Hi all, I'm looking to get a tail bag for a fj1200 in the distant future. (not in any hurry right now) I already have a rack that I can attach to. I'm open for advantages/disadvantages between a hard case vs. soft case. Any suggestions are a great help.
Thanks
Quote from: LarryFJ1990 on May 28, 2015, 04:08:27 PM
Hi all, I'm looking to get a tail bag for a fj1200 in the distant future. (not in any hurry right now) I already have a rack that I can attach to. I'm open for advantages/disadvantages between a hard case vs. soft case. Any suggestions are a great help.
Thanks
As a life long user of soft luggage (by now I have at least one of every size, shape and configuration)
I recently fitted a top box for general use. No contest. The hard case wins hands down in every sense AND it was cheaper than an equivalent size bag.
It's waterproof and lockable, my helmet fits inside, no seams to fray, no zippers to wrestle with or break, it won't turn purple/brown from the sun over time, it won't stain if you spill something in it, it's detachable in a second, it locks onto the bike securely, it's aerodynamic and doesn't flutter at speed, it looks sharp etc. all for $110.
I still use soft luggage for trips though. Not because it's better, but because a full set of quality hard luggage is $1500.
Noel
I agree with Noel. You can buy an inexpesive top box cheaper than a tail bag and no contest. That said I do have a large top box that will fit 2 helmets and recently was shopping for a smaller tail bag for shorter local area trips. I even took my tank bag and strapped it on the rear rack and it didn't look to bad. No real answers yet. There is the option of a small top box also but the tail bag looks better IMO for local riding in good weather.
Cycle Gear has this one http://www.cyclegear.com/SEDICI-Veneto-Tail-Bag (http://www.cyclegear.com/SEDICI-Veneto-Tail-Bag). It might be larger than I need but under some consideration.
George
For years I used an Eclipse brand tail bag. It was large enough to put a full fave helmet in. It had a single bungee cord sewn around the base and 4 loose hooks too attach with. I doubt they make it anymore.
I also have a complete set of hard bags and top box. No comparison, hard luggage is the way to go.
When I have the luggage and frame removed. A good sized tank bag fits the bill nicely.
Here is the only photo I have of my eclipse bag. Circa. 1993
Fred
The only problem I have with a tank bag on the FJ tank is hitting the damn horn button in a sharp turn... :). Usually when I am backing up the bike...
George
I just picked up this one from Amazon and am quite happy with it. It's expandable and includes a rain cover and all the straps necessary to secure it in place. It can be put on and taken off in about 5 minutes, and it's also quite affordable.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RGQ1OJW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RGQ1OJW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00)
Hard Tail pack has much greater utility than any of the soft tail packs, and its lockable.
I grew up in a tough area and there's no way I'd leave a $500 helmet in a soft tail pack.
I have no worries when leaving my helmet, gloves, and any other valuables in the locked hard tail pack.
I have used many soft bags previously and there is no contest (want to buy one?)
Any passenger you have will also feel more secure with a solid backrest.
Hard bag is my recommendation also. I had a small Givi hard tail bag, and bought another larger one for trips. Eventually I sold the small one and only use the large one.
Here is what I use -- its perfect for the FJ. I attach it to the rear handle bars and the front loops onto the frame under the seat. When I want to remove the seat I just click off the front and fold it back while still attached to the rear and the seat can be removed easily. It expands and has the rain cover that stays attached in a concealed compartment when not in use. Two side areas hold small items like wallets, cameras or phones - to allow easy access. The side area have a hard protective shell to prevent collapsing. I found mine for around 50 bucks so look more for better deals
OGIO is the way to go
http://www.cyclegear.com/OGIO-Tail-Bag?mr:trackingCode=BF6BCEDE-CDDB-E311-8BFD-90E2BA028069&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=plaonline&mr:ad=51808845257&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=18283950120&kpid=36655-114909-Stealth&gclid=CNbf09CO78UCFUiPfgodsq8AIw (http://www.cyclegear.com/OGIO-Tail-Bag?mr:trackingCode=BF6BCEDE-CDDB-E311-8BFD-90E2BA028069&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=plaonline&mr:ad=51808845257&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=18283950120&kpid=36655-114909-Stealth&gclid=CNbf09CO78UCFUiPfgodsq8AIw)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/8/596_01_06_15_12_38_51.jpeg)
Thanks for all the great input. This helps a ton :good2: