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Ortlieb 47-Liter Waterproof Saddlebags
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I needed a pair of saddlebags for some weekend trips with the FE (I don't particularly like tankbags). My main criteria for the saddlebags were: (1) they had to be waterproof (or at least come with waterproof covers); (2) they had to be large enough for two people going on an weekend trip; and (3) they had to allow me to carry a passenger at the same time (necessitating the use of low-mount exhausts and passenger footpegs - for details, see the monoposto to biposto FE mod).
While hard saddlebags are often waterproof and very sturdy, they usually require mounting brackets, most of which require permanent changes to the FE. Not good. Soft saddlebags allow for easy attachment and release (via hook-and-loop connections across the pillon seat, at the passenger footpegs and around the rear fender) and do not require any brackets or permanent changes to the FE. Decision: go with soft saddlebags.
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There are many choices of soft saddlebags. However, most are not waterproof, and waterproof covers were usually a pricey option. What is more, having to use waterproof covers means more baggage (sorry for the pun!) and less carrying space.
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The main difficulty in my finding suitable waterproof saddlebags was that I wanted at least 35 Liters total carrying capacity and enough legroom for the passenger to comfortably use the footpegs on a weekend jaunt. This narrowed the field.
Then, I discovered the Ortlieb waterproof saddlebags. They are 13-inches tall, 15- inches long at the top of the bag, 11-inches long at the bottom of the bag, and 8.5-inches in depth. These saddlebags have a total capacity of 47 Liters. Nice!
Because of their trapezoidal shape, the Ortlieb saddlebags also provide for ample passenger accomodations as you can see from the pictures below.
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Being made of a PVC-covered material, the Ortlieb saddlebags are definitely waterproof. The Ortlieb's have a roll-type enclosure, meaning that the opening to the bags must be rolled open/shut (no leaking seams or zippers here!). Each end of the roll-type enclosure has a plastic buckle clip that attaches to the ends of a shoulder strap. They recently survived some torrential downpours during a Saddle Sore 1000 ride, and are de rigeur on IBA rides that I've done. When needed on solo rides, also using the Ortlieb large waterproof duffbag (like a topcase) works well in conjunction with the saddlebags.
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When the saddlebags are mounted on the motorbike, each shoulder strap is wrapped around the sides and underneath each bag, thereby effectively closing each bag in a watertight seal. When the saddlebags are off the motorbike, they turn into shoulderbags. Great additional feature!
The top of each saddlebag also has another plastic buckle clip that connects to a strap to further fasten the roll-type enclosure.
Each saddlebag has a carryng handle and soft backing on the side that faces the motorbike. This prevents any scratching of the FE's rear bodypanels. However, I decided to also use a meshed foam mat to prevent any marks, especially at the attachment points at the passenger footpegs and the rear fender.
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The stitching and quality of the Ortlieb saddlebags are very good but also no-nonsense. Inside, there are no pockets or other amenities. Each saddlebag has just a plastic U-shaped insert, which is held in place by water-tight screws. This gives the saddlebags their shape even when empty.
On the front and back of each saddlebag are reflective panels. See picture.
The saddlebags work really well at sport touring speeds and hold a lot at 47 Liters. Because they are soft saddlebags, even an extra large Shoei helmet can fit. They can also be overfilled a bit. Most importantly, the sadlebags really do allow for comfortable 2-up riding. The only downside is that, now, I have no reason to get that Ducati ST2/3/4s!!! Ride safe. |
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