Trunk vs Rack Bag

[58nomad]

I am wanting to add more storage to my Nomad for longer trips. I am currently undecided between buying a trunk and painting to match or just going with a really nice rack bag.

To me, a trunk would be more secure, but I would probably soon be looking for a bag liner to make it more user friendly and a paint job, etc.

There are a lot of good looking rack bags out there, and would be a cinch to put on or take off, but I am concerned about someone walking by the bike and lifting it off while I an in a restaurant or taking a hike.

I have seen a lot of pictures here of some awesome trunks, since you guys have experience in using them, what are your thoughts?

Are you happy with your trunk, would you do it again, or do you feel pretty safe leaving a rack bag on your ride when you are not around?

[ringadingh]

I find the Tour Pak a valuable asset to the bike. they are one of the handiest items on the bike and I wouldn't want to be without one. They are secure, weatherproof and lockable whereas Im not sure you can say that about a bag. Especially on longer trips they can hold a lot, and there are luggage bags you get that fit inside them as well.

[58nomad]

I like the looks of the Tour Pak, but I have never seen one up close. Is it a pretty sturdy trunk? Can the rider put their weight against it and feel secure?

[Netnorske]

I like the looks of the Tour Pak, but I have never seen one up close. Is it a pretty sturdy trunk? Can the rider put their weight against it and feel secure?

There are lots of trunk threads to check out here, and lots of trunk models to pick from varying in quality....but yes, they can be very sturdy and secure. Mine is from Premeux and absolutely I would buy a trunk again. I put a luggage bag on top of it that routinely weighs 25-30 lbs and it handles it no problem. Once you have one you will wonder how you ever got by without one!

[oldbikers]

I love my trunk it is mounted on a rack that I made my self and wouldn't be afraid for any one to lean on it, but also I have ridden many miles with a rack bag and have never had anyone mess with it.

[Top Cat]

I don't have one, mainly because I don't like the look of them.
I use the pack you see in my sig pic. I set it on the rear seat as Cindy rides her own bike.
If I had to ride two-up I would put a trunk on the back even though, as I said, I don't like the look.
They have got to be very convenient.

[kowboy]

i use to use a bag but sinse got a hd trunk,either way is fine but if you ride two up and cost is,nt a problem a trunk is the way to go in my opinion.as someone said earlier they are lockable,and comfortable for passenger.

[waterman]

I have a trunk (Harley Tour Pak) that I installed on mine. Wouldn't do without it. It is definately waterproof and lockable for some of the valuable stuff. I also have a bag that I mount to the top of the trunk on the rack. Extra storage for rain gear and other things when on longer trips.

With the cost of the trunk and paint, you also have to have a rack for it. I have a wompus rack on mine.

http://www.wompusracks.com/

Well worth the money as you can sit on it and it won't move.

[Jared]

I use a bag bacause I'm not a fan of how the trunks look.

The trunk is probably better for the job but at $1,000? you are paying for the look of a tourer. A good quality bag cost $150-200 and will also do the job well. How much are you wanting to spend and do you like the look of the trunk? Those will be you two biggest questions.

[ve3hzz]

I agree with those who said once you have a trunk you will wonder what you did before.
I put a truck on mine last spring. DMY painted it to match my bike and made a frame/rack for it and it's very sturdy. I wouldn't have a problem with someone putting there weight against it at all. I customized it somewhat to make it a one off and my own. One thing on the + side. Cost now is not much below or maybe cheaper then a good bag. It will make your bike more saleable and maybe? worth a bit more down the road. It provides a place to add more lights or reflectors for more rear visibility (never a bad thing). For me I can get off the bike, toss my half helmet in the trunk, lock and walk away no problems, not worries. The bag also won't last forever especially if left in the sun all the time. It's harder to open and find things at times in a BAG and like I said, one flick of the key and the trunk is locked.

I don't know of anyone who has put one on and regretted it. But that's just my opinion.

[MAS Tequila]

You don't have to spend a small fortune to get a quality trunk.

I have one from a Yamaha Venture on mine.

Check the used listing places like ebay and craigslist.

But get a quality trunk, not a cheap flimsy one from China.

I've done it both ways, and just absolutely love the trunk.

I have a 12" x 12" x16" (?) Willie and Max black leather bag that is like new. I think I used it a couple times.

MT

[glwilson]

A trunk is my choice without a doubt; having had both situations.

