Choosing the right suitcases and side cavalry side bags and bags

Flexible suitcases, rigid suitcases, side or rider bags...in the style and color of the motorcycle

Which bags to choose according to its budget and use

When you think big luggage, you think of the top case then immediately after the suitcases or bags.At this level, there are motorcycles, rather large roads, already equipped with original side suitcases, most often hard and in the colors of the motorcycle.The oldest still have the Pacific Coast, Deauville or the Trophy 1200 in mind, more recently the Yamaha FJR 1200 and 1300 and necessarily the essentials BMW R 1150/1200/1250 RT and GL 1600, Harley Road Glide, Street Glide or evenSport Glide, Honda Pan European and Goldwing, Indian Chiefain and Roadmaster...

But how do you do it when the motorcycle is not equipped with high -original hard suitcases?There is all possible luggage, but you can always add suitcases, whether hard or soft with side bags.And like traditional luggage, they are found at all prices in many brands, even if there are fewer than for top cases, which are the first hard baggage solution.And if you also prefer the width at height, the side or side bags, also called rider bags, are ideal.Due to their location recalling the flexible suitcases hanging on the cowboys horses saddle, they hold particularly well in place and are lodging at will.Especially when they are modular.Hue!

Marks

If you do not want to buy directly from the manufacturer, especially for road type or trail models, there are lots of brands of equipment manufacturers that offer generalist, even specific solutions for certain motorcycle models, especially when it'acts to mount a support. Le choix est ainsi large chez Bagtecs, CustomAcces, Enduristan, Givi, Harrison Holster, Hepco & Becker, Kappa, Kriega, Longride, Motobag, Nelson Rigg, Noend, Oxford, Q Bag, Shad, Saddlemen, Sw-Motech, Willie et Max pour les valises en dur...With prices that can exceed 1000 euros for a pair of suitcases while prices are much more accessible for side bags that are found from 50 euros at Bagster, Dainese, Kriega, Louis, Moto-Detail, Ogio,Touratech, Tucano Urbano, Vanucci...

The advantage of buying manufacturer's equipment?Having suitcases in the colors of the motorcycle and often (but not always and to be checked)) to benefit from a unique key for contact, suitcases and top case, or even benefit from the centralized opening (as on a RTfor example)).

Why choose bike suitcases or bags?

Let's start with a small distinction.The bags are often flexible, light and varied-form-variable-, where the suitcases are semi-rigid or rigid.However, their functionality and their location are identical.We will therefore use the two denominations.

If they logically exceed in width, the lateral suitcases little change the behavior of a motorcycle, especially compared to the top case.They position themselves at the level of the passenger seat and do not interfere with the legs of the drivers (but can hinder the ease of climbing on the motorcycle for the passenger)).On the other hand, even loaded, they do not necessarily ask to change the tape of the suspensions and even less when the suspensions automatically adapt to the charging weight of the motorcycle and its passengers.

Better still, they are mainly removable and offer different types of materials and architecture.This makes it possible to meet many needs in terms of loading, accessibility to their content and reduction in size for easier circulation between vehicle queues.In addition, their loading capacity is quite large and it can be increased on most models (except rigid models)), by means of counters.

Last point, the price of motorcycle cavalier bags is very interesting in the context of occasional use with pairs from 50 euros, often six times cheaper than suitcases on average.

Look level, motorcycle suitcases and bags offer greater diversity than most other types of luggage on the market.We find as well in leather with fringes as with rigid ABS covers or reinforced textile models.Indeed, there are three types of rider bags: flexible, semi-rigid (therefore semi-flexible ...)) and rigids.

Rather soft or rather hard?

We touch the heart of the problem.Each type of suitcase has its own arguments.

Souple

For flexible bags, we take advantage of ability to adapt to the shape of the content, even a defending.With them, we can push the edges - in proper sense - and even increase the volume available by means of ease bellows (if they are provided)).We release an additional textile strip to gain space.Or more easily close the closures ... They can be natively waterproof (sailor type, treatment or "hood" to be added)), but do not offer a secure closure (flight)).Their content is also more exposed to shocks and theft.

