Here are my Cortech's. They stay put and are easy to remove and install for motel stays

 

Depends on how much space you need... if I only needed over night stuff - I'd take my tank bag. For a 5 night 4000km ride (tomorrow) I'll take side/top and tank. Left side for clothes (away from exhaust if there is a problem), right side for tools (heavy), top for sleeping bag, spare sweater, tank for electronics, toll money, and maps, plus spare sweater... tent straps onto the top of the tail bag or in it if I pack very carefully.

 

Nice. What kind of tools and supplies do you pack?

 

Wow! Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like no one has tried the large Nelson Rigg saddle's (SSC-150 Deluxe Sport Saddlebag) but are quite happy with the mini ones (SSC-140 Mini Sport Saddlebag). Nobody near me carries either of them, so I have to order online without seeing if they fit. I'd like to try the bigger ones, but I think I'll wait to see if anyone knows if they'll fit.

Amnesia

 

Here is an old list I had started:

- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Tarp/plastic for under the tent...
- bug spray
- large clear garbage bags
- thermarest (if it fits)
- bungee cords
- mini-flashlight (I have a crank one)

- Basic tool kit
- spare fuses
- duct tape
- zip ties
- tire pump
- tire gauge
- tire patch/plug kit?
- chain lube
- oil (my bike drinks it)
- spare bike key

- knife
- fork?
- water bottles
- granola (om nom nom nom)
- zip lock bags

- wash kit
- mini towel
- chap stick
- mini first aid kit
- Pain medicine for aches

- sweater
- sweat pants
- spare gloves (winter/summer)
- sneakers
- thick socks
- riding pants or shorts... something without hard seams.

- Passport
- Phone list
- Insurance documents!
- Toll money / small US money
- GPS
- FRS
- heated vest?
- camera?
- phone?
- AAA batteries for FRS radio backup
- FRS radio charger

- tin foil for our fish
- fishing tackle
- salt
- mini-becel packs

For tools - spark plug, phillips, slot head, hex for the plastics, 27/21/8 for the chain, vice grips and a medium length bar if on a long trip. Zipties, electrical tape and duct tape. Can patch up plastics with that if you have too... and a utility knife TAPED shut! I have a small multihead screw driver that is handy for most jobs as well - including a punch tool.

That'll get you started anyhow

 

A search found the Nelson Rigg saddle bags on the ninja 250 site... seem to be quality kit as well. Around here it seems more people have the cortech gear... and that's all I can comment on. So far so good!

 

Great info guys. Do you know if any of the top-bags mentioned in this post can be fitted further back (like the regular hard top boxes) so that I can still travel with thepillion? Thanks for any feedback and photos.

 

The fabric top boxes attach with bungee chords or straps. These need to be around something, and with the shape of the tail it'd have be a small bag to fit on the tiny bit of plastic back there.

Two up - another reason for a tank bag

If you need more gear - GIVI probably has a rack that would be compatible with any bag. In the past I have even used a small rubber maid box! The rack will pick up some strength from the frame, and can be turned forwards or backwards (depending on if you have a passenger or not)

 

Hey woot, thanks for the info, will certainly lookout for a rack. I know that a lot of people prefer the hard luggage, but to me they don't seem right on a sportsbike!

 

So has anyone ever rode with the tank bags and a passenger? We're going to the dells tomorrow and I have my tribag tank back and shes going to wear a backpack and she thinks we need more space. I was thinking of picking up the cortech sport saddle bags.

Mike