[BudMan]

I'm with Utah and TC on the looks. I really don't care for it.
I have a Saddleman bag and it works very well.
With that said, the boss wants a trunk for the backrest.
So I'm in the process of getting one on the bike.
My plan is to make it easy to remove so I can take it off when she's not with me.

[cactusjack]

I wouldn't own a bike without a tourpak. Especially on a long trip, they can't be beat. I can put my laptop in mine, laid flat. It can carry a suitcase of beer. It's large enough for 2 full face helmets. With the rack on top, I can lash a small duffel on it and carry even more. With the hard saddle bags and a large tourpak, you can carry an amazing amount of "stuff". They are much more secure than a soft bag, although nothing is 100% burglar proof.

In my opinion, it makes a big bike look "finished". I like the look of a tourpak. I like the look of a fairing. So there, TC! http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

[macmac]

I use inexpensive leather like luggage which hold more junk than most trunks and it has anothe box that goes on top. ALL my rising distance has me 2 up, and that is the biggest reason I don't have a hard trunk.

This particular luggage didn't fit the bike fer beans, but for the cost $99.99 I didn't mind cutting that stuff off neatly and adding 2 leather belts I made and one stainless steel clip.

To steal it would be a little work, since you have to take everything in out, as i set it up for 'To Stay' on the bike. If I were planning a ride where I would remove it, I would set up the belts the other way. That way i could un-do the belts and grab the luggage off easy.

To me it's more a matter of taste and then how much stuff 2 people need.

Thar's no bloomin way I will drop a grand on a fiberglass box and then add more money in paint. I would either build my own damned box in glass and make more to sell, off setting the cost, or find one used and maybe paint that.

I don't have either one. So I'm thinking if you're swimming in cash, buy the trunk, paint it to match the bike, get the special backrest, etc. Keep up with the Joneses. If not, get a rear bag that holds a your stuff and if damaged or lost won't send you into convulsions. Oh - add a tank bag and boom. I'm betting for most riding you don't need either one anyway. Of course, as I said - I don't have either one and this is just my gut talking.
I guess that means I should eat something now.

[Top Cat]

In my opinion, it makes a big bike look "finished". I like the look of a tourpak. I like the look of a fairing. So there, TC! http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

Now there is no need for rudeness here CJ. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
It's your bike and if you want it to look like a land yacht thats up to you. ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[deadant]

I got a huge Kuryakyn soft bag in Sturgis last year. It mounts super easy and can be taken off and carried like a suitcase. It has several outside pockets for small stuff.

Here's the link

http://www.kuryakyn.com/Products/696/Ultra-Tour-Bag

[ringadingh]

I like the looks of the Tour Pak, but I have never seen one up close. Is it a pretty sturdy trunk? Can the rider put their weight against it and feel secure?

I have a Harley beerbox and it is very sturdy.No problem at all leaning back on it. Plus there is a good selection of accessories available for them.

[cactusjack]

In my opinion, it makes a big bike look "finished". I like the look of a tourpak. I like the look of a fairing. So there, TC! http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif

Now there is no need for rudeness here CJ. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif
It's your bike and if you want it to look like a land yacht thats up to you. ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

With the tourpak on, my bike is bigger than some cars.

[hammer]

Now that I am doing more long distance tours I have the HD King Tourpak and absolutely love it. That and hardbag liners makes for excellent waterproof security and ease of handling.

[delivery58]

I have an 83 Yamaha Venture Trunk (ebay, craiglist...), but I also used the original mounting base so that the trunk is removeable from the rack itself. (there is a key for the trunk, and a seperate key that unlocks the trunk from the mounting bracket - so you could carry the whole thing into a hotel or take it off and cruise without the trunk). I have a Tourmaster Pack on my Valkyrie, but don't find it is nearly as convienent .

[redjay]

I dont need the room of a trunk often enough to warrant buying one. If I were going on a long trip it would be by myself so a bag on the rear seat and/or rear carrier would suit my needs. I have enough room in my hardbags for everyday use, or an overnighter.

[finger]

Just get one of these and you'rer covered in every direction...
http://www.golittleguy.com/teardrops/models/rascal/

[58nomad]

<blockquote> Just get one of these and you'rer covered in every direction...
http://www.golittleguy.com/teardrops/models/rascal/ </blockquote>

Nice!! But where's the fridge?

[58nomad]

I don't have either one. So I'm thinking if you're swimming in cash, buy the trunk, paint it to match the bike, get the special backrest, etc. Keep up with the Joneses. If not, get a rear bag that holds a your stuff and if damaged or lost won't send you into convulsions. Oh - add a tank bag and boom. I'm betting for most riding you don't need either one anyway. Of course, as I said - I don't have either one and this is just my gut talking.
I guess that means I should eat something now.

