Saddle bags vs Trailer

[jimmybarton]

Since I just got this bike three weeks ago my next project is to purchase some saddlebags or a trailer hitch and trailer. I've look at cost for both and depending on the type of bags with support they are just about equal to a hitch ($190) and a trailer (Harbor Freight $225) = $415 (+/-). Any thoughts on this are appreciated.

 

[Pandy]

2011 RTS

We tried I initially to use onboard storage and wasn't too long before a trailer was purchased. Use the BRP hitch and harness with a brand x trailer. So far so good,most times don't even know it's there

 

[blacklightning]

Since I just got this bike three weeks ago my next project is to purchase some saddlebags or a trailer hitch and trailer. I've look at cost for both and depending on the type of bags with support they are just about equal to a hitch ($190) and a trailer (Harbor Freight $225) = $415 (+/-). Any thoughts on this are appreciated.

I am going from a rt to a f3t, so i know i will miss the storage. i plan on mounting a trailer hitch and using my doc Humphries rack when necessary. If alone i will probably just strap a bag to the back seat when needed. I might purchase a trailer if i can convince the wife to do longer trips. Since she only did 3 in 3 years on the rt, my hopes for that on the new bike are not too great.
But, i am cool with that

 

[jimmybarton]

2-up is a must for long trips

...and that's why I need a trailer. Just about any long trip will include the misses and she (as most women do) will take half her wardrobe plus two helmets. One of each color. I don't mind cause she usually enjoys the ride with no complaints.

 

[ARtraveler]

The answer will depend on how much long distance driving you are planning on doing, and, how much stuff you plan to bring along.

We went to Whitehorse YT back in 2010. We were gone for about a week. Used the onboard storage in one RT and one RS. Had one extra person along. We did just fine. But, I tend to travel light.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

If you're going to be riding 2-up you'll probably like the trailer better but if you're be riding solo you should be fine with the saddlebags. The saddlebags will be good for when you're running errands around home

 

[loisk]

...and that's why I need a trailer. Just about any long trip will include the misses and she (as most women do) will take half her wardrobe plus two helmets. One of each color. I don't mind cause she usually enjoys the ride with no complaints.

The answer is - a second spyder !

 

[jimmybarton]

2nd Spyder - I like that

:yes:

 

[WilderThomas]

Trailer vs Saddlebags

I am going from a rt to a f3t, so i know i will miss the storage. i plan on mounting a trailer hitch and using my doc Humphries rack when necessary. If alone i will probably just strap a bag to the back seat when needed. I might purchase a trailer if i can convince the wife to do longer trips. Since she only did 3 in 3 years on the rt, my hopes for that on the new bike are not too great.
But, i am cool with that

Whi

We traded off a 2005 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic for a 2012 Can Am Spyder RT-SE5. And in so doing, acquired four storage compartments vs the three we had with the Harley. My wife thinks we still need a trailer. I made mention of this to a friend and regular contributor to a motorcycle touring magazine. He replied, wouldn't you really have a Buick? I looked at the Harbor Freight cargo trailer, but wasn't impressed with it. Other trailers like the Bushtec and the BRP-622 are more expensive, but the quality and reliability are often worth the expenditure.
Just my 3 cents (due to inflation), worth.