Amphibious Motobags?

[Eunos9494]

Anyone have any experience with the Amphibious Motobags?

http://www.motomachines.com/Amphibious-Motobag_p_3514.html

I'm looking for something to fit on a 2013 V7 Special with the HB sidecarriers.  Looking for something to commute with, some weekend trips, and longer tours.  I like the flexible size of them, looks like they could carry a ton of gear.

Any body ever fit them to their bike?  How do they compare to something like the Wolfman Rocky Mountain saddle bags (another choice I'm considering).

Thanks, all.

[malik]

I use the Ortlieb saddlebags on the V7C. Very happy with them - waterproof. The same concept as those you are considering, but look simpler. And on special at BestRest at present,

http://www.bestrestproducts.com/p-205-m2201-saddlebags.aspx



MaL

[malik]

Let's see if I can post a photo = preview not working for me at the moment



Mal

[kidsmoke]

seems we're in the same market at the moment. I really like the looks of those. My concern is that for the full size (20-50) i don't think I can accommodate the 3" from exhaust requirement on my Jackal.

I've been eyeballing these as well (same idea) http://www.ortliebusa.com/prodInfo.asp?pid=341&cid=2

but they request 4" of clearance. Shame. Not a fan of leather bags but they can be just off the pipes and I've had no problems

[rodekyll]

Not that brand, but I've worked with stuff of the same material.

Don't get them close (anywhere NEAR) hot stuff like the exhaust.  They might not melt immediately, but they will get stiff and brittle.  Don't let TSA or  baggage handlers near them.  I think they tow them down the runway behind a lear jet just to see how long before the abrasion makes holes. (for the record, they'll go about a mile, loaded, before you can see daylight through the material).

Otherwise they are similar to SEAL LINE dive bags and the GUY COTTEN duffel bags I use on my trips.  Properly closed you can tow them behind a kayak and get to the beach with your gear dry.

Which brings me to an alternative -- a SEAL LINE dive bag or GUY COTTEN duffel.  Larger, fits across the pillion seat and easier to get on and off the bike.  Cost is similar.

[Eunos9494]

malik - Indeed, those Ortliebs look pretty cool.  I'm familiar with them from bicycle touring and have always been impressed with their product.  I do like the larger capacity of the Motobags, but the deal on those Ortliebs might be too good to pass up.

rodekyll - Thanks.  Some good suggestions there.  I already have a fairly decent waterproof duffle that sits pillions sometimes and is strapped down by my Kriega US-20.  Part of the push to the saddlebags is to replace a lot of that capacity and open up the pillion seat for a passenger.  Not the perfect bike for two-up touring, but making do with what I got.

I wonder if the clearance on the Motobags will be high enough on a V7 to avoid those fabric degredation issues mentioned.

[malik]

If you are concerned about the heat from the muffler affecting the plastic material, then you could cut up a silicon cake tin and attach a piece to the bottom of the bag - glue or self-adhesive velcro works. My bags clear the muffler comfortably, but I do check for slippage every now and again, just in case.

Mal

[davedel44]

 :+1 on Ortlibs used them extensively on my 750 Breva

Dave
Galveston

[kidsmoke]

malik - Indeed, those Ortliebs look pretty cool.  I'm familiar with them from bicycle touring and have always been impressed with their product.  I do like the larger capacity of the Motobags, but the deal on those Ortliebs might be too good to pass up.

that is a smokin' deal, but the capacity of the Amphibious is appealing

[grebmrof]

that is a smokin' deal, but the capacity of the Amphibious is appealing

Better price than here:  http://www.aerostich.com/bags/seat-bags-and-tail-bags/saddlebags/ortlieb-dry-bag-saddlebags.html

[Eunos9494]

Man, seriously, those are decent deals on Ortliebs.  I have a message in to Todd at Guzzitech since he carries the Motobags.  I'll let y'all know what he says about the exhaust clearance for a V7.

[greer]

I've been reading up on saddlebags too, noticed these from Nelson Rigg:

http://www.nelsonrigg.com/luggage/saddlebags/adventure-dry-saddlebags-detail.html 

I'm impressed by the lifetime warranty, and a couple other NR products I've owned have been tough as nails.  I have one of their rainsuits and I'm beginning to think it might outlive me.

