Will these saddlebags fit???

[guitardayle]

I'm desperate for some more storage on my bike. I'm going to pick up some mounting brackets and I was wondering if these bags are too wide (long) to fit between the seat and the rear. I know height-wise I'm okay, they won't touch the exhaust. http://www.a1saddlebags.com/dmhamosahaba1.html Help!!

[mrlmd1]

Those bags being only 6" wide severely limit what you can carry in them, and I bet the interior dimension is less than 6". I no longer have my Gz, but I think they are too long also. They may not touch the exhaust but that doesn't mean they won't melt from the heat. There is also no mounting hardware for those, so consider that another extra added expense, or you have to fabricate something.
My advice - get a pair of leather, vinyl, or fabric bags and bag supports to keep them off the wheels. After looking everywhere else, try also leatherup.com, they may have something you'll like and all their prices are very reasonable.

[Water Warrior 2]

Nelson-Rigg has a wide variety of bags in a multitude of dimensions. Also a very good warranty that can't be beat. Soft bags will always hold more because there is a little give in the shape. Also consider the shape of the bags. Hard bags of a streamlined design will not hold near as much as a box shaped bag. Don't ask me how I know.

[guitardayle]

Thanks for your quick replies! I checked out Nelson-Rigg and found these: http://www.nelsonrigg.com/store/product.aspx?pid=1655 Now, do I need to get mounting brackets for vinyl or leather bags?

[Rionna]

Hi, I purchased my bags from Viking Bags which came with the mounting brackets. Slow delivery, but good price and excellent size and quality.

[Rookie Rider]

Put up some pics Rionna !

[guitardayle]

I would love to see some pics too, Rionna!

[Water Warrior 2]

Thanks for your quick replies! I checked out Nelson-Rigg and found these: http://www.nelsonrigg.com/store/product.aspx?pid=1655 Now, do I need to get mounting brackets for vinyl or leather bags?
Oh my, I do like those bags. Now go out to your bike with a tape measure and measure the bike. Keep in mind the signals are there so that is your most rearward position. Nelson-Rigg sure beats the heck out of the first bags I bought for Lynda's GZ. Her "M" has N-R bags and they are well worth their price.

[Water Warrior 2]

Put up some pics Rionna !
I second the motion.

[Rionna]

I will take a pic and post it as soon as it stops raining and I can get the bike out of the garage into the sun. Looking at the photos I currently have, you don't get a good view of the bags.

[Rionna]

Here are a few pics, the view of the bags aren't so great, but it gives you an idea of the size. Very roomy and you can lock them.
http://s1.postimage.org/23ggyf7no/IMG_1865.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/23ggyf7no/)

http://s1.postimage.org/23gk9hwn8/IMG_1899.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/23gk9hwn8/)

[guitardayle]

Rionna, thanks for the pics! Are those the medium or large? Do you remember?

[Rookie Rider]

Very nice Rionna, thanks for sharing.

[jonathan180iq]

Don't forget the ammo-can option:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=87&hilit=ammo+cans (http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=87&hilit=ammo+cans)

[Water Warrior 2]

Looks good. A fine pic of signal to bag clearance too. All 4 locks are keyed the same, right ??

[mrlmd1]

While they can be locked, the straps can easily be cut with a knife or scissor, but those are nice looking bags,

[Rookie Rider]

In the N.Y. subway system people would fall asleep on the train, and other people would cut out there pockets and take their money. oNly in NY !!

[guitardayle]

Well, after much debate, I decided to order these: http://www.vikingbags.com/Suzuki-GZ250- ... 3-prd1.htm (http://www.vikingbags.com/Suzuki-GZ250-Marauder-Charger-Medium-Slanted-Bags-6563-prd1.htm) They have a good return policy if I don't LOVE them! Thanks for all your help!!

[Water Warrior 2]

The Vikings look pretty good. Looking forward to pics after they are on the GZ.

[Rionna]

Rionna, thanks for the pics! Are those the medium or large? Do you remember?
If I recall correctly, they are the large size. I wanted lots of room for my rain suit and for other purchases when I shop.

[Rionna]

Looks good. A fine pic of signal to bag clearance too. All 4 locks are keyed the same, right ??

No, I didn't want that for safety reasons. I actually went to a luggage store and got locks with one key, and it just seemed too simple. So, I have the locks and keys numbered. I only lock the bags when I put something significant in them. Then I lock them all.

[Rionna]

While they can be locked, the straps can easily be cut with a knife or scissor, but those are nice looking bags,

Thanks, and you're absolutely right, but then again if I thief really wants your crap they will get it no matter what kind of security device you have. Nothing of real value is really left in my bags for any length of time...library books, groceries...

[Rionna]

Well, after much debate, I decided to order these: http://www.vikingbags.com/Suzuki-GZ250- ... 3-prd1.htm (http://www.vikingbags.com/Suzuki-GZ250-Marauder-Charger-Medium-Slanted-Bags-6563-prd1.htm) They have a good return policy if I don't LOVE them! Thanks for all your help!!

I like those! I'm sure they will look great. Be prepared to perhaps having to purchase a longer bolt to attach to the bracket. The one that came with the bags was a tad bit short. It was a 20 cent fix. I also purchased some self-adhesive reflectors from the auto store and put them on the side of my bags for extra visibility.

[mrlmd1]

Don't forget to get the bag supports from Suzuki, or make your own (search on here) so they don't get caught up in the rear wheel or spokes.

[jonathan180iq]

Make your own supports:

http://www.motorcycleforums.net/forum/c ... -made.html (http://www.motorcycleforums.net/forum/cruisers/14946-12-gz250-saddlebag-supports-home-made.html)

or even within our own backyard:

....
What about making my own?
Props to Tonckawa for doing this write-up.
viewtopic.php?f=34&t=961&hilit=brackets (http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=961&hilit=brackets)

[guitardayle]

These come with mounting hardware, so do I still need the support brackets??

[blaine]

These come with mounting hardware, so do I still need the support brackets??
It states that they have "a full metal frame".They may be rigid enough that brackets are not required.
:) :cool:

[guitardayle]

Okay Blaine! Thanks! Rionna bought some, let's see what she did...

Rionna, did you also need to get support brackets?

[Rionna]

No brackets were needed. I just used the mounting hardware that came with the bags. They have been secure and never shifted since they've been on. I had the shop take a peek at them when I took the Beast in for maintenance, and they said they were fine. The only thing you will probably need is a longer bolt because the bolt included is a tad short. There is also a video on the site that kinda explains the installation. There are three types of installations. I did the detachable mounting where I can take them off if needed.