Touring Style or Trailer?

[M_a_t_t]

I'm looking into getting more storage for my bike. I can't decide on which route I want to go for, a pull behind or saddlebags and maybe rear trunk. Although I'm not terribly concerned with my mpg on my bike, the ecomodder in me keeps saying things...

I don't usually need alot of carrying capacity on my bike. Usually its just me and my backpack. I've used it for trips to lowes for hardware or quick trips to the grocery store, typical of what you can pick up with a motorcycle. However I want the extra capacity for a road trip coming up. This is my first full season of riding so I'm not sure of what I might need it for in the future. Anyway here are what I've devised for my plans with both options:

1. Pull behind, custom built. I have a hot water heater tank I was planning on using for the body/storage it's 48" long, 19" diameter. Then just using regular setup, leaf springs, simple axle, etc. I feel like its a little oversized leaning me towards option #2.

2. Saddlebags, also custom. I was thinking using 2 jerry cans would be a cool idea, but again advice is welcomed. I don't have any plans so far as to the rear trunk. However I would keep aero in mind and try and incorporate that into the trunk, premade or something I fab up idk.

I know that it would be easier to just unhitch the trailer for when I didn't need the capacity, but I have precious little storage space. The saddlebags would be detachable of course a little bit more hassle than the trailer but less to store. Also if I did the trailer, it wouldn't affect my economy/performance with it off. but saddle bags would make the bike wider. They wouldn't be as easy to remove, making me lean more towards the trailer for keeping it simple.

I can't decide, its a toss up.

Thanks, Matt
Picture of my bike:

[Stubby79]

I'd go for a trunk that improves the aerodynamics behind the rider and the back of the bike, rather than saddle bags that stick out and increase drag. Probably wouldn't be removable....and you probably wouldn't want to remove it anyway, if it was built right.

[minimac]

I had a KZ1100 that came with the full dress Vetter package. Full fairing w/lowers, hard saddlebags and trunk. It would take some searching, but these parts are available. You can carry an amazing amount of 'stuff'.

[M_a_t_t]

I think I'm going to go with the trunk idea. Originally I was thinking just over passenger section of the seat, which is why I mentioned removing it. However I have been thinking and I could go full boat tail style and have a section removable over the passenger section of the seat.

I looked at the OE style saddlebags, (like these ) but I don't like the price tag.


You'll have to excuse the crude drawing of my bike, Of course not to scale
This is what I've been thinking. Removable, (by bolts) in case I have someone with me, and then the backrest transfers to the passenger. 2 seperate compartments maybe?

[skyking]

you can make any of it removable by designing it from the start that way. A simple socket system will do, a sort of fixed pipe with a smaller pipe slipped into it, and a pin put through the joint.

[Erasmo]

Originally Posted by M_a_t_t

I think I'm going to go with the trunk idea. Originally I was thinking just over passenger section of the seat, which is why I mentioned removing it. However I have been thinking and I could go full boat tail style and have a section removable over the passenger section of the seat.

I looked at the OE style saddlebags, (like these ) but I don't like the price tag.


You'll have to excuse the crude drawing of my bike, Of course not to scale
This is what I've been thinking. Removable, (by bolts) in case I have someone with me, and then the backrest transfers to the passenger. 2 seperate compartments maybe?

I like your design ideas, I'm looking for something similar in the long run.

Why not go for regular panniers and a topcase? Those can be removed and placed in mere seconds for trips around town and have more than enough room for long trips.

[M_a_t_t]

1. The backrest, I don't usually go for long trips around town, but I enjoy just cruising around sometimes. This would pretty much be an oversized top case/ rear trunk. If I can make the boat tail area completely (see picture) used as storage, then I should be able to get away with not having the saddle bags/panniers. But if it turns out to not be enough I'd definitely re-look at the panniers.

2. This setup has an "un"fortunate side affect of more fuel economy. I may not ride for it, but if it means I don't have to fill up as often, then I don't mind.

[Erasmo]

Makes sense. You could base your tail on one of those aluminium top cases, that should give you a nice flat and sturdy surfaces to build on.

[stiletto2]

Of course you would need to be careful to not put too much weight behind the rear axle. That would cause the front end to lighten up a bit and maybe make it more prone to steering problems; like head shake for example.
I like the modular approach of being able to add or remove a compartment. Seems like it would be relatively easy to integrate into your design.

[Grant-53]

Craig Vetter still has replacement hardware available at the craigvetter.com. Ammo cans are available for lower storage. Cut a plastic waste can to fair the shape front and back. If positioned right they will fit so a second rider will have leg clearance and some protection. A tapered top box and back rest could be made from honeycomb aluminum. I would suggest mounting rails so that it could slide back for the second rider or be easily removed. See Chapter 7 of "Proficient Motorcycling, The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well" by David L. Hough.