I use both a tail bag and saddle bags-it depends. When I go on solo rides, I use a tail bag, but when I ride with my girlfriend, I prefer using saddle bags.
I use aluminium panniers with bag inserts and aluminium top case. I had soft saddle bags initially and gave it away since it eats into your flexibility. While on the ride u can leave the metal panniers and go around visiting the place. Secondly no matter how much balancing you do the saddle bags have a tendency to lean on a side making it a real frustrating job to keep balancing it.
Both have their own advantages & limitations. Soft luggage is significantly lighter than aluminum panniers, which helps improve fuel efficiency and handling, especially on off-road or technical terrains. In case of a fall or crash, soft luggage can absorb some of the impact and is less likely to cause injury to the rider compared to hard panniers, which can pose a higher risk. Also, when not riding, soft bags can be stored easily, taking up minimal space in our urban homes :)
I started my motorcycle journey with viaterra condor 2 up saddle bags but after 1 year, I shifted to tail bag and now I never want to go with saddle bags unless I m going on a month long tour. Reason: during crosswind, saddle bags pushed my bike much more and 2nd the added width
agree... I am on similar set up I have hh45 for himalayan, hh75 for tiger when I ride for more than 15 days. I also use the dirt sack crash bar as a rackless option. I would love to see viaterra come up with rack less systems
I used the Viaterra Claw for almost 4 years (on my CBR 250R and 390 Adv) before buying a pair of Condor Solo saddlebags to tour on my 390 Adv. Based on my practical experience touring across Uttarakhand, covering almost 4000 km and riding in the rain for over 4 hours with the Claw, I now have a slightly different perspective. First of all, the Claw doesn’t fit perfectly on the 390 Adv due to its wide grab handles, but it felt like a natural part of the bike on the CBR 250R. The mounting on the CBR 250R was exceptional. During my Uttarakhand trip, the Claw was fully packed, and once on the road, it becomes a challenge to balance the weight on both sides while packing. It wasn’t always easy to carry a fully loaded tailbag (25 kg) on one shoulder along with a helmet, gloves, and almost 6-7 kg of riding gear when I had to go up or down 2-3 staircases, especially in hilly areas. I say this even though I consider myself fairly fit. Then, I bought the Condor Solo and have since toured for almost 5000-6000 km with it. Its highway performance is phenomenal, and the bike feels very stable and confident, even at speeds over 100 km/h. There’s no issue with the bag sliding forward during moderate-heavy braking, which was a regular occurrence with the Claw, even after tying everything properly. With the saddlebags, the extra space on the rear seat allows me to carry an additional 30L in a separate tailbag (I use the Dirtsack Max 30) or gives me more flexibility in special cases. In one ride, I even carried a bag for my riding buddy on the rear seat because it was getting too uncomfortable for him on his Duke 390.
We appreciate your loyalty & continued trust in ViaTerra! Great to know how you’ve adapted your setup for different scenarios :-) Ride safe and keep sharing your adventures with us!
I own a Viaterra Claw mini (2017), Viaterra DSLR tank bag and another vendor's saddle bags along with a 42L top box. What I realized is that the bike is much more comfortable to ride with saddlebags in terms of Center of Gravity with saddle bags than with a claw sort of setup. Also, being a shorter rider (5' 7"), mounting and dismounting is easier with saddle bags. 1. If my ride ends up with me reaching a location and staying there until I return home, saddle bags work best. The cumbersome carrying mechanisms of carrying the bags don't bother me daily. 2. If I have to move from location to location daily, I use the top box with either the claw or the tank bag, setup being clothes, footwear, toiletries and charging equipment, while spares, lubes, tools etc. go in the top box which remain on the bike overnight.
Saddlebags definitely have their advantages when it comes to balance and ease of use, especially for longer stays at a single location. On the other hand, your approach of using the top box with the Claw or tank bag for multi-location trips seems like a smart way to keep essentials accessible while leaving heavier gear secured on the bike overnight. It's all about finding that perfect balance between convenience and comfort on the road!
@ViaterraGear I do have a tail bag which is somewhat like a hammerhead tail bag of a different brand bought in Nepal. I use it to carry things and can be opened only on reaching the destination but am looking for an easy access bag and found one the Rynox Optimus tank bag but before that I need to have a perfect rear Carrier to fit my tank bag which I haven't found yet one to go with my Honda HighNess 350cc. Still looking for one matching the design of my motorcycle. Lastly I love the Hammerhead design too but the price definitely wasn't my cup of tea but maybe Will get my hands when it's on offers. Till then take care and always looking your Viattera products.
For today's gen , fashion and gears are more for show and displaying money 😂. A person who loves riding , rides and buys few required items when it's really needed. All fashion no skill rider generation
I use both a tail bag and saddle bags-it depends. When I go on solo rides, I use a tail bag, but when I ride with my girlfriend, I prefer using saddle bags.
Thanks for sharing your unique perspective on using both tail bags and saddlebags!
I use aluminium panniers with bag inserts and aluminium top case. I had soft saddle bags initially and gave it away since it eats into your flexibility. While on the ride u can leave the metal panniers and go around visiting the place. Secondly no matter how much balancing you do the saddle bags have a tendency to lean on a side making it a real frustrating job to keep balancing it.
Both have their own advantages & limitations. Soft luggage is significantly lighter than aluminum panniers, which helps improve fuel efficiency and handling, especially on off-road or technical terrains.
In case of a fall or crash, soft luggage can absorb some of the impact and is less likely to cause injury to the rider compared to hard panniers, which can pose a higher risk.
