Pro/Con For Adding Luggage to Anni.

[Guzzi Gal]

So I haven't gotten my bike yet, but in my excitement, I can't help but look for useful farkles.  Many kind people have suggested luggage, to make my little Anni more useful, so I've started looking into options.  If money were no object, she'd get custom leather bags to match her seat, but that's not the gonna happen.  Below, is a link to the canvas with leather strap bags I like.  These are still very expensive, but I like the retro look, and the company has a good reputation.   

https://www.hepco-shop.de/produkte/gepaeck/legacy?___store=english

If I scrimp, and save to purchase these, or similar, what connection option should I use.  C-Bow, or Traditional?  Whilst trolling Revzilla, I came upon these cheap universal bag supports.  Cheap being the operative word, but since they'd theoretically be hidden, does it matter?  What retro luggage do you like/use?  How do you mount it you your beauty?   

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/street-steel-universal-saddlebag-supports

I don't want modern looking luggage.  It may be more useful, larger, etc..., but she's only for putting around town on errands, or a Sunday twisty break, not as a long distance hauler.  Yet.    

[Psychopasta]

Hi GG,

I really like the bags you found. I also like the antiqued look for bags, so I may get myself some too.

That said, I don't really follow your question. The webpage you gave gives lots of mounting options, C-Bow, slingover etc. What is it you want a view on? Whether c-bow is better than the others, or what?

- Pasta

[Socalrob]

Those bags look great.

For my Anniversario I have on order the Comet bags in glossy black fiberglass from Craven Industries in the UK.  I plan to mount them onto the hepcobecker loop racks, using possibly the touratech puck system.

I like the vintage look of the Cravens, and they look to me to be the right size for the bike, and not very wide which is good for lane splitting here.

Last night I stopped by the local taco truck on the way home to pick up dinner for wife and myself.  Ended up cramming a bag full of eight tacos, lime slices, radish slices, and some hot sauces, all inside my Dianese airflow jacket.  Can't wait to get some luggage.

[ChuckH]

.... I don't want modern looking luggage.  It may be more useful, larger, etc..., but she's only for putting around town on errands, or a Sunday twisty break, not as a long distance hauler.  Yet.

For your stated purpose, why not consider a rear top case.  They're generally lockable and removable.  Plus, they don't increase the width profile of the bike.

[Chuck in Indiana]

As a counter point.. I don't want a top case taking me to the scene of the crash.    Too many years of throwing away dirt bikes, I guess..

[fotoguzzi]

You can't beat HB hard bags   . not leather tho..

[Guzzi Gal]

Hi GG,

I really like the bags you found. I also like the antiqued look for bags, so I may get myself some too.

That said, I don't really follow your question. The webpage you gave gives lots of mounting options, C-Bow, slingover etc. What is it you want a view on? Whether c-bow is better than the others, or what?

- Pasta

I guess I was asking if anyone had experience with the installed options, and if you use throw-over bags, what do you use to keep them from kicking in.  I want something that won't require removing the passenger grip, unless it's replaced by is similarly shaped chrome grip/rack combo.  I'm looking for the least intrusive, without the bags doesn't look ugly, hardware.     

With all the very knowledgeable, and creative people here, I figured someone would know "just the thing" to finish her off.  Brainstorming often brings the best results.   

[Zoom Zoom]

Moto Machines is the US importer for H-B: http://www.motomachines.com/  Lots to look at there.

I have used both systems. FWIW, the older style brackets give you a wider variety of bags that can be used and is a more robust mounting system. These are the rectangular brackets you see on the web. These brackets give you the ability of larger capacity bags than do the C-Bows. In all honesty 21 liters is not very much if you run to the grocery store for a few supplies along with whatever you need to carry anyway. The hard luggage generally seal well against rain and can be locked. Some of their leather bags can also be locked. Regardless of which mounting system you choose, the bags will lock to the mount.

The C-Bows are the nicest looking without bags attached, but you get spoiled quickly with some space. The only time the bags come off my bikes is to work on them or to clean them. So, the aesthetics of the brackets really take a back seat to function.

There are a few bags that are only available for use with the C-Bow mounts.

The most popular bags for the older system are the Juniors. The 30L bags would look better on your bike than the 40's and would be very suitable for everyday hauling of stuff with enough room to be practical.

