Comments | rbetts: dear interwebs... what hard luggage is best for a vfr (vtec gen)

rbetts

dear interwebs... what hard luggage is best for a vfr (vtec gen)

Feb 07, 2009 14:05

Where "best" means:

* holds full faced helmet.
* locks.
* is water tight.
* values low price over, say, matching the bike's paint color exactly (or at all).

*--Ryan.

Comments 8

rbetts February 8 2009, 15:41:38 UTC

Yeah .. the corbin bags seem to mixed reviews from those that see them in person (at least on vfrworld.com). I don't think leatherlyke makes models for my vfr.

The most popular (in a very limited field) seem to be the givi v35s - these seem to fail the cost test. I think the givi's e36 or e45 are cheaper and seem to be as functional. Maybe finding a set of the e's used is the best route?

Should find one somewhere and see if my helmet fits..

*--Ryan.

motomuffin February 8 2009, 17:51:34 UTC

We have a Givi e45 topcase on the CBR; I'd be happy to bring it to you for inspection. Fits my helmet. Yes, used is the way to go!

motomuffin February 8 2009, 17:49:57 UTC

MT has the Honda bags on his; they fit well and have lots of of room. But they are paint-matched and were (both bags + mounting hardware) $800 ( ... )

rbetts February 9 2009, 00:11:56 UTC

hm .. a topcase. I hadn't really pictured it this way - but it would be sufficient space for commuting and cheaper. Great tip!

motomuffin February 10 2009, 00:27:14 UTC

I took some peeektures for you.

We have a CBR in the basement with a Givi "Wingrack" and a Givi topcase. We also have a VFR in the basement with a Honda rack and paint-matched Honda bags (made by Givi) :-)

First, The CBR and its Givi wingrack & topcase

The CBR from the front with its topcase on

The CBR without its topcase -- this is what the rack looks like. It feels like ceramic. I don't know what it's actually made out of.

The CBR from another angle. Note that this rack accommodates Givi bags on the top AND the sides. The topcase snaps to the sides just as easily as it snaps onto the rear of the rack. But I only have the one. ;-)

You have a 5th gen VFR, right? Here's MT's VFR with its bag rack installed -- note how soft bags (Cortech Tourmasters) scuffed the paint over the "TER" in Interceptor; they were on the bike for maybe 2,000 miles, and had an intact mounting pad. Honda's paint is just soft. :-( Also note how much cleaner Honda's rack install is than Givi's.

VFR with a bag on -- I only popped one sidecase on ( ... )

rbetts February 10 2009, 02:39:27 UTC

When spring arrives, birds will return from foreign shores chirping of your widely known AWESOMENESS.

Thanks! That's really helpful.

tyauving_awa February 10 2009, 01:58:13 UTC

I was quite pleased with the Givis and wingrack setup I had on my KZ. With three cases I could haul about as much as small car. Of course, the cases made the bike about as wide as a small car. Just a top box keeps things nice and slim for riding in tight quarters. The wingrack does come in black if you'd like a lower profile install than above.

rbetts February 10 2009, 02:40:03 UTC

The top rack seems practical.. I'm still working on the psychological aspects!