Semi-rigide

Semi-rigid suitcases are a very pleasant solution mixing functionality and aesthetics.On the one hand they are more aerodynamic, on the other hand, they skillfully mix the advantages of flexible and hard by being able.The inconvenients ?Less modularity than the flexible and a defined form.They also require support and are more expensive.

Dur / rigide

Rigid hard (ABS)) suitcases are expensive and as their name suggests...harsh.Higher content protection (locks)), no high -speed deformation, foolproof fixing, these are real tools for large rollers.On the other hand, their fixed form requires restrictions and their fixing device is less aesthetic.Even when it is integrated by origin by motorcycle and discreet manufacturers.

How to choose the right motorcycle suitcases?

As we have just seen, apart from specific luggage offered by optional motorcycle manufacturers - or standard - in their catalog, mainly for their road models, there are three main families of side luggage to fill the "lack".They are adaptable on all two motorized wheels, including those who benefit a priori from any equity for the trip.

Whatever their displacement, roadsters, sports, customs as trails, in short any motorcycle considered as non -road by its designers, can thus benefit from suitcases.Obviously, we will have to grant the characteristics of the bags to the possibilities - and to the physique - of the motorcycle.Above all, it is advisable not to try to exceed the maximum weight they can transport (motorcycle as suitcases)).

Volume

Le volume intérieur

The principle of the suitcase is of course to take what we want.However, we cannot always put everything we want in a baggage and its volume of transport matters.Expressed in liters, it is quite empirical.More than a volume, the shape of the container matters.Indeed, if 40 liters in theory allow to put a helmet in a location, if the shape is not compatible (too narrow, too elongated)), we will not be able to leave its equipment.Prefer dimensions in one liter and beware of the inner shape of a hard suitcase if you want to avoid unpleasant surprises.At your meters, ready?Almost left!

Sports people thus benefit from very profiled, more elongated and smaller volume bags, while roadsters and other motorcycles or scooters benefit from higher and larger, less aerodynamic bags for some but particularly practical.The trails, finally, adventurers and "utilities" if you can say, are often provided with side trunks, geometric, square or rectangular shape, not necessarily opening by the side, sometimes from above ... Watch this point ifYou want to put a helmet in the hold for example.

Flexible rider bags can have a large loading volume.If the average model is around 30 liters, they can reach for some almost 40 liters (38 -liter x2 motorbags))!Immense, quite simply.Conversely, we can find it displaying less than 15 liters and therefore a particularly reduced size.What to help out and travel light, for a weekend.Most side bags offer around forty liters of capacity, excluding "extensions".

Le volume extérieur

All models of side bags take theory into account the possible conflict with the indicators integrated into the drools, but also with the exhaust (s)) (especially when it goes up)).But if you want volume, you will have to measure!That said, if you are a bit tight between the bottom (or the side)) of the suitcases and the pots of your motorcycle, optional thermal protections exist, which take care not to melt your suitcases and not cook theirloading.For pots in high lateral position, on the other hand, the task is not as simple: luggage in highly recommended hard and loss of space on the suitcase side to be expected!

Fixations

So beware of the dimensions of your travel set and its possible conflicts with elements of the motorcycle!Another point to monitor: fixing suitcases on your two or three motorized wheels.Flexible and adaptable luggage (universal therefore)), are linked together by scratch straps and sometimes by a central "bridge" that can be put on the saddle.The straps make it possible to best adjust their height, their spacing and positioning on the motorcycle, but their sides logically enter into contact with the rear body: remember to protect it (tape, cloth, anti friction trellis)).

Another point, these straps are often supposed to pass under the saddle, but not always.Easy ?Not that much: we will have to look for the best positioning between the shape of the sole of the seat, the opening/closing mechanism of the said saddle which is always in an annoying place and of course the ergots holding the saddle insquare.Sport !Another source of patience: the tensioners that can be connected between the bottom of the suitcases and a point of hook, often placed at the level of the passenger footrests.It seems simple, but said sandows are not always provided and do not always keep in place.

Suddenly, it can happen that we do not manage to put all the straps.Especially those passing under the saddle.Especially if you have a bi-posse motorcycle (a saddle for the independent and raised passenger)).No panic, you can remember the suitcases by other means, other passages and adapt everything to the shape of your rear (finally that of your motorcycle)).Another solution: opt for support suitcases.Explanation.

