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I need some info on carrying luggage or tour packs on my 2007 883 low with solo seat. I am looking at some of the options and the way I see it I am screwed no matter what. I'm looking at saddlebags, some are expensive and some require a pass. pillion, some require the blinkers to be moved. Detachable tourpack is nice but soo expensive. And really only good for long hauls. The luggage bags are nice but they require a pass. pillion or sissy bar or luggage rack. The problem with that is I have NO intention of ever carring a pass. A) it is a low B) not comfortable with it. So if I have to get the pillion do I really have to get the extra foot pegs? And I really don't care for the look of a sissy bar. It doesn't look as though they make a luggage rack for a solo seat. It just seems that no matter what I chose I am going to have to buy all these extra things just so I can carry something. Also I am wondering what you guys are talking about with all these abbreviations. I am really lost on most posts. Thanks
With a bike it's all about compromise... and yes you do have to buy this to be able to do that... It's just the way it is.
One question I can answer... no you don't have to put rear footpegs on the bike...
The exhaust... If you don't mess with the A/C (air cleaner) you shouldn't have to have your FI (fuel injection) re mapped...
The abbreviations is just part of the lingo... once you start leaning the parts of the bike (the most popular ones) you'll be able to figure out what they are talking about.
It can be a problem. Then you have to worry about the "throw over" bags destroying the paint on the fenders, etc, etc.
Stick with it. You won't have this bike the rest of your life and as you gather experience and knowledge you will be a lot better informed when the day comes that you replace your present bike. All kinds of different factors play into deciding "which bike" to buy.
I have the XL883L. I put the quick release solo luggage rack on, and attached a Kuryakyn tombstone bag with black wire ties. I can remove the the rack in 5 seconds, and the bag stays with it. Give a good back rest for longer trips. Works for me.
A lot of the throw overbags may still stay on the bike because each bag has about 3 tie down points on it. I'm not overly concerned about the paint cause I figure its an excuse to get a new paint job in the future. I went to the KS ABATE this weekend and I had my tent strapped between the fender and headlight, bags full and sleep. bags strapped to the back. And the extra stuff we brought back I just strapped to the top of the saddlebags. It may not help you because I have a mine setup for 2up.
For long trips I pack tools, rain gear, jacket, gloves in the saddlebags and all other "stuff" in leather motorcycle luggage strapped to the quick removal sissybar. The following link, http://www.motorcycle-luggage.com/ , Will show you some very reasonable leather luggage with raincover and it's well built gear. I took a 3010 mile round trip through the Rockies in Colorado last June so I had to carry "stuff" to cover temperature ranges from the 30's at 14,000ft to over 100 in New Mexico. Nothing will ruin a ride faster than being wet, cold or both so pack accordingly. Oldcruz has the best idea with the quick removal rack.
dbleagle you have the prettiest bike, I really like the exhaust. If I get the removable sissy bar do i have to have the pass. pillion? It just seems that harley puts the basics on so we have to buy all the extras. also what tools should I bring on a trip?
Tools.....let's see..
You should have gotten a years membership to H.O.G. with your bike. If not, join. You'll have roadside assistance. some mags and a Harley Owners Group Touring Handbook that has all the state maps showing the locations and numbers of Harley & Buell shops. That handbook is a must on a trip. I bought a zippered case tool kit from Sears that has a basic 3/8" drive socket set, pliers, needlenose pliers, tire gauge, tape, hose clamps, zip ties, wirebrush, driver kit with about 14 assorted bits. I added 6 way screwdriver, sparkplugs, spare fusus ( maxi & 15A) , headlamp, basic 3/8" torx drivers set, basic multimeter, 11 piece hex set, CO2 Tire repair kit ( I've read Slime tire repair works better) The toolkit from Sears was about $30. I like the HD rainsuit but you can go cheaper at Walmart. It's easier to stay dry than get dry. It was a lifesaver on a recent 3000 mi jaunt through the Rockies. I needed the tools once during the trip to help a biker with a rear ( lucky for him ) flat. I plugged his tire, used 5 CO2 botles to get him inflated. He gave me $20 for the materials. I thought he was going to kiss me. BTW he didn't even have a cellphone...another must.
IF you're doing a local trip all these tools aren't necessary if you have a shop nearby. I like to ride solo so if I'm heading through the boonies I take it all. Don't forget to take a good suply of common sense.
There are some decent size roll bags available that mount up front that might work for you on shorter trips. Just a thought, depending on how much you want to carry...
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