V-Strom 650 Hard and Soft Luggage Choices

In view of the great fuel economy, comfortable ride position, and lightweight construction, the highly popular Suzuki V-Strom 650 is able to present itself as a perfect all-round touring bike with great torque. A great high-mileage motorcycle of this nature often demands a range of touring accessories, such as the hard and soft luggage options.

Here are some of the most common luggage systems available on the market for the all-round V-Strom:

Aluminum Pannier Kits

Offering great functionality, a full aluminum pannier kit is often counted as one of the most effective luggage systems available for those riding a high-performance touring motorcycle, such as the V-Strom. A pannier kit is often sufficiently sized to accept those hard-to-leave-behind essentials, without being overly sized. An official Suzuki branded or aftermarket pannier is designed to fit to the motorcycle via a rack system, which is often purchased with the bags for greater convenience. Unfinished aluminum isn't always the most aesthetically please, so it benefits to shop for the panniers that have received a powder coat paint finish. This not only provides a high-quality look but also protects the luggage from the residue which is often produced by the un-treated aluminum. If preferring a more streamline pannier kit, you might want to search the available options in the series of plastic cases.

Tank Bags

Constructed in hard-wearing materials, such as tear-resistant woven polyester, the tank bags offer a luggage system which is often used in conjunction with a range of luggage pieces or in complete isolation. Tank bags aren't able to offer a particularly high load capacity (12 to 20-litres), although they can feature a top map pocket and multiple pockets which provides complete ease in storing the essential on-the-go cargo. Attachment to a motorcycles tank area is via high-strength magnets or straps.

Soft Luggage Bags

Soft luggage systems for the V-Strom generally consist of the saddle bags and panniers and come in some very resilient water-repellent materials, such as vinyl or Cordura nylon, to make sure the rear cargo is protected in all travel conditions. Most of the soft bags are designed to strap-on and strap-off in seconds and generally offer a universal fit with attachment to the motorcycle achieved via multiple mounting straps. A light travel option, the soft luggage is often favored by the dual sport, dirt bike, or off-road motorcycle rider. Quality of construction often varies significantly with the saddle bag systems, although the higher quality bags are likely to include reflectors, water-proof treatment, and rain covers.

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Looking To Increase Your Motorcycle Luggage Capacity?

Shopping for motorcycle bags should not be a challenge. Your choice may be influenced by:

· Budget (How much are you willing to spend?)

· Need for storage space (How much space do you need?)

· Custom bag (are you shopping for a customized bag?)

Luckily there are different types of motorcycle bags available in the aftermarket. They are made of different materials, are of different styles and are manufactured for different purposes. Let us look at them:

Saddlebags

These bags hang on either side of the bike. They have straps and are made of soft material, usually soft leather or polyester. They are easily removed, hence come with a full installation gear. Some manufacturers customize them for various bikes' brands and types for example Cruiser/Tour bikes saddlebags come with a backrest. Some manufacturers use protective coats over their saddlebags to protect them from environmental hazards. However in absence of a protective coat, you can use a motorbike cover. It is important to protect saddlebags from rain. Saddle bags have more storage space compared to other types of motorcycle luggage. They are also a cheaper option especially for adventurous riders.

Panniers

Like saddlebags, they hang on the either side of motorcycles, usually around the back wheel. They are made of hard materials like metal, aluminum and hardened leather. They are more durable compared to saddlebags. With pannier motorcycle luggage, you may choose to have either higher or lower lids. Alternatively, you may choose to have them sitting on the same level with, thus may act as a back rest, albeit an uncomfortable one.

Panniers may be permanently mounted on your bike or not depending on your preference. Courier companies are known to go for the permanent fixtures to protect their deliveries from thieves and to protect fragile things from breakage in case of a fall.

Handlebar Bags

Handlebar bags are much smaller compared to Saddlebags and Panniers. They are easily fitted and removed. These are usually made of synthetic material, usually nylon. As their name depicts, they are meant to be fitted between the handlebar. However, there are different types of handlebars bags which can be fitted anywhere on the bike; between the handles, at the back, or they can be strapped on either side of the bike. These are a favorite with scooter riders. They are easy to open since most have zippers. In spite of being stylish and very convenient, they are not the best to use for valuable things.

Tank Bag

Just like Handlebar bags, Tank bags are equally small. They are fitted at the front of a motorcycle, atop the tank but not too close to block the gauges. They are commonly used to store pens, keys, notebooks, maps for travelers, wallets, cards and maybe sealed snacks. They have many zipped as well as open compartments to store different things. Since they do not have large storage space, they not a favorite of many people.

Motorcycle bags not only provide storage space but they do add aesthetic value to your bike. While some bike brands have their own customized bags like Harley Davidson most do not therefore if you are looking for general purpose motorcycle luggage, you can use these guidelines to make the best purchase. All bags come with installation manuals and are easy to install.

Arline W is a motorcycle expert affiliated with 4wheelonline.com, one of the country's leading retailers of motorcycle parts and accessories. For more information on motorcycle bag, contact them on 813-769-2451 or visit them along 6605 North Nebraska Avenue.