For me, it was a question on how much you are going to really use them. If it's a lot, then I would go with the hard panners. If not (like me) I went with the soft bags. The center hump bag is kept on all the time, as it makes a great water bottle holder.

Attachments are shown here, with a link to commentary included for ea set of photos.

http://burgmanusa.com/gallery/Jims-Gallery/

 

I agree. I only use mine on trips which unfortunately have been few lately. I have just shy of $200.00 into soft bags AND a center hump bag.
Works for me.

 

Burgman's look stupid and were not designed for side bags. Think about it before dropping big $$$. Only if 2 up most of the time is it necessary.

 

That's funny considering how many racks and side case mounts are available for the Burgmans. Personally I think they look awesome especially if you are like me and ride multi-week, long-distance trips. In fact my E22's that Givi recommends were replaced by a set of Trekker 33's.


While I used to have soft-panniers on my old scoot I'm more than pleased with the hard cases on my Burgman. Yes, they cost a few dollars, but well worth it IMHO when you consider all the benefits. And I'm not riding two up, just solo.


But to each their own I guess.


The OP can read the full thread here.
http://burgmanusa.com/forums/12-general-discussion/111314-shhhhhsssssss-don-t-tell-givi.html

 

I really like the center bag. Do you have any info on the model number and location to purchase? How does this mount?

 

My center topcase is a Givi Maxima 55 Litre case. It attaches with the either the Suzuki or Givi mount specific for the 2014 Burgman. Depending on what model/year Burgman you have it might need a different mount. Check on Google, Revzilla, etc for best prices, shipping etc.

 

For general running I have a small rack on the back. I keep a web under the seat and a couple bungies to strap stuff to seat and rack.
For a longer trip I may but my bestem 929 on the back but so far haven't this year.
If those really wont' do I picked up a set of soft panniers off and top bag to go with 'em. So far I've used those on the light scoot but not the burger.
The panniers look great, & if I had a k13 or better I'd probably get the setup, but wouldn't use it much.
The older ones have 'nuff native storage I just haven't felt the need.
That, & you'd have to remove one to fuel up. Not the end of the world, but an extra step for day running.

 

Steve_YYZ: How does your bike handle when fully loaded? With just the trunk and my top case fully loaded, (and riding 2-Up) my front wheel feels squirrely at low speeds. Can't imagine what even more weight from panniers behind the rear axle does to handling.

btw - your bike looks excellent!

 

Hey Jeff....
Here's the thing, I weigh around 235 lbs so that is a lot of weight that's forward of the rear wheel. Also I don't think I've ever maxed out the weight on the cases, side or top. My problem is that I usually "bulk" out before. For example, while my rainsuit can be rolled into a smallish rollbag when it's dry and I'm rolling it on my living room or hotel floor, if I've had it on and take it off at the side of the road when the rain stops I simply can't get it back into it's original space. Like others, I tend to keep space in my topcase for my helmet when we're at stops and my jacket goes under the seat.


As to handling, I don't think it handles any differently with the cases loaded (riding solo) than it does riding two up without the cases. It's really only when 2-up and cases that it starts to feel "top heavy" and a little squiggly but in those circumstances I'm also riding a lot easier and smoother than riding solo. And when packing I try to remember to put the heavier stuff at the bottom of the sidecases, and to the forward position with lighter stuff up high or rearward.


BUT.... I also have to learn to pack less!!! LOL!!! :eek

 

That is why a top box always worried me on my Burg, just seems like bad geometry, but obviously they work, enough people have them.

 

I added nothing but a top box, for which I made an excellent rack (cost 8$) following a tutorial (instructables.com)that was put up by a member of former member of this forum. I use the top box almost exclusively to store my helmet when I park somewhere. Thus. I have no problem with top heavy handling. I find that the Burgman 400 under seat storage is more than adequate for any haulage I care to do.

 

You could try these:

301 Moved Permanently

Very versatile; give you some extra storage. Not a lot; but then you have all the underseat space.

Check out the price. I bought mine as used-like-new; that is, bought, opened and returned. Nothing wrong with them; and the price for that was $35.

EDIT: It looks like Amazon doesn't like direct links. Go to Amazon and search Coleman Motorcycle Saddlebag.

 

My set up.

 

To creates less drag and keep the balance in a good place:

I use a dri-bag on the passenger seat between the front and rear back rests.
If that isn't enough I add a tunnel bag.

It keeps everything inside the wheelbase and in aerodynamic shadow.

Don't forget that when you are cruising along at a constant speed it puts even more weight on the back of the bike than when stood still.

 

The nice thing about our Burgmans is that there are so many various options for luggage it's easy match your needs.
The only real advantage of hard cases vs soft saddlebags that hard cases are fully waterproof and also lockable.


The big trick is find your ideal solution without experimenting and buying one option.... then deciding to buy another option later. It's nice get it right the first time. And how do I know this.....? Because I have soft saddlebags in the closet, small 22 liter side cases and also 33 liter side cases. My needs kept changing but I think I have it right now! LOL!!

 

I think the big advantage of panniers over the way I do it with bags is security.

It would be very easy to cut the straps on my bags in broad daylight and not attract any attention. Breaking open a pannier is a bigger venture.


i've never had anything get wet but I have occasionally decided to lug the bag inside or around with me because it felt too vulnerable.

 

. . . and with the luggage collection, you get a free maxi-scooter!

 

take a look here. Givi e21 are rock solid except when you jump over a train rail at 80 then they may open up. LOL

 

Easy choice, if you have a big enough wallet....
For me, I'll just throw over my $120.00 soft bags and ride.

 

Hey Fernando,

On the 2001 burgman in the video: that is just the ever-elusive backrest and luggage rack that I have searched the web for high and low and no-one seems to make them anymore. At least I have been unable to find one compatible with the k8 650. And that one seems to be a stock version that came with the bike!?

Roger

 

Soft Bags

I have a set of soft bags that lay across the trunk opening and the seat closes over the thin cloth layer that connects the side bags. It has waterproof liners in the bags and can carry quite a bit of extra stuff, food, drinks, clothing etc. Can be removed without any additional hardware of mods to the bike and weigh next to nothing . Very aerodynamic in design and made of heavy duty canvas material.