What luggage options?

[Cooper1999]

I'm looking at possibly buying a set of panniers to use for short trips. I'm only looking at a small set for use on a sports bike (TL1000S) - I've already got a tail pack and tank bag. What are you using on your sports bikes - do they fit easily/affect stability/stay put when 'making progress' etc?
(Photos with them fitted if possible too please)

[G Man]

My 1st criterior is waterproofness & space ! Plenty say they are and aren't
2. Can I port it to another bike when I change up ! Aka buy once and save money long term
3.Buy a good brand
4. As few pieces of luggage as possible! After a day of riding you only want to carry 1 or 2 to a room or tent
This is used in Europe SW Motech Drybag 700 Tail Bag
I would look very hard at https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...

[black-k1]

I agree with the points above with one minor change. Using bin liners inside means that the exterior does not have to be waterproof. That will keep the options as open as possible.

[Dog Star]

A lot of people mock me for this on a new shape R1 but I swear by top boxes - get a Ventura rail kit so that normally your bike has nothing on the back (or in my case I just have the smallest rack which I can bungee my lock to) and when I want to go anywhere with a decent amount of stuff I simply whip the rack off and slot on my Givi plate. Takes seconds. If necessary stick another bag or a tent on the back seat.

I get no end of grief off people which I really don't understand at all - if I am using the top box then the bike has a top box on it, which surely looks a lot neater (as well as being waterproof and more secure) than a bag bungeed to the tail. If I'm not using it then there is nothing there. Yet for some reason I get massive grief from idiots as if I ride it like this all the time.

OP your TL will probably be capable of taking a set of throwovers which I can do on my 4XV R1 (it also has a Renntec sports rack that I can bolt a Givi plate on to, so that along with the back seat gives a prodigious luggage capacity). I use the tapered "sports" throwovers due to the tailpiece shape.

Edited by Dog Star on Friday 2nd July 10:12

[Cylon2007]

Have a look at the SW Motech Blaze panniers. Basically throwovers but with a support bar or frame (depends on bike) to take the weight and stop them flapping about. I have een using a set for over 4 years on Street triple (not a sports bike but similar pillion set up) and find them great. Technically not water proof But come with waterproof roll top inner bags and I 'Fabsilled' the out and they have never leaked even in biblical downpours.

[stang65]

Dog Star said:

A lot of people mock me for this on a new shape R1 but I swear by top boxes - get a Ventura rail kit so that normally your bike has nothing on the back (or in my case I just have the smallest rack which I can bungee my lock to) and when I want to go anywhere with a decent amount of stuff I simply whip the rack off and slot on my Givi plate. Takes seconds. If necessary stick another bag or a tent on the back seat.

I get no end of grief off people which I really don't understand at all - if I am using the top box then the bike has a top box on it, which surely looks a lot neater (as well as being waterproof and more secure) than a bag bungeed to the tail. If I'm not using it then there is nothing there. Yet for some reason I get massive grief from idiots as if I ride it like this all the time.

OP your TL will probably be capable of taking a set of throwovers which I can do on my 4XV R1 (it also has a Renntec sports rack that I can bolt a Givi plate on to, so that along with the back seat gives a prodigious luggage capacity). I use the tapered "sports" throwovers due to the tailpiece shape.

Edited by Dog Star on Friday 2nd July 10:12

I agree with this!

I have a Renntec rack for a Hornet9 and it takes 4 bolts to fit in under 5 minutes. I have a Givi plate bolted to the Renntec to take a top box. I also have the proper Givi arms etc. but have never used them as they're much more hassle to fit and I've never needed the extra carrying capacity (about double the weight the Renntec recommends). The best bit of a top box is that it's all locked up when you leave the bike so you don't have to worry. I put valuables and heavy stuff in a tank bag and carry that with me - I'm old fashioned so have a map in the tank bag for directions on "away trips" so need it anyway. I have a 36 litre top box but it's never been more than half full for a 3-4 night trip.

