Do you ride with your Hard Bags?

I just want to through this out to the collective wisdom.

When riding 2 up the bike was sluggish, well yeah, it's overloaded.

But I removed the Hard Bags to try and lighten the load.

To my surprise the handling improved 100%.

Empty the 2 bags weigh about 25 pounds, so that shouldn't affect the

handling that much.

I bought the FJR mainly because of the Hard Bags and the top Case.

But now I'm riding with only the top case, even when I'm riding solo.

The Bags are sitting in my Garage, and looking very sad.

A year ago I saw a add for a FJR where the bike and the bags were being

sold seperately, the saler said the bags had never been used, that the bike

had always been riden without the bags. At the time I thought this was kinda

wierd, but I'm really geting a kick out of the bike without the bags.

So who else usually rides without the bags?

I'm part of the other group... The only time my bags are off is for rear wheel maintenance/replacement.

It just depends on what I am doing. I have a tail bag, that is always on and a mini tank back with my valuable stuff ( GPS, Cell etc) that I bring in with me if I am eating or things like that. They are on in the winter with rain gear 100% , only on for travel , meetings etc in good weather. Service they always go in off.

worldbound4now said:

I'm part of the other group... The only time my bags are off is for rear wheel maintenance/replacement.

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+1

I think you need some new aftermarket suspenders.

I haven't noticed any real difference with the side cases removed, so I leave them on all the time. Besides, they're stuffed with a rainsuit, extra gloves, and other odds and ends.

My factory top case is another matter; I rarely ever have a passenger without it in place. It's not really a very good back rest, but most passengers feel more secure with something behind them. When riding alone (most of the time), I take it off, unless I need the storage. It causes wind resistance at high speed, and I don't like that.

If I know its just a quick scratch of the back 40, I'll take them off, otherwise, they're ALWAYS on.

The Givi top case only goes on for multi day trips

Bags just about always on; I'm thinking it's more of a visual thing opposed to a 'feel-different' thing. I could be wrong; it won't be the first time. (maybe at triple digits, but even there, they don't intrude on me)

I ride with them on all the time. I bought the bike because of the storage (the touring aspect to me), and so they aren't coming off the bike.

Draggon Rider said:

When riding 2 up the bike was sluggish, well yeah, it's overloaded.

Click to expand...

You must have a "French FJR" :lol:

On all the time except when taking for servicing. I've not got a top box.

One always has pump, tyre repair stuff, bungies, warm jumper, other odds and ends I seem to keep in there to make sure the weight's over Yammy's limit for a side case.

On shopping trips I put my helmet in the other when off the bike. When on a tour, they're full of all that washing She kindly does for me when I get back (I've tried the inside-out underpants, but that only works for one night away).

I also use them to protect my legs when dumping the bike on its side (yes, both legs, I've done it on each side) .

Usually it is bags OFF, Smuggler ON

The only ride my hard bags have ever gotten on either of my two FJRs was home from the Stealership. As soon as I get them home I popped the reflectors (just for fun), tighten and loctite the latch screw then i wrap them in old sweatshirts and plastic bags and tuck them away in the garage.

i ride only with a tank bag or backpack. for camping I'll strap to the passenger seat.

i never planned on using them and figure i save lots of tire wear.

i guess i shoulda bought just an R1?

Renegade said:

worldbound4now said:

I'm part of the other group... The only time my bags are off is for rear wheel maintenance/replacement.

Click to expand...

+1

I think you need some new aftermarket suspenders.

Click to expand...

+1

I always ride the FJR with the bags on too. I will ride something else if I am concerned about weight, handling or whatnot.

Always on. I have stopped and picked things up too many times not to keep them on.

I though that I read here that the LEO's think that the bike is slower with the bags on...

I keep the bags on so the LEO's think that I am touring and not racing...

Always keep them on, trying to look slower than I am.

I think the bike looks great with the bags on and with them off. I got into the habit of leaving them in the garage and rode with just the top box for a year or so. Then, last year while riding in Ohio, for some reason I can't explain, I decided to leave them on. That morning I hit a deer and went down. Both bags got damaged but between the sliders and bags, my legs were well protected. Now I leave them on.

Yort said:

Always keep them on, trying to look slower than I am.

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Is that possible? <_<

I don't think I've ever ridden without them... I like the way they look. Plus I need to keep stuff with me...