| Author | Message | ||
     Lost |
I've recently bought a New 2003 XB9s. I've done a thorough search and have come up with a few topics that talk about the Buell Saddle Bags, but none that give a review as to fit/quality/etc.. I have a $600 in store credit from buying my bike and have placed an order for the saddle bags and tail bag. I'm just curious as to whether they are worth the $300 total CAN, they're going to cost, or if I should buy an alternative, and save my $600 towards a race kit. I wont be putting the race kit on right away, due to the fact that I want to get used to the bike in its stock form, before adding a little extra. I am also adding frame pucks. Are the Buell frame pucks good or are there better aftermarket ones that follow the same lines? There don't seem to be too many Buell related accessories I can order. I will need saddle bags as I'll be doing weekends away throughout the summer, and I'd like to drive the bike. Hence I have placed the order. I will be going in 1.5weeks to check them out. Thanks | ||
| Bcordb3 |
I have Tour-Master bags, tank bag and tail bag. The bags are great. A generic fit, they carry enough gear for weekend touring. There is a picture in a saddle bag thread from a couple of years ago. I think the thread was called "saddlebags for XB12's. Either way you are going to spend the money for the bags and race kit. So that is up to you on how you spend it. The bottom line will be the same. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
  http://www.tourmaster.com/product.html?sku=82-416 | ||
| Skyguy |
I live near Chaperral motorcycle accessories and they have a great selection of saddle and tail bags. I looked at the Buell stuff but it was to much money for what you get. I bought a Rally Pack" expandable tail bag And I swear it looks like it was made for the bike. It holds enough for a three day trip with out camping gear and has no problem staying on the bike loaded at 100+mph. I did not get the matching saddle bags but the whole setup was about 150.00 U.S. Wait that 300.00 Canadian! nevermind lol | ||
| Lost |
lol. thanks for the input guys. The Canadian $$ is high right now, so I could order the saddle bags from the US @ $159 which is about $180 CAN. It seems that no one actually has the Buell Bags. All the bags including the ones posted above I've seen on this site look good. Does anyone have any drive time with the actual "Buell" saddle bags?? And how do these bags all lock?? do they stay attached to the bike?? or can someone just pull them off if you stop for lunch. | ||
| Edmbueller |
I am in Canada and have the actual Buell Lightning saddle bags. I have had one summer with them on the bike. I will try to give a honest evaluation... pros: -match the lines of the bike -no sag -expandable -fit very well -water resistance is good. cons: -can not have a passenger with them on -must keep rear reflector brackets on(the attach to the bracket) -zippers must be opened and closed carefully or they catch. -they make getting the seat on and off a lot more tricky. -not lockable, not really "stealable" because the straps go under the seat. Just to add another idea for you , I also have the Buell lightning tank bag (the old one not the new one) WAY MORE FUNCTIONAL IMHO it holds as much as the two saddlebags, snaps off in 2 seconds and is easy to carry around. Also a little cheaper... | ||
| Lost |
Edmbueller, Thank-you, that was exactly what I was looking for. What's the difference between the New tank bag and the old one? do you have a pic? the new one looks huge!! So would you say the saddle bags and tail bag could carry enough clothing for a 3/4 day weekend?? Do you have the trunk bag as well? or the tail bag? I'm glad you commented on the fit/sag, as I'm looking for it to feel as close as possible to being a part of the bike. | ||
| Edmbueller |
Lost; I can snap some pics for you tonight. As long as you don't mind the kitchen in the background! I do not have the trunk bag (yet) 3-4 day trip would be fine with the tank/saddle set up provided you aren't tenting I would say. with the trunk bag add I would bet I could carry everything needed for a week to 2 week trip.... | ||
| Bodyshot1 |
..are there bags that will work on the Ss yet? | ||
| Bcordb3 |
Jeff, this what your bike will look like bagged.  | ||
| Sweatmark |
Hey Lost, In case you can change that dealer parts order: Bought a complete set of the XB Lightning bags (panniers, tail, and tank bags) last Spring, expecting to use the Buell for summer road trip. Rode the trusty Beemer instead. So, I've got unused (never mounted) panniers, and barely used tail bag (a quality piece - best part of the set); I've used the tank bag a bunch and will keep it, in spite of problems with its main zipper. Tail bag connects to side bags with integrated buckle system - very clean & clever. Tail bag has rain cover, internal organizer, good pockets... it's a nice piece. Side bags look good, but I haven't used 'em and cannot comment about performance. Contact me if interested in a deal. Save you dealer credit for the Race Kit! Mark Oregon | ||
| Raymondt |
I bought the Coretech Sport bags and tail pack made by tourmaster and they are really nice quality items and come in red, black and blue similar to the ones pictured from tourmaster at the beginning of this thread but have that sporty tear drop shape. They were about $130.00 for the integrated set. Really nice. Check them out at tourmasters website http://www.tourmaster.com/product.html?sku=82-332 | ||
| Tim_g |
I put the Ventura system on my bike and love the ease of use. Sits on the seat when I ride alone and turns around and sits on the rack when wifey comes along. A bit of a different price point though. it is also going to give me an easy place to mount a traditional aftermarket helmet lock. | ||
