Total Motorcycle Community Forums

So i dont like the look of saddle bags and I like my tank clear. I do kinda like those small tail bags (is that what they are called?) the ones that go on the passenger seat pretty much? I just want something small to put in a bottle of water, registration, a movie, a book, etc?

Are those one size fits all or do you know of a good one that fits a nighthawk 650?

thanks

Tail bags


Most are pretty universal. Measure the space you have an estimate the size that will probably fit and go to town. When we were shopping, the guys at the Kawasaki shop were kind enough to let us walk out several models to the bike for a prop up and test out for fit.

They do a decent job of carrying little things. I toss bottled water, cameras, phone, few tools and sometimes rain gear, extra shirt, neck warmer. Though not all at the same time but that's the items I toss in there

how about a backpack?

I have a cortech tail bag and saddle bag combo for my Ninja 250. You don't have to run them together; although they work nicely together.

I suspect that many tail bags work the way mine does - it expands to a nice size, I've had a tablet PC, a full sized laptop, power cords, notebook, pens, pair of pants, bunch of lens cloths, rainX package of wipes, probably some other crap too in it at one time.

The saddlebags (for sport bikes that match my tail bag) aren't particularly useful for me right now. I usually run as I did today... Tail bag with crap in it.

I have a decent tank bag, but I bought it too small and the usefulness for it disappeared when I got the tail bag.

Edit: The tail bag is fairly big and sharing the Ninja 250 with my relatively small butt is a good snug fit. It might not work if your bike seat is smaller, butt is bigger or you get a larger bag.

RhadamYgg

I have a tail bag for the CBR and the famous BMW hard saddlebags on the R1150R but on a day to day basis, I never use them. I like carrying stuff in a knapsack.

I like these backpacks, but it is a bit much money to be out to find out if they work for me or not. If these are the right ones, they come with an integrated back protector as well.
edited to add the link dummy...

http://www.gogavingear.com/servlet/the- ... top/Detail

RhadamYgg

They don't really look too comfortable....

A backpack will do the job but it gets uncomfortable (although warm on a cold day). Much easier to pack the stuff to the bike.

I used a backpack on the days I rode to work and I had to carry a change of shoes and random things that wouldn't fit in the tail bag. I'd say for short commutes backpacks are ok, but for regular rides out, a tailbag/tankbag or saddle bags are preferred.

HYPERR wrote:They don't really look too comfortable....

That might be why I haven't gone in a crazed consumer binge and purchased it...

RhadamYgg

Shorts wrote:A backpack will do the job but it gets uncomfortable (although warm on a cold day). Much easier to pack the stuff to the bike.

I've been using a backpack for years, but I don't wear it. It sits on the back seat. I ran the shoulder straps under the seat. Since it's always there, I don't have to worry about stopping on a whim to pick up a few groceries or other small items.