Okay, fellas (and gals): we've talked about backpacks, but I don't think anybody has yet mentioned "bike luggage". I'm wondering if anybody's got any experience with bags fitted to our 599s, aside from tank bags. I'm no big fan of the tank bag, unfortunately, so I wonder if anybody has used something like the Givi attach-to-the-side-of-the-bike type bags. I don't really intend to carry much, but sometimes (in the summer, particularly) the backpack keeps a bit too much body heat around. Nothing like arriving at work already sweaty... ugh.

Suggestions?

Nothing like arriving at work already sweaty...
All depends on the reason :lol:

My old bike had hard side bags and a 55L top box. By far the most useful was the TopBox (all Givi stuff). The side bags looked better but harder to use/fit stuff in.

I've heard the soft side is the way to go but have always wondered how they hold up over time as far as weather proofing...

I'm in the same boat as you V.T., looking for some easy bolt on storage for the bike.

I've resisted luggage so far by using a tank bag and using my rear hooks. I bought a cheap cargo net at a bike shop and I'll use it to secure a bag to the passenger seat.

One good tip for ya'll, remove the hooks on the net ASAP! They will scratch up your bike. The hooks on mine were metal with rubber on them and little rubber caps. The caps came off and left a scratch on my old bike. A few minutes with some pliers fixed it.

The nice thing about the hard stuff was that it had locks so could leave the bike loaded and not worry (too much) about stuff "walking" away... Soft side I'd be comfortable running into a restaurant or store but the cargo net...I'd be taking everything with me every time... :cry:
Each has it's purpose I guess...but I'm looking for more along the lines of taking a couple day trip.

Oxford First Time, Its all You need......

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/Boodog/Panniers.jpg

Heres another Idea, Its a tank bag strapped to the Pillion seat. It does not foul the clocks when its behind You.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/Boodog/NewDisc11127.jpg

I use a RapidTransit tank bag, it is more streamline and looks way better then all the tank bags I've seen

Oxford First Time, Its all You need......
How does it hold up to rain? Do you still bag stuff in plastic or does it just stay dry?

Oxford First Time, Its all You need......
How does it hold up to rain? Do you still bag stuff in plastic or does it just stay dry?

They are good at keeping everything dry but when it gets torrential they come with plastic covers to aid keeping things dry.

Heres another Idea, Its a tank bag strapped to the Pillion seat. It does not foul the clocks when its behind You.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/Boodog/NewDisc11127.jpg

I like teh belly pan/fairing you have on the underside of your bike.

Where did you get it?

In other words, where can I get one?

For the record to all of us in the forum; I've found a lot more mod stuff in Europe than the states, which makes sense with them being much more popular there.

The Bellypan is a Hornet Cup bellypan, they are available on e.bay or if are struggling leave a message on the Hornet Cup Racing section off the Hornets Nest for Madmaccum, He can supply and give you a price for postage to the USofA.

For commuting, I bought a large messenger bag from Timbuk2. They're based in San Francisco, bags run from $80 up to maybe $150 for custom jobs. Mine is one of the standard models. It's made of ballistic nylon with a waterproof rubber lining. I've had it for 6 months and it's been perfect so far. I can highly recommend this company.

Check them out at www.timbuk2.com (http://www.timbuk2.com).