I wouldn't want a rack or top box on all the time as it looks like a pizza delivery bike. However, people who take the mick are generally the 500 mile a year types.....

[Dog Star]

stang65 said:

I wouldn't want a rack or top box on all the time as it looks like a pizza delivery bike. However, people who take the mick are generally the 500 mile a year types.....

I literally cannot understand why people take the piss - but it's OK to bungee a bloody great drybag or holdall on the back, not as secure and bungees scratching your paint and looks worse? Utterly bizarre!

[black-k1]

stang65 said:

Dog Star said:

A lot of people mock me for this on a new shape R1 but I swear by top boxes - get a Ventura rail kit so that normally your bike has nothing on the back (or in my case I just have the smallest rack which I can bungee my lock to) and when I want to go anywhere with a decent amount of stuff I simply whip the rack off and slot on my Givi plate. Takes seconds. If necessary stick another bag or a tent on the back seat.

I get no end of grief off people which I really don't understand at all - if I am using the top box then the bike has a top box on it, which surely looks a lot neater (as well as being waterproof and more secure) than a bag bungeed to the tail. If I'm not using it then there is nothing there. Yet for some reason I get massive grief from idiots as if I ride it like this all the time.

OP your TL will probably be capable of taking a set of throwovers which I can do on my 4XV R1 (it also has a Renntec sports rack that I can bolt a Givi plate on to, so that along with the back seat gives a prodigious luggage capacity). I use the tapered "sports" throwovers due to the tailpiece shape.

Edited by Dog Star on Friday 2nd July 10:12

I agree with this!

I have a Renntec rack for a Hornet9 and it takes 4 bolts to fit in under 5 minutes. I have a Givi plate bolted to the Renntec to take a top box. I also have the proper Givi arms etc. but have never used them as they're much more hassle to fit and I've never needed the extra carrying capacity (about double the weight the Renntec recommends). The best bit of a top box is that it's all locked up when you leave the bike so you don't have to worry. I put valuables and heavy stuff in a tank bag and carry that with me - I'm old fashioned so have a map in the tank bag for directions on "away trips" so need it anyway. I have a 36 litre top box but it's never been more than half full for a 3-4 night trip.

I wouldn't want a rack or top box on all the time as it looks like a pizza delivery bike. However, people who take the mick are generally the 500 mile a year types.....

Each to their own but the worst place you can add weight to a motorcycle is high and behind the rear axle. The worst place to add flat sided/fronted non aerodynamic components, especially in cross winds, is high and behind the rear axle. Where does a top-box sit?

I think a big tourer can "just about" get away with a top-box but anything else, just looks crap. Having done many trips abroad and touring around the UK, often on bikes with no hard luggage, I have never found the need for a top-box.

But, as I said, each to their own.

(Pre COVID - 15,000 to 18,000 miles per year!!! )

[Dog Star]

black-k1 said:

Each to their own but the worst place you can add weight to a motorcycle is high and behind the rear axle. The worst place to add flat sided/fronted non aerodynamic components, especially in cross winds, is high and behind the rear axle. Where does a top-box sit?

I think a big tourer can "just about" get away with a top-box but anything else, just looks crap. Having done many trips abroad and touring around the UK, often on bikes with no hard luggage, I have never found the need for a top-box.

But, as I said, each to their own.

(Pre COVID - 15,000 to 18,000 miles per year!!! )

Do what? So how much do you think topbox compromises matters compared to a pillion passenger that weighs multiples of even a heavy topbox? How tall is a pillion compared to a topbox? Where's the pillion actually sit in relation to the back axle? Funnily enough they're perfectly ok though...... How much more are they compromised than they are with a hoofing great bag on the back seat or a rack (which is in the same position as a topbox)?

I've been all over Europe for almost 3 decades on sportsbikes with top boxes and had no bother, strong winds or otherwise. If they're a bit weighty you can tell they're there at low speeds for sure, but the pros way outweigh the cons.

