What have people used and what is your experience?
I'm looking for a decent set of sadlebags for my 09 Phantom Spyder. Hopefully even usable with a rider and backrest. I prefer something that does not need a rack of any type.
Feedback and advice is appreciated.
I vote for the BRP Givi R-35 bags, too, but a lot depends on what your preferences and other mods are. You can go anywhere from strap-on soft bags to the Corbins. Any hard bags may interfere with the addition of other mods, like a backrest or trailer hitch. You'll have to do a little thinking and a little planning.
First lets talk about the backrest. You could use the BRP sport rack and backrest with little trouble, but substantial expense. A simpler option would be the MMG backrest, or equivalent, with lower costs but an "added on" look. If you add a hard rack, like the KewlMetal unit, you could adapt a backrest, or better yet, a topcase with an integral backrest and added storage. Givi makes a Spyder RS topcase mount too, and accessory backrests for their topcases. These rack mounts may interfere with hard saddlebag mounts...or require modification for both to work. Industries7 makes a topcase mount that works with their Givi bag mounts.
For bags, you can use something like the Nelson-Rigg bags that strap on. They do tend to interfere with the passenger's leg position, and if you strap them over the seat, they must be disconnected when fueling. This is the cheapest option, though, and completely reversable in a few moments. Not much securrity. For hard bags, I prefer the removable, clamshell-opening units, since that is what I am used to. Your preferences may differ. The various Givi bags (BRP, Givi, or I7) are this type. The BRP units also have quickly removable racks, so you can restore the sporty look quickly. Other prefer the top-loading type of bags, like the Corbin. As far as size, and integral looks, these are tops. They are not removable, however.
Search your soul and look at your other needs. If you can, look at some other Spyders with these options and talk to the owners. If not, many members here have pictures in their albums, and a search of threads can find you more pictures, and maybe even installation instructions.
:agree:Go with the BRP bags...look at it this way...if Scotty got them, you WANT them! You'll have no regrets...they match the bike perfectly....look and work great!
How about somewhat cheap cloth or nylon options. I don't need the bags all the time and would like something I can pull on and off pretty easily.
Thanks for all of the feedback so far!
:agree:The BRP hard bags come off easier than anything I've ever seen...you put the key in, turn 90 degrees, push in a button, and they're off...the brackets come off in a few seconds with the monokey.
There is really no easier way.
If you don't worry about the security, there are softbag options, but IMHO, if you're gonna do it, try to do it so that you won't have to do it again down the road...
These things are off and on in a minute or two, at most...
Most folks have had the best luck with the Nelson-Rigg bags. There are other, similar bags available. The may interfere with your passengers legs, though. Pretty good deals on them at NewEnough.com. Good review of one model here.How about somewhat cheap cloth or nylon options. I don't need the bags all the time and would like something I can pull on and off pretty easily.
Thanks for all of the feedback so far!
How about somewhat cheap cloth or nylon options. I don't need the bags all the time and would like something I can pull on and off pretty easily.
Thanks for all of the feedback so far!
The BRP hard bags come off easier than anything I've ever seen...you put the key in, turn 90 degrees, push in a button, and they're off...the brackets come off in a few seconds with the monokey.
There is really no easier way.
If you don't worry about the security, there are softbag options, but IMHO, if you're gonna do it, try to do it so that you won't have to do it again down the road...
These things are off and on in a minute or two, at most...