Hi all,
I have a 1996 F3 which I recently purchased.
I've given it a complete tuneup (plugs, oil, air cleaner, cleaned carbs, etc).

I'm planning to do some long distance riding with my GF this summer, and was wondering if there is anything I can do for storage.


Is there any sort of removable (non permenant) hard saddlebags for F3's? Keep in mind it will be a 2up ride, so I would need the passenger seat room.

My passenger will obviously have a backpack filled with stuff aswell.

Thanks for any tips/info. I don't like the fact that I have NO storage at all on my bike. My friends GSXr has a nice little compartment to hold water and a bag of chips or something

 

Im not sure if anyone makes a set of saddle bags for a cbr. If your good at fabrication, you could probably make a set of mounts. You can also use a tank bag. they dont hold alot of stuff, but it is something and they make magnetic ones that just sit on the tank.

the other thing you will need to consider is your gf. sitting on the back of a sportbike, which isn't comfortable as it is, for a long distance, and having a backback full of stuff is going to make her experience a bad one. Riding solo on these bikes for distance isnt too bad, but with a passenger is a whole other story.

Im not trying to discourage you, but maybe take a few small trips, say 100 miles or so and see how you both feel. Dont just jump on and ride around for 20 minutes and think its going to be the same as an all day trip. The last thing you want is to get to your destination, and not want to get back on the bike for the trip home. The difference in riding 100 miles and 200 miles is night and day when your 2up.

You basically have a street legal racebike. Something tells me you might be better off with a sporttouring bike like a vfr or something.

 

I was actually looking for a sport touring, but couldn't pass up the deal on the F3. I got it for a very fair price, so I decided f* touring

I've done 4 hours of continues riding already and it really wasn't too bad. We would make frequent stops for some R&R.

My GF is always up for trying stuff...no wonder we've been together for soooo many years. LOL. If I were her, I would have left me long time ago.

Anyway.. I'll look into the TANK bag you suggested. It sounds like it might work.

 

ya, cant blame for not passing on a good deal. My first bike was a 98 F3. I loved that bike. Its definately better than the newer sportbikes for comfort and long distances, and plenty of power to make ya grin.

 

So i've looked at some tank options. I don't think its going to cut it.

I'm going to take some pics of the rear of my bike tomorrow and start planning on fabbing something. I'm thinking of making a steel plate under the seat with an attachment on the left and right.

I would also make two small attachments which would perm. stick on to two small size hard case luggage. The hard case bags would than bolt on two the plate under the seat.


Sounds easy in my head..but I know its going to be hard. It always ends up being hard

Might be worth it though. I don't plan on getting rid of the bike. I find it comfortable enough to be able to do some touring. And yes, powerful enough to put a grin on my face

To the drawing board!

 

They make soft saddle bags that can easily fit on your sport bike. Here's a good site to at least give you some ideas, if not purchase from (New Enough people are great) http://www.newenoughhp.com/luggage/saddlebags_/

 

I use this system on my F3, its a Ventura rack & fitted bags. Its easy to put on (20 minutes with coffee & a snack) Once fitted, the rack itself is easy to remove, I have two bags (different sizes) that can be zipped together for more storage if needed, the bags come off in seconds & have carry handles.
1st pic is of the smaller bag, 2nd pic is both bags, if your interested: http://www.ventura-bike.com/default.aspx

 

YES!
Thats exactly what I'm looking for.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! It looks pretty nice too!

 

looks good
its could function as a spoiler too !!!


i was looking for a rear seat bag this gives me an idea of what it would look like

 

Good tips already suggested. Basically, I can say that whatever method you decide, only take what you really *need*. The lighter the load the better. You'll thank yourself later. ;-)

Frequent breaks are indeed the key to a good roadtrip...especially w/a passenger. As suggested, take a shorter trip or two initially to iron out your particular method. You'll be surprised how much you'll learn in a those smaller trips.

Good luck.