Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonathan6229
So, I got an ex-500 as a commuter, and for my wife to ride. So far, if not done too many mods, just adding a 1 tooth to the front sprocket, and tuning it. I have saddlebags on it now, but should I mount a tailbag on it instead? and idea how much FE that difference is going the difference on that? I'm starting to think that it might be enough to worry about. Anyone have any first or second experience to validate that?
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As a guy that doesn't go anywhere without at least some luggage, I have to point out that weight is an issue. Where you hang the weight will effect the aero as well as the handling. I have ridden with sidecases, saddle bags, trunks, tail-packs, pass-packs, tank bags and even front saddle bags.
The best spot to put luggage is the tank bag location as it is closest to center of gravity both fore/aft, as well as left/right. Depending on the bike it doesn't raise the CG all that much. It fills a hollow behind headlight and instruments smoothing the airflow to the rider, reducing aero-drag.
Next up is a pass-pack, the kind that lays on the passenger seat and hugs your butt. Filling the space behind your butt sort of acting like a fairing to the bike. Unfortunately it really needs to be the style that the rider straps on like an overgrown fanny pack for it to really work. Also pass-packs don't hold much. They do hang the weight inside the axles on most bikes, so even if they are filled with lead pellets they don't effect the handling too much.
Next is the old west style, saddle bags. These don't really mount to the bike, instead they count on a rider's/passenger's butt holding the bags on the bike. They put the weight inside the axles and down low, so they don't effect handling and since they sit behind the legs of the rider, they are filling a dead space. Size is small, so that can be problem if your trying to carry a something larger (like a laptop).
If the items can pack pretty flat, there are some slim sidecases out there (Bag Connection has a couple). They would not stick out past your legs, again filling empty space. Sidecases hang the weight over the rear axle, can come in various sizes, If they are narrow they fill a dead space behind the riders legs and add little to no drag. Larger cases do stick out no doubt adding some drag.
What I wish I saw more front saddle bags or front soft cases. These hang or strap across the gas tank and hang down either side of it. below the controls they add weight inside the axles, with out obstructing controls.
They add width in front of the riders knees, so they don't fix and dead air space pockets, but they don't add much drag over the riders legs.
Trunks and true Tail-packs are about the worst bits of luggage, They put a box, up behind the rider, interrupting air flow that is trying to blend back to together. It also puts its weight up high and back behind the rear axle, negatively effecting the handling. Also most trunks and tail packs are still horizontal designs that stick out past the rider's sides, instead of being upright.
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