CycleVenture makes custom racks which hole their bags that are quick release and very slick. Is there a better rear rack option to put a pack on or a bag?

I had 50 Liters (30L bottom +20L top) Kriega set up for my 1800 mile trip last year. Worked fine without fault and stayed on the bike in excess of 130+ mph. For my next trip I will just use the 30L with two 10L on the side. You can strap the tethers to the subframe and leave them there, which is what I have done.

Here's the set up video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOJRqPbX5X4

For SURE....Kriega is the way to go. My son got me started on our Triumph with a daypack and a backpack. I love the versatility. Best of all I like the idea of getting all that shit OFF the bike when you're not touring!

Screw a big ugly non removable damn pack rack, or worse yet, replacing the ugly rack with an ugly "grab rail" when you take the ugly rack off!!! Ventura sucks. Did I mention UGLY?

Thanks a lot, man. KRIEGA....YES !

No problem. Here's how the tethers will look coming from under the seat. You can put the tethers under the seat when you're not using them but I just leave them out. I did put some paint protection clear tape under the points where the straps come out from under the seat. It also works as a marker for where I want the tether to be if I moved them out of the way for some reason.

I did use this plate from Cycle Guys. The 30L bag is huge and I wanted to make sure it stayed off the paint. I don't think you'll need this if you use the 20L bag (pic of bike with bag is 20L). I was able to thread the straps through the rear portion of the plate and put front straps just in front of the plate. The US30L + US20L bags moved around a bit sitting on the plate but held up just fine for that 1800 mile trip. With 50L total sitting on the plate I guess you could expect some movement. I just checked the bags at each stop and tightened them down if needed. When the bags aren't on the plate the sit pretty firm on the seat.

Wild Pete, I already have a US 10 Daypack, and was thinking of buying a 20 to go under it, but from what you say the 30 fits pretty well on the ZX14. I could end up buying a 30 and one more 10 and do what you intend.

Any pictures you could post would be great, I have a hard time visualizing it. Does the bag go sideways or longways? And do you leave the straps installed and attach them down somewhere instead of snapping them together on top of the seat like they show you on the website?

I finally looked at your pics. Sorry....now I got it....I'll probably choose the 20 and add my 10 above it and end it right there. I also have a 20 backpack which I put next to nothing in and have it as a reserve. Between that and my tank bag I should be fine for summer touring.

Thanks a lot!

I like that black bike. That's my second choice over the green and black! My Triumph Daytona is all black and very sinister looking. So I went for a little more flash with the green and black. The 2015 is TOO MUCH green all over!

With the 20L sitting it in line with the bike would be fine. The 30L was a little to long and would hit my back so I had it sit across the back seat on the Cycle Guys tail plate.

Grn14, I looked into that bag before getting Kriega. I don't have a Euro version tail on my US spec bike. Which is why I didn't get that bag. They use hook points that come on the Euro spec version to mount the bag.

Those tail bags look good, but my wife would KILL me if I didn't provide a seat for her on our trips....
Man, ain't she selfish?

Mad

Works fine without the Euro Handle there.

The pic you posted is the Euro ZZR1400. It's using the tie down points on the side of the rear handle. You can't see it but it's probably also tied down to the flip out bungee hooks under the seat.

I use this bag with the cycle guys plate. http://www.twistedthrottle.com/dryspectm-d38-rigid-waterproof-motorcycle-dry-bag-in-black-grey-or-orange

I like that bag too, GRN, but I don't want anything resting on bodywork. I have the grab handle kit in a box.

Just ordered the Kriega US-20. Pumped to try it out and see how it works.

I did a 7 day trip to Normandy, France and used the Kriega 30+10+10. The opening of the packs facing my back. With this setup the bags did not touch the paint.

Curious why the soft bags? Is it aesthetics? All 3 of these hard cases have carry handles, lock and are 100% waterproof ... and your lady can still ride with ya! (wait that last part is a plus, right?)

