new to the scene. We have a road king with bags (of course). went on a weekend ride and filled the bags and needed more room...of course!...realize the trunk box is an option and noted Tbags as well. Our friends tell us trunk boxes get stolen often so you have to bring them in with you for the overnight. Wondering if a Tbag would be just as good while riding, yet much easier to bring inside for the night?

thanks to any of you on the forum willing to share your opinions.

 

You can use a liner in the trunk that will lift out when you get to destination .
Also the trunk gives you the security of being lockable & you can put another
bag on top for more room . I get one bag . My wife gets a bag , the trunk &
the bag on top of trunk . She needs the room for just in case clothes . I've
learned just to pack all her crap & enjoy the trip .

 

Lol .... isn’t that how it is!

 

Depends on budget and the style you like.
A big bag and a roll bag on a luggage rack that is attached to backrest is easy to remove and is most times less expensive.
Also easy to store at home.
In my case (1998 road king) i did not even purchase a luggage rack but instead just put an L-bracket behind a solid license plate backing plate to provide support to the bottom base of bag.
On the other hand a tour pack with an additional bag on top rack allows easy storage when touring too.
I bought a SAC brand motorcycle bag similar to this link many years ago (over 15 years) and it is my travel set.
http://www.coolsac.com/cool-sac-package-deluxe/
SAC used to be the supplier for Harley luggage many years ago.
The two bag combination works for me riding two-up but it requires lining the bags with a trash liner bag.
My stuff is placed in zip lock bags and then i put my stuff in lined bag then twist the liner shut before closing zipper.
I do not use a rain cover.
I have gone hours through major rain storms and clothes are dry when packed in this way.
Regardless of luggage I would use a liner anyways on a motorcycle for anything that might have the slightest chance of getting wet.
The saddle bags are used for tools, rain gear and immediate access/storage items (phones, gps, maps).
Immediate storage= riding jacket, gloves or other stuff when going on a hike or out for a meal.
Also anything passenger requires repeated access to is placed in saddlebags.
I run a simple bicycle cable combination lock through the many luggage handles of soft luggage and through the passenger back rest that has detachable locks itself.
At the hotel, we grab the hotel cart and unload.
A piece of advice that i learned and have added to all my trips is the use of throw-aways.
When at home, i have a travel throw away box.
I launder and save my faded socks or socks with holes or wear spots, save the t-shirts that have faded or have a small stain or hole.
Underwear with bad elastic or tears are laundered and saved also.
Basically everytime i find something that has some damage the wear item is laundered and saved in the travel throwaway box.
When on a trip, i use and throwaway these items as i use them and the space is left empty or replaced with a destination t-shirt or something purchased.
Basically your luggage gets lighter as trip progresses..
Much less dirty laundry to carry on bike.
Remember to use more than one system to secure loose luggage regardless of what you are using.
There are also other companies that make bags with wheels or large side openings to access your stuff.

 

Just be aware that River Road and TBag have both gone out of business. So, anything you buy will have no warranty!

 

I used a T-Bag for years and it definitely holds a lot. Last year I bought a king tour pak. I much prefer it. Here's why:

1) More comfortable backrest for my passenger, which I usually have on long road trips.

2) I have an Ogio bag that drops right inside. Very easy to take my things inside for the night.

3) Stuff inside stays absolutely dry.

4) Lower center of gravity than the T-Bag.

5) I think it holds more, with the duffle on top -- but maybe not.

6) Actually easier to remove than the t-bag if I decide I want to take it in for the night, but there are systems that allow you to lock the tour pak to the bike.

 

If you ride two up, the King Tour trunk works better. Mine locks on and I use the Oasis 1/2 cover which hides the top half of the bike. We cruise Canada and the USA and while careful where we leave the bike in big cities, we have had no issues.

I love my Super Tee bag, sissy bar and rack when not riding two up. But it has been many years since I have run to Sturgis alone. Two up the tour trunk makes travel as breeze.

We may look crazy to you, but from our perspective, it is America and Canada in First Class.

 

T Bag is not out of business.
http://tbags.com

 

I've actually had to ship stuff home more than once .
We'll get somewhere & she starts buying more crap .
Over 40 years with her . Too late to swap her out now .

 

And way too expensive! 😀