Why do I use Soft Saddlebags?
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- Опубліковано 1 лип 2024
- A long awaited question, that I've gotten a lot. Why do I use Soft Saddlebags? Why I don't use hard panniers. All the Things.
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I use both.... Hard for "street" touring, soft for off-road stuff. The security is a bit better for when I'm touring.... but off-road (where I fall more.... much much more) not breaking a leg because of the luggage is nice :>
wolfman is the way to go , fall over to the side no problem like a nice big pillow
Soft luggage is the best, for sure. I don't miss the hard bags I had on my Versys at all.
I totally agree with your video comments.
Personal on most motorcycles I have used hard luggage. The reasons. First is the sense of security that I can go for that hike without worrying (alot) about theft. (As you stated.) Second, a hard tour trunk or top box make a more confidence inspiring backrest for a passenger. Third is that it is what I am use to using. This is a bigger factor than I may be willing to admit. When I started riding in the 1980's there wasn't high quality soft luggage available. The choices were hard luggage (wide range of quality), cool looking but low functioning leather luggage or generally low quality or homemade soft luggage. It wasn't much of a choice. That is when I started using hard luggage. And it has become almost a habit.
I, like many riders, use tank bags and tail bags (on the rear seat) for added capacity. At some point I would like to get some soft tank saddlebags. Many riders use both soft and hard at the same time.
The size and strength of the rider also plays a role in the choice. Large riders don't notice a twenty extra pounds as much as smaller do.
Here is a couple additional advantages of soft luggage. When empty they usually take less space to store them off the motorcycle. Second, they are easier to transfer to a new or different motorcycles. Third, it is easier to have different sizes saddlebags for one bike. That means for day trips it is easly to switch to smaller saddlebags instead of having to use saddlebags that are large enough for a multi week camping trip. Forth, a lot of soft luggage is expandable. Most hard luggage isn't expandable.
Anyone saying that one type is always better is not being open minded.
BTW, I didn't see a link to you list of additional advantages and disadvantages in the description. Did I miss it?
Currently hard because that's what comes on an Electraglide. I've had both, it depends on you, your bike and what you're doing. The best ones are what you have to get out and enjoy the world with. Good video as always. 👍😎
A few points. (1) Tim Collins of FTA (who of course you know) described in one of hits vlogs a metal cargo net that can be locked around soft luggage, minimising the prospect of bags being stolen. (2) I keep a one metre cable with combination lock (a pushbike lock actually) in my tank bag which I use to lock my helmet and tank bag to the handlebars (the tank bags locks too). I can even thread the cable through my jacket arms as well to lock it to the bike if I want to hike on a hot day. Of all the things that I don't want stolen, my helmet is top of the list, not just because of it's value ($800) but because I'm basically stuck if somebody takes it (it's compulsory to wear a helmet in all states of Australia), and it's such a hassle to carry into shops or on a hike. (3) I gather that with metal cases, condensation forms inside them at night, which means you need to have a waterproof liner. May as well just go for soft bags in the first place. (4) Thanks for the tip about metal panniers and injuring legs in a fall. I'd never thought of that. I've only dropped my bike twice when fully loaded and both times were at zero speed and I simply stepped sideways off it!
I use soft bags, but I ride a CBR sport bike. Toss over the pillion seat, attach the straps and away we go. Then take them off and into wherever we go. Thanks for sharing, you make good arguments. As mine age, I'll looking the Wolfman for throwing over the seat.
I use saddlebags on my KLR 650 but because it has a high mount muffler I added pannier frames late last year. The result, the RHS saddle bag is no longer toasting away though it won't fix the melted rear buckle on that side. The bags are securely strapped to the pannier frame on each side so they won't slip if one side is loaded heavier. It makes the set of heavy velcro cross connecting straps redundant but I still use them anyway. The bags are about 3 years old and a bit saggy so I use bungee straps hooked on to each frame to support the weight in each and to also compress the bags when empty - it makes lane filtering way easier since the bags are mounted permanently on the pannier frames.
But I have a plastic top box mounted of the KLR's rack because it is lockable and, so far, 100% water proof. The one I have was advertised for a motor scooter but it is big enough to hold 2 full face helmets without ADV type peaks/fixed visors. It was nice and cheap and easy to install. The top box is easily removable using the key.
