Topic: can anyone recommend a saddlebag setup for my bike?

[juntjoo]

do I need one of those brackets to keep the bags off the rear wheel or might I not need that? also, has anyone combined the smaller triangular bags with the regular ones? I'm thinking about maximum storage capability. Should I consider saddlebags that are easilly removable like in case you have to leave your bike but you have your saddlebags full with valuables?

[Yamahawk]

If you can find the old Craig Vetter triangular saddlebags and trunk, they were Hondaline accessories at on time, and they work well. But, they are permanently mounted. You would have to fabricate your own mounts custom for your bike, but they offer locking lids, and security as well as capacity.
 For soft bags, get a tank bag and a set of cordura nylon bags. RKA in Shasta, Ca makes a great set of saddlebags that are easily expanded with just a zipper. About $300 for them in custom colors, less with generic colors.  I got my wife a set for her 2015 Can Am Spyder RSS, and she Loves them. If you mount a sissy bar/backrest, there are bags that can strap to that, as well.
Charlie

[TwoTired]

... RKC in Shasta, Ca makes a great set of saddlebags...

Are you referring to RKA?

http://www.rka-luggage.com/A05%20Saddlebags/saddle.html

[Yamahawk]

... RKC in Shasta, Ca makes a great set of saddlebags...

Are you referring to RKA?

http://www.rka-luggage.com/A05%20Saddlebags/saddle.html

Yes! They are good people, and make a very good quality product. I highly recommend them. The fires barely missed them last summer... I guess I hit the wrong letter lol...
Charlie

[juntjoo]

I've decided it might serve me better just to figure out all the different ways to secure my own bags and whatever I need to transport to the bike, and saddlebags can be optional or put on the back of my shopping list. A large backpack that I could strap to the back, and I've figured out a secure way to hang groceries off the seat and if I get a sissy bar /rack some creativity will go a long way in sure

[juntjoo]

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F381523242123

i got these. hopefully they're nice

[juntjoo]

https://imgur.com/a/DHRSS

she hasn't looked this pretty since I saw her pic on the Craigslist ad almost two years ago before I left her in the garage to store dust and provide housing for the eight legged.

I was thinking about these

2PC Generic Motorcycle Saddlebag Motorcycle Synthetic Leather 2-Strap Tool Bag Heavy-duty Waterproof Pvc for Honda/Harley/Yamaha https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L6IVXZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_I9DPAbRT37TAQ

thinking they'd look nicer but I think I'm more concerned how I look during occasional off road excursions I only currently fantasize about. no rush. both can carry groceries for a week. anyone have any pics of theirs they'd like to share? I'm also thinking about a sissy bar /rack or just rack as I've a couple cats that occasionally need a ride to the doctor. anyway... 

[spotty]

Just to get back to one of the questions in your original post.    No you don't need anything to keep the bags out of the back wheel ( they're called spreaders by the way), your back shocks perform that function
You would generally use spreaders with a softail or monoshock

[andy750]

Id be curious to see a photo of the brown bags on your bike when you get them.
thanks
Andy

[Bankerdanny]

Just to get back to one of the questions in your original post.    No you don't need anything to keep the bags out of the back wheel ( they're called spreaders by the way), your back shocks perform that function
You would generally use spreaders with a softail or monoshock

I agree with Spotty. I used soft bags on my 550 with no issues. The twin rear shocks keep the bags away from the wheels.

I picked up a set of vintage Shoei bags for my long trip last Summer. You can have them on in about 30 minutes (it requires removing the stock rear turn signals too).

[juntjoo]

those are nice. I'll post pics as soon as I get mine

[Yamahawk]

Just to get back to one of the questions in your original post.    No you don't need anything to keep the bags out of the back wheel ( they're called spreaders by the way), your back shocks perform that function
You would generally use spreaders with a softail or monoshock

I agree with Spotty. I used soft bags on my 550 with no issues. The twin rear shocks keep the bags away from the wheels.

I picked up a set of vintage Shoei bags for my long trip last Summer. You can have them on in about 30 minutes (it requires removing the stock rear turn signals too).

Those Shoei's are nice, and look really good! I always liked the HondaLine GL500 bags too. The clamshell look was very cool, and the rear trunk was streamlined and efficient for the size. It would probably look good an a CB550 also.


Charlie

[Bankerdanny]

The nice thing about my bags and the ones from Vetter and Bates (I had Bates bags on my Goldwing) is they typically use a generic brackets system, so should be easy to attach. Those Hondaline bags probably have model specific mounts that would require a bit of adapting to fit.

[Yamahawk]

The nice thing about my bags and the ones from Vetter and Bates (I had Bates bags on my Goldwing) are that they typically use a generic brackets system, so should be easy to attach. Those Hondaline bags probably have model specific mounts that would require a bit of adapting to fit.

Yep, they might need some adaptation to fit, but they sure would look nice on an 'Executive' CB500 or 550 lol...
Charlie