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Tail bag or panniers?

grey.hound

grey.hound

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So given the choice, which would you choose.

I am looking at the givi easylock pannier system or a tail bag such as the SW Motech Evo tail bag.

my biggest question is this, in order to access the underseat storage, would the tail bag need to be be removed?

I also know that the easylock side bags are only 15 liters each, but they do lock and are semi rigid; probably easier on and off.

Any inuput is welcome.
GH

Bags-Connection EVO Rear Bag Review - webBikeWorld

GIVI Easylock System
 
I use the small motorrad tail bag and I think it's great. It almost never leaves the bike. I also like the easy lock system but I'm in California so keeping thin for lane splitting is of importance to me.
 
Tail bag. The beauty of a scooter is how much it can carry without the width added by saddlebags (panniers) like you need on a motorcycle.

I know lane-sharing is illegal in 49 of the 50 United States, but that isn't true in the rest of the world and seriously, I see motorcyclists/scooter riders lane splitting in heavy traffic even where it ISN'T legal. The rear of a scooter is typically wider than the rear of a standard motorcycle to begin with, so adding saddlebags makes them EXTREMELY "fat" behind you where you can't always check your clearance.

Just my $.02 anyway.
 
I agree about the width. I also like the way it looks better without panniers. Some bikes look good with them, others not so much. I have a rear givi case already, just looking to create more space just in case I get to take that overnight or 3 getaway. Thanks. Anybody have an answer about weather or not the bag needs to be removed to lift the seat? Oh, if I wasn't clear, this would be a bag to go on the passenger part of the seat.
 
grey.hound said:
So given the choice, which would you choose.

I am looking at the givi easylock pannier system or a tail bag such as the SW Motech Evo tail bag.

my biggest question is this, in order to access the underseat storage, would the tail bag need to be be removed?

I also know that the easylock side bags are only 15 liters each, but they do lock and are semi rigid; probably easier on and off.

Any inuput is welcome.
GH

Bags-Connection EVO Rear Bag Review - webBikeWorld

GIVI Easylock System
Click to expand...

The question is; how much stuff do you really need to carry? Murphy's law of motorcycle luggage states; "stuff will expand to fill what ever luggage you have with at least 30% left over!!" Of course not all ways, but, most of the time.

I put some pictures in the photo gallery of my Sport with; a top box, side cases, and some duffle bags. I was on a camping trip and had the maximum gear I would carry. The top box never comes off, and with under seat storage is enough space for a summer weekend trip staying in a motel. you could add the side cases for a second person or to carry more gear for colder weather. For long Summer hotel trips (two plus weeks) , I skip the side cases and throw a large duffle bag over the rear seat. My wife won't ride, so, I travel alone.
As far as lifting the seat with a tail bag, put your emergency gear ( rain gear, tools, etc.) under the seat. It's just an organizational planning problem. You have to try different things and see what works for you.
Easy Lock system? Fifteen liters is real small. Although, you can leave the rack on and get some large saddle bags and the rack keeps the bags from damaging the bike and the wheel from chafing the bags.
 
Your handlebars ar the widest part of the bike...if THEY fit through while lane filtering, the side bags will too.:) It's just psychological. My brother and I did a tour of the Sierras with side bags/panniers on BOTH our bikes...and lane split in traffic.:cool:


Here is a C600 with side bags and Top Box...
With FUGLY Top Box.webp

And without the FUGLY Top Box...
Side Bags Only (1).webp
 
I agree with you about the more room, the more you'll carry. Just trying to get some ideas. I don't mind the top box on scooters.

I actually think that balance is important on any bike. I think the windshield should be about the same height as the top box and if you have panniers, the front fairing should also have some width. But now we're talking aesthetics and that's mostly vanity, not function.
 
grey.hound said:
I agree about the width. I also like the way it looks better without panniers. Some bikes look good with them, others not so much. I have a rear givi case already, just looking to create more space just in case I get to take that overnight or 3 getaway. Thanks. Anybody have an answer about weather or not the bag needs to be removed to lift the seat? Oh, if I wasn't clear, this would be a bag to go on the passenger part of the seat.
Click to expand...

My Silverstone bag currently resides on the passenger seat and must be removed to gain access to the trunk. That is why I will soon get a luggage rack.
 
I use a soft sided cooler that has a shoulder strap, can fit my helmet, tons of misc including purchases while out exploring, and is waterproof. Secure it with a couple tarp bungee cords and take it off after each ride. Probably sounds like a pain (it's not), but it is part of my routine for those few times I need more storage than is available in the trunk...that is not often.
 
I'm hoping to take a two day trip this spring and was planning on adding the Givi panniers and a center console bag. That should be more than enough to store all my stuff. I've never been a fan of top boxes. My co-worker has the BMW top box on his c600 and he likes it though.
 
IMAG1503.webpIMAG1508.webpIMAG1514.webpIMAG1515.webp

I bought the mounts for the givi easylock but use my own cortech bags that I got used for $50, so 160 all in and I like it.
I bought tarp rivet kit at a camping store and stamped the holes out then tied each one to the side. the mount almost feels like protectors than holders. and the bags are extendable and don't interfere with riding. I tend to do my week long trip to eastern Wa with one on the left side and the rest of what I need under the seat.
 
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