Saddlebags for Rebel 250

[Rebel234]

Hi. I have been putting off buying saddle bags for my 2002 Rebel 250, because I am not sure what size to buy, thinking that they will be too big and get burned on the muffler pipes or get caught in the wheels, etc. does anyone know specifically what size or kind of saddlebags to buy? I want to be able to fit groceries in them, so I want them big, but not so big that they don't fit my bike. Or if there is something else I can put on the back of the bike to fit groceries???? If you know of an online store, and specifically what brand and size, please post the link. They don't have to be expensive or leather. Just something that will WORK. Thank you for your help with this.
Rebel234

[mjones]

Try Jack's Rebel Warehouse. He only deals with Rebels. Another suggestion is JC Whitneys.

[Big_J]

If you get the chance to go to any motorcycle rallys you can find vendors with tons of differnt shape and size saddle bags. You can also "dry" fit them to your bike to see how they wold look and tel if you might like them.

[Art Wallis]

I went with Willy and Max deluxe slant. And they are big. The way I have them mounted they clear the exaust pipes by about an inch and a half. Have felt of bottom of bags after riding and they are not any hotter than the rest of the bags. I like them real well as they hold lots of groceries or any thing else I need to transport.

Art Wallis
Pahrump Nv
85 250 rebel

[Rebel234]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I appreciate it.

[Rebel234]

Art:
Okay. I'm on a website right now that deals in Willie and Max saddlebags. Can you tell me exactly which one of these you have? or what is the size that will fit a Rebel?
http://buywillieandmax.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=39
Thank you so much.
http://buywillieandmax.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=39

[Ahumado]

I'm expecting these from UPS tomorrow, if you haven't made a decision I'll post a photo.
http://www.cycleluggage.com/willie_and_max_sb707b_motorcycle_saddlebags.html

http://www.cycleluggage.com/ has quite a few Willie & Max products for decent prices.

[Art Wallis]

Reb

Mine are Willy And Max SB700 deluxe standard slant. If you intend to use them as a throw over applilcation I really don't know how they would fit. Mine are simi-permanently installed. I removed both seats (did not reinstall the rear seat) I got them positioned where I wanted them (about an inch and a half above exaust) and cut off the exess yoke material that went over the fender took them back off and pop riveted the two layers togeather permanently. Reinstalled them and cut holes for back bolts for seat and reinstalled seat. They are about one inch from tail lights. Front of bags cover most of shock springs. If proporation and looks are important you might want to go with the compact slant whitch look nice but don't hold as much as far as hauling groceries or anything else. Mine are zip off so are easy to remove to oil chain or work on bike or take into motel. I do have the support brackets to keep bags out of spokes I also have a sissy bar and luggage rack where I bungee a back pack on for more groceries. Hope this helps.

Art

[handiklap]

I'm about to start fabricating some 2/3 support cages for holding saw boxes (large army ammo cans, about a 12x7" base and 8" tall). Waterproof, removable, and handles already built in. Lockable with some simple modification. I'm going to make some drink stand inserts for carrying fountain bevs, and probably a styrofoam insert to turn them into cooler/hotbox units. Saw boxes can be found at almost any decent army surplus store for less than $20 each.

[Guba]

My saddle bags are made by River Road, listed in J.C. Whitney, and are juuuust a bit bigger. Bigger is better! They are the slanted version and, if I measured right, they are the medium size listed in the catalog. I did have to punch some small holes to make the lacing bring the bags up a little higher though. I also draped them over top the seat instead of under... hey the lacing just looked too good! The price is around $115 ??. If and when I replace them it will be the same brand unless I find something that fits a little bigger and better.

[AtlAggie]

A lot of folks on the other forum have put these Matuza hard bags on their Rebels. Some of them are wide enough to fit a gallon of milk in them.

http://www.mutazu.com/products.php?cat_id=7&menu=Hard%20Saddlebags&product_id=12&s=prod.php

[Guba]

Those are some really nice looking hard bags, and I would actually prefer hard bags, but. The dimensions somewhat limit your carring ability. One of the HUGE advantages of soft bags is their flexibility. The River Road bags are listed as, medium 12"W by 9 1/2"H by 6"D. I can fit a 12 pack of bottled beer(7 1/2"D) in my bags if I leave the top open. It would be really nice I some one in the hard bag industry read this post and made something for Honda Rebels, hint, hint. At this point I must say that I don't work for the company that makes River Road brand, I'm just stuck on utility! I work for a company that makes plastic tool boxes, I'm a maintenance tech, and I carry a flexible, "soft" tool bag around on trouble calls just because you never know what your going to be carrying. Thanks AtlAggie for the link, I will check out their other offerings just to see if maybe (fingers crossed) that they have a bag in the size I'm looking for.