beetlebags or factory saddlebags

[Molinoman]

Corbins

Chromehead, I wasn't really trying to push the Corbins, it was that a few things you said sounded like the dealer was trying to push the "factory" bags on you by saying they (the Corbins) had a 5 week turn around time. I was very surprised mine came as quick as they did and again my main reason for getting them was for their "lockability", though on a previous thread (about two months ago) someone had found a link for some saddlebag locks.
Dennis

 

[chromehead]

Hi Dennis, no offense taken. Appreciate the advice. Seriously.

I called Corbin myself, and they told me about the five week turnaround. I know they always get busy over the summer, having bought seats from them in the past. Nah, I just walked into the dealer, decision made, and plunked over the cash for the saddlebags. Got my 10 percent discount, life was good. At least I hope ;-)

I think in the end, I'm siding with the "old school look" that others have described. We'll see how long that lasts!

As far as lockability, if someone really wants my extra sweatshirt and is willing to open three quick-release buckles and velcro side thingies to get it, he/she can have it! I don't carry much worth locking away — rarely gone for more than a day, and if so, the goodies come with me.

 

[chromehead]

Here we go. Getting cold feet on the factory leather bags and having my dealer look into the Beetles. I've seen too many pictures on the web where the leather bags look deflated and shapeless. The cost of the bags and the Easy Brackets is pushing a grand, which is a lot for a set of leather bags that doesn't hold their form. It seems that the Beetles can be removed fairly easily — not every day, but if I wanted to take them off for a stretch. I go back and forth on the look, but I'm beginning to think in the end that they may look better than a warped leather bag. Like I said, here we go...

 

[Dobieman]

Bi polar ?

Just bustin yar nuts.....

I dont have either...yet.

If money is not a problem get the Corbins.

A wise man once told me if you can afford it get the best...you wont be disappointed..

 

[Sidecar Flip]

Hey, different strokes for different folks. I'll keep my leather bags and you can have your plastic.

 

[Gunshots]

I had a neighbor that always told me "it only cost a little more to go first class" what he didn't tell me was " and a little more, and a little more, and a little more

 

[Sidecar Flip]

Inflationary times.....

I had a neighbor that always told me "it only cost a little more to go first class" what he didn't tell me was " and a little more, and a little more, and a little more

30 years ago, it only cost a little more to go first class. Today, factoring in inflation, in costs a lot more to go first class.....

 

[chromehead]

Called Corbin. They have a bunch of Rocket beetles in stock for immediate delivery. But the phantom black is not in stock, and translates to a six week wait. There just isn't enough riding season in the East to wait six weeks. So factory bags it will be. I was considering some aftermarket leather bags, but nothing quite aligns with the shock and exhaust as well as the factory ones (of course, since they are made specifically for the bike.) And there you have it. Bipolar episode laid to rest. For now.

 

[Sidecar Flip]

Yep. There you go. This winter put the aluminum plates in the bags and forget 'em.

 

[chromehead]

Installed my factory saddlebags today. And I love 'em! Maybe at some point I'll invest in Easy Brackets, but for now, I kind of like the way they look and appreciate the day-to-day convenience. We'll see how long they hold their shape — out of the box, they're nice and firm. There are annoying velcro tabs on either side of the lid, but I simply taped them off and now they don't bother me so much.

Thanks all for your input.