Support or not

For what type of implementation to opt?Among the motorcycle suitcases, there are two subclasses: suitcases with support and suitcases without support (often called bags)).We will only speak here of adaptable models offered as an option by accessorists and not models directly designed for traveler motorcycles by the manufacturers themselves.In general, let's say that the suitcases without support (therefore without an integrated attachment of origin to the motorcycle)), are those intended for punctual use.They are flexible and simple, but resistant.On the other hand, their sealing is often relative, unless otherwise stated.In case of large rain and long route underwater, they should be put a plastic hood to avoid significant infiltration.You can also protect their contents under the water (plastic bags or waterproof bags)) to have a dry wardrobe once at your destination.For instance...

The other types of luggage will offer a specific architecture grafted original on the motorcycle, or adaptable depending on your two wheels.The main pitfall of the flexible rider bags is to require stowage avoiding them to come to rub on the rear wheel.When they are generously loaded and on the strong compressions of rear amortization (bumpy roads, donkeys and very strong accelerations)), they can indeed walk around their high fixing point (straps passing under the saddle)))).This is how my first ride of side bags melted - in the literal sense - on the rear tire, after the first load (and including an outlet of the said loading through the hole formed by friction)).To counter this on -board effect, a small discreet reinforcement can be offered by manufacturers.In the form of side stems, they hold the suitcases and perfectly secure their pivotal movement.Thus, we have suitcases equivalent to semi-rigid models or rigid models, always with a certain price advantage.

The semi-rigid suitcases naturally benefit from a reinforcement frame, composed of a more or less fine trellis in the form of a hoop and fixed on the sides of the motorcycle.They are removable and kept firmly in place.One of the best transport solutions for occasional trips and use.One of the most aesthetic also and above all an excellent modularity in terms of form and loading capacity.It remains of course to be composed with congestion, to consider during maneuvers.

If you drive in roadster, more or less sporty, flexible luggage is the most likely and the most convincing.Light of nature, not very well defiled, the roadsters are rarely provided with suitcases and are not the most swallowing motorcycles (whatever...)).On the other hand, they offer hooks or shapes on which it is possible to secure a tensioner. Les repose-pieds passager peuvent aussi servir de point d’appui (voire de point d’accroche lorsqu’ils sont perforés)) pour les sacoches cavalières.The occasional use of luggage makes it relevant to the choice of an easy to set up device and to withdraw and.Above all, he is

If you ride a sportswoman, the problem is different.The formal shape of the rear shell, the motor potential and the very cutting of the motorcycle involve choosing suitcases with a shape compatible with the specifics of the sportswoman and if possible pleasant.The Ducati Supersport 950 and its suitcases give a good idea of what can represent a successful integration and a successful concept.We will look for the accommodation more than a raw volume, but the place is there.Why opt for semi -rigid?For the lightness of the whole and for its potential for adaptation to various loads.Above all, the hoods can be associated with the color of the motorcycle and lighten the whole while ensuring good rigidity, appreciable at good speed.

If you drive on the road or in trail, the problem is quite different.On the one hand, manufacturers have often already provided for the implementation of suitcases, often associated with the category.The fixings have therefore become discreet and owners, involving choosing the adapted elements in the catalog of brand options.For GTs, there is often a single model.For trails, there are different possibilities, especially within the options. Si Kawasaki propose des valises transverses à leur gamme (une paire se monte sur de très nombreux modèles compatibles)), ce n’est pas le cas chez la plupart des constructeurs.

It will therefore be necessary to opt for an adaptable luggage with specific supports, or for models corresponding to the need.And there, we touch the heart of the problem: if you want to do enduro, the owner equipment will not necessarily follow in terms of solidity and resistance.Reason why there are many proposals for flagship models.

Hand transport of the suitcases

Who has never removed his suitcases to take them by hand and clean his pants with all the grime accumulated on the outer part of the suitcase close to the rear road?Some manufacturers have developed specific systems that make it possible to transport the suitcases without dirty with a deported and not central handle.

