Storage Quandary

[Astandane]

Hi guys,

I'm riding a Suzuki GN at the moment and want to expand my carrying capacity beyond my tiring old backpack. However I'm not sure how and what I can attach to it.

I LIKE the look of panniers and the like over hard top boxes, but would that be what I really NEED? I'm trying to balance this out, as most of the time I am simply commuting to work and running around town. Now and then I make the longer journey to visit family.

If anyone could aid me in this decision making, I would appreciate it!

https://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/2002/2002_GN125_black_500.jpg
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Kymco Pulsar 125 Suzuki GN 125 Kawasaki ZX400 Honda CBR400RR NC23

[bikertomm]

Hmmm,

perhaps post a picture of the bike's rear end so it's fresh in our minds, sometimes a cargo net can be a viable option but depends on the bike!

If not, larger rucksack?


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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[Astandane]

[Walloper]

Google motorbike luggage.
Look at Givi and see if your bike is catered for.

I prefer hard luggage to soft bags as it seems to be more secure/robust and attractive. But on Cruisers the 'Look' is more Saddle than Practical.
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W-ireless A-rtificial L-ifeform L-imited to O-bservation P-eacekeeping and E-fficient R-epair

[Astandane]

[AaronCooper]

I was given an Oxford X40 Expander Tankbag with my bike I purchased today and I cannot believe how much it expands!

It might be worth looking into something like this? Seems ideal.
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Honda CG 125 04' Blue

[Az]

cargo nets can be useful, for little things that are waterproof (as it rains all the time unexpectedly in this country).

You could use cargo nets to carry a spare helmet (if ur picking up a passenger), your rucksack, rain suit, small tool kit etc - any light smallish sized items.

Only a few quid as well

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CARGO-NET-MOTORCYCLE-BUNGEE-NET-ELASTIC-LUGGAGE-NET-/200890799528?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item2ec60655a8

Only problem is, you can't carry that many things at one time. By far the best thing to get is side panniers.

[Clanger]

I've got a set of very old Oxford soft panniers (although they don't look old, as they've aged well), they are supposed to go under the seat, but work just as well thrown over, so long as they are fastened well to the bike when loaded up. I don't use them day-to-day, but I do for journeys where I need overnight kit.

They are perfect, a good purchase, had them years, they've done many rallies / outings / camping trips, no issues.

Oh and they've been used on the RD125, the Bros 400, the sv650 and the Versys 650 too.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[Az]

[Cheeseybeaner]

[SQL]

I just got panniers and a tail pack very very cheap

[Astandane]

Sorry for the late reply/lack of; my working hours have taken my attention, but many thanks for the input Given me food for thought
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Kymco Pulsar 125 Suzuki GN 125 Kawasaki ZX400 Honda CBR400RR NC23

[fatpies]

A ghetto way is buy a 2nd seat, then bolt a top box to it. Its hard luggage and semi secure.

No racks, no rails. Change the seat if you need to take pillions, assuming you're on L plates this won't really be necessary.

Racks can easily go up to £100+, 2nd hand seat is £15, box is £20-40
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"It's easy to attack and destroy an act of creation. It's a lot more difficult to perform one"

[Bendy]

You soon get over "oh the top box looks wang" when you realise how deeply useful it is.

[Peirre oBollox]

old army gear can be useful, especially for carrying Beer
https://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd88/PeirreOBollox/canvas%20panniers/P3010025.jpg

https://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd88/PeirreOBollox/canvas%20panniers/P3010023.jpg
1x multi pack in each compartment, or stick a couple of Colman 5ltr cool boxes in for carrying ice or food https://www.simplyhike.co.uk/products/Coleman/5QuartFlipLidCooler-Blue.aspx
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I accept no responsibility for swearing, drinking, motorcycle riding or your pregnant teenage daughter.

[P.addy]

I have a top box on 1 of my bikes, it is quite annoying when I get on another and have nowhere to store stuff, couldn't even get my new number plate under the seat of the R1 to get it home from work, Varadero could store a kitchen in its box.

Grab a top box, superb pieces of kit

[Rogerborg]

On that bike, I would go:

Magnetic tank bag
Soft panniers (Oxford First Time or equivalent).
Tail bag/pack OR cargo net and roll top waterproof bag.

A top box is handy, but I find that I use mine mostly for carrying tools, waterproofs and such.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Astandane]

[sc94198]

I find my tank bag to be a pain in the arse on my YBR and on my old CBR due to the small tank. Don't really think that they're very well suited to the size of a 125.

I use a cheap top box off ebay and have just got the bracket cable tied to my luggage rack and previously strapped through the bottom of my pillion seat on my CBR. Easy enough just to take the case off when you're not using it

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/35L-Top-Back-Box-Case-Topbox-Topcase-Motorcycle-Scooter-Rear-Luggage-Universal-/230944976713?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item35c564af49

[Peirre oBollox]