I agree with Amanda that if you buy soft bags or hard boxes that are advertised as 100% waterproof, after a while they will leak so pack everything you want to keep dry in heavy duty plastic bags in waterproof stuffsacks in your storage system. I also use airtight food storage containers that have a gasket seal in the lid and clips on each side or the others with clips also on each end for stuff I need to keep dry and easily accessible, usually in the top box.
I use a hard case for the top box and soft ones for the sides. Cost was definitely a factor, but the added safety benefits are good too! I put important stuff in the locked top box
I like this idea. I’m going to use it.
There is a reason why the market has hard and soft saddle bags. If there was only one right choice, nobody would manufacture alternatives. Good points and be confident in what you chose and why! Thank you for a great video!
I use both, typically, I use neither. Lol I prefer to go Bagless if I can. I have a small top box mounted, I'll carry a camel bak. Depending where I'm going that's the most storage I need. I secure items with an elastic cargo net, or rockstraps. They live in my top box. Typically if I have bags on, they're my hard bags because of security. However camping off maintained roads, I'll run soft. I've went down in all configurations, I'm good at getting away from the bike though when it hits the unsavable point. I've spent as much time wrecking as I have riding. From bicycles, dirtbikes, go karts, four wheelers ect. You name it, I've probably found it's limits, or my limits with it. Lol 😆 thank you for another lovely video.
Love this! Looking into storage options for small trips now... Very much appreciate the info! I feel like sometimes we forget to think about how our extra gear might work against us in accidents/drops.
Great video, I love that you show when you go down. Keep it up.
I have hard panniers on my Super Tenere. They came on the bike and thought I'd love them. They are good for storage but the locks are a bit kinky. BUT, YOU ARE EXACTLY CORRECT. I partially dumped the bike last year in crossing a sand bar in a dry creek at sunset. I write "partially" because I ended up against a 60 degree slope and my left foot got pinned between the hard clay of the slope and the left pannier. I'm in good shape for a 70 year old, but with my left foot pinned, I couldn't get enough leverage to move the bike off my ankle or get out from under the bike. For a long thirty minutes (by myself) I was preparing for a cold night in the desert, then finally was able to get other bags off the bike so I could use my right foot to push on the right pannier rack enough to get out. But, I've never have had an iso-butane cannister go fireworks in my pannier... so there is that.... just sayin' that is one advantage.
I went with soft bags on my 20 Honda Africa & I'm glad I did. I just got back from riding the Pony Express Trail from Ft. Bridger Wy, to Eureka valley Nv, on the original track. 1200 miles round trip, 6 days and a nasty track over 7 passes up to 7000' elevation in rain, snow, hail & wind from every direction but behind. I had a couple of close calls where if I had hard bags I would have been in big doodoo, as my bags tried to eat my legs but I was able to pull em back without issue. Thanks Amanda to making up mind on this important issue that saved me this week from a bad injury.
I complete agree with these talking points. My rule is no hard bags off road.
It all fall under the ride smart category regardless.
Scott
For my daily commute I use a top case and I wouldn't want to miss the convenience of leaving my helmet on my bike when I'm at work or pick up groceries. For traveling I prefer soft bags. Everything can be packed a lot closer to te bike itself, witch makes the bike less top heavy. The top case only allows 4kg anyway. Thank you for your channel by the way. I enjoy watching it and learn a lot. Greetings from The Netherlands.
Just started changing over my luggage to Wolfman! Can't wait to complete my changeover and get rid of my hard bags. Great video!
Thanks for making this video. I’m about to get into this bike camping thing and your videos are what inspired me to do so. So thanks again, I hope to see you out there one day and hear more stories that might not have made it onto UA-cam.
Well done and discussed Amanda. Good work as usual.
I’ve had both hard and soft bags. You stated your reasons quite well for your decision to use soft bags. Simply put..... “They work for you”..... and above everything else, that is reason enough to make any choice. It isn’t a right or wrong debate, it isn’t a safety or a security issue... It is a choice on what works best for the rider. My choice is hard bags.... why? Because they work for me.👍👍😊😊
Yesss 👏👏👏 thank you Roger!
