Resurrection of the luggage conversation

[perpetualnewb]

Hi All,
I just got my new-to-me 2003 Bonneville last Monday. Still waiting for the Foreign Office to clear it out from the diplomatic registration it was under, but in the meantime investigating accessories and mods.

I plan on doing some 2-3 day light touring with it once that is all sorted, to get some miles under my belt. She came with a givi top box which seems very practical, if not exactly the look I love , and I've bought an Oxford X30 tank bag (despite the look also not being what I was after - they reviews are great and the doubling as a backpack handy). I'd love any recommendations on the following:
Saddle bags/panniers:

• Do I need baggage racks to keep the any bags away from tire?
• I'm tempted to get oxford first time white-labelled things (seems exactly the same, but called 'ontour' instead) http://www.amazon.co.uk/OnTour-Moto...qid=1371302138&sr=8-1&keywords=ontour+pannier) as a stop gap.
• Otherwise considering some of this Oxide Tek Leather stuff http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=tek+leather+pannier

Tool stuff:

• there is NO space under this seat - especially not after the datatool 3 has taken up it's space.
• What things should I consider packing for multi journeys for a bonnie?
• I like the look of these Royal Spares accessories, has anyone got them? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRIUMPH-C...pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item2a2dd6781c are they any good? Would that even fit under the light on the front forks?

Is leather a worthwhile thing in England or will the rain just soak right through and rot it all away? How is TEK Leather? The sales blurb makes it sound good, and unlike vinyl, but I'm sure when Vinyl first launched they said great things about it too

 

[devo]

Thats a nice tool roll in the link,if you dont mind paying that kinda money.
I have a tool roll on my bike and it is the only bag on my bike,although I only ever do dayrides.
In it I can carry the basic tools,(although I havent for over a year as I have never needed them)wallet,camera and other basic essentials that tend to rip your pockets or hurt your butt on a ride.

 

[perpetualnewb]

Yeah, it's about as much as I'm willing to spend on saddlebags atm. But I envision it living on the bike. What stuff do you count as the basic tools? I'm very new to this motorbike thing so good tips welcome

 

[The Seeker]

Duct tape! Lmao!

Posted with TapaTalk

 

[hemibee]

Basic tools. . . Duct tape, electrical tape, tie wraps, wire ties, and a few common tools.


Sent from somewhere using Tapatalk

 

[The Seeker]

Caution: Heavy, hard tools on the forks sometimes can dent the top of the front fender on a bad pothole or bump.

Posted with TapaTalk

 

[perpetualnewb]

Ahh, the good ol' Duct Tape and WD40 mix. All the tools you could ever need

Good tip on the heavy tools, thanks Seeker.

 

[CarlS]

I have been riding an 03 Bonneville T100 for nine years. On trips, I carry a screw driver with both flat and Phillips bits, an adjustable wrench, a folding Torx set and a folding Allen wrench set. I have mostly used the The Torx and Allen sets to to tighten or adjust things. I also carry chain lube when traveling. I carry these in my panniers which I only put on for traveling distances. I carry the same tools on my Tiger 800XC.

I prefer using dry bags over top boxes and tank bags. You do need pannier racks to keep the panniers from getting into the rear wheel.

 

[perpetualnewb]

Thanks Carl,
Your seat, is it fluffy?
Seeing as I've got the luggage rack on there already I assume I'll need any pannier racks to be 'compatible' with it. Can you please enumerate why you prefer drybags over topboxes? Is that big black bag motorcycle specific kit, or just a duffel well strapped on?

 

[CarlS]

I prefer the versatility of dry bags. I take them off and I have a clean bike. Also I can strap them on in way to serve as a back rest for long trips. The dry bags I use when kayaking and they work well.

The seat cover is a custom sheepskin designed specifically for the Bonnie. I bought it from Pooksta, a member of this forum. His wife makes and sells them. I it is the best mod I made for long rips.