Lots of options for soft luggage these days; I'll study a bit more before I make a decision.

Sarah

[kidsmoke]

ok, this cracks me up. Here they actually show the motobags installed on a Jackal/stone etc. (not sure which iteration of the California it is, but its the tonti Cali platform)

clearly, following there own advice regarding exhaust clearance.   ??? ???

[sturgeon]

Some alternatives (yes, for more $$):

http://www.adventure-spec.com/default/adventure-spec-magadan-panniers.html (I use these)

http://mosko-moto.myshopify.com/products/backcountry-35-pannier-kit

[Eunos9494]

Well, the Ortliebs looks like a fantastic deal, but they just didn't have the capacity enough to warrant an upgrade over what I was already using.  So, the Motobags are on order, I have a tracking number, and I'm watching them wander across the country to my house.  I'll let ya'll know when I get them and try and give a little review to what I think.

[Yukonica]

17 years as an on again off again kayak guide. Ortlieb and Cascade Design are submersible, durable, and a good value per dollar.
'How much' kit you need to carry should be the first concern. How to keep it dry: the second.
I've outfitted myself for full-on camping (no organized 'anything' nearby) based on a boat trip.
Using two HB junior 30's and a 75 litre ZipDuffles,  I have the equivalent of a very, very large backpack.
The HB juniors keep most water out but as a double-check I load my kit in lightweight roll top stuff-sacks. Brand not relevant because the outer shell is all but leak-proof. The 75 litre zip-duffle is for tent/camping gear that can be allowed to get damp.... but being inside a zip duffle; it doesn't.
In reply to your original question: as long as the container has a roll-top seal and the rest of the 'joints' are welded in some form; the bag will be water tight. Durable is a different discussion. With respect to melting on contact with your muffler: on contact even nylon Ortliebs will melt. If you warm up the bike then attach the panniers and heat will be dissipated by airflow as you move. (3 inches isn't much different than 4 at highway speed).

[kidsmoke]

Well, the Ortliebs looks like a fantastic deal, but they just didn't have the capacity enough to warrant an upgrade over what I was already using.  So, the Motobags are on order, I have a tracking number, and I'm watching them wander across the country to my house.  I'll let ya'll know when I get them and try and give a little review to what I think.

Looking forward to that report! I'm wondering what the dim's are from where the "crossover" straps attach to the bag, to the bottom of the bag itself. Thinking that if it's tossed over the pillion and drawn tight, ,may keep it high enough. I really like the capacity of these bags.

[Eunos9494]

Okay, so the bags and rack arrived last night.  The HB side carriers bolted on without much hassle at all.  Very sturdy and don't detract from the look of the bike too much when the bags are off.  More pictures and specs/measurements of the Motobags to come, but here are some initial impressions.

Likes: The bag quality is pretty high.  All the seams are heat sealed, the material is thick and feels pretty tough, and anything attached to the bag (handles, straps, buckles, etc...) looks to be reinforced inside and out.  They really are massive when at their full size.  TONS of space inside them for whatever you gotta carry.  Lots of D rings to tie things on to and nylon straps everywhere to customize the attachment points.

Dislikes: The D-rings are everywhere, but they're also an iffy plastic material.  Maybe they'll hold, but metal rings would have been nice.  Additionally, and sadly, I'm really not certain these are going to be a good combination with the V7 and the HB side carriers.  While the overall size of the bag looks just about right to my eye on the bike, the bag to carrier ratio is a bit off.  They don't have a well-designed mounting system like Kriega or Wolfman does with some of their soft bags.  You're just left to be creative, using the available straps to get the job done.  There *might* be a way to do that on the V7 and keep the bags off the exhaust, but I haven't figured it out yet.  They're just going to hang down pretty low (low enough that they rest directly on exhaust with nothing even in the bags yet to weigh them down).  Additionally, the dual straps over the top of the bike don't match up real well with the seat since the side carriers are fairly far back to accommodate a pillion rider.  Maybe with the HB rear rack they'd work well, but essentially I've got one strap across the seat and one strap just hanging out in mid-air behind the bike.  It provides retention from side to side on the bags, but no vertical support to take the weight off the side straps which want to get dragged downward by the weight of the bags/contents and then rest directly on the exhaust pipes.

