Touring luggage

[Colette]

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

[Felix]

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.

[bonester]

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

[Mizz ZZR]

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

[Neka79]

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...

[aardvark]

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.

[ttc]

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

Bought a ventura rack and bag today

[Robyn]

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.

[Robyn]

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.

[photomike666]

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.

[Nanna10r]

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.

[Neka79]

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

[Phil]

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

i never use them now

[Colette]

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

[Mizz ZZR]

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.