Wow, swimming cash.. THAT would be nice!!! But alas, I am pinching dollars (Inflation, nobody pinches pennies anymore.) :( But as much as I hate to spend money, I really hate to waste money. So, I will usually pay more to get something good (or great) as to save a few bucks and then totally disappointed in what I end up with. that being said, no, I won't by laying down 10 pictures of Benjamin Franklin any time soon. I will just keep watching, and hoping to find a great deal out there.

[VulcanE]

I dearly love my music, and there are 2 things I will never be without on a bike, the fairing, and the trunk. A trunk was one of my very first mods, and it was for the wife's comfort, and storage. I love the look of the "Full Dresser" and the "Solo Nad", and if my wife didn't love riding as much as I do, I would probably switch it back and forth. I do have quick disconnects for the wiring, and radio coax cable going to the trunk, but I just leave the trunk where it is. I come to realize the convenience of having a trunk, not only for comfort of the wife, and storage, but for the safety of having more rear lighting. My trunk is off an '02 Ultra Classic, and instead of it just having running and brake lights (standard for Harley's) I wired my so I also have turn signals.

[dank]

I've used both, and I do like a trunk. However on the Nomad I used this bag.

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?model_id=0&Category_ID=42&manufacturer_ID=374&product_ID=4948&sblid_name=Heavy_Duty_Expandable_Sissy_Bar_Pack_wi th_Duffel_Bag_Set

I didn't keep gold bars in it, (always put those in the saddlebags ;)) but it has enough straps that I didn't worry about anyone slipping it off while I ate lunch. Didn't leave it on the bike in motel parking lots overnight. Great capacity, good weather protection. Expandable zipper, so you can carry lots, but also keep it looking trim when you don't have as much gear. And it looks perfect on the Nomad, can be left off when you don't need the space, and is way cheaper than a trunk. When riding solo I sometimes put in on the rear seat with the duffel in front of it. Made a great backrest. (But it was harder to carry a birthday cake in than a trunk is.)

[redjay]

The above link does not appear to work.

[dank]

The above link does not appear to work.

Thanks. I modified the post "pasted" it in again. Worked for me, but it took a while. Wasn't fast on their site either.

[58nomad]

I've used both, and I do like a trunk. However on the Nomad I used this bag.

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?model_id=0&Category_ID=42&manufacturer_ID=374&product_ID=4948&sblid_name=Heavy_Duty_Expandable_Sissy_Bar_Pack_wi th_Duffel_Bag_Set

I didn't keep gold bars in it, (always put those in the saddlebags ;)) but it has enough straps that I didn't worry about anyone slipping it off while I ate lunch. Didn't leave it on the bike in motel parking lots overnight. Great capacity, good weather protection. Expandable zipper, so you can carry lots, but also keep it looking trim when you don't have as much gear. And it looks perfect on the Nomad, can be left off when you don't need the space, and is way cheaper than a trunk. When riding solo I sometimes put in on the rear seat with the duffel in front of it. Made a great backrest. (But it was harder to carry a birthday cake in than a trunk is.)

The link doesn't work for me, but I am at cruisercustomizing web site, what brand and model did you pick?

[dank]

It is TR-09-1959

Heavy Duty Expandable Sissy-Bar Pack with Duffel Bag Set

Not sure why the link isn't working for you

[Top Cat]

The link worked for me. You guys have to get rid of that dial-up ;)
I couldn't resist, sorry http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[58nomad]

The link worked for me. You guys have to get rid of that dial-up ;)
I couldn't resist, sorry http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

There is something better than dial-up?? What is this world coming to?? Next thing you know, people will be wanting to replace their rotary phones with some push button contraption. :-/

[macmac]

Ring's beer box comes pre loaded with La Batt's too http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Man i pulled in at Lk G last sumah and bam there was ring with a cold one http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[58nomad]

It is TR-09-1959

Heavy Duty Expandable Sissy-Bar Pack with Duffel Bag Set

Not sure why the link isn't working for you

I like it, I really want a trunk, but I want a GOOD one, so this bag may be what I use until I can afford a Tourpak.

[vincent]

I've had this for 3 years and really love it. They custom make the passenger backrest mount for our bikes. (they are extra wide) It will work with or without a luggage rack.
www.roadreadybags.com/ (http://www.roadreadybags.com/)