Overall: I like the bags enough that I'm not going to return them just yet.  A little brainstorming might come up with a solution that is functional and looks good too.  I'll post some pics and some measurements tonight when I get a chance.

[kirb]

One other thing to think about- wolfman doesn't use velcro anywhere: http://wolfmanluggage.com/products/expedition-dry-saddle-bags
Velcro, in my experience, does a horrible job at maintaining a connection when wet. Those bags seem to use velcro in critical places that would concern me. Great at keeping things at bay, but the limitations may be a problem.

I have a set of wolfmans that work fairly well once you deal with the 50 strap ends that are everywhere.

[Eunos9494]

I hear you, kirb.  While the velcro they use is some of the beefiest I've encountered and the straps are wide, long, and have velcro wraps that enclose the velcro in a way, it is still velcro and hard to really cinch down and make bombproof.  Plus, it's just going to wear out over time and snag on any fabrics that come in contact with it.  I've looked at the Wolfman Rocky Mountain Saddlebags and while the mounting straps might be better, I think the straps over the top might run into the same problem.

[Eunos9494]

Just heard back from the place I ordered the rack and bags from.  They said they've only ever had one customer try the combination of these bags and a V7 before and he ended up returning them because he couldn't get them to fit.  *sigh*  Not giving up yet, but that wasn't an encouraging sign.

[Eunos9494]

Ok, photos.







The distance between the racks and the exhaust looks like it's right around 4".



However, looking at the bags, these d-rings are about the only thing to mount to near the bottom of the bag and that puts the actual bottom of the bag pretty close to the exhaust right from the start.



Additionally, here are the bags, on the bike, looking at the rear cross-straps and the lack of support.

[kidsmoke]

Thanks for the report Eunos. I've got to believe those rings are some sort of reinforced Nylon or something!? I agree that's a suprise.

[Eunos9494]

kidsmoke - I agree on the d-rings, but with a 50 liter bag, I think weight could get up high enough that I'm not inspired with confidence for their strength.

I am playing around with the idea of create metal or heavy plastic backing plates for the bags that could be bolted to the racks.  This might allow me to adjust the bags higher than the racks would sit normally and maybe even design in some extra attachment points.  Anyone ever source heavy aluminum or HDPE sheets to build mounting plates out of?

[rodekyll]

Make four L brackets that fit the downpipes of the frames and bolt a little shelf across pairs for the bags to rest on.  For as hidden as they'll be you can hose clamp the brackets to the frame.  These will also act as a heat shield and allow more weight in the bags.

[Eunos9494]

That's a good idea, rodekyll.  I'd been thinking about making a large plate with a bent section at the bottom to accomplish the same goal, but I like your L-bracket idea.  It might be time to make a trip to Home Depot for some brainstorming with actual hardware.

[dilligaf]

That's a good idea, rodekyll.  I'd been thinking about making a large plate with a bent section at the bottom to accomplish the same goal, but I like your L-bracket idea.  It might be time to make a trip to Home Depot for some brainstorming with actual hardware.

On a recent ride to Sitka to visit Rodekyll one of my riding buddies used this system on this Triumph.  He didn't use bags but a large square of vinyl material.   He just put his gear in the middle and wrapped it up and attached with straps  Worked great.
 
I've always liked these folks.  Been using their stuff for 20-30 years now. http://www.revpack.com/
Here they are on my R65LS I use on the Alaska ride.

On my R100GS

Here is a picture of the same bags on my LeMans.

I have no idea of how many miles I've ridden in the rain and have never had anything get wet.  The bags have a thin foam liner for support and make a great beer cooler in camp.  :BEER:
Matt

 

[kidsmoke]

so Eunos....were you able to get these to work for you?

I ended up jumping on the Ortlieb sale (http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=76253.0), but I'm still curious about these.

[charlie b]

If you are still looking for a backing plate....go to a kitchen store.  Get one of the plastic cutting boards and cut to size.

I still like ammo cans :D

[lorazepam]

 :DI an vouch for the Nelson Rigg bags. Used them on my R80ST with not much problem. they come with rain covers that did a good job keeping the rain out.