Hello Forum Members,
After organizing the following information on another forum, I thought I should cross-post it here in case someone may be interested.
(Summary)
Here's a photo/farkle for the guys/gals who may ride two-up and prefer more cargo capacity for tools, spare parts, camping gear or anything else on your list... I allocate the trunk space for riding gear while parked and use the front bags for the heavier items such as tools, tent stakes, rain/cold weather gear or less frequently accessed items.
>Love the idea of the front hard bags. How did you mount them? <
I know the front bags are not for everyone. However, I don't care to shuffle things around that I don't use everyday simply to access things I do use everyday, especially while traveling two-up or motorcycle camping. Most riders don't care to drag their tool bag, air compressor or spares into a hotel room or to sort their luggage in the parking lot.
The extra capacity is significant. Those little bags hold a lot more than you may guess at first glance. Even the lids are shaped to accommodate more.
There is a lot gained and very little compromised by installing the bags.
The mounted front bags/panniers:
* are narrower than the width of the rear panniers and may be the same width of the mirrors.
* provide additional protection from the wind and rain.
* retain access to the oil fill cap (simply unlock and lift the lid)
* prevents tampering of the oil fill cap and spark plug wires
* provide additional leg protection while in an accident. I met an amputee once who lost his leg due to a broadside collision with a car while on a motorcycle. If packed with heavy items, such as tools, the bags offer an additional buffer.
* are secure with matching locks
* keep the cargo weight low and towards the front
* do not interfere with splitting lanes or moving the motorcycle
* do not interfere with rider's legs
* do not create any heat dissipation issues
* are mounted with only four bolts and may be removed quickly
* provides peace of mind by being more organized and packing bags according to frequency of use
* helps an owner become more self-reliant by packing more troubleshooting tools and spares.
* often fools the general public into thinking they are stock OEM bags or accessories
* become permanent once used for a while by spoiling the owner
Compromises:
* larger front profile and possibly less aerodynamic (ref photo)... perhaps a fuel tax?
* appearance for those strict 'form over function' folks
* Fortunately, I have not had an opportunity to crash test the panniers/bags.
The installation is rather simple. I purchased:
* the bags on eBay from a company in San Francisco. ($125-ish in 2009)
* a pair of aftermarket ST1100 highway pegs & associated mounts (ref photo)
* Honda OEM markers and Pan American Logo
* services of a local fabrication shop to provide the mounting platform.
Btw, if you are careful while determining the placement of the front panniers, the maintenance covers may be removed while the front panniers are mounted. The image of the front of the motorcycle was taken after blasting through Death Valley last year. Following is a side profile image to illustration the size of the front panniers relative to the front fairing/maintenance cover, etc.
I hope all these photographs inspire fellow riders to consider a similar upgrade... just tell folks it is the grand touring 'option' by Honda.
Hopefully the following photographs are self-explanatory.
Go Ride!
-David (San Diego)
After organizing the following information on another forum, I thought I should cross-post it here in case someone may be interested.
(Summary)
Here's a photo/farkle for the guys/gals who may ride two-up and prefer more cargo capacity for tools, spare parts, camping gear or anything else on your list... I allocate the trunk space for riding gear while parked and use the front bags for the heavier items such as tools, tent stakes, rain/cold weather gear or less frequently accessed items.
>Love the idea of the front hard bags. How did you mount them? <
I know the front bags are not for everyone. However, I don't care to shuffle things around that I don't use everyday simply to access things I do use everyday, especially while traveling two-up or motorcycle camping. Most riders don't care to drag their tool bag, air compressor or spares into a hotel room or to sort their luggage in the parking lot.
The extra capacity is significant. Those little bags hold a lot more than you may guess at first glance. Even the lids are shaped to accommodate more.
There is a lot gained and very little compromised by installing the bags.
The mounted front bags/panniers:
* are narrower than the width of the rear panniers and may be the same width of the mirrors.
* provide additional protection from the wind and rain.
* retain access to the oil fill cap (simply unlock and lift the lid)
* prevents tampering of the oil fill cap and spark plug wires
* provide additional leg protection while in an accident. I met an amputee once who lost his leg due to a broadside collision with a car while on a motorcycle. If packed with heavy items, such as tools, the bags offer an additional buffer.
* are secure with matching locks
* keep the cargo weight low and towards the front
* do not interfere with splitting lanes or moving the motorcycle
* do not interfere with rider's legs
* do not create any heat dissipation issues
* are mounted with only four bolts and may be removed quickly
* provides peace of mind by being more organized and packing bags according to frequency of use
* helps an owner become more self-reliant by packing more troubleshooting tools and spares.
* often fools the general public into thinking they are stock OEM bags or accessories
* become permanent once used for a while by spoiling the owner
Compromises:
* larger front profile and possibly less aerodynamic (ref photo)... perhaps a fuel tax?
* appearance for those strict 'form over function' folks
* Fortunately, I have not had an opportunity to crash test the panniers/bags.
The installation is rather simple. I purchased:
* the bags on eBay from a company in San Francisco. ($125-ish in 2009)
* a pair of aftermarket ST1100 highway pegs & associated mounts (ref photo)
* Honda OEM markers and Pan American Logo
* services of a local fabrication shop to provide the mounting platform.
Btw, if you are careful while determining the placement of the front panniers, the maintenance covers may be removed while the front panniers are mounted. The image of the front of the motorcycle was taken after blasting through Death Valley last year. Following is a side profile image to illustration the size of the front panniers relative to the front fairing/maintenance cover, etc.
I hope all these photographs inspire fellow riders to consider a similar upgrade... just tell folks it is the grand touring 'option' by Honda.
Hopefully the following photographs are self-explanatory.
Go Ride!
-David (San Diego)