luggage, part luggage or naked!

[viper]

I had the bagster cover and minea bag on my zzr1200 for several years and it was great. Some how the same set up just does not look right on the gtr, I wanted a system that works with the tank hooks that kawa provide on the plastic tank top. Oxford make a " First time " tank bag which has corresponding hooks and the lower part of the bag has a velcro pad which attached under the seat front. I think this is a neat set up and is easy to undo for fuel access. 

sits much better and neater than this on the gtr, the lower straps go under the seat and the bag is just velcro'd to the pad

[Kwikasfuki]

My view is if the mirrors get through, then the rest of the bike will get through. I prefer the look of the bike with the panniers on. The top box ruins it for me

[Kevin]

Er, if looks are so important shouldn't you be looking at riding something other than a GTR?

It's a great bike but it's not exactly pretty is it (although I'm pretty sure our Hayabusa would win if they were in an ugly contest! Fortunately the way it looks grows on you).

Kevin

[Lonewolf]

I've found in the past, admittedly not with the GTR but with another machine that the top box caused a bit of instability with the bike in windy conditions, I've never had that with just panniers on.

[mecki]

Er, if looks are so important shouldn't you be looking at riding something other than a GTR?

That always lies in the eye of the beholder.
I find mine absolutely gorgeous and even with the top case on better looking than most other bikes.
I have to admit I like the look of the Triumph Sprint ST better but wasn't impressed when I actually rode one. ;D
And believe it or not I have very often complete strangers walk up to me telling me that I'm riding a beautiful machine.

[Rusty]

With Mattye on that ... can't ride through Central London with panniers. I love the top box but then if you have a high viz vest or bib you can never see much of it from behind as it's all obscured .. like the riders I see wearing a reflective vest ..which of course is great .. but then cover it with a rucksack !! Eh ?? ::) ::)

[mecki]

With Mattye on that ... can't ride through Central London with panniers. I love the top box but then if you have a high viz vest or bib you can never see much of it from behind as it's all obscured .. like the riders I see wearing a reflective vest ..which of course is great .. but then cover it with a rucksack !! Eh ?? ::) ::)

How many bikers actually get hit from behind?
You've got to be bloody fast to get me!   8)

[Rusty]

I know where you are coming from Mecki but nice to be seen from all angles  ;D

[mecki]

I know where you are coming from Mecki

Most likely from behind?

Sorry guys, just couldn't resist ;D ;D ;D

[100milesaway]

How many bikers actually get hit from behind?
You've got to be bloody fast to get me!   8)

I did once, stopped at a road junction at which I wanted to go straight across bloke behind saw me look right which was clear and set off, as I picked myself up from the butchers shop (mr Braithwaites) doorway the muppet that hit me said that he thought I was going left and had assumed that after looking right  that I had gone :'(

[mecki]

  I did once, stopped at a road junction at which I wanted to go straight across bloke behind saw me look right which was clear and set off, as I picked myself up from the butchers shop (mr Braithwaites) doorway the muppet that hit me said that he thought I was going left and had assumed that after looking right  that I had gone :'(

You reckon he would have seen you if your bike would have been lit up like a Christmas tree, you had a flare on your lid and a high-viz vest on?
I'd say he just didn't look at all.

[100milesaway]

You reckon he would have seen you if your bike would have been lit up like a Christmas tree, you had a flare on your lid and a high-viz vest on?
I'd say he just didn't look at all.

Spot on

[Hans]

I always use the bike with its panniers - the bike is *very* ugly without!  :o

[kwarrgtr]

Panniers and top box stored in garage - ready for touring. daily use,I like to travel v light. May invest in tank bag, not sure. I do think that the bike looks great with or w/o panniers, but a top box looks 'orrible' on any bike, but boy are they convenient. I am now using rucksack for taking crap to/from work - which is okay if not too loaded - and yes it does cover a large chunk of the hi-vis!

[Martin#30]

I must say I am very puzzled by you guys who bought a bike that comes with luggage, then leave that luggage in the garage and use a tank bag or rucksack  ;D

For me, the topbox never comes off, and the panniers only get put on if I am away for a few days and need the extra space.

Martin.