Another good, educational video by the knowledgable Amanda! 👍
Love the ' I am still learning to fall better...' best ever quote ! - :) - thanks for this video.
As someone who just got an ADV bike, Tiger 850, Your timing in posting this is perfect. Thanks.👍 So many decisions.
The 850 is on my short list for a new scoot. Just wish I could find a dealer with a demo bike available
I put Tusk soft bags on my bike with the waterproof liners that I just pull out when at a hotel or friend's. It's an easy thing.
Such wonderful content! I'm glad I subscribed.
General observation is that if you get upset over someone's luggage choice you need help. The Spyder comes equipped with a lot of hard case storage, but when I go away for a few days I also have a soft case strapped to the back seat, makes for a great backrest. 😎
👏👏 lol agreed.
I just popped in to say well done this topic. New subscriber and looking forward towards more content.
Thanks Amanda. I enjoy your videos.
Great points for sure Amanda. Like you said, it’s up to what the person likes. Hope you’re well and safe
This video was great timing. I am about to swap my road bike for an adventure bike and need to purchase new saddle bags. I was worried about dropping the bike with aluminium cases on my leg as I dropped my current bike in the mud with soft cases and I was ok (except my pride). You have swayed me more to soft bags coupled with my experience of dropping my bike!!! Thanks for your comprehensive video on this topic. 👍
Amanda, You are spot on with this video! I really love your channel! You provide useful, accurate and relevant information for Motocamping, Adventure Riding, etc. I use Wolfman Rocky Mountain Bags on my Suzuki DR650 for the trips I take. My reasons are the same as what you listing in this video. Again, great channel and thanks for all of the great info you provide!
Cheers!
❤️ thank you very much I really appreciate that 😊
End screen: still trying to figure out what luggage to use having a hard time deciding. Loving the videos, I learn so much
I also had gloves removed from a zipped pouch in Yellowstone 2 separate times in different locations in the park and it ended up being the Ravens . A worker at the park that is a motorcyclist showed me evidence of how they can unclip leather saddle bags
Ravens are wicked smart. I would pass the time in the military on maneuvers watching them take some of the craziest things.
Funny I was going to say that maybe ravens took up photography? (Tripod) like the suspect in the video.
I had the yellow Wolfman saddle bags on my last bike and they were really good durable, 100% waterproof luggage, I just wished they carried at least 5 litres more than they did. They actually saved me once, not only being waterproof, if rolled up empty, they hold air in them really well, I was parking my bike at work, lost footing, stumbled, and the bike fell on top of me but because the Wolfmans were on the bike, rolled closed, the air inside was compressed enough for me to slide my legs out from being burnt on the exhaust pipe. My workmates reckoned the yellow bags looked like floaties 😂
I've always used bags... My 05 Tiger came with them, and later when I got my 16 Tiger I made the choice to get the Explorer bags and fit then onto my 800. When those saw one to many crashes, I switched to alloy clamshells from SHAD. I run hard bags because I often commute in a city and need to lock away my kit when I'm going inside. But when I head out camping or on long trips I'll drop the side backs, retain the tail bag and add a WP duffle. It keeps me lighter in the long run, since I'm less prone to bring more than I need or bring back more than I need.
Amanda, thx for all you do for the hobby. I use soft bags for touring, but a hard plastic, Chinese knock-off top case on the luggage rack. Will be going to a dry bag style of soft luggage soon; before I head out west this year.
It's really good hearing you say that no one has messed with your bike (save that one time in Jellystone). I have a combo of a SW Motech soft bag and a Frankenstein shorty hard box on my Street Scrambler.. neither lock. I want to do some long trips this year, and security was one of my concerns. Thanks for making this video.
Excellent tuition here.
I only use hard panniers, fibre glass old school ones but I never venture off road
They’ve been pretty good value for money,,,,,, I bought them in 1981, and used them on countless bikes all the way till now 😂
Thanks for your time
Great job Amanda! I tried hard luggage because it was reasonably priced at the time when I started riding. Definitely would never go back from soft luggage anywhere, any bike, any trip for the reasons you mentioned!
Wanted to tell you Amanda that i bought my first Wolfman rolltop duffel after seeing them on your channel and just did 1086 miles with it in 3 days and i am in LOVE. Its perfect.
