Anyone using something other than original side cases

[user 89595]

My side cases were stolen from my garage several days ago. Since they were on the garage floor, I assume the thieves thought they were tool cases. They did not touch the top case that was next to them. I will likely never see the cases again.

I saw an OEM set on ebay, but the cost of the cases and painting them would be well above my budget.

My question is - Is anyone out there using something other than OEM side cases? I have seen a few aftermarket cases, but not sure I want to bite the bullet on them. I was thinking possibly using cordura saddle bags made for a sport bike.

I ride the bike on trips often. But, I don't think I have to have all OEM equipment on it. I picked up a large tail bag for a sport bike to use for now.

Any thoughts??

 

[escapefjrtist]

That stinks...makes you wonder what the crooks thought they were getting.

IIRC, GIVI makes some aftermarket alternatives although cost probably won't be much [if any] less than a good used set of OE bags. Biggest drawback I see with soft bags is the theft potential while traveling, with limited options to secure the contents from a sharp knife.

Good luck!

--G

 

[tempest766]

I think you'd be better off with an after market set of saddle bags. The stock ones IMHO are a minus on the FJR: very minimal capacity, not really well made, and way too easy to scuff up when throwing a leg over the bike. Hell, even the key latch design makes it too easy to gouge up the plastic on the handle if the key is not in the fully open position when closing the latch. Compared to the bomproof ones I've had on other bikes, I'm not really impressed with the FJR OEM luggage.

 

[timk]

Turnit in to your insurance, that's why you have it.

 

[chrisflock]

My side cases were stolen from my garage several days ago. Since they were on the garage floor, I assume the thieves thought they were tool cases. They did not touch the top case that was next to them. I will likely never see the cases again.
I saw an OEM set on ebay, but the cost of the cases and painting them would be well above my budget.

My question is - Is anyone out there using something other than OEM side cases? I have seen a few aftermarket cases, but not sure I want to bite the bullet on them. I was thinking possibly using cordura saddle bags made for a sport bike.

I ride the bike on trips often. But, I don't think I have to have all OEM equipment on it. I picked up a large tail bag for a sport bike to use for now.

Any thoughts??

I think your choices are to use soft bags, or to wait for a set in the right paint color (I think 2007 is a single year color, unfortunately, but if you watch they'll come up, particularly if you are willing to accept a few minor scratches or scuffs) or to accept a non-matching color (perhaps black?).

I think that getting a set of aftermarket bags, by the time you get mounting brackets and all the rest, is going to run more than getting bags off ebay (I know that looking into getting a set of bags for my wife's Ninja 650, a pair of hard bags + mounting brackets was well into the range of "maybe we could just trade the bike in for a bike that comes with them" price. Also, in spite of tempest766's complaints, I've loved my FJR's hard bags over the last 10 years, and they seem great compared to a lot of aftermarket bags out there. I can't believe how small a lot of aftermarket bags are, yet they stick out way further than the bags on the FJR (a guy I ride with has a Versys that is way wider than the FJR and his bags aren't even close to fitting a helmet!)

 

[garyahouse]

This forum is a great source for these bags if you're patient. Guys are constantly parting out bikes in our classified section. You just missed a set that sold here a couple months ago. Have you placed a "wanted" add in the classifieds here yet? It may take a couple months, but if you can wait a bit, a good price will come along. Typically, things are cheaper here than flea bay.

Gary

darksider #44

 

[airboss]

Have you looked here?

https://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Yamaha/Motorcycle/2007/FJR1300A+-+FJR13AW/SADDLEBAGS/parts.html

Saved me a lot when I replaced bent wheels on the 08.

 

[RavFJR]

Sorry for your pain... I know of fellow riders that have picked up scuffed bags from eBay cheap, then covered the 'road rash' using Rhino liner coating. This way matching paint isn't an issue - and they didn't look too bad. I had leather bags on a cruiser I once owned years back, and one was cut open with a knife in a grocery store parking lot. So if you want secure luggage, opt for a set of hard bags (aftermarket or Yamaha).