Confs for suitcases: internal bags, over-values, supports...

Comme pour le top case, on peut trouver des sacs internes mais aussi des protections de revêtement intérieur (pour les valises alu)) parfaitement adaptés aux valises.But only for hard suitcases. La bagagerie souple ou semi-rigide se détachant facilement et n’étant pas trop lourde ni encombrante (quoi que)), on la transporte aisément pour profiter de leur contenu.Easily ?Not that much: the bags connected together require a little help and sometimes a backstroke to be taken.

A suitcase being an excellent support in itself, there are over-values, as for example at Sw-Motech with the traxes and capacity adding fifteen liters of additional storage.Holding points also allow you to add a spider net.

Explorers of all kinds will be able to appreciate the multitude of small equipment that can be grafted on side canteens.Gourd door, fire extinguisher,

The advantage of having side bags/bags and creating a wider space at the back of the motorcycle.We can therefore place a bag over it, in the direction of the width and secure it to the handles and on the attachment points of the motorcycle.For instance.For solo travelers only, but this is doing well service if necessary.

The price

The price arrives last and yet it will determine your final choice.Because the price of suitcases varies from single to double and the price of the bags from simple to triple, to which must be added the price of the support often specific for hard suitcases.There are also complete kits with support and suitcases that will make your life easier and especially the calculations.But in any case, suitcases cost much more than a top case.And flexible side bags are much more financially accessible.

It is indeed necessary to count on average from 180 euros for a pair of suitcases to which must be added 200 euros for the support, or nearly 400 euros.This is also the full price of full kit at Sw-Motech with the Urban.

Le premier prix commence ainsi à 180 euros avec les 2 valises Kappa K22 (22 litres par valise)), mais vous jugerez vous -même de la qualité et surtout du rapport qualité/prix. Un peu mieux pour quasiment le même prix, on trouve les Shad SH 23 (auquel il faut ajouter le prix du système SHAD 3P system)) qui existent en version alu pour à peine plus cher.We then climb to 280 euros for a pair of Kappa Monokey K40 suitcases and 300 euros for K33.Then arrive the SH 36 at Shad at 360 euros.And we then climb to Givi with the V37 at 480 euros.With a nicer look, we then exceed 500 euros at Sw-Motech with the Aero and their support. Les prix continuent ensuite à grimper avec les modèles alu pour les trails, ave des prix commençant)) plus de 500 euros pour les valises seules avec les Givi Trekker 33 litres (570 euros)) et 46 litres (620 euros)) pour dépasser les mille euros chez Sw-Motech avec les kit complets Trax de 45 litres.

And there, you tell yourself that you abandon the idea of having suitcases!Fortunately, there are prices stored on the internet and you can easily find -15 to -25%, or even more on sale.

But there are also and especially the side bags and there, you have prices for a pair of bags including their hook system from 70 euros as at Q bag for example with the PAIR 01 BAGS BAGS with a variable capacity of20 to 29 liters per bag.After there are many models under 100 euros at Bagster, Louis, Shad, Tucano Urbano.And this can rise to 250 euros per pair at Motobag or even 600 euros if you will see a saddle like the Georges upholstery.

Conclusion

Avant de vous lancer dans l’achat de sacoches et valises latérales, choisissez le type de fixation convenant à votre utilisation et à votre type de moto: sans structure (souple)), avec petite barres de renfort (souple ou semi-rigide)) ou avec cadre rigide (semi-rigide ou dure)).

Then check the size of these suitcases.If some are specifically designed for models, others are generic and may not be suitable for the shape of your rear (especially because of the exhaust)).

Economic transport solution and offering a significant loading volume, rider are allies of any moment that can be easily remained.It remains to load them well and therefore to put the heaviest at the bottom and the lightest at the top.Logical, but not always easy to do.Suddenly, their shape matters and the fact of being able to increase its carrying capacity is a plus.Especially since the price of good side bags begins around € 75, or a mini investment for maximum service.

Tested on all types of motorcycles, from the athlete to the edgy and compressed roadster, the flexible bags have always followed the movement.Be careful, however, to avoid friction well.A point that the supports avoid.

It's up to you to choose now!

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