Luggage options on a VL250?

[Blossom]

Right so I got the Suzuki VL250 and now I want to carry gear about on it. I will carry my laptop in my backpack but I think I would prefer panniers/saddlebags to a pack rack as I think a pack rack would look aweful. There some leather saddlebags on TM that I like the look of But I just wondered if anyone had actually used panniers on a VL250?

[thehollowmen]

I haven't used them, but you'll need somebody in the steelworks to make you up some saddle bag bars to make sure they don't hit the tyre or catch in the suspension.

They might be available as aftermarket parts to bolt under the two bolts on each side at the rear (seen on bottom image http://www.mcnews.com.au/Testing/Suzuki/VL250/Test.htm level with rear indicators)

Best of luck, and tell us how you get on.

[Blossom]

I haven't used them, but you'll need somebody in the steelworks to make you up some saddle bag bars to make sure they don't hit the tyre or catch in the suspension.

They might be available as aftermarket parts to bolt under the two bolts on each side at the rear (seen on bottom image http://www.mcnews.com.au/Testing/Suzuki/VL250/Test.htm level with rear indicators)

Best of luck, and tell us how you get on.

Sheesh..This may not be as simple as I had hoped. Will keep you posted.

[Edbear]

Sheesh..This may not be as simple as I had hoped. Will keep you posted.

Nothing is ever as simple as you expect...

Got a pic of your bike?

[johnnyflash]

Right so I got the Suzuki VL250 and now I want to carry gear about on it. I will carry my laptop in my backpack but I think I would prefer panniers/saddlebags to a pack rack as I think a pack rack would look aweful. There some leather saddlebags on TM that I like the look of But I just wondered if anyone had actually used panniers on a VL250?

Well there is the throw over variety, that you can secure under the seat, and depending on 'fit' / 'length' might hang ok away from wheels etc, but form years of using panniers of many bikes, Ive always found the best are ones designed for the bike, as far as fit / size / looks etc. so have a look at some customizing sites, (its usually as or less expensive from the states) try looking on cruisercustomizing.com at intruder 800 bags I think same shape rear end , they also have mounting brackets etc

[Jiminy]

I've found on my M50 that nothing beats the look of leather saddle bags, but I've also quickly learn that I couldn't do without support bars, otherwise the bags would go into the wheel.

I've seen another M50 around with soft panniers and it looked fine as well. And the panniers are generally fitted higher, so they tend not to bend into your rear wheel.

Magnetic tank bags might be another option.

[johnnyflash]

I've found on my M50 that nothing beats the look of leather saddle bags, but I've also quickly learn that I couldn't do without support bars, otherwise the bags would go into the wheel.

I've seen another M50 around with soft panniers and it looked fine as well. And the panniers are generally fitted higher, so they tend not to bend into your rear wheel.

Magnetic tank bags might be another option.

Yep, panniers on single/centre shock systems, and you need a proper mounting for em, I agree you cant beat the look , and practicality of em.

[Blossom]

Magnetic tank bags might be another option.

The speedo is on the tank so not really thinking a tank bag would work. I am looking at some throw over ones and my dad is an engineer so might be able to get him to help me out a little with supports.

As far as a pic of the bike goes, as soon as it stops raining and I can take it out of the gym I will take a photo.

[woodboats]

On my wife's 250 she has a Ventura luggage rack which has the saddle bag supports built as part of it.
The rack part comes on/off so is only used when needed and is functional rather than visual.
Leather saddle bags complete the carrying capacity.
The photo shows the bike with the rack part off. My bike in front shows the same type of rack attached.

[Blossom]

On my wife's 250 she has a Ventura luggage rack which has the saddle bag supports built as part of it.
The rack part comes on/off so is only used when needed and is functional rather than visual.
Leather saddle bags complete the carrying capacity.
The photo shows the bike with the rack part off. My bike in front shows the same type of rack attached.

Is a Ventura luggage rack a 'pack rack'? Do I need one of those to carry saddlebags? I thought the kind that just sit under the seat would do? So what brand/size saddlebags are on your wifes bike? Where did you get them from? thanks

[woodboats]

The Ventura system is a pack rack that does come in 2 pieces so you can have the pack part on or not. The one we got also included the saddle bag supports as part of the construction.
To answer your question, no, you don't need a pack rack to have a saddle bag support system, and yes, you do need something to keep the bags away from the bike.
Saddle bag sizes vary and you need a height measurement that keeps them around 50-100mm above the pipes.
Check with your dealer on the Ventura system (they are actually mfg in NZ under licence) or ask them about a saddle bag support only bracket.
Probably both around the same cost but at least with the pack rack system you have the option of carrying more gear (camping, touring etc) if needed.
Bags like this are well priced and most would fit your bike.(be sure to check your HEIGHT measurement first)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-142981300.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-142790191.htm

The bags on our 250 Susuki 2007 Intruder are 300 high, 400 wide and 150 deep. The 300mm height keeps the bags approx 50mm from the pipes which works fine.

[Blossom]

The bags on our 250 Susuki 2007 Intruder are 300 high, 400 wide and 150 deep. The 300mm height keeps the bags approx 50mm from the pipes which works fine.

Thanks for that. BTW the intruder looks awesome

Nothing is ever as simple as you expect...

Got a pic of your bike?

Actually yes, yes I have. Check out my gallery photos theres one in there of the girl with my butt firmly planted on it. I have now discovered that almost everyone elses bikes are photographed without anyone on them

[Blossom]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-142981300.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-142790191.htm

I just checked these out and I have both on my watchlist already. Great minds must think alike huh?

[VS14]

Well... my girlfriend has a VL250 and she got the Ventura pack rack and the Ventura Pack (bag). Not quite as cool to look at as the leather saddlebags, but supremely practical. The bag can be locked on the bike, or lifted off, and the bag can be locked up as well. (Although a couple of miutes with a stanley knife would do a fair bit of damage.) She plans to get a bigger bike when she gets her full licence, and she will definitely be putting the bag on her new bike. Will have to buy a new rack to fit the new bike.

[woodboats]

I am actually very impressed with these little Intruders.
I am kinda a Honda and Triumph fan but have absolutly no hesitation in riding this 250.
It looks the cruiser part, very reliable and can cruise at 100-110 all day.
Sure, there is a bit more available for moderate passing but at highway cruise speeds it is no slouch. All in a 250!

When touring I use my bike for the pack mule and my wife fills her saddle bags for all the day to day stuff. The darn thing was also getting 29-32 k per litre also, no kidding, I checked this myself a few times.

I couldn't help myself, I also put fork mounted spot lights on the little honey, even tho the forks are smaller than what's required I just turned up some plastic fillers to mount them. The photo is not too good but you can at least see the spots on the back bike. They really are helpful for daylight visibility plus night riding. Of course she had to have a Spitfire windscreen also. lol
(photo pre spots)

You know, this little bike seems to get more attention than my bike because folks can't believe it's only a 250.