* Last updated by: extrapolator on 4/20/2017 @ 3:35 PM *

I'm with Extrapolator... hard luggage with SW Motech quick-release mounts make everything super easy while retaining all the the passenger amenities. Sportbike to hyper-tourer in 2 minutes, with locking/waterproof luggage.

The SW Motech Alu-Rack for the tail is designed to mount permanently. I cut my tail cowl to fit nicely around the rack and make it so I didn't have to have the pillion exposed all the time. It is incredibly strong and stable. Completely over-engineered for holding a tail case or bag, as I can lift the rear of the motorcycle with it. As you can see from the scars, it survived the destruction of my '13 rather well.

I prefer a single dry bag strapped to my SW-Motech tail rack with the detachable soft luggage rack. I have used hard bags in the past and just not a fan of them for the following reasons:

(1) they get scratched
(2) they are too large and hold less gear by volume
(3) they get in the way
(4) I have to carry two bags in to a motel room versus just one

Cooldaddygroove - Understood. My boot bumped one of my side cases and put a little scuff on it; Not terrible but a little annoying. When on a trip I can usually pack so I only need to bring the side cases inside, and leave the top case on; that's where I put my helmet & jacket at restaurant stops, etc. But I have actually considered getting the Bagster Spider soft tail bag that member Yannih has http://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=E2BE9D22-BF79-9106-C6651060D32F63D1 and might still someday, but so far I've decided I'm happy with the hard top case, which is all the storage I typically ride around with locally. Side cases usually just for trips.

* Last updated by: extrapolator on 4/20/2017 @ 3:36 PM *

Yes,the 'euro' pic is simply that.You don't need that handle on there.The tie downs can go under the seat.

+1 on the hard luggage set. Haven't had a bike without them for a while now (2006 ZX14, BMW K1200RS, 2001 CBR1100XX, 1999 CBR 1100XX) and being as I love me some sport touring, really wouldn't buy a bike (as my 1 street bike) that didn't have the ability to put some on. AND, the Givi's hold plenty of beer for you and your friends when you reach your destination!

* Last updated by: timomasalin on 4/20/2017 @ 3:39 PM *

GDay apexlocator,
I think it comes down to your requirements.
Will you have someone on the back?
Do you like to cruise when you tour or do you push pretty hard on the twisties?
Do you like to travel with as many comforts included as possible or are you okay traveling light and being a stinking biker?

Me, I want minimal luggage on my bike and I hate backpacks and tank bags as they interfere with my riding.
I also leave the missus at home when I'm on the bike and away with the boys.
Lastly straights do very little for me (strange owning a ZX-14R then) but my eyes light up when top quality corners come into view.

So therefore see below link for my simple setup.
Certainly not for everyone but works a treat for me...

Bagster Spider

* Last updated by: yannih on 4/22/2017 @ 10:28 PM *

I've had hard and soft saddlebags on previous bikes, and would never go back. For me, a tail rack and a dry bag (particularly a top load dry bag) is all I need for a 5 day ride over 2100 miles. I have an 18L I use for an overnight, and a 25L for my 5 day trips.

Everything is dry
I only have to can carry one bag over my shoulder in to a hotel room. helmet in the other hand, and I still have a hand free
It's lighter
It's cheap
There is nothing to scratch or kick with my boots
My bike is slimmer (the 14's rear end does not need to be any wider)
When I don't need luggage, there is no luggage
I can carry more in my 25L than I could in my two saddlebags

Sure, it sits up higher, and some would say that it affects the handling. I call B.S. and I have ridden 15 bikes over 25 years. Pure rubbish.

Here's my setup on my Ninja 1000. A Ventura rack and an SW-Motech 25L top load dry bag (all of $100)

And here is a similar setup on my 2014 14R (only this uses the SW-Motech Sport Rack and quick detachable soft luggage plate)

* Last updated by: Cooldaddygroove on 4/23/2017 @ 10:43 AM *