I've been using the same set of softbags for already 16 years now. I started with these back when I used to tour on my R6 since it was the best option at the time and found them to be plenty useful. When I switch bikes, I easily move the luggage and they've held up well over the years with the rain and even a crash. I am running a hard top case now as well, but I used a run a soft tail pack and loved it. I do see the security of the hard cases and I may pick up a set for the street in the future.
Hah, I just had this question in my head yesterday. :D I want to get a new bike next year and was thinking to get the hard saddles that come with it. After the video, I will stick with my current quality soft bags. Thanks for sharing!
I have both & I LOVE my Mosko Moto 36 Backcounty softies. I grew up backpacking & was a wilderness ranger for 8 years & softies are like a backpack to me. Comfortable & familiar! Peace (-: another great video
So many mentions of my channel in one video, thank you 🤣
Seriously though, great informative video 👍🏼 All the best!
🤣 thanks 👍
I have been riding of and on since about 1974. I am still learning. 2 days ago, I literally laid my Goldwing down in the middle of an off ramp. I was pulling my trailer on a downhill sloping ramp. The car ahead of me stopped and so did I. Before the traffic light changed, I decided to reach down to pull the cuff of my pants back over my boots. In bending over to the left, I allowed the handle bars to turn to the right just enough for the trailer to push me over, and my left foot got trapped between the rear crash bar and the ground. I have a new 50 cent piece raspberry on my ankle, but my hard side luggage didn’t even get scratched. I can grow new skin but Goldwing saddle bag covers are expensive!
Wolfman is good stuff....I use their storage dry bags. On the bike, I am 100% hard bags, for some reasons that make sense to be...that being said, soft bags are pretty awesome as well. In 325,000 miles of riding I've never had anything stolen, nor have I injured myself in a fall. But that's just me. Ride on, and looking forward to your next video!
Soft bags and I’m shopping for new, so your post is timely. Thank you!
Excellent video. I *think* I've narrowed it down to the Kriega OS base system or the Wolfman B base with rolie's. I really like the options these afford you.
So hard to decide as I can't imagine either would disappoint. Wolfman does seem to have some more accessory items to expand and customize with.
Thank you so much for video...mixing luggage w security was needed to learn....safe travels...
Amanda, that is another intelligent and educational video. You are the information girl.
Pro hard bags here but I think it's because of what I ride and where. I'm on a BMW RT that come with the bags and was engineered to have them, I also ride the slab 99% of the time.
Here's my two up highway crash and why I stick with BMW boxers and hard bags.
My wife and I were on our first big multi-day tour riding from Boston to Upstate New York via Montreal. We were on day two of the trip and had just crossed the border into Canada when a 50+ mph wind gust hit us and blew us onto the gravel shoulder where I lost control of the bike and we went down on the shoulder while going highway speeds. The bike spun around 3-4 times on the cylinder head and saddle bag and we ended up in the wet grass, we were both still on the bike when it stopped. I was super worried that my wife got injured and was relieved to find that she was fine as was I. A semi truck driver stopped to help and we got the bike back to the pavement, the cylinder head cover was scratched to shit but no holes and the hard bag was the same. I hate to think what would have happened if we were on my old Honda with the soft bags? Our legs would have taken the hit as opposed to the motor and bags of the BMW.
It's taken us years to get used to riding in the smallest wind!
+ those wolfmans look SO GOOD. Great vid Amanda!
😊🙌 Thanks so much Eric!
Love the video Amanda. I have to say I use to use soft bags because there was also more variant on cost where as hard luggage for some like Givi is very expensive. My Kawasali versys 650 came with all hard luggage, top box and panniers and so I use them, but if the cases broke, especially the side ones, I probably would go back to soft luggage. For me hard luggage for side bags wouldn't have been my first choice but I do like them a lot. Like you say it depends on what's best for you. Great video and look forward to more videos from you. Best wishes Dave
I have both for my Tiger and while I prefer soft bags for trips the hard cases are great around town. The bike is my primary transportation year-round and the hard bags are super convenient for daily use. Getting some groceries, making multiple stops you can lock up things easily and they make a nice flat platform across the rear seat. I took a radiator to the shop strapped across that platform, carried an office chair home from a yard sale, and I can strap down a large pizza in a hot bag perfectly.
