Saddlebag Review/Sticky/Ultimatum?

[Lostmycage]

I really did search. That being said, please cut me off with a link for it... I'm having trouble figuring out which brand/style of saddle-bag to go with.

There's lot of options, lots of looks, lots of varying references to various models on this here forum, but there's not a definitive review/ comparison. If there exists such a place, please-please-please direct me towards it.

That being laid out, I'm in need of space. I've fully committed to replacing my cage with this 2 wheeled acceleration-demon (not speed, cause I usually just do the speed limit, hehe). My qualm with it is the lack of storage. I know that the Pet carrier is quite ample, but I'm a boyscout type, I like having stuff with me. My stupor-duty lock (~10-20 pounds of security which I haven't weighed yet) my tube of Simple Green (bird-poop) wipes. The "Miracle Towel" Thing, Disc lock... not a lot of left over room. I like to have stuff, I'm a tangible kinda' guy. So I need me some saddlebags. But I'm also a thrifty type of guy. (Cheap and feely... every gals' dream, no?) I can't justify forking out $$$ on some bags unless they're at least recommended. I've looked through the forums and seen everything from the ATV (Louie?) bags, to the Cortech (Bonegirl?) bags, to the inquiries for "Formosa Saddlebags" (the guy who originated that actually took the time to personally respond to my barrage of emails, courteous and fast, almost enough to sell me on them).

I've looked through a lot. I'm not crazy about the Givi bags, which is what my local scooter shop is offering (otherwise I'd just give them business as I like having a local shop) So, with the fore-knowledge that this subject has been discussed over and over, is there anyway that there can be a saddlebag (which seems to me the most valuable luggage type to a scooter/motorbike) thread sticky, perhaps on the review channel or maybe the technical channel. I really think it might help qualm some of the onslaught of questions from new owners (like case A: Me) Last I checked on just "saddlebag" about 14ish overlapping and separated topics, some not really focusing on the saddle bags themselves. I like buying the best the first time, not "upgrading" hence why I got the 150cc version of the buddy the first time out.

Can anyone think of a way to make a thread like that work? I'd literally clap for you in person were you to do that (and come to me - that's the lazy part of me right there).

Tons of thanks!

[runtotorun121]

Here's one thread:

topic4819.html

And here are what my Triumph saddlebags look like:

http://www.jacklilley.com/view_part.asp ... rt_id=1730

FYI, so far I have not found any marring or wear of the sides of the Buddy from the saddlebags rubbing. (If you read through the thread you will see why I am mentioning this.) I am still thinking about it, but we have traveled several 100 mile trips and no problem yet. AND I LOVE THEM. I use them grocery shopping along with my rear rack and Chico bags. I also use them to pack-mule our stuff for trips (changes of clothes, shoes, bug spray, water, etc.! )

Hope this helps you get started!!!

[illnoise]

Speaking on Eric's behalf, and guessing his answer, ha, this just isn't sticky material.

It'd be more appropriate to add a saddlebag/luggage review thread to the "reviews" section. It would be "read-only," but whenever anyone posts a thorough review of saddlebags, or if there are any previously-written reviews, we'd be happy to move them there to make them easier to find.

Bryan

[ericalm]

Speaking on Eric's behalf, and guessing his answer, ha, this just isn't sticky material.

Ding!

We have a lot of informal reviews and recommendations on saddlebags. And I saw a link to some I hadn't seen before in the last day or so.

No, we haven't had a thorough review or comprehensive thread yet. That's the way it often works for a lot of gear/accessories, though. Someone asks about them, everyone who has something chimes in with their opinion of what they have.

I may need to start offering free buttons to whoever posts a review.

[k1dude]

Here's a saddlebag company that I came across a couple days ago:

http://www.formosasaddlebags.com/

They're sold out of black until August.

[ericalm]

Here's a saddlebag company that I came across a couple days ago:

http://www.formosasaddlebags.com/

They're sold out of black until August.

That's the one I saw posted recently! I'm a little dubious about the materials and lack of heat protection. The nylon he describes could, really, be any grade of nylon. (Also, this guy's an English teacher? Reading his "about" section, it seems as if he can hardly write it, much less teach it!)

I wish there were better pics of all the colors on the site.

[k1dude]

I was surprised that the owner of Formosa Saddlebags contacted me after I posted his link here a couple days ago. I got his link from a post of a happy customer on a ConsumerReports.org blog. The blog was about how drivers are turning to motorcycles and scooters due to high gas prices.

He provided several sites where his product has been reviewed: Vino125girls, Scooterfix, Scooter Diva, and Just Gotta Scoot amongst others. Evidently he has had very positive feedback on those sites.

He has sold a bunch of these in Taiwan. He just started selling in the US in late April.

I've scanned his site but didn't check the whole thing out closely. If his English was poor, it shouldn't be that surprising. Many English teachers in Taiwan are just regular Americans like you and me. They can get jobs over there teaching English simply because they are native speakers. My English sucks too (as if it weren't obvious), but I can go over there and teach.

As soon as he gets more black in, I know I will be placing an order. His price is reasonable and he seems like a good guy from the couple PM's he's sent me. I can do a review once I get the bags.

[ericalm]

I can do a review once I get the bags.

Please do!

[Roose Hurro]

For 50 bucks shipped, they sound like a good deal. Site has been added to my favorites, for when my scoot finally comes in....


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[zuman]

I know they've been mentioned here before, but if you're looking for cheap, you really can't beat these Tractor Supply Company bags http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs ... ue&cFlag=1
They're under $27!
I have them on my Blur, and I ride to work with my laptop, charger, and a few files in one side (it's a small laptop) and my lunch in the other.
I'm sure you can find something nicer, but I'd be surprised if you can do cheaper (uh, except that they actually have a skimpier non-insulated version for about $16!).

[Lostmycage]

Formosa Saddlebags is the company I mentioned where the owner responded politely and right away, he did mention that black is out of stock for a few more weeks. (I also found out that the flames on the black one do not come standard -whew)

I looked at a few from Tractorsupply co, but I never saw those.... Amazing find, I'm gonna go up there maybe around lunch time and check them out.

I'm also tempted to get the Cortech Cruser II Nylon saddlebags. If I do, I'll do a lil write-up on em.

[ryder1]

The Cortech Sports Saddlebag ($117) as mentioned in a previous post discussion has the foam under the saddlebag to protect the side panels of the Buddy. Someone had trouble with some other brand/type of saddlebag that damaged the panel.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/ ... &zmap=5241