Topic: Saddlebags/Panniers

[RichK2]

Hey all,
I'm looking for some removable saddlebags (soft) for my CB750K2 and not having much luck. Does anyone know of a decent model that may fit my bike without having to be practically on the front of the seat to avoid the turn signals?

Thanks
Rich

[MoTo-BunnY]

I went with the "Willie & Max" brand and have been really impressed by them - I have used them for over two years now, to often carry heavy loads like groceries and books, with no problems or rips. They are made of heavy-duty 'pleather' that looks totally like leather. (and doesn't mold, from all of our rain here in Oregon) They are really reasonably priced and offer many different styles - u might want to check out feeBay, as I got mine WAY cheaper than retail.

On my bike, I slung them over the rear support thingy that holds the rear fender, and the seat comes down over the center strap. However, I have non-stock turn signals and a different grab bar set-up, so dunno if they would work for you?

Mine are just like these:

[MCRider]

Hey all,
I'm looking for some removable saddlebags (soft) for my CB750K2 and not having much luck. Does anyone know of a decent model that may fit my bike without having to be practically on the front of the seat to avoid the turn signals?

Thanks
Rich

generally, you have to move your turn signals back to fit saddlebags.  Various accessory outlets have turnsignal set back kits. They usually mount on the license plate bracket.

[jmckinne]

rich-

Here are some pics of the bags on my bike. I avoided having to move the turn signals by making a small cutout in the center strap for access to the seat lock key. It can not be seen. They don't get in the way, and in my opinion the style doesn't clash with the bike's looks. When they are fitted riders can still sit comfortably. On mine where they sit the back of the bag lids does sit against the turn signal stalks but they can still be opened and closed.

They are from River Road and were very reasonable, around $100 at my LMS. They come in braided, studded, and plain. I went with plain - again, I thot it went best with the style of bike.

They are of course smallish, and the slant does rob you of a bit of space too. My laptop for instance does fit in them but the lid will not close when it is in it. That means it could get wet, so I eventually bought a courier bag for the laptop. That was just for peace of mind.

They will carry two grocery bags apiece plus a little more.

Up front I have a fork bag from The Iron Horse. I got the largest they make. I keep my rain gear in it all the time so I am "all weather". It fills the bag, but I wanted to keep my saddle bags clear for groceries etc.

What ever bags you get make sure and put a little set of bungees in it first thing. With those you can carry damn near anything on the back of the seat and grab bar.

[andy750]

No! You dont need to move any turn signals anywhere! I have the 40 litre MotoPak saddlebags with fold -out rain covers (not wet after several thunderstorms) and fitted by two straps (clip in buckles) -only $75 or so. Here is a shot from last week - we were riding 2-up for 1200 miles with these bags. Worked great on my K4 with small K2 turn signal stems (this is the key!). The bags were pushed back so passenger could get to the footpegs and due to small stems the saddlebags rested on top of the turn signals. Hand signals were required for turning corners 







And bags off.....



with rain covers....in the rain 




good luck
Andy

[jmckinne]

andy-

So did you mean that with the shorter signal stalks the bags will go on but then the signals are covered so you have to use hand signals?

Looks like an awesome ride btw. Nice to know you could go on a 1200 mile 2up tour with the 750 if you want to...

[andy750]

andy-
So did you mean that with the shorter signal stalks the bags will go on but then the signals are covered so you have to use hand signals?

No you dont have to use hand signals if someone is directly behind you the turn signals are still visible. But side on they are covered so ideally hand signals should be used...I started out with the hand signals but gave up after a very short while 

Ive only done long distance riding solo so yeah it was good to know it can also be done 2-up. More photos in the Trip Report section.

cheers
Andy

[MCRider]

andy-
So did you mean that with the shorter signal stalks the bags will go on but then the signals are covered so you have to use hand signals?

No you dont have to use hand signals if someone is directly behind you the turn signals are still visible. But side on they are covered so ideally hand signals should be used...I started out with the hand signals but gave up after a very short while 

Ive only done long distance riding solo so yeah it was good to know it can also be done 2-up. More photos in the Trip Report section.

cheers
Andy

I did say "generally" after all.    I too used the shorter stalks with some large Eclipse soft bags. But after a few trips i was so paranoid about the side view being covered, I moved them back with some home made brackets so they were right behind the bags and not on the license plate mount.

Another place to mount them would be on the rack, when you have a nice big one like that.

Nice pictures and trip, BTW. Ain't cycles fun?

[andy750]

Thanks Ron. I had the rack for years and never used it but now Im going 2-up a lot its very handy to have. We can fit a lot of gear on the back now including a cooler for going to the beach. I also have a padded sissy bar but the g/f couldnt get her leg over when that was on.

I switched to shorter stems (Yamiya sell them) for the luggage reason and also up front for a cleaner look like the K2 - I like it.

Cheers
Andy

[RichK2]

wow. I'm away for a day and all this feedback! Thanks for this input everyone - really helps! I'm going to check out all the items suggested here and make a decision.

Now i just have to wait for the forest fire smoke to subside so i can actually get on the bike!
Thanks again -
rich

[andy750]

Hey Rich,

Dont let forest fires stop you riding. When I was riding in Mexico I found myself riding through the mountains at night and I could see a ring of fire up on the mountain. As I got closer I could see it was a forest fire and saw some local cowboys trying to put it out. They stopped and stared as I rode through the fire on each side of the road - the tarmac melting under my tires 

good lucl
Andy