labeledbass

Hey there guys, well I've needed a saddle bag for a while and my girlfriend asked me if I wanted one for valentines day and both of us have no clue of what's out there in such short notice. This kind of surprised me, I haven't had the money so I haven't researched too much into the subject, yet. I have talked to some and from what I hear a "medium" size would be the best. I just always have a back pack on and honestly don't think its too safe. Well I'm still going to be searching in the next couple days but I thought I would through this out there to people that have one, experiences good and bad to maybe help me make my decision. I know nothing about them so, here it is -

I need something that a regular back pack would hold -

Preferably one that would be hard to take off, steal

One that locks in some fashion (if there is such a thing, I know I've seen the hard ones like that I think)

I would like to keep the price range under 140 if at all possible -

I kinda need this with a quickness with valentines coming up this weekend. Again thanks to everyone for their help and comments! Anything needing clarification on what I'm looking for just post!

~ Edward

PS - I do already have a small "luggage rack" on the rear, its just a chrome one that attaches at the rear seat points and up under behind the license plate, I wouldn't mind removing this if I had too - Thanks!

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flitecontrol

These should work. They come with fairly cheap universal brackets, but you might need to get brackets made for the Rebel. Mine came with standard bulbs, but I substituted LEDs. Haven't mounted them yet though. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-D...item3359e08472

Here's more to confuse you with: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Black...item53df8ff385

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motor...item53df8da4a2

I'm sure others will also give you some suggestions.

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I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

JunkyardDog

There are a zillion shapes and sizes of saddlebags out there. You can go a lot bigger if you are willing to relocate the rear turn signals. No leather or synthetic leather bag is going to offer any real security. Many people use the Willie&Max compact slant bags on the Rebel, and they seem to fit fine with the turn signals in the stock location, and still offer a decent amount of room. I am currently using a set of Delta Compact bicycle panniers on my Rebel, that I already had, and they work fine for what I currently need. At some point, I will probably buy some real motorcycle saddlebags, but I have no idea what yet. I am considering both the Willie&and Max bags, and the bags Jacks Rebel Warehouse has. I really don't want big boxy looking bags, but if you need the room, that's the way to go. I have found that you really don't need saddlebag supports for most bags, the chain guard on the left and the brake rod on the right will keep them out of the rear wheel. If you do need to tie them down to keep them from flying around while they are empty, you can tie then to the shocks or even the swingarm with mini bungee cords. Yes, the swingarm moves, slightly, but the bungee cords stretch. If you feel you do need them, saddlebag supports are available for the Rebel from several places, including Jacks, M/C enterprises, Cobra, and several others. Jerry.

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JunkyardDog

Hmm. Ok. I never even considered hard bags when you mentioned your price point. They usually cost several hundred $$$. Those are made in China, and I have never had any luck with Chinese motorcycle stuff, so I don't buy it anymore, but they might work just fine for you. Jerry.

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labeledbass

Thanks guys - time to browse, going on 52 hours of work this week, need to hit the hay - gonna check back in the morning, anyone else have some idea lemme know! Again thanks

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cagie

I have a set of those bags and trunk. Can't complain at all about them, the latches have lastest longer than an HD set I had. Paid less than $80 shipped.

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

Fridgitator

I have a pair of River Road slant bags that I got about a year ago for less than a hundred. They have another model that has zippers, so you can take them with you for ten bucks more. I got the wheel guards separately. those can be made fairly easily out of Home Depot parts, and hardly show when the bags are on.

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labeledbass

I IMed GUBA a little back about his bike/avatar - he too said the ones he had were River Road, but the ones in the pic are jumbo, I would honestly only need the mediums, without the zip off, and that's right in my price range straight from their site. The only questions is, and I asked GUBA this too, how hard is it too relocate the lights? I see his are pushed back, which I think look nice but I don't have fabricating tools, welder, press ect. just wrenching tools and Lowes/Home Depot across the street. I assume you could just drill 2 holes (one for the wire, one for the stud that holds the light fixture in) back further on the fender, possibly eliminating the rubber part so the wire would reach, I can extend it if need be though.

**Update, (this post has been in the making since this morning, busy at work) GUBA stated the turns don't need to be remounted - but I would say they would look good back there, not hanging out like curb feelers as they are OEM.

This looks like my best bet, I understand they can't be locked but I may be able to fix that once I get the bags, figure some way of securing them.

Ok, gonna post - Haven't even checked this thread since I started. Thanks everyone again for your input!

~ Edward

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Fridgitator

I didn't have to move my lights at all. The tops of the bags drag against them a little when I open them, but it's no big deal.

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cagie

Here's a post that describes moving the lights back: http://www.hondarebelforum.com/showt...05.html?t=2705

__________________
Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'