Saddlebags or luggage rack

[ShirleySerious]

Does anyone know where's a good place I can find saddlebags or a luggage rack that will fit my '78 GS550E? My guess is that bike stores don't sell things like that for older bikes but I could be wrong.

[Nerobro]

I canthink of a dozen kinds of bags that'll fit your bike right off the top of my head. Luggage racks are harder to find, but they are out there. In fact, if you ask REALLY nicely, Planecrazy has a rack on his GS550L that should fit your ride. ;-) However that rack won't come cheap.

Search on ebay for EXL saddlebags. They cost $50 or so, and if they're anything like their tank bags you won't be disapointed.

[ShirleySerious]

I couldn't find a website for EXL so I can't look thru their selection. I'm just looking for something that can go on both sides of my bike that won't block the passenger seat. Would bags they sell at a HD dealer fit a Suzuki with the right adjustments?

[Nerobro]

As far as I'm aware, EXL doesn't have a website. That's why I said searchon ebay :-)

Most saddlebags drape over the passenger seat. the passenger can sit on top of the straps.

[mixongw]

Too good to be true?

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Motorcycle-Leather-Saddlebag-Travel-Saddle-Bag-4011_W0QQitemZ120024170518QQihZ002QQcategoryZ35557QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

These look like bags that cost three times this much. Any experience with them? They are EXL.

[ShirleySerious]

Too good to be true?

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Motorcycle-Leather-Saddlebag-Travel-Saddle-Bag-4011_W0QQitemZ120024170518QQihZ002QQcategoryZ35557QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

These look like bags that cost three times this much. Any experience with them? They are EXL.

That does look like a good deal. For that price there HAS to be something wrong with it. If not, I'll probably get those. I wonder how they are attached.

[steely]

I bought a set similar to those for my GF about a year ago. The leather is somewhat stiff and cardboardy (I know, I am making up words here). She didn't like them because of the studded top. So, they are still sitting in my garage. I may use them when I get the 850 to the point I want to take long trips on it.

[akier]

you know, i use a Tourmaster duffel that has two bungee cords with hooks on it for my 450L. it does take over the passenger seat, but it's really convenient. and it comes with a rain cover. just an idea if you don't ride with passengers very often

[Plasterdog]

I've had a pair of Nelson Rigg Sadlebags for about four years, they came waterpoof interior bags. Narry a problem with them.

[fwwrcpg]

When I purchased mine at the local shop he came out and measured from the bottom of the seat to the top of the muffler. If they are to deep they will burn on the muffler. Then he measured the length from the back of the turn signal to the middle of the seat. They fit perfect and when I have a passenger they do not rub on the back of there legs.

[Rocketman]

I generally favor soft, nylon luggage to hard or leather but have a bit of a dilemma. My '82GS850L has the K-G style adjustable backrest, and no rack behind it. Just the curved-down chrome rear fender with tailight mounted above. Hard to find a good looking and practical soft luggage pack that will fit in that space, and won't roll off the curved fender. I'm hoping to make the trip to West Virginia next Summer with my 8 yr old son in the passenger seat, so except for side saddle bags, don't know what is practical storage for the rear. Sure I can roll and bungie a bunch of duffle bags, but that really will look kind of lame. Any suggestions from you "L" model guys who travel a lot, and pack heavy?

[Jethro]

You looking for hard bags or will soft ones do? I LOVE my luggage I got this year. In fact, I have changed my whole tune as to a new bike wish list. People are always concerned with how the new touring bikes don't look as good with the hard bags removed, but I can't see why I would ever, ever want them to be off the bike. Saddlebags are awesome. Here is the soft luggage I got this summer:

[Rocketman]

Nice set of bags Jethro. Couple of questions...(1) Do the top straps for the saddle bags go over or under the seat, or are there none there at all, in case a passenger actually has to sit behind you? (2) Will that duffle bag mount behind a low back rest, on top of the curved rear fender or does it attach to the other two side bags? (3) Where'd you get yours...internet or retail store?
Thanks.

[Jethro]

The straps for the saddlebags go over the seat. I can't imagine they would be comfortable for a passenger to sit on, so that may be out. They are two wide velcro straps that may fit under the seat, but I doubt it. They would probably be too low mounted that way. The top bag mounts either with quick release clips to the saddlebags (you can see one of them in front of the bottom corner of the duffle) or with 2 massive bungees that are mounted into the bottom of the bag and have big hooks. I imagine it can be mounted anywhere, anyhow. I bought them at www.whitehorsepress.com, those guys are awesome and I am in the same state so if it's in stock, I get it the next day.

[dpep]

Rocketman, you could put a gel pad over the straps. As long as the buckle parts aren't across the seat it should not be that uncomfortable to sit on the straps. There are also bags/packs that attach to the back of your luggage rack or sissy bar. And of course there are large expandable tank bags. There should be no problem carrying a few days gear for two people unless you were planning on camping. If that is the case I would probably send the camping gear ahead by UPS.