soon. From what I've heard, Scottish rain is much like BC rain, so that's quite the endorsement!

Cheers,
Mike

I think BC rain must be stronger than Scottish rain. We have bigger trees.

The national Suzuki demo ride team came to Chilliwack, BC today. They are from Ontario & Quebec. They took one look at the rain clouds and decided they were not going to unpack the bikes from the truck. They left town. Bunch of wimps!

[mjoa68]

The national Suzuki demo ride team came to Chilliwack, BC today. They are from Ontario & Quebec. They took one look at the rain clouds and decided they were not going to unpack the bikes from the truck. They left town. Bunch of wimps!

Now that's not right. But that behaviour doesn't surprise me coming from Easterners.

Been commuting on my new Forza and a coworker asked me what I'm going to do with it in the winter. I said "ride it?" Lucky for me we don't really get any snow or ice here in tropical Victoria...