Dry Bags - Help Needed

[Westy]

I'm looking to pick up a set of dry bags for my trip out west this year. Has anyone had any experience with the Ortlieb Low Profile Dry bags?

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Ort ... 19109.html

What are some other good choices for the R1150R for soft dry bags?

Thanks for your help!

Westy

[Trout]

Man, that's a lot of cash for a pair of dry bags with some nylon straps.

I've been using a pair of black Seal-Line 20L dry bags for a few years. I got them at the local hunting/camping/rafting store for about $18 each. Strap them on and go. Actually, strap "it" on and go... I usually only need one. I use the second one when I carry a passenger.

[Westy]

I would agree they are pricey but they look extremely cheap compared a hard back setup. For Christmas I got a Sea to Summit 35L Big River Dry bag which I had planned on strapping lenghtways across the back seat (no passenger on this trip). I figured with a set of soft bags and my dry bag I would be able to load up all the camping gear along with the other stuff for the trip.

[Airman]

I'm using Helen2Wheels water proof bags for sleeping bags and gear. For 2up camping this summer I plan to strap a medium bag on top of each system case and put the tent and the like on the rack. I just bought a Marsee tail bag so maybe that will work for the tent and strap some extra stuff on top of that. Other than how much they cost, the BMW system cases rule.

[Trout]

...they look extremely cheap compared a hard back setup.

Yeah, when you put it in those terms, they do look cheap.

[wncbmw]

No experience with those bags but I have the Ortlieb waterproof duffle. It is a tough and bomb proof bag that works as advertised.

Quality soft saddlebags are not cheap, no matter what bags you get, but I guess they are cheaper than the hard bags.

[snowprick]

I use an Ortlieb dry bag on the rear seat. They are very good quality indeed. Not sure how they would handle the exhaust heat though. If the exhaust is low enough then I would say they would provide more useful space that the BMW offering. Rest assured Ortlieb is good and strong and excellent quality, oh yes, and they wont leak at all.

[Hawkman]

I bought these bags last year and I have used them a couple of times. They work pretty well and in my tests--i never used them in the rain-- they did not leak at all. Since I have the stock can on the bike, I used to pack a little heavier on the right side bag to keep the bag off of the hot can and prevent any melting issues... Though I think that I was just being extra careful. Otherwise the mounting straps are very secure and they still leave room for a tail bag. Good bags.

I just bought a set of hard bags though since I like the look better (and the extra protection)... I'd be willing sell you these bags for $120 (including shipping) if you wanna save some money. Just throwing it out there. PM me if interested.

[challey]

My advice would be to go right to the BMW System Cases.

Yes, they are more expensive than the soft luggage, but they are durable, roomy, secure and waterproof. You may be able to find a used set for sale on the IBMWR - alternatively, you can get new ones at a 20% discount if you order from Chicago BMW.

Charlie

[Westy]

Hawkman - I sent you a PT. I'd be interested in seeing some pictures of the bags on the bike if possible, my concern was with the exhaust and how close it would be to the bags. Sounds like it was a non issue for you.


I've thought about going to the hard bags and really cost isn't the issue. I'm not a big fan of how the hard bags look (not that these Ortlieb bags are sexy by any means) and most likely these bags will probably get used once a year, all other trips are short enough I can fit everything I need in my tailbag and tank bag. I really like the fact that I can sling them over the seat and strap them down when needed and once I get where I'm going they come right off without leaving a bunch of hardware on the bike.

[kantuckid]

I use system cases(can you spell eBay) and with patience they will come cheaply. I have 2 Bungee Buddies(aereostich or many other places) on each case that correspond with the bungee cords that come out of the bottom of a Roadgear Jumbo Euro bag that sits on the pillion seat sideways and straps down against the Chinese($50-60) top case. The top cases are not as nice as the Givi nor the BMW OEM(I'm on teacher retirement budget!) but holds tons of stuff. Some little poo stole my BMW (came from deployed BMW car airbag) emblem off my Chinese top case in Mexico-probably made it into a bling thing... I am going to put the Euro bag into a dry bag next trip and use ROK straps with the same Bungee Buddies for fastening to the bike. The Roadgear bag pushing against the top case makes something of a backrest too . I put everything that goes in a hotel in the Euro bag and all other spots are for backup storage. If camping the biggies go on top of the euro bag. These are high quality gear and sell for $115 each. They make a rain cover which is adequate for "normal" rain but in a downpour water will wet the bottom.My chinese top case has never leaked. I put a bunch of large BMW car o-rings in the seal groove to help seal the thing, which may not be needed. dry bags = http://www.campmor.com
A way to keep stuff dry on the cheap is to use the army bags that are commonly available as surplus.They are heavy duty,large and have a string tie & they are OD in color-bag it and use ROK straps to bike or Bungee Buddies.