Any luggage options around?

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MexicoMike

MexicoMike

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A couple of years ago I semi-retired my Commando as my "only" bike in Mexico, buying a BMW R9T. I'm now thinking of selling the 9T and going back to the Commando. BUT, I need some sort of luggage-carrying ability that DOES NOT include adding some kind of tailpiece (fastback). Has anyone found anything that works reasonably well and would be suitable for a several day trip? Some kind of saddlebag setup would seem to be workable but I have never seen anything specifically made for a Commando. Any tank bags around that will work reasonably well? Can't be magnetic (fiberglass tank). Any thoughts in general from those who carry luggage on their Nortons?
 
Well,as I said in my original post, I didn't want any sort of luggage rack which would ruin the look of the fastback. Interestingly, I just discovered that the Blaze saddlebags I use on my BMW R9T will work fine once I come up with an easy on-easy off attachment point to keep them from shifting fore/aft. The removable brackets that are used on the 9T are not necessary on the Norton. The bags hang over the bike from the rear of the seat and don't touch any bodywork or moving parts. So I'm going to futz around with that and see what I can come up with. The critical issue for me is that there is no visible brackets/attachments on the bike when the bags are not in use. Here's a couple of pics of the bags hanging on the bike.
Any luggage options around?

Any luggage options around?
 
cliffa said:
Looks like they are attached to the silencers to me, which would be less than ideal if it is the case.
Click to expand...

Looks to me as if it's attached to the upper rear Z-plate hole, as the diamond shaped silencer plate with the rubber mount is visible above and to the rear of the pannier frame bolt position.
 
Looks like they are attached to the silencers to me, which would be less than ideal if it is the case.
Click to expand...

They need the extra support as the rear loop is a known weak point on the frame, hence the extended gussets fitted later on, so its good to be connected to the silencer support brackets or the Z plates, Cravens rear racks have the same idea.

Any luggage options around?
 
kommando said:
They need the extra support as the rear loop is a known weak point on the frame, hence the extended gussets fitted later on, so its good to be connected to the silencer support brackets or the Z plates, Cravens rear racks have the same idea.
Click to expand...

There's a bracket attached to the frame loop next to the tail lamp fairing on each side.

Any luggage options around?
 
OK my problem is with the 45 deg bend in the tube that comes off of the Z plate. IMHO it should of run in a strait line to the top.
 
L.A.B. said:
cliffa said:
Looks like they are attached to the silencers to me, which would be less than ideal if it is the case.
Click to expand...

Looks to me as if it's attached to the upper rear Z-plate hole, as the diamond shaped silencer plate with the rubber mount is visible above and to the rear of the pannier frame bolt position.
Click to expand...


I stand corrected, you are right L.A.B.


Cheers,

cliffa
 
I couldn't deal with that bracket appearance wise, regardless of how well (or ill) it is designed.

IMO, saddlebags pretty much solves both my concerns - the weight is all placed exactly where "added" weight is easily supported - on the seat; and there are no brackets/attachments on the bike when the bags are not there. Admittedly, the bracket and associated boxes can carry a lot more but the Blaze bags have carried everything I needed - with plenty of room to spare on multi-day trips on my 9T. We don't camp so don't need to carry that sort of gear. A few toiletries, a couple of pairs of smalls, maybe a decent shirt/slacks depending on where we're staying.

The Blaze is a pretty good setup for me. It comes with a quick install/release bracket that holds the bags from moving around due to wind while the weight is supported by the seat. The brackets can be removed in about 5 seconds when not needed. UNFORTUNATELY, the bracket is made for specific bikes and, of course there is no bracket for a Norton Commando. But I don't think it would be too difficult to modify the existing brackets to fit the Norton. One thing I'll definitely miss is the quick connect/release tank bag that I use on the 9T. https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sw- ... k-tank-bag. I REALLY like that tank bag but there is no way to make it work on a Commando. :(
 
MexicoMike said:
Well,as I said in my original post, I didn't want any sort of luggage rack which would ruin the look of the fastback.
Click to expand...

What you actually said was;

MexicoMike said:
I need some sort of luggage-carrying ability that DOES NOT include adding some kind of tailpiece (fastback).
Click to expand...
 
I use saddlebags which have 2 velcro adjustable straps that go over my seat. The rear strap I sit on my sissy bar and wrap another strap around it to secure it. Never moves. Of course, mine is a roadster. Would you consider designing a sissy bar for your bike that would look like it was part o f the original design. Your seat design is not going to help with the moving forward problem you have.
Dereck
 
Years ago Doug McAdam, formerly of CNW, made a set of soft bags that I saw on Stan Smith's "Sport Touring" Mk3, Nice design, well laid out, discrete brackets (black) that didn't spoil the Commando's lines. Doug sold/donated (?) the drawings and a set of bags to Gary Bolduc, formerly of CNW. I worked briefly to help Gary find a commercial venture that would cut and stitch the bags in small lots, but nothing ever came of it. There is a thread on this forum about this: saddlebags-for-norton-t565.html

I'd buy a set in a heart beat; does anyone know if there is/was any follow-up?
 
i picked up a set of the CNW bags off ebay a few months ago. The way they are designed, I wouldn't put anything heavier than a rain suit and some gloves in them. The frame has no bottom support, so all the weight is on the rear frame loop. The bags have a pocket that just slips over the bracket, so there's only the strength of the fabric and stitching holding the bag to the bracket.
They certainly look good, and will be useful for day rides.
I've got another set of throw over bags that I use for trips, the brackets from the CNW bags work well keeping the old bags out of the wheel.

Also, if you have a Mk3, the CNW brackets won't work because the seat lock is in the way. My wife wanted to steal my bags when I got them, but fortunately for me, they won't work with her MK3.

She's been using an old set of Eclipse throw over's I had kicking around.

Any luggage options around?



My bike with a set of Chase Harper Bags;

Any luggage options around?



http://chaseharper.com/SaddleBags/SaddleBags.htm
 
Here are the Triumph panniers. They are 15 litres each, big enough for a week out, motelling it, not camping.
The panniers are Quick detach, go on or off in a few seconds. The mounting brackets are very minimalist but sturdy, a good and well tested design.

Any luggage options around?

Any luggage options around?
 
Worntorn
Did the Triumph bracketry fit easily not the Norton?
If you have time could you please post a photo of the brackets on the Commando - without bags?
Cheers
Rob
 
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