Also, when not riding, soft bags can be stored easily, taking up minimal space in our urban homes :)
I started my motorcycle journey with viaterra condor 2 up saddle bags but after 1 year, I shifted to tail bag and now I never want to go with saddle bags unless I m going on a month long tour. Reason: during crosswind, saddle bags pushed my bike much more and 2nd the added width
Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts on saddlebags vs tailbags!
using HH45L tailbag since long time now, super perfect. Moreover Viaterra should develop reckless tail bags too. New way to carry the luggage.
agree... I am on similar set up I have hh45 for himalayan, hh75 for tiger when I ride for more than 15 days. I also use the dirt sack crash bar as a rackless option. I would love to see viaterra come up with rack less systems
I used the Viaterra Claw for almost 4 years (on my CBR 250R and 390 Adv) before buying a pair of Condor Solo saddlebags to tour on my 390 Adv. Based on my practical experience touring across Uttarakhand, covering almost 4000 km and riding in the rain for over 4 hours with the Claw, I now have a slightly different perspective.
First of all, the Claw doesn’t fit perfectly on the 390 Adv due to its wide grab handles, but it felt like a natural part of the bike on the CBR 250R. The mounting on the CBR 250R was exceptional. During my Uttarakhand trip, the Claw was fully packed, and once on the road, it becomes a challenge to balance the weight on both sides while packing. It wasn’t always easy to carry a fully loaded tailbag (25 kg) on one shoulder along with a helmet, gloves, and almost 6-7 kg of riding gear when I had to go up or down 2-3 staircases, especially in hilly areas. I say this even though I consider myself fairly fit.
Then, I bought the Condor Solo and have since toured for almost 5000-6000 km with it. Its highway performance is phenomenal, and the bike feels very stable and confident, even at speeds over 100 km/h. There’s no issue with the bag sliding forward during moderate-heavy braking, which was a regular occurrence with the Claw, even after tying everything properly. With the saddlebags, the extra space on the rear seat allows me to carry an additional 30L in a separate tailbag (I use the Dirtsack Max 30) or gives me more flexibility in special cases. In one ride, I even carried a bag for my riding buddy on the rear seat because it was getting too uncomfortable for him on his Duke 390.
We appreciate your loyalty & continued trust in ViaTerra! Great to know how you’ve adapted your setup for different scenarios :-)
Ride safe and keep sharing your adventures with us!
Thanks Viaterra for understanding rider pain points .
We're happy to help make your riding experience better!
Perfectly Explained.
Hope some of the Riders Understands.
We are glad you found the explanation helpful! Understanding the differences can really make a difference on the road.
Claw pro always makes me happy with my choice. Best for solo. Thanks Viaterra.❤
We appreciate your feedback!
1:47 right side image of KTM Adventure with saddle stay - May I know which company saddle stay is that?
Sw motech
Or
Givi
I believe
It's the Saddle Bag Stay - KTM Adventure 250/390. Visit our website
- viaterragear.com/products/saddlebag-stay-ktm-adventure-250-390
It's the Saddle Bag Stay - KTM Adventure 250/390. Visit our website
- viaterragear.com/products/saddlebag-stay-ktm-adventure-250-390
Covered pretty much all the points!
Thank you for your feedback!
I own a Viaterra Claw mini (2017), Viaterra DSLR tank bag and another vendor's saddle bags along with a 42L top box. What I realized is that the bike is much more comfortable to ride with saddlebags in terms of Center of Gravity with saddle bags than with a claw sort of setup. Also, being a shorter rider (5' 7"), mounting and dismounting is easier with saddle bags.
1. If my ride ends up with me reaching a location and staying there until I return home, saddle bags work best. The cumbersome carrying mechanisms of carrying the bags don't bother me daily.
2. If I have to move from location to location daily, I use the top box with either the claw or the tank bag, setup being clothes, footwear, toiletries and charging equipment, while spares, lubes, tools etc. go in the top box which remain on the bike overnight.
Saddlebags definitely have their advantages when it comes to balance and ease of use, especially for longer stays at a single location.
On the other hand, your approach of using the top box with the Claw or tank bag for multi-location trips seems like a smart way to keep essentials accessible while leaving heavier gear secured on the bike overnight.
It's all about finding that perfect balance between convenience and comfort on the road!
Every brands giving discounts this jan it would be helpfull if you provide one too ...atleast 10 % would push us to spend extra over rynox
Please connect with the team to learn more about discounts and offers. Phone (+91 88866 51324)
Howdy! I definitely agree with you in terms of luggages. Lesser the better.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It's always great to hear different perspectives on luggage options for our adventures.
@ViaterraGear I do have a tail bag which is somewhat like a hammerhead tail bag of a different brand bought in Nepal. I use it to carry things and can be opened only on reaching the destination but am looking for an easy access bag and found one the Rynox Optimus tank bag but before that I need to have a perfect rear Carrier to fit my tank bag which I haven't found yet one to go with my Honda HighNess 350cc. Still looking for one matching the design of my motorcycle. Lastly I love the Hammerhead design too but the price definitely wasn't my cup of tea but maybe Will get my hands when it's on offers. Till then take care and always looking your Viattera products.
What is recommended for cbr650r?
Saddle bags and small tank bags, like K us10
@ashishkarya saddlebags would need saddle stays
You can check out our Claw Mini or a modular setup of the Pod 12/22ltrs tail bags! Here - viaterragear.com/collections/tailbags
@@ViaterraGear i have the pods both of them. But it's not adequate.
For today's gen , fashion and gears are more for show and displaying money 😂. A person who loves riding , rides and buys few required items when it's really needed. All fashion no skill rider generation