I have an ST1100, it is designed with hard bags, that being said, I made my own dry bags for camping gear, and my kilts. If I were to do the adventure bike route I would be using soft bags. They make a lot of sense to me for that application. Thanks for the video, enjoy the day.
Good topic Amanda, I have two bikes , a Honda St 1300 sport touring which has fiber sturdy plastic bags they are slim , hold a lot and travel very well with a GIVI top case also a very sturdy case and only use it.really when traveling. My 2nd bike is a 2015 VStrom 650 that I truly enjoy it has metal hard side cases and I use a soft bag as my top case, these I have been thinking of changing because these cases stick out so far, and I cannot tell you how many times I’ve passed between objects and realized how close I’ve come to hitting them and most of the time it’s between cars. Watching your videos on the durability of the wolfman bags they are pricey, but you only have to buy them once and they are American made which I support.
I like both. Currently using the mosko moto bc35's they best fitted my needs when i was looking. Previously have had hard plastic or home made steel. They all have there pros and there cons. Can see this current set lasting me a long time though and have no need to switch.
Nice and Helpful... things I never thought about before!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video 👍🏽 my side bags I guess falls under the plastic category, they came with my ducat MS 950s.
I have had leather bags and hard bags on my bikes. Neither one was really waterproof. I didn't get bags on my current bike but will be looking into soft ones like yours for this one when I go out to do the thing
I have mostly had hard bags. It is always nice to have bags with locks that are keyed and open with the ignition key. It's a convenience thing. However, the BMW GS panniers open to the side and make it pretty tough to pack well. I think a top open and even moreso soft bags are much more versitile!
I use hard panniers, Kawasaki Versys 650 OEM. They offer some aero over the square box type. But I also strap a 80L drybag wrapped in a "PacSafe" with all my camping stuff in it. Can't wait for summer :)
You definitely have some valid points for why you like the gear you have. For me, it's Givi hard boxes that can switch from bike to bike very easily. I have a smaller set for when I'm local to carry groceries and rain gear. Then I have a giant set to clip on when I'm touring. I love their waterproof and lockable.
Every time I've been in a crash with the big boxes on, they take the slide instead of my leg. Some pretty gnarly Battle scars on the big boxes for sure.
I'm shopping for the next bike right now, and I won't buy one that doesn't take Givi bars/bags.
Hello, I use a hard Givi topbox and soft side panniers...it works just fine for me... Love your videos Amanda, keep 'em comming :-)
Watching your videos from Israel. Very informative, and well made.
I’m on a Bonneville t120, so rarely off pavement, but I go with soft (Burley) panniers and tank bag both for the look and the flexibility you mention in fitting “just one more little thing” in them. Like you I use wet bags inside so I can easily load and unload. In a few weeks I’m doing 3500 miles and grabbed a lone rider over lander bag (48 L) to ride on the back. I eventually plan to get an ADV bike and would probably get their soft panniers to match.
Cool video. I haven't done any long treks on my Tenere yet, so I only have a small set of basic Mosko Reckless 10s on it for just my tools - but when I was at IMS in 2019, I was talking to this gal who was a rep for Mosko and she rode her bike through Asia and Europe and she said she used one of those cable lock systems to secure her soft bags. Not sure if you ever looked into that.
Great vid!! I have a set of hard panniers (Givi) and a full set of soft luggage (Mosko) it depends on my trip which set I use. Terrain being the main choice influencer and then also the length of the trip.
I have yet to make my maiden voyage fully off-road with my Triumph Tiger. I am still new to off-road/Adventure riding. I bought hard bags off the bat and I still question that decision. I have dumped my bike once already which actually was fun.... Thanks for sharing your option and I will learn the hard way. I think both soft and hard have their place. It depends on your preference and there is no wrong answer just the right one for you.