The bags you mentioned are, (I think), only available as C-Bow mounting and I don't **think** they can be locked closed. OTOH, they would look great on your bike, but you may be disappointed in the amount of space they have. I also think they are some type of material rather than leather. (A brown leather bag would look fantastic on your bike.)

I put C-Bows on my 1400 Eldorado because it was the only game in town other than the very expensive and small bags Guzzi sells for my bike. But, I added a small bracket that I could put a nylon strap through to provide added support when I intended to put a bigger load in them. They might have been fine, but I was not comfortable with the mounting. I recently adapted the factory hard bags and now have the others gathering dust in the garage. There is a lot to say for lockable hard storage, and I suppose I have become spoiled over the years. I like the ease of use of hard bags over buckles and straps and such.

So that is my 2 cents of the pros and cons of either. 

John Henry   

[Kev m]

For YOUR stated use either C-bows or a small topcase.

[NC Steve]

A friend of mine just purchased his 2nd set of these bags and loves them.
The first set he added to a Sportster, and this set goes on a Guzzi Stone. They're adaptable to various models as well. I've seen them on his Sportster, and they're slim, look great, with good capacity.
https://www.vikingbags.com/harley-sportster-1200-custom-spear-shock-cutout-motorcycle-saddlebags-5767-prd1.htm?src=prn&utm_source=yotpo&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=social_share#write_review

[Cam3512]

I put custom painted retro Buco bags on my V7 Special.  Mounted on C-Bow system, with their brackets bolted to the back of the bags.  Easy on and off, and the bike still looks clean with them removed.  With the C-Bow brackets they sell separately, you can mount ANY bag to their system.

[rodekyll]

I put custom painted retro Buco bags on my V7 Special.  Mounted on C-Bow system, with their brackets bolted to the back of the bags.  Easy on and off, and the bike still looks clean with them removed.  With the C-Bow brackets they sell separately, you can mount ANY bag to their system.

If retro is what you want, my preference would be something like this.  Get some Shoei, Bates, Wixom, Buco, or other period hard bags.  I'd lean toward Wixom or simple Bates.  Have them painted to match the bike.  You'll probably end up the paint job ahead of new ones (which you'd want to color coordinate, anyway).  Bags from that era are roomy, don't leak, and mount with pipe brackets to whatever brackets you get (or make).  I'd only fit a top pack after the side bags weren't enough.

I'd steer away from any bag that needs a "liner" or insert to be watertight.  That's an admission of poor design.  I also favor locking latches that also operate lockless, a hinge on one end rather than two latches (better at not losing the lid as you travel), and a toploader.  They should be large enough to carry emergency gear and rain togs, which you'll always have on board, and still have room for groceries. 

I've got large Bates bags on my '76 Convert.  They're as retro as it gets, but I put them there in 1978 and they are still watertight.  They carry my tools and gear and still have room for a couple 12 packs of RC Cola and a bag of groceries.  I've got a humongous top pack too, but I only mount it when I'm hitting the road.  Because I don't like weight behind my rear wheel, I went with a solo saddle and put the top pack in the pillion location.  It doubles as a back rest.

$0.02

[kingoffleece]

I have the Ventura rack system on my V7.  I prefer not to alter the side lines of the bike-but I do like the look of the H-B Jr bags.  It looks "correct" for a V7 IMO.

What I like about my set-up is it's only there when I need it.  Otherwise, a small piece plugs in and it's just a small rear rack that looks good.

[Strada]

So I haven't gotten my bike yet, but in my excitement, I can't help but look for useful farkles.  Many kind people have suggested luggage, to make my little Anni more useful, so I've started looking into options.  If money were no object, she'd get custom leather bags to match her seat, but that's not the gonna happen.  Below, is a link to the canvas, and leather bags I like.  These are still very expensive, but I like the retro look, and the company has a good reputation.   

https://www.hepco-shop.de/produkte/gepaeck/legacy?___store=english

I don't want modern looking luggage.  It may be more useful, larger, etc..., but she's only for putting around town on errands, or a Sunday twisty break, not as a long distance hauler.  Yet.   

