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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: Erasmo on February 13, 2018, 03:40:36 AM

Title: Side bags
Post by: Erasmo on February 13, 2018, 03:40:36 AM
I've looked a bit around for 3th party panniers because the standard Givi ones are a bit meh. Problem are the racks, I can order a decent kit of panniers and fit it to the existing rack, which can be potentially costly.
Then I realised that side bags do exist and are much more universal because you can hang them on the seat. Does somebody have experience with large side bags?
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: TheGap on February 13, 2018, 03:46:54 AM
Do you mean those?
http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=218

... or something similar
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: Erasmo on February 13, 2018, 04:14:25 AM
Yes but much larger, like 24l per bag.
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: heroto on February 13, 2018, 08:46:47 AM
Not first hand experience as Zero *still* hasn't shipped the moto they promised last month, but I've looked into it a bit and can add to some info: Because there is no hot silencer to deal with, zero riders have soft luggage options without a rack that ICE motos don't have. Soft panniers are not as secure as locked hard cases, but can be locked and locked to the moto. The main pluses are lighter, cheaper and safer for the rider than hard cases.
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: calamarichris on February 13, 2018, 12:47:39 PM
+1 on the soft luggage option:
~cheaper
~adustable
~much, MUCH cheaper if you have a tipover
~easily removed and brought into your hotelroom at night

36 liters enough for you? (https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/cortech-super-20-saddlebags?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpKrw-aOi2QIV27jACh1qKgdrEAQYAyABEgI5VfD_BwE) You can probably try it on at a motorcycle dealership or Cyclegear before buying.
(https://www.revzilla.com/product_images/0040/1403/cortech_super20_saddlebags_black_1800x1800.jpg)(https://www.revzilla.com/product_images/0040/1395/cortech_super20_saddlebags_black_1800x1800.jpg)
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: brose on February 13, 2018, 06:33:34 PM
I have the Zero soft bags. They work great for daily commuting since I can quickly take the bags off and bring them in with me. You really want to be careful not to overload them with too much weight, otherwise they can get holes from rubbing against the back wheel.
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: Richard230 on February 13, 2018, 09:09:33 PM
I have the Zero soft bags. They work great for daily commuting since I can quickly take the bags off and bring them in with me. You really want to be careful not to overload them with too much weight, otherwise they can get holes from rubbing against the back wheel.

I too prefer soft panniers for all the usual reasons, such as being cheaper, much lighter, they can easily be moved to another motorcycle that you may already own or will buy in the future, and if you fall over, they protect the rear of the bike against damage.  But, as mentioned, they need to be fastened to your bike so that they will not swing into the wheel.  Ideally, installing some sort of wire mounting system such as used to support hard bags and then use it to support soft luggage is the way to go.

Those Cortech bags look like a good option for anyone wanting soft luggage.  I have found that they make quality luggage at a decent price.  :)
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: NEW2elec on February 13, 2018, 09:23:26 PM
I was looking on Ebay and found this "great deal" it's only a top bag but it's the "last one" so I thought I'd share.  Oh and it doubles your range.  :)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Rear-seat-bag-Tail-Back-Saddle-Helmet-Pack-Waterproof-oxford-cloth/152859095978?_trkparms=aid%3D555017%26algo%3DPL.CASSINI%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150817211758%26meid%3D80cb20b777dd4c0784e9a6e432d37187%26pid%3D100507%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26%26itm%3D152859095978&_trksid=p2045573.c100507.m3226
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: togo on February 13, 2018, 10:36:37 PM
look, it's price reduced, you save $103!  and it's "carbon fiber color".

: - )
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: TheGap on February 14, 2018, 01:42:50 AM
I also have the soft bags I linked in the second post of this thread. I only use them when I need the additional storage (not often) but I have the same experience as brose.
If you don't have a rack, try to tie them as high as possible because they tend to lean inwards when loaded.

On a zero you can get a little more security on the bags (read: against stealing the bags themselves, not talking about the content) since you can place one or both of the Velcro straps (that should go over the saddle) under the saddle. Trust me when I say that it's a bitch to try and remove them when you don't have the tools at hand to remove the saddle also.
... A moot pointy of course if you want the bags to be easily removable.
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: Erasmo on February 14, 2018, 03:36:17 AM
Hmm bags seem to be a dark horse in the cargo competition after all. In ten days there is a large motorshow here, I might just go and see what is available these days.
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: Aikirob on February 14, 2018, 10:40:10 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZhcJhVBTVM
here you go, I made my own custom racking and saddlebags for $100 if you minus the cost of the tools I had to buy to make it, but I've used those tools for other projects too so its all good. I suggest giving it a go because you can make something you truly want, instead of buying cheaply made crap.
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: UW4E on February 14, 2018, 01:42:18 PM
I just bought these bags. To avoid them hanging too close to the wheel, I will fix a pole as a space. I will show pictures when it's done.
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: Schwabe on February 21, 2018, 09:15:36 PM
For my 2 2500w elcon chargers i needed a case (Peli 1550) and a rack.
So i welded a rack. It is made from steeltube 15x1,2mm, sandblastet and coated with liquid zinc.
It was vervy important for me that the rack is supportet as good as possible (to the footrest) to make it "strong as a rock".
The supporting tube also prevents the bags from the wheel.
The sidebags i use are made by Ortlieb (https://www.ortlieb.com/en/) . They are 100% waterproof. This is the bicycle-line.
Ortlieb also manufactures for Touratech (https://shop.touratech.de/travel-equipment/luggage.html#/products/1?category=30770) . This is the motorbike-line.
For the bags you get hooks w(http://)hich fit from 8mm till 20mm tubes.
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: NEW2elec on February 21, 2018, 09:26:13 PM
YES YES YES
That foot peg is an overlooked mounting point.  I think your setup is about as good as any factory could come up with.
Title: Re: Side bags
Post by: Erasmo on February 25, 2018, 11:51:19 PM
Went to a large bike show today, found some interesting bags from a brand a never saw before; Enduristan.
Bought the Blizzard M side bags and a sandstorm 4S tank bag, they also have a neat small fender bag:

(https://www.nomad-adv.com/uploads/7/9/8/4/79840732/s776947549718883587_p428_i1_w640.jpeg)