Very good video, great topic. End screen: I have a hard trunk box, but soft(ish) side bags (that are semi-permanently attached, I've only had them off once in nearly 3 years I've had the bike/them). I've got the security of the lockable trunk, for commuting and errands and the crash friendliness the soft side bags just in case (plus...the side bags were already on the bike when I got it 🤪🤣). Happy weekend, my friend! 😊✌
It seems I have always had street bikes with fairings, hard saddle bags and a hard top box. I used dry bags/duffel bag across the passenger seat when I was tent camping. Good video for getting one think... if I was adventure riding I would probably go your route of soft bags.
I put a Viper alarm system with a super sensitive mercury (touch) sensor on my kind of beat up DRz400s, gives you peace of mind and will deter any normal thief. Got the alarm on sale for under $100 then had it installed for what ever that cost.
Are those straps from Wolfman. I like that they have a metal end that you just hook in no trying to loop or tie straps to get one end fixed to the frame
I like Wolfman products. I have a the E-12 enduro saddle bag and it’s great. Going to get a waterproof enduro tank bag as well .
Leather saddlebags since 1995. Thanks for the vids. Rocky mountain roll sold out. 😭
Thank you for this informative video. Not long ago I watched a video about hard Vs soft paniers. One of the reasons for me buying a soft ones was the fact that the hard paniers have locks similar to letter boxes.
So, I am not certain, if for a thief, this could be a greater challenge than soft panniers locking device.
Not sure if I'm part of the Answering Crew, but I'm a softie. Givi 40 Liter/80 total, throw over saddlebags, not attached or strapped. I'm lazy and I like just grabbing them and throwing them into the tent or room. I too like the thought of soft bags for the biker down situation. I don't have waterproof bags nor do I carry the rain covers that came with them and I don't have rain gear for me. Since I don't have a schedule I've decided if it's raining I don't have to ride. Keep it simple. Also, I don't have cooking things and don't start fires. I've been asked not to by a former wife, current children, and pretty much anyone who knows me. Food bars, tuna pouches, Dennys & Subway are my friends. I really like your video style. I also like your CC's. Do you use a service? If yes which one. I'm just starting out and fix up my own after UA-cam does the auto thing. Yuck, that reminds me I have to get back to work. Enjoy the ride.
Great review and tons of very valid points , some I never even thought of.
But my main point would be I’m in favour of soft bags , and that is because they are always less expensive and if you paid for hard bags and the specific mounts for them, it gets pricey. So if you don’t keep your bike and decide to upgrade ... newer ..different style etc. Soft bags always will easily adapt to your next bike. I’ve been through a few bikes over the years, and to buy hard bag specific mounting hardware to the bike you own can cost 1/3 of the price of the bags alone.
This could be a whole different subject, but I’m in favour of soft bags for the same reason I am in favour of heated gloves rather then installing bike specific heated grips. If you sell the bike, most likely bye bye to $150 etc .heated grips. Gloves come with you everywhere .
Plus , it’s great to have flexible bags if you decide to pick up an odd shaped souvenir along the way. 😄
For many years, I have been using hard panniers. God I have 12 different paniers for my bikes. Recently ordered a pair of soft bags for one of them, and will give them a go. Good info. Thanks.
Riding in the UK it's useful to retain ability to filter/lane split so one up I use a large topbox, 40L tailpack on the back seat and tent can go on top of that thereby avoiding panniers altogether but of course that wouldn't suit everyone. I used to have a Triumph Tiger Sport with factory hard panniers that was so wide it was impossible to make good progress in heavy traffic...
I have a BMW 1250RT. The hard bags are part of the design. But that was one of the reason I liked the bike. That being said THEY SHOULD OPEN FROM THE TOP! I like the style of the soft bags on adventure bikes. But for me, I’ll keep to the blacktop. I’m also getting the IliumWorks guard bars for the bags and engine next week. I don’t want to pay the replacement cost of those bags!
On my Silverwing scooter I had a hard top case and soft saddle bags (not water proof). Used dry backs inside. I also had under seat storage and a soft tunnel bag which I used for touring. The top case and under seat storage was nice for commuting back and forth to work. I was able to lock my helmet and jacket on the bike without hauling into work. I now ride a Gold Wing Tour DCT which has the hard cases integrated to the bike. I use a Mo-Tech Dry Bag on my passenger seat for long trips. I say use whatever works for you.
I totally agree with you miss. Saludos desde CDMX. México.