[black-k1]

Dog Star said:

black-k1 said:

Each to their own but the worst place you can add weight to a motorcycle is high and behind the rear axle. The worst place to add flat sided/fronted non aerodynamic components, especially in cross winds, is high and behind the rear axle. Where does a top-box sit?

I think a big tourer can "just about" get away with a top-box but anything else, just looks crap. Having done many trips abroad and touring around the UK, often on bikes with no hard luggage, I have never found the need for a top-box.

But, as I said, each to their own.

(Pre COVID - 15,000 to 18,000 miles per year!!! )

Do what? So how much do you think topbox compromises matters compared to a pillion passenger that weighs multiples of even a heavy topbox? How tall is a pillion compared to a topbox? Where's the pillion actually sit in relation to the back axle? Funnily enough they're perfectly ok though...... How much more are they compromised than they are with a hoofing great bag on the back seat or a rack (which is in the same position as a topbox)?

I've been all over Europe for almost 3 decades on sportsbikes with top boxes and had no bother, strong winds or otherwise. If they're a bit weighty you can tell they're there at low speeds for sure, but the pros way outweigh the cons.

And at what point did I say a pillion didn't compromise the dynamics and aerodynamics? Unless you can simply let the air out of your partner and put her in with the rest of the luggage then there is no option as to how you carry a pillion so not really a valid comparison. There are options as to how you carry luggage and the physics is clear, top-boxes sit in the worst location. That's a fact.

As I said though, each to their own.

[Cooper1999]

black-k1 - I've used that trick many times over the years (black bags and carrier bags when you could get them for free), even packing individual clean kit for each day in these.

Dog Star/Stang65 - I used to have a Renntec rack on my YZF. It was very useful. You can get these for the TL, but I've already got a tail pack (and don't think the bike suits a rack as much as the YZF, which looked very neat with this on).
I don't think I need to go down the top box route, but your R1 wouldn't be the first sportsbike I've seen with one fitted. I can't really justify the Ventura set up, and don't really need that much space. As mentioned I already have an expandable tailpack and a tank bag (which I really only use to store a map/wallet/phone etc. and don't need too much more space - only enough for a light, solo weekend away.

Cylon - I'll have a look at them. As mentioned - I'm only after something relatively small. Something which requires a frame might be a bit OTT for what I need. Worth it if they're suitable though and will 'last forever', so to speak.

[Dr Jekyll]

black-k1 said:

Each to their own but the worst place you can add weight to a motorcycle is high and behind the rear axle. The worst place to add flat sided/fronted non aerodynamic components, especially in cross winds, is high and behind the rear axle. Where does a top-box sit?

I think a big tourer can "just about" get away with a top-box but anything else, just looks crap. Having done many trips abroad and touring around the UK, often on bikes with no hard luggage, I have never found the need for a top-box.

But, as I said, each to their own.

(Pre COVID - 15,000 to 18,000 miles per year!!! )

But can you really say you haven't found situations when it would be convenient?

I had a bike without a topbox once, a Deauville with small built in panniers. But I soon found them too small and bought a top box. It's not just being able to leave luggage relatively secure when the bike is unattended, it's also a place to put your bike boots gloves and jacket when off the bike.

[black-k1]

Dr Jekyll said:

But can you really say you haven't found situations when it would be convenient?

I had a bike without a topbox once, a Deauville with small built in panniers. But I soon found them too small and bought a top box. It's not just being able to leave luggage relatively secure when the bike is unattended, it's also a place to put your bike boots gloves and jacket when off the bike.

Honestly, no!

Even when using the bike for visiting customer sites I arrive in my kit and get changed in the disabled loos then carry my kit with me. Often makes for a good conversation point.

[podman]

black-k1 said:

Dr Jekyll said:

But can you really say you haven't found situations when it would be convenient?

I had a bike without a topbox once, a Deauville with small built in panniers. But I soon found them too small and bought a top box. It's not just being able to leave luggage relatively secure when the bike is unattended, it's also a place to put your bike boots gloves and jacket when off the bike.

