breakout bagger
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,492
Likes: 103
From: Stuttgart, Germany
the bike with all those bags and cases....simply doesn't look right. JMO.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,926
Likes: 948
From: Texas
Primary reasons...I am perfectly "comfortable" on my breakout for the long trips. Just fabricating an alternative solution for those trips so I can pack down, and then strip it all off quickly when at my destination. The problem I have baggers is...when you want to do the fun riding, you still have a bagger to push around. Also these bags fell into my lap for free. So wanted to see what I could fabricate to make it all just work. My last soft tourpak from kuryakyn is falling apart at the seams. I have cheap access to a plasma cutter, redesigning to better fit is really easy (already have a lower cut created since this is clearly too high) and materials for these kind of cuts aren't very expensive.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,774
Likes: 2,606
From: san antonio
Primary reasons...I am perfectly "comfortable" on my breakout for the long trips. Just fabricating an alternative solution for those trips so I can pack down, and then strip it all off quickly when at my destination. The problem I have baggers is...when you want to do the fun riding, you still have a bagger to push around. Also these bags fell into my lap for free. So wanted to see what I could fabricate to make it all just work. My last soft tourpak from kuryakyn is falling apart at the seams. I have cheap access to a plasma cutter, redesigning to better fit is really easy (already have a lower cut created since this is clearly too high) and materials for these kind of cuts aren't very expensive.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 476
Likes: 90
From: Westchester, NY
I agree these bikes are not really baggers. for me, it probably shouldn't be made to look like one. but, we all like to customize our bikes to suit our needs so I like the idea but I'm just not too crazy about the size of the case. I understand the need for them on those Americade/Laconia bike week trips. I just got back from Americade and I used a tail bag strapped to the rear (no passenger) I'm thinking about saddlebags for mine, but they must be quick release with no support brackets visible or left behind. I think it kills the look.
as far as comfort goes, people say the breakout is a horrible ride but I honestly feel comfortable on the bike. maybe I'm the only one. The trip home from Americade was a little over 3 hours but I honestly didn't feel a strain on my back, no cramps, and I felt comfortable even with the stock handlebars. the reach seems fine for me. and my butt didn't feel numb. Maybe i just got used to it. I'm 5' 8" 200 lbs medium build. wind protection, on the other hand, is the only gripe but only at higher speeds. (75+mph) otherwise it's not a bad ride. I use 3/4 helmet on local rides and 3/4 with face shield on the longer, faster type rides. The shield helps tremendously. You do have to stretch your legs once in a while but you do that anyway when stopping for gas.
good luck with your project. let us know how you make out.
as far as comfort goes, people say the breakout is a horrible ride but I honestly feel comfortable on the bike. maybe I'm the only one. The trip home from Americade was a little over 3 hours but I honestly didn't feel a strain on my back, no cramps, and I felt comfortable even with the stock handlebars. the reach seems fine for me. and my butt didn't feel numb. Maybe i just got used to it. I'm 5' 8" 200 lbs medium build. wind protection, on the other hand, is the only gripe but only at higher speeds. (75+mph) otherwise it's not a bad ride. I use 3/4 helmet on local rides and 3/4 with face shield on the longer, faster type rides. The shield helps tremendously. You do have to stretch your legs once in a while but you do that anyway when stopping for gas.
good luck with your project. let us know how you make out.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
Not my thing but it's cool your going against the grain and trying to make a bike you love into something more.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,926
Likes: 948
From: Texas
Not a fair comparison but I have a '05 Deuce and an '02 FLHT. Made several 500 mile days on the Deuce, loaded with a large tour bag and one saddle bag and while fatigued at the end of the day, it was tolerable. Bought the '02 FLHT used, beefed up motor, some cosmetic changes and first long trip was a pleasure. Not only was the bike more comfortable but baggers handle so much better than say a Deuce or Breakout. I think if the OP ever made a long trip on a bagger; he would see the light........