I love my wolfman duffle, 70 I think. Aiming to get giantloop ATW soft w/quick mount loxkable. Also I use moskomoto locking straps with cable inside (highly recommend) In front I have givi crashbar bags.
I'd like to try the lone rider bags. Semi rigid, lockable, seems like a good in between option. But I'm really just here to say I hope there's a video coming soon called "learning to fall better" or the "Art of falling better." You had me cracking up!
Lol thanks man 🤣 maybe eventually I can afford to pay Jocelin Snow to teach me about falling better
@@AstheMagpieFlies It would be cool to learn anything from Jocelin Snow!
I use Wolfman luggage and have nothing bad to say, just good reviews. What I have done lately if I am just on the road is use a hard tail bag from Kappa with the Wolfman saddle bags, it adds a little security. If I am just off road, I use all Wolfman top and sides.
Great video!!!!!! I just went from hard to soft bags for weight and safety!
I have a system similar to your and I think I've found a good setup. I keep all my valuables (GoPro, stove, InReach, or anything else valuable/fragile) in the top bag and take it in when I go somewhere. Sure, someone might steal my tent or clothes out of the side bag, but chances are they will just leave them alone looking for the valuable stuff. I'm looking into using a bike cover as this I think is a security tool that is often overlooked and I think it will help both hard and soft pannier people.
Actually another reason I keep the valuables up top is in case I crash. I keep all the soft stuff like clothes, sleeping bag, tent, etc. on the sides so if I take a tumble those are the items which will get smushed on the ground. I've had some people comment that it puts the weight up higher and I should put those items lower, but I don't want to risk banging up my cook set when my tent weighs 5 pounds so is better suited down lower.
I used to have a set of really nice expandable Italian made soft luggage bags on my Guzzi, the only problem was the high silencers cooked my wifes dress !!, also the cross over strap gave her a bruise on her backside ( silencers too high to run it under the seat)
I swapped over to Hepco and Becker Panniers, with a rack, but afterwards realised that I would have been far better off, making a small frame for each side to prevent the bags moving inwards
I still use the hard panniers, but just keep riding gear, spares and tools in them, I have a nice soft bag that I strap on the seat with my day to day clothing, and cleaning kit in
another thing if the bike falls over with soft luggage it does far less damage
I'm purchasing my first adv bike this week. I'll be getting a set of hard bags cause my wife and I primarily ride on road for tours. However I'm getting a rack that will accept a soft bag as well so I can switch between the 2 if I happen to go off-road.
I have hard bags on my HD Roadglide but I also use soft luggage along with my saddle bags. I find both to have benefits and detriment depending on how and where you ride.
I have hard bags for the street (I'm ignoring the soft bags I had from decades past). They are very nice, and don't weigh much. I doubt though that they would survive a bad crash. I'm also thinking of getting a large soft bag to go across the pillion seat above both hard bags (they open to the side, not the top).
I've recently acquired a 2004 F650GS to do (learn) more off-roady things, and am planning on soft bags for that. I've got my eye or some Wolfman bags. They look nice.
Nice video Amanda..end screen question... neither, I get to ride my bonneville without luggage, my husbands bike takes all our luggage, he is my very own Sherpa 😆. We are off to do the Scotland north coast 500 in May and so looking forwards to ‘getting out and doing the thing!’ Cheers Jackie
When camping, removable hard cases double as better beer coolers than soft bags. :)
I can attest to that.
Great points. Soft bags for sure on my V-strom 650.
Love the vids
Hi Amanda, end screen question: Both I have hard plastic paniers on 1 bike as they came with the bike from the manufacturer and on the other bike I bought soft luggage.
Kind of hard, regular leather covered saddle bags for cruisers. I don't go much off road at all, it's only to carry stuff for my rides like water, rain shield, chain lube and other things.
Currently have soft only for my Ryker, but have had hard cases on other bikes. I have gone many miles across this country and have never had an issue with anyone messing with my bikes.
Exploding the isobutane canister in the bag had me cracking up! i dont know why!! I had a cheap bic lighter explode in my truck in az just from the heat of the sun scared the hell out of me so i cant imagine that!
I do prefer semi soft bags, i have lonerider bags and they are lockable for security, awesome vid. Thank you