T-BAGS OR NOT??? That is the question.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 220
Likes: 3
From: Cape Cod
T-BAGS OR NOT??? That is the question.
Just want to get people's thoughts on "T-BAGS" or similar "sissy bar luggage" To me they seem very awkward, high and unsafe. It seems people pile this stuff miles high on the back of thier bike and not only does it look ridiculous, it has to drastically affect the way a bike handles and feels. I was always under the impression "low and balanced" was the way to pack rather than "high and precarious". It seems you would be better off with a large water proof bag tied low over passenger seat, rear fender of low profile trunk box. Anyway, I may be wrong and I am sure it depends on what kind of bike you have but it seems a good pair of leather saddle bags thrown over *** end of bike would be more "aerodynamic" than a large "sail" on the back of your bike. Just my thoughts.
CJ
CJ
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 7
From: North Georgia
RE: T-BAGS OR NOT??? That is the question.
I just completed a 735 mile trip over Thanksgiving and didn't have a problem with my T-bag.
The bulk of the weight was centered and level with my passenger. The 200mm tire on my Fatboy didn't seem to care, and I noticed no stability issues at all. Several high causeway bridges gave me plenty of wind effect to test with, and again, no "sail" issues at all.
My top roll-bag was light, filled with rainsuits, and was still below helmet level of my wife behind me. Once arriving at the hotels, it was real easy to dismount and then simply carry into the room.
The bulk of the weight was centered and level with my passenger. The 200mm tire on my Fatboy didn't seem to care, and I noticed no stability issues at all. Several high causeway bridges gave me plenty of wind effect to test with, and again, no "sail" issues at all.
My top roll-bag was light, filled with rainsuits, and was still below helmet level of my wife behind me. Once arriving at the hotels, it was real easy to dismount and then simply carry into the room.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 220
Likes: 3
From: Cape Cod
RE: T-BAGS OR NOT??? That is the question.
Makes sense PoorBoy. I suppose if you keep it light it works great. The bags look good on your bike. Very nice bike by the way, I love the colors.
My best,
CJ
My best,
CJ
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,750
Likes: 261
From: back home in Michigan
RE: T-BAGS OR NOT??? That is the question.
I have to say they don't look very good on the bike, but the wife and I stuffed 3 days worth of essential clothing in ours, including raingear, so they are very worthwhile. And very removeable upon arrival at your destination. I noticed them effecting handling just abit, being a bit top heavy. When you stop and put it on the kickstand its most noticable, imho. Going down the road you can't even tell its there. Just don't let it tip over too much when at a standstill and
ride on!!!!!
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ride on!!!!!
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,881
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From: North Georgia
RE: T-BAGS OR NOT??? That is the question.
ORIGINAL: glideridemike
I have to say they don't look very good on the bike.....
I have to say they don't look very good on the bike.....
In my mind's eye, I'm crusing down the road without a helmet, bags, wife, and no bugs are hitting me. My butt isn't sore either, even after a 600 mile run without fuel stops, and there are never problems with cages around you. Hee hee.
Magically, when I get where I'm going, all my stuff is waiting for me and my wife hands me a cold beer.
Back in the real world: we need our "stuff" and there are only so many ways of carrying it. We need the wife to be as happy as possible, so I am always the one running to find her a cold one. Ha ha.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Hoboken, New Jersey
RE: T-BAGS OR NOT??? That is the question.
I have a Street Glide, and when I get around to doing some 2 up touring this spring, it will either be a T-Bag or I will have to get a quick detachable chopped tour pack. I think in my case the T-Bag would be a much more economical and convenient choice, since the amount of use I would get out of the chopped tour pack would be minimal.....and it seems to me that I could fit more "stuff" in a nice sized T-Bag......and I still have the saddle bags to fill up. For solo touring....the stock bags would be more than enough for what I would NEED on the road.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: San Antonio, Republic of TEXAS
RE: T-BAGS OR NOT??? That is the question.
I like the idea of a t-bag over saddlebags...... I would have bought a bagger if I wanted bags with me all the time. I like the "clean, uncluttered" look of my Fatty...
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 618
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo NY
RE: T-BAGS OR NOT??? That is the question.
25-35 lbs of stuff on the back of a 600-800 lb bike. That oesnt seem dangerous me.People put larger passengers than that on the back and they seem to do ok.When you take a trip you might have to sacrifice looks a bit, or stay home.