Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Jan 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 12
Luggage Setup

All

Any feedback on my proposed luggage system for my vstrom 650 would be appreciated.

I am a noobie overlander so i don't really know the impact that the choices i am making will have on the road hence the request for feedback. If i am making life hard for myself please don't be shy

I am in planning stage at the moment for an alaska - TDF trip next year

Luggage

1 Steel Pony Bags
2 Givi Top Case
3 Ortlieb Drybag strapped to the back seat.

My thinking behind this is that a) i already have the top case and the drybag b) i have the racks from the Suzuki Panniers on the bike already but i really don't like the panniers c) the top case will have my day bag in when riding and used for gear when i stop.
This setup is going to be much cheaper than getting aluminium panniers which definitely has a bearing on choices.

Cheers

J
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 31 Jan 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Dorset UK
Posts: 395
Suggest you spend some time doing a "search" and then loads of reading........
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 31 Jan 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigford View Post
Suggest you spend some time doing a "search" and then loads of reading........
My eyes are now bleeding from all the reading that i have been doing (been really rather fun actually) and so i have tried to narrow the question down to a specific yah or nay - rather than an open ended question.

If the feedback is nay - back to the reading ....
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 31 Jan 2010
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
Steel Pony looks to have good bags ,but not much info about a mounting system .
The mounting system is what "makes" a good soft bag system ,loosely fitting bags are a pain and dangerous as well .
It's what drives a lot of people to using aluminum boxes .
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Feb 2010
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
More reading

The last two or three pages of this thread is all about the pro's and cons or assorted types of soft bags. Useful information since there seems to be no perfect soft bags out there ... as yet .

RTW X-Challenge Adventurization - Page 12 - ADVrider
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Feb 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Fremantle
Posts: 112
here is a few more pics and comments on the Steel Ponys



i got them and they do me well, I'll be doing my RTW trip with them, I recommend using a strap to wrap around the bag like the yellow strap on here

ps I know Pete and Loyla who make them and they have a bit of a back log as Loyla makes them from home
__________________
Damon

I dreamed a dream that i was a dream, so when i woke i decided to live life like it is a dream

Spot tracker
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 3 Feb 2010
holodragon's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Back in Blighty
Posts: 171
Hi, I have the DL650 too & have been pursuing the luggage question myself;Aluminium panniers,best ones,opinions please. is a thread I started on the same subject. Basically I have decided after hearing lots of varied comments to follow a similar route as yourself, I plan to get Steel Pony Gascoyne bags over my Suzuki racks, I am also going to get the Steel Pony Simpson bags as tank panniers & a Wolfman Expedition Dry Duffel to go on the rear rack, I already use a very well travelled Oxford Humpback tank bag which is magnetic & fits well to the tank. I often travel two up so need enough luggage to cope.
Hope this helps
Andy
__________________
Andy L

From the midnight sun to the silk & rhubarb roads, 2014
I am not an adventure rider, just a biker that has adventures.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Dual Battery setup 2raveller Equipping the Overland Vehicle 8 20 Aug 2009 20:00
Best Landrover 110 suspension setup?? Bensouthall Equipping the Overland Vehicle 16 1 Jul 2006 12:48
Setup for GSA 2-up down Ruta 40 Cords and Aash BMW Tech 3 21 Apr 2006 12:07
CB 750K Exhaust setup limeegreen Honda Tech 1 25 Feb 2003 01:10
XTZ660 setup rroberts Yamaha Tech 5 24 Mar 2002 17:05

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:21.