Question from a Newbie

[NeonLeon]

I just got back to riding after a 24 year break. 8) I've been browsing through the Tip board and learning a ton. A lot has changed in 24 years! Anyway, I just bought a 2006 VTX 1300C that was left over. I couldn't pass up the deal. I need to get a set of bags so I can ride it to work. Can you guys tell me what dimensions are best fitted for a 1300C with stock pipes? Also, please recommend what type mounting brackets I should use. I'm afraid to "just buy a set" and then find out they don't fit or get burnt by the pipes. Thanks, and thanks also for the best board I have ever seen!

Len Neill

[PAVTXER]

Len,

Welcome Aboard..... Unfortunately I can't personally answer your question. Bags, like exhaust pipes can be a subjective thing. Some I like might not be what you like. Heck, I have an 1800 Retro and can't even make any recommedations for ya (well I do like the Hondaline bags or hard bags personally). Hopefully some here can chime in and give you some info. You might also want to check in on the 1300 message board to see if they already have a post about that.

Again, welcome to the message board.

[PITVTX]

Welcome Len. Like John said bags are subjective. I took the time to look at several bags on VTX's or other makes. That would be my advice. I settled on Boss Bags. Quality and construction is top notch. I like the large size for storage on trips. Our bike is big enough to handle this size. Other makes seemed too small. I like the look of the leather over the hard bags and can say after using these for the last 4 years I'm happy with how they have weathered. They are pretty strong too. I also like the phantom bracket system they use so I can put the bags on and off easily. They aren't cheap though. Here's a pick from their web site and a link if you want. If you want to meet up some time to look them over let me know ahead of time so I can throw them on.

http://www.bossbags.com/images/VTX1336lg.jpg

http://www.bossbags.com/vtxclassic1800.html

Here's a bad shot of them on my 1800 with the Palidin detachable sissybar and luggage rack. Boss Bags are the only ones I know that work with it on a VTX.

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/3283Rightside03.JPG

[NeonLeon]

Thanks guys. For now cost WILL be a factor. I spent most of my mad money to get the bike. I'd like a decent looking soft bag. My plans are to get the bags asap so I can carry my computer tools for work. During the "off season" I want to send my seat to BadX and get a windshield. I have a new grandson that will be a year old next month. My daughter lives near DC and I think it would make an awsome ride from here. I'll keep watching for more suggestions. Those Boss Bags are beautiful though!

Len

[NeonLeon]

Ok ... I bought a cheap set of bags from ebay. I figure if I screwed up and burn them I won't be out much. :D The dimensions are 17.5 x 10.75 x 7. Can one of you guys recommend a set of brackets that will fit? I don't have a sissy bar and probably won't for a while. Thanks,
Len

[PAVTXER]

Ok what bags did you get? Some of those cheap bags on ebay come with cheap universal brackets. You might also be able to fabricate a set depending on your requirements. My recommendation for a bag bracket would depend on your future intentions for bags? If you intend to get real nice bags down the road, then at least get the nice bag brackets now and reuse them on the good bags later on. Also, do you want to be able to quickly remove the bags when you go into a hotel or wash the bike, then get a quick release set. But if you intend to keep them on the bike... then get a more permanent set of brackets. Don't throw good money after bad.

I have the Hondaline bags and Hondaline brackets. But previously I had the Hondaline brackets and a set of other inexpensive bags that I made work on the Hondaline brackets til I saved some money or found a deal on the bags. That's how you gotta look at it, and you are the only one that can determine that....

[NeonLeon]

John,
My plan is to get better bags in a year or so. These bags un-zip and have tie downs on the corners. I would rather get a bracket that I can reuse on better bags later on. I was looking at a set from Custom World International. I need the bags to carry my tool kit and cd's that I use to repair computers. That way I can start riding the bike to work ... and that would actually make work ... play! :D