A member here asked about my Cortech sport bags so I am posting some pics and my thoughts:

I wanted some bags that I can just use temporarily and remove easily when not needed. I also didn't like the look of traditional touring saddle bags nor their high prices. These come with a tie on each side that you can tie (snap) to something BUT I am only using the velcro bands that tie the 2 bags together in the middle, and then I either lay them over the fender and under the seat (I have Danny Gray seat) OR just lay it over the seat for short rides like quick trips to grocery or video store or to work (25 min ride and mostly in town traffic)

The bags would sit outside of the shocks. If just draped over the seat you can position them forward or farther back, whatever.

They are very affordable like $116 or something. Each bag also can be unzipped to expand quite wide. Also come with rain liners (but I'm not using yet). They also make a tail bag which I am considering for more storage on long trips.

oh yeah, additional tibbits:
No added support and no problem so far, but you can also get some types of wood board or plastic cutting board and just tuck to line the inside of the bags. I read that some people do that with soft saddle bags. Oh yeah, each bag has a handle on top and you can snap them together to hold them off the bike. Pretty cool!

Do you use any kind of support brackets that traditional saddle bags use coming off the fender?

Looks good. Thanks for posting the pics.

Originally Posted by DreamStreak

Do you use any kind of support brackets that traditional saddle bags use coming off the fender?

You probably could but I am not and not having problems since the shocks are on the inside of the bags

I've been eyeing those bags myself. I have the tail bag that slides over the sissy bar. It has crossed bungees built in to secure it. This and those bags make a nice set. I am very pleased with the bag.

You can us it with three compartments or unzip from the inside and have just one, or two compartments. I've carried enough for a three day rode trip in warm weather. The picture shows it how you would carry it with the handles or the shoulder strap. On the bike, it sits with the side compartment on top. It its plenty big enough for maps and other over the road items. It's not waterproof but it does come with the formed rain cover that I used once.

I bet if you just put corrugated cardboard inside your bags that would keep them straight enough and out of the wheel, yet still be soft enough to stay in place around the shock. Something rigid may rub too hard on the shock. Run the corrugations horizontally. Two layers or a folded piece may be better. If you try it let us know how it works.

Anyone here using the Cortech Sport Tail Bag? I am considering it to put my laptop in back/forth to work. I am in IT.
http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/...g--609956.html

Originally Posted by guitardadrocks

Anyone here using the Cortech Sport Tail Bag? I am considering it to put my laptop in back/forth to work. I am in IT.
http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/...g--609956.html

I actually already have the tail bag and love it, so that's how I got looking at the saddlebags. It mounts great on the bike, too. If you put it on, lash the rear bungees to the helmet locks and the front ones over the top of the shocks on hook them around the passenger footpeg brackets. I'd buy another one of these in a heartbeat.

Originally Posted by Pharmer

I actually already have the tail bag and love it, so that's how I got looking at the saddlebags. It mounts great on the bike, too. If you put it on, lash the rear bungees to the helmet locks and the front ones over the top of the shocks on hook them around the passenger footpeg brackets. I'd buy another one of these in a heartbeat.

I removed the helmet lock long ago (forgot why )

The bag that CarvedUp has actually attaches to the saddlebags through a quick connect strap at the 4 corners. I think you can use it without the bungees, no need for helmet locks. I have this bag myself and was thinking of buying the saddlebags you have to use for longer trips or commutes where I need extra luggage space.

Originally Posted by DreamStreak

The bag that CarvedUp has actually attaches to the saddlebags through a quick connect strap at the 4 corners. I think you can use it without the bungees, no need for helmet locks. I have this bag myself and was thinking of buying the saddlebags you have to use for longer trips or commutes where I need extra luggage space.

I ordered the saddlebags from newenough yesterday. When they come, I'll post pics of the whole tribag setup mounted.

Cool, I think this might be the route I go for a little extra storage when I need it.

Are these the best looking saddle bags for a meanie? This bike looks as though it doesn't go with saddle bags, but for me, they are a must. Any other opinions on SBs?

Originally Posted by Tw3aks

Are these the best looking saddle bags for a meanie? This bike looks as though it doesn't go with saddle bags, but for me, they are a must. Any other opinions on SBs?

I agree the meanie and in my case the marauder just dont go well with saddle bags but I have also found that, just like a windshield, they're just too damn practical not to have. Maybe they don't need to be installed all the time but I use my bags so much I don't know how I could go without them. Just one man's opinion.

You guys are going to cost me some money. I really like the Cortech tail bag and saddle bags (NOT the sport version). I fabbed bag mounts and a rack that use Kawaski's formed vinyl bags but would accept aluminum plates (would look like number plates with the bags removed) to keep the bags off the wheel, caliper, shocks. The Cortech bags would hold much more than my Kawasaki bags for road trips. The tail bag in particular would be much better than limp tail bag I have.