Ideas on Luggage

Looks like to get any serious use out of my bike I'm going to need at the very least enough space to store a helmet, and pref room for jacket, trousers, gloves etc (plus maybe a pack of sandwiches and a thermos!).

What have people got, do you like it, if you were buying again what would you go for now?

Low cost is good, but I don't want something that will part company with the bike somewhere on the A1.

Cheers

Nige

Hi there,

well, you're never going to get that lot stored on the bike whilst you nip to the shops! Most folks using their bike for chores will have a decent sized topbox (givi is good but various others about) and maybe a rucksack. Helmet + gloves go in the box, tools go under the seat at the back near the brake light. A few bungees under the seat give you some more options if you want to carry anything solid.
I've got some soft (Oxford) side panniers and a topbox. The panniers are surprisingly roomy.

As you are fairly new to biking I'd say get out and enjoy just riding before worrying about if you should have bought a hyundai i10 instead.

m1

I have a large topbox on mine and I can get my helmet, gloves, jacket, waterproof trousers in it  (thermos would be a struggle)

On my peddle cycles I use some cheap panniers which hold a surprising amount and I have wondered if it might be possible to fit these to my motorbike?
cycle panniers
may not be good at high speed????

I have a selection of trailers for my pushbikes for shopping etc and I have wondered about a trailer for my motorbike......Would be ideal for when I go on holiday?

I have a magnetic tank bag, topbox, tailpack which attaches to the pillion seat, and a pair of soft panniers. I can fit an implausible ammount of stuff on my bike, and it still handles OK! For just cutting about I use the tank bag, or sometimes the top box if I need a secure (lockable) container.

My CB500 came with the Kappa Wingrack.  I was going to take it off, until I realised that my GIVI set fitted onto it.  I have a V46 top box and two E41 sides.  Great for camping. 

It's not the nicest looking rack, but it does the job really well.

I can highly recommend 

http://www.getgeared.co.uk/moto-detail_motorcycle_luggage_system_80l_black?sc=28&category=202

I have this along with a givi e360 top box and a tank bag.  Im not saying i use them all at the same time etc but when it is all fitted to the bike it allows for lots to be transported or indeed lots of space to stash stuff when you get to where your going.

The roll bag which sits on the pillion seat is excellent.

Nope they all just fix straight to the bike with the usual straps and bungees.

I have this set and the older version of it.  The older version I have to say is better. I have found the older version on ebay, seriously over priced. . .  . .
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOTO-DETAIL-Universal-Luggage-System-Textil-bags-motorcycle-motorbike-/380629966070?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item589f505cf6

The benefit here is, a plate attaches to the bike and the panniers and roll bag attach to the plate via VERY heavy duty parachute / rucksack type clips.  Again tethered to pllion pegs etc with small bungees.  Ideal when going away, get to your b and b, unclip, unclip and you can take your bags into your room with you.

Where as the newer version, as shown in the link earlier, is still very good, but in my opinion not as good as its predecessor.

Hope this helps

Well, think I'll start with an old holdall then, and a quantity of bungees to hold it on the pillion seat/rack :-)

See how it goes from there.

Nige

Yes, you can fit bicycle panniers - you just need to make sure they won't come off and don't get too close to the exhaust (or they will melt).

Yes you can have a trailer - I believe it needs to be narrower than the bike and there are some weight restrictions - you also need the correct fixing to hold it on.  People do have these things (google 'motorcycle with trailer' and have a look)...

Have a look at this website:

http://www.mono-trail.co.uk/index.html

I think this is probably the 'rolls-royce' end of the trailer market, but...

Pretty clear trailer guidelines here :-

https://www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q482.htm

Of course you will then be limited on speed, using the outside lane of a 3 lane motorway etc.

Cheers

Nige