I agree with you about preferring classic-looking luggage to perhaps more useful modern-styled luggage. ;)

I've been looking at the Hepco & Becker Legacy line as well. I'm thinking canvas saddle bags and C-Bow mounts. The C-Bow mounts are pretty unobtrusive when the bags aren't mounted and don't noticeably distract from the look of the bike. I just can't decide between the "large" and the "medium" canvas bags - leaning toward the "large". I put both of those descriptions in quotation marks because in comparison to most of the modern-style bags that are available these bags are both small.

I also like the small leather bag that H&B offer as part of this line. I'm not sure how (or if) it works/mounts with the C-Bow system.

I'm getting mine from Todd at GuzziTech:
http://www.guzzitech.com/store/product/h-b-legacy-courier-bags/

(My bike currently - before luggage. You can see why I also want a 'classic look'.)



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[Tom H]

To start with, I like baggers, but do have a spft spot for a naked bikes as well.

My Guzzie's all run bags. My HD, no bags, but I did put a small fender fitting rack behind the solo seat that I can bungie my lunch cooler to.

I was sorta looking for maybe a trunk rather than bags. Just something to toss a few item from the store in. Maybe something like this might work better for you. Keeping the basic look of the bike.

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/831-899/saddlemen-standard-sport-tunnel-bag

Just a thought??
Tom

[Guzzi Gal]

I agree with you about preferring classic-looking luggage to perhaps more useful modern-styled luggage. ;)

I've been looking at the Hepco & Becker Legacy line as well. I'm thinking canvas saddle bags and C-Bow mounts. The C-Bow mounts are pretty unobtrusive when the bags aren't mounted and don't noticeably distract from the look of the bike. I just can't decide between the "large" and the "medium" canvas bags - leaning toward the "large". I put both of those descriptions in quotation marks because in comparison to most of the modern-style bags that are available these bags are both small.

I also like the small leather bag that H&B offer as part of this line. I'm not sure how (or if) it works/mounts with the C-Bow system.

(My bike currently - before luggage. You can see why I also want a 'classic look'.)

I understand completely!  All that chrome screams traditional, and that's exactly why I purchased the Anniversario (Anni for short).  I like your side pouch too.  My scooter's under-seat storage is 22 liters, big enough for my full face.  The large Legacy is half that, so I wouldn't want to go smaller.

[Guzzi Gal]

To start with, I like baggers, but do have a soft spot for a naked bikes as well.

I love baggers.  A lot!  I never was into the nakeds, let alone retro-nakeds.  I though for sure I was going to end up with a full dress Honda CTX700 DCT ABS (still want), NC700 (if it weren't so tall + love the "trunk"), or a BMW K something.  Then I saw the V7 III Stone, and right next to it, a blue Special.  That was it.

Several months later I purchased about the most retro-naked being made.  Go figure.   

[Guzzi Gal]

Last night I stopped by the local taco truck on the way home to pick up dinner for wife and myself.  Ended up cramming a bag full of eight tacos, lime slices, radish slices, and some hot sauces, all inside my Dianese airflow jacket.  Can't wait to get some luggage.

HA!  Yup, I'd do the same for good Mexican food.  I keep an older model of this backpack in my scooter, just in case what I get won't fit under the seat.  The straps aren't as thick, but they still work in a pinch. 

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B005RY3NFS/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2EVNM6FSR3MO7&colid=25PPUB5QYJMK4

I love the black Craven Comet Panniers.  Very sexy!

[Kev m]

We've got 4 bikes currently and only the wife's Ducati is naked.

All three of mine have not only sidecases, but topcases too.

Partly that's because much of my riding was always practical (commuting, gym, groceries, or beer, or camping).

If you might see that use I totally get bags and cases.

Then again if not but if you just want to carry water, a camera, extra layers, etc. you might still want them.

I dunno, part of me wishes I'd gone C-Bow for less intrusive racks. But part of me is sure I'd almost never ride without the cases/bags anyway

They're ALSO good if you decide to carry precious cargo on the passenger seat. Especially the topcases.

[Tom H]

With the bike V7 style, I thought you might prefer the stock naked style look. Since you like baggers, then get a set of side cases. My EV just carried 3 12oz 8pks of sodas and a mess of groceries. My HD will not do that. So I do like having bags.

I don't have a good opinion on retro or what style bags you would like. But I will say, figure out what you may want to carry and then decide on the bags. If you just want to toss in some gloves and personal items, a set of leather old school bags would look great. But if you plan to stop at this and that stores and need it to all fit, a larger less "cool" looking bag may be the better choice.