 

[user 89595]

Thanks for the replies. I picked up a large Saddlemen tail bag. I will use that for my travels until I find replacement cases. Insurance will cover the cost of one case after the deductible.

I recently hit a dog and dropped the bike. Had both cases cleaned up and painted gloss black. I originally intended to have some art work put on them. I believe the thieves thought they were tool cases. They will likely break them open, find them empty, and trash them.

 

[rogdeb]

Yamadada has a pair of 2003 side cases in the "for sale" section.

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php/topic/171884-2003-fjr-luggage-great-condition/

 

[user 89595]

Thanks rogdeb. I did not see that. Hope I am not too late.

 

[stealth1]

I used a set of Nelson-Rigg soft bags on a trip one time due to last minute lock issues with my oem bags. I had the N-R bags sitting in the garage anyway, having bought them for another bike. They worked great and save a noticeable amount of weight compared to the oem bags. A used set of decent soft bags can be picked up for $50 or so usually.

 

[Queensland Ken]

Hi,

I've been using Hepco and Becker panniers and rack since 2006, love them.

Far lighter and more volume than the standard panniers.

They do cop a bit of abuse touring all the time while the stock panniers are safe under the bed.

https://www.motorcycleadventure.com.au/shop/index.php?route=product/category&path=101_144_604

My Goldie, an 06, they are now installed on my 3rd FJR, and 2014 ES.

 

[K_Flyer]

The stock ones IMHO are a minus on the FJR: very minimal capacity, not really well made, and way too easy to scuff up when throwing a leg over the bike. Hell, even the key latch design makes it too easy to gouge up the plastic on the handle if the key is not in the fully open position when closing the latch. Compared to the bomproof ones I've had on other bikes, I'm not really impressed with the FJR OEM luggage.

This is our only complaint about the FJR. The latches to open the bags are a particular problem. More than once I was afraid I was going to break the latch to get at my clothes. Even if you wiggle the lid while trying to open it, sometimes it just will not open. Took them to the shop on the first service and the response was "Yeah, they are not well built. Can't really do anything to fix them." I've kept the seal and other parts lubed but it still doesn't help. You can see how flimsy they are as soon as you open the lids. The latch to the bike seems to work okay.

 

[RossKean]

^^^

Not my experience at all. I do find they close better if some inward pressure is placed on the lid while operating the latch. Might help with opening if you are having problems with it. The latch mechanism is robust. Some people have had issues with the locking mechanism that holds the bag on the bike. They have been known to skip a tooth or two internally if dirty or if the "tongue" is blocked when pushing the handle down.

 

[Uncle Hud]

My only beef with the hardcases is they're not top-opening. I've spilt stuff on the ground more than once .....

 

[chrisflock]

My only beef with the hardcases is they're not top-opening. I've spilt stuff on the ground more than once .....

They've got bag liners for that

It is an issue, though, it took nearly dropping my helmet to learn to always put it in the right side bag.

But with the shape of the bike and the way the bags are so tight (and slightly tucked under the tail), the opening would be much smaller if they were top opening (or the bags would have to sit much farther out from the bike.

 

[tempest766]

They've got bag liners for that

Those bag liners take up too much space in a compartment where space is already at a premium. I wonder how many hundreds of dollars they added to the bike cost for those things. I'm with Uncle Hud. Top openers would be preferable, even if they didn't look as snazzy as the stock ones.

 

[TripperMike]

Hi,I've been using Hepco and Becker panniers and rack since 2006, love them.

They do cop a bit of abuse touring all the time while the stock panniers are safe under the bed.

https://www.motorcycleadventure.com.au/shop/index.php?route=product/category&path=101_144_604

My Goldie, an 06, they are now installed on my 3rd FJR, and 2014 ES.

Those look good on the FJR.

Personally I am glad the cases are side opening. I can't imagine the frustration of trying to find something that's at the bottom during the middle of the night on the road. I believe Harleys come with top opening side bags. lol

I look at my bike as a total package. Sure not everything is perfect, but overall it's pretty darn good.

But back on topic, I think Queensland Ken's idea is a pretty descent option. They look as rugged as he says they are.