Touring luggage

Am going to have to invest in a good touring bag and wondered what types people have used and would recommend? Obviously, waterproof bags are top of the list, but I have no preferences beyond that.

Thanks

I bought some dririder saddle bags last year and they are tops I also have a gearsack rack bag, and one day will do a review on it all...

The only other thing I desire is a tank bag of some sort.

Saddle bags were $200 or so for the pair and are expandable, and have waterproof covers etc.

Steer clear of Gearsack bags- have had four of them.....two of them suffered buggered zips constantly....might try those Rjays bags next.

Colette, I've got an RJays seat bag which fits snuggly on the pillion seat, and can be removed without leaving any evidence. Its about 36 litres, and was all I needed for my 6 day trip to Sydney (hairdryer and sleeping bag included).

I don't like the bracket arrangements of Venturas and the rest.

I have a pic at work, I'll post it tomorrow

ventura bag for longer runs..had it 7 yrs, farkin awesome..not waterproof tho, but i put things in plastic bags inside neway....i had a tank bag..paid abt $200 odd for it, sold it for $50 to one of Jasons mates..it shitted me no end...think i used it twice...

I've got a ventura bag and an unknown brand magnetic tank bag. They've seen me through 2 bikes , several trips to the island, 1 trip to Halls Gap, daily rides to work, and hundreds of trips all over S.A.

Just buy what ya like.

I used stu's tank bafg on my bike, and it scratched my tank

Bought a ventura rack and bag today

I think the best way is via the gearsac/ventura racks, sturdy and stress free IMHO, however if you are like me and aren't interested in the whole fitting of the rack thing etc etc. I think the best is a seat/pillion bag.
In saying that however, I own an RJays bag which is now great due to the fact that I had an upholsterer fit some decent metal strap down type clamps.
I purchased this bag for snowy ride a couple of years back and it came with those plastic type clips where they clip into one another - yeh well, that's supposed to be the idea - mine unclipped and I was left with 3 clips and the hassle of trying to keep my bag on - ex hassled me heaps about it, stressing how important it was to have a decent bag, yada yada.... (don't go there!)
In regard to tank bags?? scratched the tank on a friend of mines bike.
Sorry, Colette probably haven't helped with your decision, just my experience. One thing I would strongly suggest is to steer clear of those 'plastic' clips mentioned above.

Oh, forgot to mention I'm pretty sure that these days you can buy waterproof covers separately for your ventura/gearsack bag! One of the girls on the Tassie trip had a couple spare that she sold to some girls in the group.

I've gone for the Givi hard luggage option. The rack is easy to fit/remove, totally waterproof and should I have a moment my gear will not get mashed and squished. I have a 36L box, but wish I had have gone for the 40L as that fits a crash hat in where the 36L doesn't.

The one I have now has done almost 30,000k in the past 14 months, I ride in all weathers and have no complaints what so ever.

Two Circular Venturers is the go Colette, they can zip together n the rack goes up the middle of the two. For Waterproofing i put Gabbage bag under the rear bag & used a Mattress protector to cover both bag tops, with plastic bags sitting under the zips. Worked a treat for the Tiggr roadtrip.
hth.

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Bogong Gap near Falls Creek 11:30am

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yea my zx6r got scratched up tank from my tank bag..never used it again..tho i kno sum ppl make up lil covers to go UNDER the tank to protect it

i've got a set of sports panniers i'll sell you if you like.

i never use them now

Phil, I might come by and take a look when I get a chance - do you have any pics?

Here's mine....

It has an easy access zipped flip up lid, big pockets on each side, reflective bits on the back, concealed waterproof cover, snap clips on the straps and a carry handle.

I've covered the straps with fleece tubes that a girlfriend whipped up on her overlocker for me to protect the paint.

It cost a whole $95 from Peter Stevens on special I think, and I reckon its the antz pants. I could easy live for a month out of it.

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