Guys, I am going for a 1000 mile trip around Scotland with a few mates in May, at the moment I don't have any bags or anything. My mate raves about Kreiga so I'm probably going to be looking at those but what size bags do you recommend? I'm thinking of getting a 25L tail bag but not sure if its going to be a bit big for what i need, or maybe a bit small. im not taking loads, few clothes and toiletries, phone charger, that's about it. Would you recommend a tail bag or a back pack or a small version of each, maybe a 15L tail and a 15L backpack. Thanks.
Kriega tail packs come in 10L 20L and 30L sizes would recommend the 20&30 sizes, then can also be added together to make a larger pack for longer journeys How many days you going for?
Probably should of said, we are only going for 4 days, i'd rather take more than I need than not enough but don't at the same time I want the least amount of luggage possible so as not to upset the feel of the bike.
I'd reckon on taking 30litres worth at least. Especially as weather is often changeable in bonny Scotland so thick fleece and waterproof would be needed which take space. How you choose to arrange that space is up to you but I personally like a smallish bag (my Kriega R20) to have on me for valuables, waterproofs, documents, etc and then a tailpack for the rest.
I avoid backpacks wherever possible, just find them a bit of a hindrance especially when getting through some nice twisties which you will have plenty to discover up in Scotland. This is my luggage set up for 10 days away at the TT. An Ogio tailpack and some Oxford sports panniers does the job.
Your better off with a couple of thin layers than one thick layer (fleece) as you can regulate your temperature better and can remove a thin layer when you get too warm! Thin layers trap more heat and are more efficient at keeping warm
Personally do not like the idea of backpacks - the thought of coming off the bike wearing a rucksack gives me the shudders ! Kriega 30 is probably more useful. You might want to go further/longer next time and having the 30 gives you more options. Also worth considering if you plan to spend much time off the bike sightseeing. If so it is possible to get a little rucksack from Blacks - folds in on itself to the size of a Doughnut !
Shoulda posted this in the 'Touring' section! Thread info http://1000rr.co.uk/threads/luggage-ideas.25137/ Fully Tooled up Touring Blade!
Thanks guys, some great ideas, I think I'll have a look and see how much room I get with a 20 tail pack, I can always add a 10 or 2 to it, might take a back back with my waterproof fleece in and nothing else, that way I can have it just in case but the back pack won't weight anything.
Can highly recommend using a Renntec Sports Rack for securing the Kreiga too. Far better than 'Mickey Mousing' it under the Pillion seat!
you boys pack far too much.... 9 day tour.... Us20 Kreiga.... Waterproofs cargo'd to that.... Givi tanklock as jay has... And that's it. Don't take jeans, soft shell fleece, shorts, 4 pants, socks and t shirts.... Wash half way. All valuables, camera and phone plus maps tank bag Laptop and charger with me clothes Job done Take it back - took the 30 last time
Take as little as poss. I usually take 2 pairs of cloths ones I'm wearing and a spare. Wallet keys phone and cash. Everything else can be bought wherever you are going. Unless you are going across the Sahara then take water.
I did 4 days in Scotland last year on my old GSXR and managed it comfortably with kriega 20+10. I decided having this instead of 1x30 litre would be better because I would put daily stuff in the 10 then stuff for overnight in the 20. It means during the day you only need to open the top smaller bag. A jacket with lots of pockets would have been handy for me as I was in 1 piece leathers, failing that you can always get one of those utility vests baron talked about in one of his European trips. Sad I know but looked bloody handy. Any kind of backpack was a no for me because my back was killing at the end of each day even without one!
This year for me it will be: Rukka jacket and trousers Merino base layer top and bottom ( you can wear merino for days without it smelling, also keeps you warm when cold and cool when hot) SW Motech sport tank bag ( fits to tank ring, easy on easy off, and is connected to bike electrics for charging phone, iPod and powering satnav ) Kriega us20 + us10 for off bike clothing (shorts, t shirts, skidders, flip flops, socks and trainers) Kriega R15 for Forcefield back protector, spare gloves and lightweight waterproofs (although the Rukka gear is waterproof it's not nice putting gear on in the morning that's still wet from the previous day plus it gives an extra layer when going through the mountains) Plus, I've just bought an Abus granite alarm disc lock and I always take a crappy lightweight bike cover ( best anti theft device going)
If the weather looks ok ill just go in my 1 piece leathers but if it looks a bit iffy ill be taking a waterproof fleece with plenty of pockets in it. With it being Scotland i might take the fleece anyway but it will take up a decent amount of space if I'm not wearing it. a 20 and a 10 sounds good.
