Topic: throw over bags vs fiberglass side cases

[gregwaits]

I saved a nice vintage pair of fiberglass motorcyle side cases with lighting and locking lids. They came on a basket case '69 CB750. I also have a fiberglass trunk with locking lid. They all need refinishing and repainting, but are in good shape.

I can't decide between using these or just buying a pair of throw over saddle bags.

Has anyone had success using throwover leather (or synthetic) bags? Is it best to have brackets with them or will tie downs suffice?

I am mixed on the choices because I don't really dig the bagger look, but I want storage for weekend camping trips on the bike, and if I do pop for throwover bags, it seems that there is a good market for selling those vintage fiberglass cases.

Input is welcome!

[KingCustomCycles.com]

Paint those glass bags to match and they will be cool.

[medic09]

I agree with King, but throwover bags certainly work.  They need to be big enough to reach all the way over and hang properly.  If they are for a smaller bike, they may be too small.  I have a pair of Honda bags like that. 

Andy from Boston uses modern throwover bags on his trips.  Look at his ride reports. 

The nice thing about the throwovers is you can have a stripped bike in moments.  With my hard bags I have to unbolt stuff and reattach the rear lights.  I've gotten tired of that (and I have another bag with hard bags always attached) and ended up just leaving them off.

[speedy gonzalais]

Throw over bags are best, like mentioned the fibre ones just get in the way vibrate and mike a nice bike ugly.

[mystic_1]

If you use throwovers, you'll definitely need saddlebag support brackets, otherwise you stand a good chance of the bags rubbing on the rear wheel, or touching the exhaust.  Either one os bad.

Don't know of any place that still makes support brackets for CB750s but there are 'universal" kits on the market that could probably be made to work. 

mystic_1

[Sporkfly]

I like the fiberglass bags. They kind of add something to the 'classic' look. My GL1000 has plastic cases and they look halfway decent on that bike, wish they were glass, but they work anyway.

Mock up the glass and mock up a throw over bag and see which look you prefer, I'd say.

[ofreen]

I have a set of Vetter soft bags that I used for years.  The main advantage they have is they go on and off quickly.  With a few adjustments, they can be moved from bike to bike, too.  And they are better than nothing. 

The big disadvantage to soft bags is when you are traveling in crappy weather.  I have hard bags on the BMW and I fitted the CBR with GIVIs.  I haven't used the Vetter bags in years.  Once you've used hard bags for serious traveling, you probably won't want to use soft bags again, except for casual use.  Hard bags are a little more secure, too.  The soft bags are easier to swipe. 

[mystic_1]

A big +1 on that one, orfeen.  When using soft bags you soon learn to wrap everything in plastic, and to be wary about keeping anything valuable in them.

Hard bags are better if you're carrying lots of stuff too, if you overfill soft bags they bulge in inconvenient ways.  Plus, hard bag mounting is usually much more secure than throw-overs.

mystic_1

[florence]

I prefer throw-over bags.  I have a set of "Oxford" throw-overs and they don't even need modification to fit the bike.  The front part rests on the side panel and the rear bit rests on the shock absorber so no brackets needed or anything.  The best part about it is that I only have them when I need them.  When they are empty you need to have them well forward so you are sitting on them and your legs stop them from bellowing out.  When full they take care of themselves and even in heavy rain they don't leak.  Try different ones to find the shape that best suits your bike.  I would only fit hard luggage if I was going around the world or did lots and lots of touring.

[andy750]

If you use throwovers, you'll definitely need saddlebag support brackets, otherwise you stand a good chance of the bags rubbing on the rear wheel, or touching the exhaust.  Either one os bad.
mystic_1

Sorry Mystic this is not correct. Ive used several different makes of throw-over saddlebags (Oxford, Marsee, MotoPk) and never used any kind of bolt on hardware (- just stock bike/seat/grab rail ) never had any of them rub on the rear wheel or touch the exhaust - and Ive travelled 40,000+ miles touring.

Here is what I had on my last trip this summer - Motopak  (http://www.motopakluggage.com/)



Marsee bags





These bags have fold-out rain covers that actually do work and will keep your gear 90% dry -tried and tested by me in upstate NY  ). They separate into 2 parts and are held by velcro over the seat. Capacity wise I had one side and my g/f had the other side - 10 day camping trip in the Adirondacks (and hiking) - everything we had you see on the bike. They are very well designed and for the money ($75 on Ebay) better than Marsee ($180) which fell apart on me (two different sets of bags did this - lucky I only had to pay for one set). The only complaint I have (and can live with it) is the inside lining on the lid wasnt so great (see my NY trip tour report for more photos).

cheers
Andy

[mystic_1]

If you mounted those bags under the seat rather than over the seat, which is not uncommon, you'd have issues with rear wheel and exhaust contact.

mystic_1

[Geeto67]

Not all throwover bags are created equal. I have a set and I cannot ride two up with the set I have because they block the passenger pegs. The wife hates that.

[andy750]

Not all throwover bags are created equal. I have a set and I cannot ride two up with the set I have because they block the passenger pegs. The wife hates that.

Ive only found the Motopak ones to be compatible with 2-up:




cheers
Andy

[thirdeyeopen23]

@andy750

Hey man, which model of those motopak bags are those, the bigger or smaller ones?

[andy750]

Eh I forget...something like 40 liter ones....I seem to recall...they have a fold out rain cover that actually works...I liked them though the liner is a bit flimsy...but overall good value for money and would buy again.


**edit - THESE ONE - http://www.motopakluggage.com/gts40.html** - No longer available...Id go with the 60 litre next time....90L must be huge!!

cheers
Andy

[zoo mob]

My vote is hard saddlebags, I love the way they look (think old bimmer) and usually offer more protection from impact,theft, and the elements than soft.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

I'm more of a do-it-yourself'er... 

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=20051.0

[tlbranth]

Removed yoke on these throwovers and built a sissy bar/bag frame/toolbox mount. So soft bags hard mounted.