| Jyd |
A New Zealand company called Ventura makes a very nice setup that can hold up to 90 liters. They attach to a frame that is customized for specific bike models. The whole rig is more expensive than others and runs about $300(?) total, for frame and two big bags, but using a frame system keeps the weight from shifting around and keeps straps, etc. away from tires. Frame is relatively easy to install (at least on a Cyclone and on a Blast). I have been using these to buy groceries for about five years. If you want to see what it will look like mounted on your model, follow the link and click on the "camera" by your model. I believe CycleVenture is the name of the American company that imports their gear. Very good tech support too. They seem to be a small company as inevitably I end up talking with "Amy". And yes, thanks for asking, she is super nice. http://www.cycleventure.com/fitments/display.asp?manufacturer_id=3 | ||
| Jyd |
... Which brings me to my next post. I'm considering buying a Uly but I like a lot of storage space. So I would like a system that maxes out what I can use. Does anyone know how the Buell hard luggage interacts with the Triple Tail? Does the tail have to be in the vertical (backrest) or forward position with the hard Buell top bag on? Do the hard Buell top bag and the hard Buell side bags use different parts of one large frame, or smaller individual frames that mount onto the bike? And would those frames interfere with 3rd party frames for mounting bags on top? Specifically I'm trying to find out if the Ventura luggage (seen here) http://www.cycleventure.com/fitments/display_picture.asp?fitment_id=742 could be used in conjunction with at least the hard Buell side bags (seen here) http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes_gear/accessories/Product.asp?Menu_ID=2&ProductL ineID=1&CategoryID=4&ProductID=3132 The top bag would definitely interfere with the Ventura setup. Ventura, for what its worth, doesn't seem to know ... as if they never considered the possibility that someone would want both. I fear that means they didn't design their frame with that possibility in mind, and so the Ventura and hard Buell sidebag frames might interfere. But, I thought I would check here, in case someone had already checked this out. Jyd Oahu | ||
| Coolice |
CJxb and Fieryxb both have the Cortech bags I believe. Maybe they can give you their opinion of them. LOTS of room from what I have seen. I was set to buy some for my 9R, but the Uly came out and DaveS sold me one with the bags! | ||
| Plag |
Jyd - been looking at those Ventura Rack/Bags. Do the mounting rails come on and off fairly easy when you don't need them or are they a pain to get on and off? Thanks Parry | ||
| Biker_bob |
The triple must be either upright or folded forward with the topcase on. With saddlebags and not topcase rack it could any of the three positions. I t looks like that baf would sit fine on the seat wityh all the bags on. Each piece uses its own mounting bracket. Topcase one small piece under the tail section 4 bolts. Each sidrck mounts in 3 positions. In a hole tapped already in the grab rails, one bolt in rear and one on the peg bracket. On mine I had to take the peg bracket on the right off to get it to go together. No big deal, three bolts. My left one and the topcase rack went on easy. | ||
| Jyd |
Parry - The "L-brackets" (brackets customized to your bike model that connect to the frame of the bike) are not intended to be taken on and off. It would probably get annoying fast if you wanted to take those on and off all the time. The frame for the bags that you slip into the brackets is very easily removable. If you look at this link again: http://www.cycleventure.com/fitments/display_picture.asp?fitment_id=742 In the bottom photo you can see the two "thumb-screws" on the brackets (although you should use the included little wrench to torque them on and loosen them to make sure they don't slip out). By loosening those, you can switch between the "grab-handle" (sissy bar for passenger shown in bottom photo), the "sport-rack" (medium-sized luggage rack shown in second-to-last photo, and whatever they call the large rack. It is shown in the first two photos, with luggage installed on it. By itself, it looks like the sport-rack, but with a much taller vertical section. The two luggage pieces zip together or you can put just one on. Each piece has a pocket that slips over the luggage frame as well as two straps with plastic connectors that snap around the bars of the frame. So the luggage is very secure. (They also have shoulder straps for the bags.) To answer your question (finally), brackets would probably take a good 20 minutes to remove or install each time you wanted to. Switching between luggage rack or the sissy bar takes about one minute. Putting luggage on or taking it off takes about fifteen seconds. They're rugged, they hold a lot of crap, they are easy and convenient to use, the bags themselves will NOT move around on your bike, the bags are washable, I think the setup looks good with the bags on and decent with them off. On the downside, they are not totally waterproof in a downpour (there's a waterproof cover you can get, but I wouldn't ride with it on as it is likely to catch a lot of air and turn into a parachute), and they are expensive. Hope that helps. Jyd | ||
| Jyd |
