C-Bow vs. Rack - any advantages?

[MGPilot]

Would like to add side bags to my V7-II.  I'm leaning toward the simple, clean look of the C-Bow when the bags are off. Doesn't hurt that they seem to be less expensive as well.

Are there any engineering/strength/user advantages to a rack that make it preferable?  (other than a specific bag might be only made for a rack)

Thanks.

[boatdetective]

I've always liked a nice rack.

OK- I had to get it outta my system.  A buddy has Cbows on his 1400. They look OK. However, the bags are expensive and kinda small. I've had Hepco Becker 30 juniors on the last sev bikes and like them. When the bags are off, the racks are black- a bit more "invisible".  Structurally, the racks are really well supported. As for the bags- I feel like I can cram stuff in hard cases that just wouldn't fit in soft panniers.

[Kev m]

Form vs. Function.

The Rack with Juniors seems to be a bit bigger, perhaps slightly more sturdy, but looks meh with the bags off (if you ever take them off).

The C-Bows are a little smaller, a little softer (material of the bags if nothing else), but looks much less intrusive with the bags off.


I'm not sure what I would do if starting from scratch, but I love my Juniors for function and I keep the bags on all the time so the look of the racks mean little.

That said, if I was getting a racer the decision would be easy.

And have you seen Cam's Special with the C-bows ... it's particularly gorgeous.

Excuse the brown seats, this was a Photo-Chop experiment:

[Cam3512]

If you leave the bags on the bike 24/7, regular racks are fine.  If you're looking for a clean look when they're off, C-Bow is the ticket.  I recently found out (here) you can buy C-Bow receivers seperately and put them on ANY bag.

[dxhall]

What brand of fairing is that on the silver/gray V7?

[MGPilot]

...I recently found out (here) you can buy C-Bow receivers seperately and put them on ANY bag.

Do you have a source for that?

Thanks.

[O]

Do you have a source for that?

Thanks.

I believe it was in this thread:
http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=78432.0

[Cam3512]

Do you have a source for that?

Thanks.

http://www.motomachines.com/C-BOW-Plastic-Mold-Mount_p_1546.html

[jas67]

My Racer with C-bows, w/o the bags on (I'm still looking for ones with):
IMG_5622 by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

IMG_5618 by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

[Cam3512]

What brand of fairing is that on the silver/gray V7?

Harper's has it on their site as a "Sport Fairing".   I ordered one and waited weeks before I was told their supplier in Italy wasn't making any lately.   I  cancelled my order then found a used white one from a member here and had it painted to match.  Works GREAT.

[jas67]

More V7 C-bow pics:
Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 9.07.47 PM by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

IMG_4426 by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

IMG_4427 by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

IMG_4431 by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

[mjptexas]

If you tour at all C Bows are great! Pop the bags off and put them in your hotel room at night.

[MGPilot]

http://www.motomachines.com/C-BOW-Plastic-Mold-Mount_p_1546.html

I believe it was in this thread:
http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=78432.0

Thanks.  That opens up a lot what you might use. There are leather courier bags that might be just the ticket for a nice day when you don't want to carry much. Would give a sleeker, more European look & less Harley Davidson...

[jas67]

http://www.motomachines.com/C-BOW-Plastic-Mold-Mount_p_1546.html

One cold bolt a pair of these onto some Pelican cases for some cheap (Guzzi Content), if not ugly, hard cases.
I've thought about doing just that for a safe way to transport my laptop when riding my Monster to work.

[Cam3512]

One cold bolt a pair of these onto some Pelican cases for some cheap (Guzzi Content), if not ugly, hard cases.
I've thought about doing just that for a safe way to transport my laptop when riding my Monster to work.

I'm thinking more along the lines of a nice pair of Wixom, Bucos or Cravens. 

[not-fishing]

Another choice which I use with my Griso, rack for day to day and removable bags for trips.

Get the rack style which uses the tie-downs to attach the rack.  Mine I had to drill holes in the bodywork but it was cheaper

For luggage I use RKA's in 50L expandable they go on and off easy.



http://www.rka-luggage.com/A05%20Saddlebags/50/sb50.html

[MGPilot]

Thanks everyone.

Ordered a set of black C-Bow mounts and a pair of Strayker 23 Side Cases.

Hope they end up looking ok.

[Kev m]

Thanks everyone.

Ordered a set of black C-Bow mounts and a pair of Strayker 23 Side Cases.

Hope they end up looking ok.

Betcha they will!

Post pics when you get em/mount em! 

[dwpeek]

I love my Hepco & Becker C-Bow Luggage from MotoMachines. The C-Bow mounts were very easy to install and remove, and the semi-rigid bags are great. They hold a lot, look great, and don’t interfere with my passenger’s legs. http://www.motomachines.com/C-Bow--Moto-Guzzi-Griso-850-1100-1200_p_754.html  The bags are Hepco & Becker Sport Soft Bags, which currently don’t seem to appear on the MotoMachines site, though I bought them there. http://www.motomachines.com/C-Bow-Bags_c_29.html








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[Clancy]

I had both, but used the C-Bow bags more than the rack.





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[TimmyTheHog]

As C-bow usually use soft bags or as far as I can see, how water resistance are they?

the rack typically has more option for hard boxes which are more resistance to the weather...

[tasdisr]

I had both, but used the C-Bow bags more than the rack.





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That looks nice! I plan on having the C-Bow system installed on my V7 II soon.

[elvisboy77]

I've got C bows on my Eldo 1400, the Big Buffaloes, they are HUGE.  But I like them.

Very high quality, and you can put basically any of a large variety of bags on.  Ingenious.  My daughter has a Honda CB500F and I got her the C bow kit and some smaller leather bags, it looks fantastic.  Hard to go wrong.

[Jackr]

C-Bows on my V9 with the Hepco Becker hard bags. Bags are relatively small (22 liters each) but they work well and fit the bike. I strap a large Helen Two Wheels bag across the back of the solo seat for longer/camping trips.






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[roadscum]

Jackr - Those would be  my chose for a V7, small, waterproof, secure, simplistic in form, perfect for the V7  or V9.

Paul

[cruzziguzzi]

One C-Bow advantage for me is that once the bags are effortlessly removed - there is not only nothing in the way of tying down for trailering but in fact, the C-Bow mounts make fine attaching points for anchors.


Todd.

[Kiwi Dave]

One C-Bow advantage for me is that once the bags are effortlessly removed - there is not only nothing in the way of tying down for trailering but in fact, the C-Bow mounts make fine attaching points for anchors.


Todd.

And the C-Bows themselves are quickly removed on the Griso, as each have only two mounting bolts.