GSX750F Luggage

[cbfb]

I've bought a '99 GSX750F as an all-round road bike but will be doing some touring on it. The longest trip I've got planned is 10 days down South in March 2018.

I'm looking at what luggage to get. So far I have a nice Givi magnetic tank bag.

The bike came with a top box which you can't knock functionally but man it's hideous. As I've got it already I guess I'll use it on longer trips.

I'd like to get some saddlebags as well. There's dozens of options online but I want some input from people who own the same model bike because I know you don't always get a good result from slapping any old bags on a bike (made a hole in one many years ago when it caught on the rear tyre :facepalm:)

I want something that fits without any dicking around, even if it means installing mounting brackets etc. Not keen on having elaborate bungee cord setups, only takes one to fail and get wrapped in the chain/wheel, bugger that.

Not keen on hard luggage because it's generally more expensive. I could be persuaded tho.

I will go into the local bike shops but they don't have a massive range and tend to be more expensive.

[Blackbird]

Ventura is the normal go-to soft luggage (https://www.dold.co.nz/products/Ventura.aspx) and I've happily used it on a couple of my bikes in the past. My current bike isn't the same as yours but I use Oxford expandable throwovers and they look like they'd fit yours too. The straps can go either over or under the seat. There is anti-scuff adhesive film to protect the paintwork from rubbing. I bungee or strap a yachting drybag to the top for more capacity. The throwovers keep the centre of gravity fairly low.

Hope the pictures help.

[cbfb]

Thanks Blackbird, do you know which Oxford bags you've got? The problem with my bike is the exhaust clearance is much less than on yours by the look of it. I could look into it though.

I had a look at the Ventura gear, I really like the look of their pack system. A trade off is having the weight a bit higher but they look so neat and simple.
https://www.ventura-bike.com/bike-packs

[Blackbird]

Thanks Blackbird, do you know which Oxford bags you've got? The problem with my bike is the exhaust clearance is much less than on yours by the look of it. I could look into it though.

I had a look at the Ventura gear, I really like the look of their pack system. A trade off is having the weight a bit higher but they look so neat and simple.
https://www.ventura-bike.com/bike-packs


Mine are the Oxford 1 and I've had them for a few years but their website (http://www.oxfordproducts.com/motorcycle/product_type/luggage/panniers/) shows several that look like they have sufficient clearance for your muffler. I was quite happy with the Ventura products I've used in the past but for the Suzuki, I didn't want to fit mounting rails and spoil the overall shape of the back of the bike. Secondly, I'm 5'8" in old money and with an 820mm seat height, I wanted the centre of gravity as low as possible :rolleyes:

[cbfb]

Thanks, that helps. I'll ditch the dropbox and go with some saddlebags around the 50L mark, along with the magnetic tank bag for valuables that comes off in seconds for popping into shops etc.

Looking at the bags now, the Oxford P50Rs are nice but $469
http://motozone.nz/oxford-p50r-panniers-black

I can get the Rjays Supersport 2s for $199 much cheaper
http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/products/2222-rjays_pannierssaddlebags/13920-rjays_supersport_2_panniers_rj.aspx

The Ventura Monza II are inbetween at $219
http://techmoto.co.nz/product/panniers-monza-ii/

Don't care about waterproofing, will use a dry bag liner.

Anyone got any experience with the above?

[Blackbird]

The RJays look to be good value! My Oxfords aren't totally waterproof either, even with the ripstop nylon overcovers. As you point out, a liner does the trick. I just use heavy duty plastic garden bags from the supermarket. Have fun touring! :Punk:

[cbfb]

Yeah hard to beat for the money, I've got a huge drybag so will use that for clothes etc.

Thanks for your help!

[caspernz]

Thanks Blackbird, do you know which Oxford bags you've got? The problem with my bike is the exhaust clearance is much less than on yours by the look of it. I could look into it though.

I had a look at the Ventura gear, I really like the look of their pack system. A trade off is having the weight a bit higher but they look so neat and simple.
https://www.ventura-bike.com/bike-packs

Haven't got a pic handy, but I've got a set of Oxford soft saddlebags that worked a treat on my previous bike. Ironic it being a GSX750F. That Blackbird fella (aka Geoff) has a nifty GSX-S1000 with the tiny exhaust, so your clearance concerns are valid. Rest is in the message I sent you.

[cbfb]

Haven't got a pic handy, but I've got a set of Oxford soft saddlebags that worked a treat on my previous bike. Ironic it being a GSX750F. That Blackbird fella (aka Geoff) has a nifty GSX-S1000 with the tiny exhaust, so your clearance concerns are valid. Rest is in the message I sent you.

Thanks have replied to your message!