Luggage Update: A Tale of Four Bags

Here is a run down of the bags I've tried on my DR650 so far .... and the various stand-off's I've devised, sort of in chronological order.

The pipe hanger used below doubles as a stand-off. Supports the plastic side panel, keeps it off the pipe, either stock or aftermarket. This works even when bags are heavily loaded on rough riding. This in turn, helps protect whatever bag you hang on the bike.



These are the small Tourmaster bags I had laying around. OK for a few days ride but not big enough for a longer tour. Very well made bags, good value.
The Top bag shown works great and I still use it with the LARGE Tourmaster bags and as a day ride bag. Note how narrow these bags are.



These are the GIVI racks for any GIVI type hard bag. I used this set up for one trip only. If one was doing pavement only, they are fine and the bike handles fine loaded up if suspension is beefed up some. In the end, I found the hard bag set up added too much weight to the bike and gave one the ability to overpack. Not good when going off road in Baja.

Tourmaster top bag. You could put a much larger bag on with this set up.

GIVI racks/E41 bags in action in Baja. Too much overall weight. (100 lbs.)


These are the larger Tourmaster Cortech bags. Much better and good for
a two week camping trip with the top duffle bag shown. Problem was keeping it off the pipe. I tried this system .... it was OK but not perfect.
More improvements to come.



This is where I am now.
These are bags made by Tecnic. Inexpensive and very large. GIVI make a small rack set. Here I am using the pipe side rack only.
See it in the pic. It keeps the bags well away from the pipe ... nothing caught fire or gets hot ... so far. Very nice little rack and not heavy. Uses stock bolts, very secure.



Note the Tin heat sheild material next to pipe and on bag. Turns out, not needed, but can't hurt. I've set a few bags
on fire before so I'm a bit cautious. The GIVI rack allows air flow. Nice. Stock pipe is now back on the bike. FMF sold ... too loud!


Tecnic bags in action in Utah. So far so good. Cavernous. I try to limit my load on the DR to 65 lbs now. Bike handles better, easier to
pick up. Ohlins shock helps everything, everywhere. Swedish magic!

__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!