I have a set of police bags on my Eldo. Look cool but don't hold S@#$. On the plus side though, I can get a cold 9 pk plus a 8# bag of ice in the left bag. It will stay cold all night

Enjoy your choice!!
Tom

[Guzzi Gal]

They're ALSO good if you decide to carry precious cargo on the passenger seat. Especially the topcases.

Your pic made my heart melt.  Too cute!  :1:

Our youngest is 6, and she's petrified if the scooters go over 3 mph on the 50 yard ride to the mailbox.  I do like the top case as a backrest idea.  The only tail luggage rack I like, so far, is the chrome OEM one.  The H&B just doesn't do it for me with that extra loop over the top, but it's probably more useful because of it.  I also haven't found a tail bag/top case with the look I like yet.             

[Guzzi Gal]

If you just want to toss in some gloves and personal items, a set of leather old school bags would look great. But if you plan to stop at this and that stores and need it to all fit, a larger less "cool" looking bag may be the better choice.

I love the thought of hitting the open road, and heading for points unknown.  Not on this bike though, and not whilst I still have 3 young kids at home.  Anni will probably always be a tiddler, and not a commuter, shopper, or traveler.  If I can put a plastic grocery bag, full of whatever, on each side, I'm good.   
 
These are on the right track, and they are over twice a large as the large H&B Legacy.   

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/packanimal/motorcycle-saddle-bags-and-tool-rolls?lang=fr
Modify message

[Strada]

These are on the right track, and they are over twice a large as the large H&B Legacy.   

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/packanimal/motorcycle-saddle-bags-and-tool-rolls?lang=fr

Have you seen these? On an Anniversario nonetheless!









c.f. http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=90638.msg1431946#msg1431946

Unfortunately elvisboy77 never said what they were/where he got them.


I kind of like the look of the kickstarter bags (Pack Animal) that you found better.
http://packanimal.co

But I still think I'll go with the H-B Legacy Bags. The C-Bow system is just so nice, and I'm not doing long trips on this bike. 2-3 days at most.

[Mr Pootle]

The Legacy stuff would look great on a Stone or Special, but anything would ruin the beauty of an Anniversario. Resist temptation. If you need to transport anything, get a cheap soft back and bungee it behind you.

[Guzzi Gal]

Unfortunately elvisboy77 never said what they were/where he got them.

I kind of like the look of the kickstarter bags (Pack Animal) that you found better.

I'll have to give his post a bump, and ask him. 
I was going to sus out if Pack Animal had actually gone into production in the morning, but you did the work for me.  Thank you!

I just found these on Amazon, and the price is certainly right, even for a short term solution.  If you scroll down, there is another style for a little less. 

https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Leather-Saddlebags-Saddle-Panniers/dp/B074JF4VX3?ref=hnd_dp_car_mba_6

[Huzo]

Those things in reply #10 look good ! And BTW GG, your bike isn't exactly "little".
A guy gave his the berries yesterday next to me with a slim girl on the back in Italy somewhere, now granted I had 50 kg or so of gear on the back, but so did he, (his was just packaged nicer), and I tell ya' what, I don't reckon I could have beaten him to  130 km/h
Needless to say I didn't even try, but just sayin'.

[Gootsz]

If yu like the c-bow mounts on the bike. You can buy the bag mounts from moto as listed above and make any bag set into c-bows.
Micky

[malik]

If anyone is reluctant to add hardware to the bike, I've found these work really well. Wolfman Beta. I believe they also make a smaller version. Three mounting points. Solid, stable, very quick & easy on & off.





Otherwise, the Kreiga bags work well. The US30 fits the seat better, but the US40 carries more - covers the rack & seat, but fits packed lever arch files easily. Waterproof. The mounting system straps onto the frame &/or the rear rack. I find that I don't like to leave the straps on without the bag (just dangling) so remove them when not in use. Only a little bit of a pain. I have found them useful on occasions. Pity about the price. Should anyone like photos, I can oblige.

[twowings]

Here are some very nice ones AND you get to support a 100% female-owned business!



https://motorbikewriter.com/divorce-long-ride-inspires-naz-bags/

[Guzzi Gal]

Those are nice bags, and they come with a good story too!