KZR's Bikes of the Month for 2024

Saddlebags on 1980 KZ550 LTD

More
01 Feb 2006 13:37 #20948 by Drake
Saddlebags on 1980 KZ550 LTD was created by Drake
Hi folks;

I have a 1980 KZ550C LTD (as stated in topic) that I'm thinking about going on a long trip on, but wanted some luggage prior to doing so.

I've done some poking around online but can't really find any suggestion about what a good fit might be, and not having ever had to buy saddlebags for a motorcycle before, I'm sort of drawing a blank here.

Anyone have some suggestions?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • tganek
  • Visitor
01 Feb 2006 14:24 #20953 by tganek
Replied by tganek on topic Saddlebags on 1980 KZ550 LTD
With the turn signals position on the LTD you will be limited as to the style of saddlebags you can use. The fix is to move the turn signals back towards the rear brake light.



Sorry for the poor pic. Here was my Dad's fix. Barstock bent in a U and mounted to the original turn signal holes. Not pretty but effective.
Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • tganek
  • Visitor
01 Feb 2006 14:34 #20957 by tganek
Replied by tganek on topic Saddlebags on 1980 KZ550 LTD
My solution.


Chase Harper Stealth bags. You can see they still butt up against the signals but they work. I ran the straps under the pillion seat.

Also I have a Chase Harper barrel bag on the back. I can't live without this simple bag. Period. Also mounted the straps under the seat.

Chase Harper is expensive but I've always had great luck with them. Check for sales at M.A.W. (motorcycle accessory warehouse).

An expandable tank bag ( magnetic mount ) will be absolutely necessary. I have NEVER been without one since I placed the first one on my bike. You can never have too much storage space.

Finally, you could get a sissy bar/ luggage rack combo if you want to go all out.
Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
01 Feb 2006 14:34 #20958 by duncan
Replied by duncan on topic Saddlebags on 1980 KZ550 LTD
i once did a 3 week trip in europe on a rental GT550, that came with a rear rack and plastic box, and some portable canvas bags to throw over the seat. i also used my own (magnetic) tank bag.

www.bikepics.com/pictures/086109/

i also did a week long trip thru new england on my own KZ550 and used my tank bag and a soft piece of luggage strapped to the rear seat with bungie cords.

both times, the luggage was just clothes, no camping stuff.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
01 Feb 2006 17:22 #20985 by oldcoldankles
Replied by oldcoldankles on topic Saddlebags on 1980 KZ550 LTD
Check out digicam's auctions on eBay. He always has some well priced magnetic tank bags, throw over expandable saddle bags and tail bags in the auction.
search.ebay.ca/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsas...ZSTRKQ3aMEFSQ3aMESOI

Post edited by: oldcoldankles, at: 2006/02/01 23:37

Peachland BC
1981 KZ1000 CSR M1
1983 KZ550 LTD M1 (Shaft)
1989 Corvette coupe

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
01 Feb 2006 19:07 #21009 by rede4u
Replied by rede4u on topic Saddlebags on 1980 KZ550 LTD
My preference would be to fill a tank bag first. I used to ride with saddle bags and found that if they were in any way heavy or were not strapped down properly at the bottom, the handling went in the toilet. With a tank bag you still have the weight over the middle of the Bike where it's easy to control.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • tganek
  • Visitor
01 Feb 2006 19:20 #21012 by tganek
Replied by tganek on topic Saddlebags on 1980 KZ550 LTD
I pilfered this pic from the gallery.
thanks Tony, hope you don't mind!



You can really get an idea of were the saddle bags sit because of the turn signals.

"My preference would be to fill a tank bag first"
Can't live without it once you have one!
Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
04 Feb 2006 08:55 #21428 by Tony
Replied by Tony on topic Saddlebags on 1980 KZ550 LTD
tganek wrote:

I pilfered this pic from the gallery.
thanks Tony, hope you don't mind!


No problem tganek, I don't mind at all.:)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
08 Nov 2006 15:13 #90561 by pyxen
Replied by pyxen on topic Saddlebags on 1980 KZ550 LTD
Sorry to bump this up..well, not really, actually. This stuff is important too! :)

How do you strap saddlebags so that they don't tuck under and hit the shocks/wheel? I can figure out how to mount them up top - but the bottom is baffling me. If I wanted to make some hard bags instead of using soft ones, would I rely on the stiffness of the bags themselves, and just mount them up top?

Sincerely,
Confused in Ottawa.

84 KZ550-F2 LTD
93 ZR550-B4

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 Nov 2006 07:05 #91639 by mariozappa
Replied by mariozappa on topic Saddlebags on 1980 KZ550 LTD
You would need saddle bag supports...

tinyurl.com/y6yykj

1977 KZ650C1
and the KZ650/KZ750 Conversion ;)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 Nov 2006 13:15 #91719 by pyxen
Replied by pyxen on topic Saddlebags on 1980 KZ550 LTD
those would definitely work!

Thanks :)

84 KZ550-F2 LTD
93 ZR550-B4

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
13 Nov 2006 15:29 #91790 by ScottZ
Replied by ScottZ on topic Saddlebags on 1980 KZ550 LTD
For some cheap leather bags, you can check out Leatherup www.leatherup.com/dept.asp?dept_id=26 . Not sure about the quality, but the price sure is good.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Powered by Kunena Forum

If you like KZR Please consider making a donation. Thank you.

KZRider is free, but not without cost.

Please consider chipping in a few bucks to help cover the cost of running the KZR servers.