Tailbag Suggestions

[kaosbandit]

I am looking for a tailbag that I can fit my laptop back pack inside for commuting.

I also want to use it on the weekends for longer mountain trips so I can carry a couple of drinks, rain suit, flat repair etc. The essentials for a little longer day trip.

I have picked a couple of possibilites:

Cortech Sport Tailbag - Definitely the better looking of the two, but not sure if it is big enough for my laptop backpack.

http://www.compacc.com/p/Cortech-Spo...-Bag/1310003/0

Dowco Fastrax Elite Series - Seems like it could be the more versatile choice, but I like the looks of the Cortech better.

http://www.amazon.com/Dowco-50144-00...sim_sbs_auto_5


Anybody have any suggestions or personal experiences to share?

[Torchsport]

The bottom one in this pic should fit your needs. On top is the 1st one that you posted a link to, for reference.
I am unsure of the model right now, but the pic may help.

[RedSox FZ1]

Glad you posted this. I've been looking at the Cortech Sport for basically the same reasons. It's hard to get a feel how big the bag is. Is it large enough to three days worth of clothes? Large enough for clothes and shoes? Small cooler? Laptop/tablet? Hard to get a feel for it, but looking forward to responses here.

[pokihokie]

I carry my 15" laptop in my Cortech Sport. To make it fit, I have to unzip one of the expansion gussets on the side. When I expand it, my 17" laptop will fit to, so unzipping the gusset adds a fair bit of room. There is no good defensible reason for this, but I am not comfortable with the computer in there - I guess I kind of feel like it can move around more than I want. I have no better option though.

[Crispy]

Have you seen this one?
http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/forum/sho...d+rear+luggage

[RedSox FZ1]

Would some heavy weight foam custom cut to fit your laptop fix that problem? I know that I've taken handgun cases and turned them into camera cases, heavy duty makeup cases and turned them into gun cases, etc. when required; all by simply making the foam fit my needs. I would think some heavy duty foam that you cut to fit would help alleviate your concerns on the movement. Just a thought...

[pokihokie]

I probably would fix the fit issue. I just try to not take anything with me other than that which I need. foam = space filler

[Torchsport]

Originally Posted by RedSox FZ1

Glad you posted this. I've been looking at the Cortech Sport for basically the same reasons. It's hard to get a feel how big the bag is. Is it large enough to three days worth of clothes? Large enough for clothes and shoes? Small cooler? Laptop/tablet? Hard to get a feel for it, but looking forward to responses here.

Just to give you an idea how much my pictured setup carried for my 5 day, 2,400 mile round trip to Arkansas...
The bottom tailbag had several t-shirts, a sweatshirt, many socks, jeans, camera, small air pump, tire repair kit, tool kit.

The top tail bag had an extra pair of boots, tennis shoes, toiletries stuffed inside of the boots, fleece, electric jacket, and the dual controller, misc power cords.

Tank bag had 3 pair of different gloves, extra throttle rocker, Advil, 2 bottles of water, many maps, extra socks and shirts, and a ball cap.

Many other little things I can't recall, that don't take up much space.

Basically damn near everything I would be able to carry on my Goldwing. And after nearly 100,000 miles on that Wing, I'm questioning my need for that bike!

Hope this helps.

[RedSox FZ1]

Yes, that helps immensely. I will be purchasing the Cortech Sport today just based on your description there. I only need it for trips like the Gap rally and weekenders to Florida.

Thanks!!!

[grommet]

Cortech. Works great. I use it every day for commuting. And for longer trips.

Normal size:


Expandomatic:


On the bike:


Last year I carried a 17" laptop in there to AR and back with a bunch of other stuff - tools, air compressor, first aid kit:



When I have it expanded out or full of heavy stuff, I put a tie-down strap under the tail and between the flap on the bottom of the bag and the bag itself. I had it that way down in AR last month and it worked great. Never even budged. The bungee cords aren't quite enough to keep it in place when it's heavy.

[Torchsport]

Even IF I had room left over to carry a computer, that means I would have to BUY one!

[grommet]

Which you should

[Torchsport]

Originally Posted by grommet

Which you should

By the time I decided to get one, they'll be obsolete!

[fzwilly]

another Idea
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade...view/7461/338/

[bigdave43]

Get a top case, so you won't get ripped off. It doubles as a backrest for your GF.

[kaosbandit]

Well I ended up getting both bags. I got the Cortech in blue for my wife's ninja and the Dowco for the FZ.

After looking them over they are both very nice bags and well made. My Cortech bag did not come with bungees which I am working through with the vendor, but they have been easy to deal with so far.

The Dowco bag came with a lot of cool accessories. Several different length straps, strap protectors, security cable, lockable zippers, tuck away backpack straps, color inserts, integrated rain cover, waterproof accessories bag to go on top. They really thought of almost everything and then included it! I do think the Dowco may need a little extra care on the bodywork front. It is rubberized on the bottom and even the straps, but not sure I will trust it on my paint.

I haven't used either of them yet, but I have a trip planned to Bryson City coming up. Me and a buddy will try our hand at a little touring. Pretty excited about riding the dragon for the first time. Looks like a lot of great roads up that way. Making the whole trip while avoiding intestates!

[Blue Flash]

Cortech didn't come with bungees? They should be tucked inside the bottom cover... The no-scratch bottom cover velcro's to the bottom of the bag at the front and rear... open it up and they should be connected to the bag and hiding inside...

BTW, if you buy the matching Cortech sport saddle bags, you just put the saddle bags on and the tail bag clips into the saddle bags with the 4 nice clips on the corners. Works really well.

[Scotty]

I'm late to this discussion,but I recently got a Motocentric tank and tail bag.They are fairly new and I thought I'd try them out.No complaints,but I wish I would have gotten a bigger tank bag. Pretty sure I got the Moto 14.They both fit pretty good on the wifes FZ-6.

Checkem out.

[terdog]

If you add my CARGO STRAPS you can use any bag / case / duffle that you want.

Search out MAKE CARGO STRAPS THAT HIDE . Very simple and cheap, they stash under the seat when not in use. And if you need more strap, just make up an intermediate strap. Iv used this system for the last few yrs with awesome results.

[Slim Johnson]

Originally Posted by kaosbandit

...I do think the Dowco may need a little extra care on the bodywork front. It is rubberized on the bottom and even the straps, but not sure I will trust it on my paint.

If you are sure to keep the paint, and the straps clean, and free of dirt; you shouldn't have a problem with your paint. Just be SURE everything is clean.