Biker_bob - Thanks for the input. I'm with you on the tail positions. Not sure if the Ventura luggage will go on with the hard saddlebags, but I might be willing to gamble, or wait until Ventura can tell me for sure. I'm a bit confused about mounting the brackets for the hard saddlebags. Is the bike asymmetric, or the saddlebag brackets asymmetric? Why would the left side go together easier than the right? Any complaints about the hard bags? Some postings (Eeyore's specifically ... see the post An Eeyore's Tale in the Tale Section or Uly section or on AdventureRider) seemed to imply they might make the bike vibrate badly at speed with a loose grip on the bars (pinning this on the bags is my conclusion, not necessarily his). Jyd | ||
| Lost |
Wow, thanks for all the replies. I really like that ventura system. The idea of being able to hold a passenger with a bag appeals to me. I might actually just order the system with the grab handle at the moment, as being a short bike, I've been thinking about how comfortable the gf will be on the back without anything behind her. Thanks for all the info. Very helpful. Was talking to the gf last night and was mentioning that I'm looking around, and she wants me to get it from Buell, as it wont involve me spending money, especially after I just bought the bike. So I think that might be the way I go. Sweatmark:} Thanks for the offer, but for convenience I think I might just stick with the HD dealer (and the fact that I have no cash outlay at the time). Question: The back bag that you are talking about, is that the trunk bag?? that they offer on the Buell site?? I have the tail bag ordered, for everyday, but if you recommend the trunk bag the way your review sounds, I think I might order that also. How much are you looking to get for the combo?? as maybe others will be interested. Thanks for the help. | ||
| Skyguy |
BCORDB3 what is the vehicle sitting behind your Buell in the garage? Looks like an electric? | ||
| Sweatmark |
Hey Lost, Yeah, I'm talking about the Trunk bag. Attaches to the side bags/panniers with four male buckles; corresponding female pieces are pre-attached to the panniers. Makes for a simple, clean installation. Trunk bag has good volume, cushy carry handle, side pockets, rain cover, inside pen/pencil/tire gauge organizer, trash compactor, carry strap, reflecto-magic piping, dedicated nitrous bottle storage, handy speeding ticket accordian file, see-through zip compartment for collecting bits & pieces from Jap bike squid crashes attempting to keep pace with your Buell, Nylon D-rings for attachment of Erik Buell autographed key fob. Definitely worth $US109 and change. Mark Oregon | ||
| Bcordb3 |
Tim, the "other" vehicle is a GEM NEV (neighborhood environmental vehicle) another word for a golf car. I live in a very large geezer neighborhood and seems to be the preferred mode of transportation. your profile states that you live in Arrowhead. I used to have a house in Arrowbear, just behind the Moldie Moose. | ||
| Plag |
Jyd - thanks for the great info. Looks like exactly what I need. I had a tail bag shift around the tail section on my CBR last year and get pulled between the tire and the swingarm - what a mess. I'll only use the ventura bag for trips so I'm OK spending 20 min to put the side rails on/off a few times a year to keep the bike looking clean the rest of the time. Do you have to make holes in any of the undertail plastic? Parry | ||
| Cataract2 |
Wycked, do those bags you have (the Cortech ones) come with rain covers or are they lined to protect against rain? | ||
| Jyd |
Parry - On the Cyclone and the Blast, you didn't have to drill any holes or cut anything, only remove a couple bolts maybe and fit the brackets under those same bolts. Each bike has a unique set of brackets, but they seem pretty good about taking advantage of what's already there. You'd have to ask the company to be sure though. I had a duffel bag slide down between the tail and the wheel on the way from San Diego to Kansas City. I smelled something burning, looked back and thought my bike was on fire. Jyd | ||
| Plag |
Mine was burning too. There's me on the side of the highway trying to pull whats left of it out of the bike and stomping on it to try and put it out. I really didn't think cordura would burn like that. Parry | ||
| Lost |
you guys lucked out with it not getting caught in the wheel and chain/belt, and locking up. | ||
| Thansesxb9rs |
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| Raymondt |
Cataract 2: The Coretech Sport sadlebags and Sport Tail pack both came with rain covers and I have not had to use them yet but they look like they would help. Alot of thought was put into many aspects of these bags, they have stiffiners and a zippered expandable section. The tail pack has a place for your wallet, cell phone and keys they have carying straps and handles. Good stuff I have them in red and black to match my red XB12 | ||
| Cataract2 |
Thanks Ray. | ||
| Jandj_davis |
Thansesxb9rs - are those the Nelson-Rigg Silver Streak sport bags? Do those stay put pretty well? How about size, are they so small as to be unusable? I was thinking of getting the Nelson-Rigg Mini Saddlebags (pretty much the same size, yours are 0.5" longer) but was concerned that they would be to small to even use. I would only use them for putting rain gear or work papers in or something. I just hate having to carry a back-pack. Josh Davis Cedar Rapids, IA | ||
| Eviltwn996 |
Check out Ventura racks. They sit over the pillion seat. They will hold two helmets and then some for example. My wife has one on her VFR and when its fully loaded for week long trip you can't tell its there. They keep water out by them selves pretty good.( I always put a 50 gal. garbage bag in first then clothes etc....) They run about $250 i think. Check out their website: ventura-bike.com. WELL worth the money IMHO. |