Honestly, no!

Even when using the bike for visiting customer sites I arrive in my kit and get changed in the disabled loos then carry my kit with me. Often makes for a good conversation point.

Im using my bike more and more for work, yesterday I did 4 visits around Cheltenham, Cirencester and the Cotswolds, today I was nearer London, laptop in the box with product samples, shoes and other odds and sods in my tank bag.


..the box makes life so much easier, I can leave my laptop and more sensitive items in it securely as well , wouldnt be without it , as said, it does make for a conversation piece on occasion, few weeks back I went to a private boarding school and the business manager popped out and threw a leg over it for a picture!

Having tried most of the luggage options over a couple of decades number of years, hard luggage is my preferred option, its easy enough to mount a box to any bike you fancy and it doesnt slow you down or impact on the riding experience.

[black-k1]

podman said:

black-k1 said:

Dr Jekyll said:

But can you really say you haven't found situations when it would be convenient?

I had a bike without a topbox once, a Deauville with small built in panniers. But I soon found them too small and bought a top box. It's not just being able to leave luggage relatively secure when the bike is unattended, it's also a place to put your bike boots gloves and jacket when off the bike.

Honestly, no!

Even when using the bike for visiting customer sites I arrive in my kit and get changed in the disabled loos then carry my kit with me. Often makes for a good conversation point.

Im using my bike more and more for work, yesterday I did 4 visits around Cheltenham, Cirencester and the Cotswolds, today I was nearer London, laptop in the box with product samples, shoes and other odds and sods in my tank bag.


..the box makes life so much easier, I can leave my laptop and more sensitive items in it securely as well , wouldnt be without it , as said, it does make for a conversation piece on occasion, few weeks back I went to a private boarding school and the business manager popped out and threw a leg over it for a picture!

Having tried most of the luggage options over a couple of decades number of years, hard luggage is my preferred option, its easy enough to mount a box to any bike you fancy and it doesnt slow you down or impact on the riding experience.

And all that is fine for you, but it doesn't change the laws of physics.

[Baldchap]

A Kriega tailpack is the best you'll get, other than hard luggage. Throw over panniers always feel a bit like an accident waiting to happen to me.

[Dr Jekyll]

black-k1 said:

And all that is fine for you, but it doesn't change the laws of physics.

No one disputes that the weight of and in a top box is in the wrong place from a theoretical point of view.

The point is that, I'm trying to get from A to B, often with a certain amount of stuff, so the advantage of a top box is significant. On the other hand I'm not in a competition to see who has the bike with the best theoretical weight distribution, or even trying to get a record time, so the 'disadvantages' are unnoticeable. Much like shaft drive in that respect.

If sports bikes looks crap with a topbox, then that's another reason not to have a sportsbike.

[podman]

black-k1 said:

And all that is fine for you, but it doesn't change the laws of physics.

Agreed but if your starting point is a 200kg naked or a 260kg sports tourer as you favour, one has an immediate disadvantage, a pillion near enough...Understand the theory around where the weight sits but a few kg in the box, in reality , cant be felt .

[Battlecat]

I use a Hepco & Becker Sportrack on the R1 which bolts onto the frame once the pillion seat is removed. Then strap a Kriega bag to that. The rack provides a solid base and protects paintwork, and the bag unstraps quickly when leaving the bike on the trip.

I used to use Oxford Sports panniers but they are not as convenient for taking off and carrying when you want to stop and take a walk around a village or attraction on route.

[black-k1]

podman said:

Agreed but if your starting point is a 200kg naked or a 260kg sports tourer as you favour, one has an immediate disadvantage, a pillion near enough...Understand the theory around where the weight sits but a few kg in the box, in reality , cant be felt .

Just because you can't feel it doesn't mean it's not there. There are many who can't feel the difference when suspension is changed yet others pay significant amounts of money to get it optimised,on all types of bike. Who's right when it comes to getting the best from your bike?