Side or saddle bags scratching
 

I'm going on a 7000km trip in Europe and I like to use soft side bags. I'm almost sure they will scratch the paint.
What ways are there to prevent this from happening?
Any ideas?

Lots of duct/gaffer-tape where they will rub. Clean the paintwork first.

You need to have something stuck over the paintwork; anything that is loose will trap dirt and grind your paint away.

You can get thick clear plastic stuff that is specially designed for this but the thicker it is, the less easy it is to follow the curves of the bodywork.

You could also give it some scratches yourself, then you don't care about the next scratches :cool4: or buy some used panels.

If this will be a regular event I'd fit the sort of rack meant to hold hard cases. Gives more places to fasten the bags to, useful places to grab the bike, keeps everything off the exhaust and usually adds rigidity to the frame.

Andy

You can get clear sticky back plastic on a roll - it's called Fablon from our little DIY store. You can put three or four layers on and hardly see it.

@bigyellowtractor
Thanks for your answer, I didn't know there was something specially made for this. Does it have a name or do they know at the motorbikeshop?

Unfortunately I'm the type of person who like to keep his brand new bike as long as possible in a new state :mchappy:
But I have to admit it's a lot easier to just let it go and see what happens.
Side panels are not an option since it is a scooter.

Sticky backed Vinyl or about 50 HU stickers ;)

I hope it will be a regular event because I love riding on two wheels to unknown places and taking photographs. But I'm only a starting traveller on two wheels. Last year I did a trip through ten countries in Europe and the Alps on a BMW F650. This year I will go on a lightweight scooter because I think it's a very relaxed way of driving. And I don't need the extra power, I never take highways.
I don't know if this is an option for me because my bike is a scooter. But it certainly is a very good, perhaps the best option for motorcycles. But I don't think it is cheap. I'm on a budget, no money for those big BMW's with hard cases all around (I bought my soft cases for 20euros). I love the sight of them though!

Thanks, I will look it up!

So I have to order 51 HU stickers because I also need one in sight for everyone to see!

The stuff I have seen in the UK bike shops is Fablon but cut up in to smaller bits and packaged as a "special" for bikes, at a price.

I have used Fablon, taken straight off a roll and it worked fine; good for saddle bags and tank bags. Yea, you can get a few creases in it, but they aren't permanent, like scratches.
So, a roll of Fablon (which seems to be the common trade name used here) and a pair of scissors works great for me!

I also found this!

Or this, seems simple en useful.

That'll work, as will almost any plastic tape. The stuff I'm talking about is way thicker than fablon; just measured a bit at 0.75mm.

Hello duive01!

First, welcome on the forums from another noob and fellow scooterist!

I am in the process of gearing up my Honda FES 125 Pantheon scooter. Would you care to share what scooter you ride and what luggage you bought?

Also what do you use the "trunk" under the seat for?

Oh, and do you run regular "street" tires?

Thank you in advance.

Peter