Hi everyone. I am looking for input on cheap luggage solutions for the klr. I already have a tankbag. I am looking for a lockable rear trunk (and i cant afford givi) and saddlebags. The saddles are the tough part. The only ones i know that will fit the klr without too much pain are the ones in the aerostich catalog --
http://www.aerostich.com/riderwearhouse.store

they are the dry bag saddlebags. they also work w/ the happy trails rack, and you pay less. But I would like something less expensive and possibly a hard type? My trunk will be hard type (i think) from jcwhitney (60 bucks, removable, locks).
Any feedback is appreciated. I hope to do some touring this year when i recover from my current medical problems.

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Happy Riding
Ian aka "Maniac"
93' KLR650

[This message has been edited by Maniac28 (edited 15 February 2002).]

I've used to Ortlieb soft bags from Aerostich without problem. You just need to mount a small bar to keep it away from the exhaust (available for maybe $40US from Kaw.). Pelican cases are good for the tail. Almost indestructable, light and waterproof. With racks, you can even make them into side cases, I've heard.

If your going through area's where you have to worry abut your stuff getting stolen, this setup looks the best...



I don't know where he got it(the metal box) but those are the water proof\datachable Aerostick bags.

pic from www.strikingviking.net

[This message has been edited by c0_re (edited 16 February 2002).]

guy on right "why do i have to carry all the damn luggage. my rig weighs three times as much as yours. I am getting jipped."

guy on left "well i know you wanted to test your new bags...hehehe"

THanks guys. I have decided pelican for the rear, and probably the Chase harper saddlebags. I also am picking up a corbin flat seat. And hopefully a rifle windshield. Where is santa when u need him??

I don't know about the top case but the saddle bags are Ortlieb's. Very durable, simple and waterproof.

Kurt

>>>>>>don't know about the top case but the saddle bags are Ortlieb's.

Naw I'm sure those are his Aerostich bags, he talks about them in his jurnals all the time.

umm... ortileb=aerostich (aerostich markets them) - you are both right!!

the top box is available at home depot, works great i've got one mounted onto my stock rear rack, unbolts in a snap

I wonder how much that top box weighs? Looks damn beefy to me, but then again I think he stores all his valuables in it, so it needs to be. And yes, he's using Ortleib bags (aerostich just sells them).

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I could have sworn those were zip lock bags. your both wrong

For a top box I found an army surplus aluminum box that was origionally used to house radio equiptment. It was only 10 bucks and is excellent quality.
Another option is to use one of the plastic type suitcases.Don't laugh too hard these things work and many are waterproof. I have used some samsonaite products that once the handle was removed and some decals put here and there drew some good comments. These can be picked up at thrift stores for a couple of bucks.
Panniers? Go ahead and laugh some more but ammo boxes work great! They are a little heavier than aluminum but if the top is remade and the diagonal reinforcing piece is removed they are not too heavy. Cost?? About 20 bucks each...and totally waterproff.
If I knew how to post some pics here I would be glad to do so. If anyone wishes to have pics emailed send me an email at cstanley@sunlink.net.
CLAUDE

The aluminum diamond plate top box in the picture of the KLR is also available at LOWES. They cost a little less than 40 bucks last time I checked. Not sure about the waterproof quality of them as purchased but that could be fixed pretty easy.
My $.02 worth
claude

I can assure you that when you go down(that's WHEN, not IF)you'll either be glad you had or wish you'd had some type of hard bag to cushion the blow. I use Givi's, and imagine Pelican would provide same protection.

Any boaters in the crowd? How many fenders have you seen of aluminum, or collapsible material?

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on the road(almost)
and lovin' it!!
KLR650-A13 'BURRO'

Soft bags make great 'fenders'. They absorb the blow and don't dent. Just gotta watch what you put in them.