What is the best for touring on a Pointy?

[dizzyblonde]

don't know if it'd work, but maybe the tailpack bungee'd on a rentec tack?? I just bought the rack and am looking into this idea...then you'd get your pillion seat back and still be narrow enough to filter traffic and keep it steady on the weight....mind you might give you more wheelies...lol


toy tank??? cooooool

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by Jayneflakes

I was kind of hoping to get my lazy ar*e Boyfriend on the back of it too, but if I need the space I guess I will just have to go on holiday on my own.

now your getting the idea! Only take what you cannot get at your destination.

As you a bit of a tomboy, then probably panniers would be no problem. I like a tank bag in addition as that helps distribute the weight forwards, keeping the bike better balanced. Tailpacks are a good idea on your own since it keeps the weight central.

One thing you might look at is the Ventura Bike Pack system, never used it myself but have only heard good things.

Originally Posted by gearman

Something like this may work for you. I fastened mine to a second hand pillion so there are no straps to mar the paint.

Bags-Connection Racepack:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r.../dsc01783c.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r...V/DSC01628.jpg

I really like that system is it only available in the US? or what is the manufacturer? thanks

I like the look of the SW Motech racks: http://www.motohaus.com/acatalog/Suzuki.htmlThey look infinitely better than the standard Givi (or any other) ones.

Originally Posted by Devil Biccy

I really like that system is it only available in the US? or what is the manufacturer? thanks

Available in the UK from these guys http://www.calamander.co.uk/luggage/...sconnindex.htm

I have an older version of this system in plain black and I think it`s the dogs danglies . My advice to anyone installing such systems on a tour is to put Gaffa tape where the straps/pack may rub and I also bought a metre length of that "Waffle" stuff that stops rugs from slipping on wood floors , will stop any rubbing on your bodywork .

The cool thing about that system is you can leave the pannier part in place and just Unzip/Velcro the top part and carry it in to your destination , also has waterproof insides to an extent but it`s still worth wrapping stuff in bin bags just in case . Hope this is of some help to someone .

Originally Posted by Jayneflakes

I have a silver Pointy (04) Called Silvie and I would like to carry luggage on her.

What are the best options for carrying stuff and is there any particular kit you would recommend?

My aim is to travel to Europe eventually and tour about for a few weeks.

Thank you,

Jayne
xXx

I think this would go well with "Silvie"

Not done any touring on the SV - but from times passed, a big Tank bag on a sports bike doubles as an additional fairing / something to rest against.

Soft Panniers leaking? I always used black bin bags inside with no problems.

I still have my last set of soft Panniers somewhere - with my own "Heatshield" fixed to the bottom - must see if they fit the SV..........

Originally Posted by Squidders

I like the look of the SW Motech racks: http://www.motohaus.com/acatalog/Suzuki.htmlThey look infinitely better than the standard Givi (or any other) ones.

I've got one fitted on mine, and whilst it still looks a bit silly with the top box fitted, it is far neater than the Givi when the plate is removed (three clips to take it off). It just leaves a small plate where the pillion grip used to be - none of those huge bars running half-way down the length of the bike.

I had a pointy and used a Suzuki top box which replaced the pillion seat and found it excellent. It kept the centre of gravity a little lower than a add on box and it was big enough to take enough luggage for 9 days abroad. To reduce your luggage on the way back just throw away your underwear after you have used them. That way you have space to buy little extras on your way home. I left socks and undies all over Europe

I have had this tail pack for two years and am very happy. It has straps that go under the seat very easy to take on and off. Don't know how available in the UK though. I use this, and on longer trips add a tank bag.
http://www.luggagelocker.com/luggage-elite-seat-sak.htm

My wife and I toured down to the South of France a few years ago, two up on a curvy. I used Oxford soft panniers and a big tank bag (can't remember make, but it was big and squarer than the Oxford Humpback that I also have which made it much more comfy to lean on). We fitted all we needed in the luggage (not traveling that light either). I don't use tail packs much as they make it more difficult getting on and off the bike, particularly if stiff after a long ride (did I really just say that).

My advice is really just common sense but for what it is worth:
Use tape and the waffle material (as previously mentioned) to protect the paint.
If using soft panniers - secure them high up and tight (lots of bungies help and are easy to remove).
Always secure all the loose ends of straps as if the flap about they can work loose.