Wanted Saddle bags (first preference) mounting bracket and trunk for 1981 XJ 750

Hi Everyone,

After a huuuuge hiatus I am glad to say that my project bike is finally up and running....Just in time for a month or so of autumn riding before the weather gets wintery here in Eastern Pennsylvania.

I'd love to get a tour kit for this bike, but am really just hoping for a mounting bracket and saddle bags...trunk would be a great thing, too.

If that cant be found, i'd love any tips, insight, guidance on how to fabricate brackets and adapt hardcases i can find on ebay to do the job.

Thanks all. I'll post a video of the bike running soon.

Warm Regards,
Connor

 

I have a NOS Vetter side/tail rack system for the 750 Seca. Got side cases (and a different bike rack) off ebay as the cases are all interchangeable. If you can weld (I can't) you can mod a Vetter rack system to fit. Another option (being discussed at length on AdvRider) is the use of soft bags vs hard bags. Lots of folks going soft; some using strap-on systems instead of welded racks. Look up what Wolfman (Beta Plus and Dry Bags), Givi, Moskow Moto, Giant Loop, Nelson Rigg (Adventure Dry Bag), Ortlieb, Motofizz have.

Where in Eastern PA?

 

Hey zap2504,

Thanks for the reply! I've considered soft cases, but not seriously...can't exactly say why! I think I just consider them to be less secure, but upon looking at your recommendations, I may reconsider! What are your thoughts? Honestly, if i got side cases, i'd want them to be as versatile as possible. I really like the drybag options (wolfman, Moskow, etc) because i could conceivably use them when I canoe camp. What are your thoughts on the debate between rigid or soft saddle bags?

As for rigging something, I can't weld but a good buddy can. I've found a nondescript pair of hard cases on craigslist with a strange unbranded rack that they're attached to...i may try to fab some sort of adaptor frame.

I'm in the Bethlehem/Allentown area! I see you're in Middletown! I grew up near Harrisburg, and used to buy lumber from Middletown Lumber all the time.

Thanks again man!

-Connor

 

Mdtn Lumber is like a 5 min walk for me.
Here are a couple discussion threads from the Adv Rider site on soft bags for touring:
http://advrider.com/index.php?threa...r-greater-than-30-litres-7-92-gallons.885155/
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/mosko-moto-bags-thoughts.1117067/
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/which-soft-luggage-easily-mount-and-unmount.1163183/
I think your solution will come with the answers to - what are you trying to protect, and how much stuff are you packing? If valuables from theft, nothing works for long so you could get ABS panniers or get soft luggage and a PacSafe net. If protecting clothing from the rain, most ABS panniers/top cases are not real waterproof - but soft dry bags really are. The less-expensive Cordura or other nylon bags (tank, tail, saddle) can also work but are not waterproof (they usually have a rain cover) - some riders ONLY use large tank bags as it provides better balance and mount/dismount. Hard panniers can break ankles/legs in a crash where soft bags will not. Hard panniers can help protect the bike in a crash, soft bags will not. Hard bags need a dedicated mounting framework, soft bags can use a framework but many (add Green Chile Adventure to the list) do not. Some riders just get an assortment of marine-quality dry bags (different colors for different uses) and strap them on with RocStraps or something similar (not bungies!). Depending on design, either one will be easy to remove/attach if staying in a hotel. Aluminum panniers are handy when camping as they can also be used for cooking tables. If riding 2-up you are very limited in choices (probably hard panniers or large tank bag) but if the rear seat is empty... Just depends on what you intend to use them for.

Edit - I sold a complete Vetter set (fairing, lowers, panniers, tail box, framework) to a fellow XJ'er in New Jersey a year or so ago. He made them work on his 650 Maxim. Looked good! I've seen others adapt other brands to their bikes with welding and creative plastic work (it is just ABS after all). Here's one: http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/vulcan-classic-800-project.1143332/

 

How much you are really willing to spend really has an impact too.
Five years ago I was looking for a solution for my seca 750 for less than $200. Got a tour pack, but never really liked the lines or the storage shape/capacity of the panniers, and the top box was in rough shape, and none of it was easily removable. Ended up using a set of soft saddlebags for like $100.

I later put those same bags on my turbo seca. Recently for my turbo seca, I found some used Krauser panniers and trunk for $330 shipped on the bay (thanks to the dollar gaining on the Euro after Brexit!) and thought nothing of it. They are hard bags and totally awesome! I think they look good with the bike, work with a passenger, have turn signals, are easily lockable and detachable, and the mounting bracket was very adjustable (I did need to make a couple of brackets but no welding needed).

Now all I need it a good excuse to go for a really long ride and put them to good use!

 

Hey Zap,

Jeeze man, this is great!...thank you so much for all this info.

What i really want is a hard case to protect my work bag when i ride to the office. It's a standard messenger bag/briefcase (18ish x 15ish x 6ish), as well as whatever other odds and ends i need for the day. I will be riding 2up somewhat regularly, and having room for my better half to store her bag would be more than just a plus...it'd borderline necessary!

Now, i am running on a tight budget...but it always goes without saying, the less expensive the better.

I just ordered some Rok Straps (thank you for the rec!) and have a nice sized dry bag for canoeing...i think that will suffice for now. Then, when i find some hard panniers and can rig a system for mounting them securely AND still easily removable, i'll just combine the two...panniers on the side and dry bag/Rok Straps for a trunk. That will easily handle all the stuff we'd need for a weekend trip.

That being said, one of my best friends and i are planning to meet up in Lancaster (weather permitting) over the next few weeks for a ride through your neck of the woods. Maybe we can connect and cruise for a while?

Thanks again, man. I am grateful.

Warmly,
Connor

 

Lancaster is a great place to cruise through. I'd think you would go West first to do some leaf peeping, then swing down Rt 61 or 222 (recommend Oregon Dairy right off Rt 222). Or maybe South on Rt 100 until you get to 30; West on Rt 30 until Rt 340 splits off to the right through all the "unmentionable" towns. Lots of good roads.

WRT to panniers for the messenger bag - 18x15x6 may be too large for most panniers. However, you can get a Stanley FatMax, Ridgid, or one of the other brand tool boxes at Home Depot (or a Pelican hard case) to use as a tail box. Get one big enough for your messenger bag and initially strap it down on the seat. Not as large/bulbous as many of the advertised tail boxes but big enough, durable, waterproof, and cheap for the job.