21-02-12, 06:39 AM
Having used both soft & hard luggage on various bikes, there are advantages/disadvantages with both systems. When I toured Ireland for a week with my partner a few years back we had a 46Litre Givi top box for her stuff & a Givi "double-decker" tank bag for mine. Lessons learned the hard way: The top box keeps stuff drier-the waterproof cover for the tank bag would draw in air & "inflate" as you travelled along-bit like an unwanted airbag! .We both learnt to travel light. First time I ever did a decent trip I took everything I thought I might ever need-the reality is very little is essential but how you pack it all can make the world of difference to your enjoyment of the journey. Top boxes have a warning in the instructions about how much weight they are designed to carry-also too much weight high up & @ the back lightens the front end.
Soft luggage is great unless you have underseat exhaust as on FZ6 Fazer-things can get a bit warm!. Also you need to be absolutely sure that the mountings are tight. Security can be an issue with soft luggage. I guess it all depends on whether you go solo/with pillion but one thing is certain we are spoilt for choice these days! I have a Givi rack & top box-without the box you have a useful carrier platform-also a Hein Gericke expanding bag that can be used as a tank bag or strapped to pillion seat. Also the "double-decker" Givi tank bag can be used singly(has map pocket) or zipped together for extra storage.-base is magnetic & has extra strap for securing to headstock.
Security of mounting/locking is vital. I was travelling up the M5 in Somerset in works van a few years ago and encountered a "Kamikazi" motorcyclist trying to pick up the contents of his top box that had spread themselves over the 3 northbound lanes. So----even if the lid is shut---make sure its locked in place! One of my pals lost a huge chain & padlock out of his box this way!
Soft luggage is great unless you have underseat exhaust as on FZ6 Fazer-things can get a bit warm!. Also you need to be absolutely sure that the mountings are tight. Security can be an issue with soft luggage. I guess it all depends on whether you go solo/with pillion but one thing is certain we are spoilt for choice these days! I have a Givi rack & top box-without the box you have a useful carrier platform-also a Hein Gericke expanding bag that can be used as a tank bag or strapped to pillion seat. Also the "double-decker" Givi tank bag can be used singly(has map pocket) or zipped together for extra storage.-base is magnetic & has extra strap for securing to headstock.
Security of mounting/locking is vital. I was travelling up the M5 in Somerset in works van a few years ago and encountered a "Kamikazi" motorcyclist trying to pick up the contents of his top box that had spread themselves over the 3 northbound lanes. So----even if the lid is shut---make sure its locked in place! One of my pals lost a huge chain & padlock out of his box this way!