Best Place to buy Saddlebags/Top case?

[V-FORE]

Are the standard Honda saddlebags roomy enough or would bigger be better? I have seen Givi 45l but I do not know what is needed yet, I am just getting ideas before I pick up the bike on Sunday...So I can haggle with the dealer to see what he will discount the bags & hardware since they are selling the bike at retail. Whatever ideas, I would be appreciative! I really like the top box and being able to put 2 helmets in it! Right now I am riding with a topbox an softbags. I really like the hard saddlebags here in the great NorthWet !

 

[gpd211]

I have Givi 35l side and 52l top box. The top box will hold 2 full face helmets (one size M and one XL). I have a thread on here with install steps and pics of finished. The Givi stuff is nice. I haven't seen the Honda stuff in person, but if it is up to the quality of other hondaline products the quality would be good also. I don't think you could go wrong either way.

 

[V-FORE]

Thank you,

I looked at your install thread, The bags look good on the bike, I think you sold me! I thought with the Honda bags you have to take them off to fuel up? With your set up it looks like you wouln't have to? I will check your thread again & get it all priced out. Thank you again!!

 

[gpd211]

On mine no need to move anything to fuel up. I think this is where I bought the bags Sport Adventure Touring Motorcycle Accessories and Gear - Sport Tour Ltd. I bought the bags in 09 so not sure if they still have the best prices. Really I don't think you can go wrong either way

 

[ryo]

you do not have to remove the honda bags to fill up, they in no way interfere. The side bags are small with a strange shape to keep overall width down, but it all depends upon how much carrying capacity you need.

 

[Cyclerosis]

Are the standard Honda saddlebags roomy enough or would bigger be better? I have seen Givi 45l but I do not know what is needed yet, I am just getting ideas before I pick up the bike on Sunday...So I can haggle with the dealer to see what he will discount the bags & hardware since they are selling the bike at retail. Whatever ideas, I would be appreciative! I really like the top box and being able to put 2 helmets in it! Right now I am riding with a topbox an softbags. I really like the hard saddlebags here in the great NorthWet !

I'm somewhat partial to these Pelican-Storm Adventure Touring Motorcycle Luggage - BMW, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, KTM, Yamaha & More

Roger at Cariboucases.com guarantees these bags for life. You break it, he'll replace it. Right now I have one stuffed with an oversuit, raingear and an extra base layer.

 

[Stepthru]

The Honda side cases are 29 litres each. The top case is 45 litres. The frunk (front trunk) is 21 litres for a total of 124 litres. A Gold Wing has about 150 litres of storage capacity.

The Honda side cases do have a 'different' shape, but there are specific liners available to help with packing. The Givi V35's are a similar shape but are slightly larger. The quality between the two is about equal and some have speculated that Givi actually make the Honda cases.

Here's my take on both:

Honda:

+ They fit the bike very well and can be removed very easily and quickly.
+ The Honda bags are keyed to the ignition key.
+ There is almost nothing left on the bike when the side cases are removed. It is a very clean look.
- The cases are expensive. I was quoted around $1200.00 CDN for the 3 cases set up...

Givi:
+ You have greater choice in sizes and styles.
= Givi does not make quick release side racks at this time. SW Motech hardware, available through Twisted Throttle, is quick release and is compatible with Givi cases among others.
- You will have to carry extra keys
+ The cases are not as pricey.

There's good arguments for going either way. For me, the single key aspect of the Honda cases is a big deal. I also like the narrower profile of the Honda cases. As I only ride solo, I can throw a duffel bag or tail bag on the seat behind me if I really need more room - I became quite good at pulling duffel bags off the seat for refuelling when I did light touring on my 250cc Vespa.