Saddlebags on the cheap

[jlmoulto]

I have been looking for saddlebags to add to my 2004 Bandit 1200s.  As I currently have a SHAD Topcase (similar to the Givi) with a Motopak GT-17 Tank Bag and a Motopak tail roll bag, the saddlebags where for those rare times when I will be on longer trips, perhaps bringing camping stuff.  So I wasn't prepared to shell out big dollars for something I might use once a season.

In shopping at Bentley recently, I discovered carry on bags in black with the Air Canada logo on them.  These where retangular in shape and are 14l"x10w"x10h".  Similar but not identical to the ones shown below. $20.50 taxes included for both bags.

http://secure.onlinebags.com/productdetail.ch2?productid=2288&category=1#

I compared theses to the saddlebags I have been considering and the measurements are pretty close.  14.5"l x 11"w x 8.5"h for the Cortech Saddlebag at approx. $159.99+taxes.

So a quick trip to my luggage repair person (aka my Sister!) and she is in the process of adding staps to join the bags and to allow for attachment to the bike.  She is also going to create a rain cover for me out of some cheap nylon with a draw string.  Total cost including the bags is just under $40.00 Canadian.

[CWO4GUNNER]

Make sure she uses velcro so you can take them apart after joined together as you mention. Good Idea

[jlmoulto]

The velcro thing is a definite.  Debating between D rings and bungee cords for the bottom corners of the bags, vs more velcro straps.

Thoughts?


Also, here are pics of the actual bags.

http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jmoulton@nl.rogers.com/album?.dir=/7cc6re2&.src=ph&.tok=ph5LnPGBxD_U6X45

and a better measurment is more like 15" x 7 1/2" x 10 1/2"
 which should equate to roughly 20 litres per bag.