vaquero side load bags

[saltydog]

Hi everyone

Another questions about the Vaquero. What is your guys feedback on the Vaquero bags?
Without even test riding this bike yet it is my greatest fear, that I am going to hate trying to get stuff in and out of those bags. I do carry a small tool kit, rain gear, extra gloves, etc so I do actually get in and out of my bags quite a bit, are these as much of a PITA as they appear to be?

Thanks
Randy

[robj]

they arent bad at all, they do he a set of straps that have a clp that make an x acroos the opening of the bag to hold stuff in. and the left baf has a storage net type pocket that runs the length of the bag.

[tonik]

I had the side load on my Nomad. Top load now on my Voyager. I really wish I had side load again. You will figure out the placement of your items and will quickly see that you can get anything out without moving all the rest of the stuff like I have too.

[HwyRider]

They also sell bags to go inside the bags.

[OldSchool]

I put all my gear in stuff sacks. You can then lay them horizontally, vertically, or a combination of. Very easy to organize the gear to get what you want when you want.

[dbui]

I love it! carry all the necessary and emergency stuffs which you need for a long trip. Easy to operate.

[CBO Vaquero]

Flop the bike on it's side then they are "top loaders" sorry couldn't resist.

[MET-RICK]

Wouldn't want 'em any other way, you'll dig 'em.....and not have to dig for every thing that's in 'em !

[saltydog]

Lol, thanks for the input guys

[Old Bear]

Love them! And when open, the lid is a light-duty tray as I'm digging around.

[CBO Vaquero]

My wife suggested placing small tubs in them to keep items from falling out when you open the doors. Right now I have heavy towels folded up in them to keep stuff from banging around. Keep non-needed stuff in the left side as it's the hardest to load because of the lean.

[Gypsy Dragon]

I have the Vaquero. I used to have a Concourse 1400, which also had side load bags. If you are like me and do a lot of camping, the bag liners are essential. Other than that, they are easy to get used to, and though they may not be ideal, I believe it to be a very small issue to worry about.

[smokier]

I prefer the "clam-shell" side opening bags to top loaders. MUCH easier to rummage through!
Love, love, love them. Do wish I wasn't forced to lock them though.
*You have to use the key to open. Key stays will while open, once latched, key comes out... *THAT is my ONLY complaint about the bags and nothing to do with the side or top loading of them...
Smokier

[Gypsy Dragon]

Originally Posted by smokier

I prefer the "clam-shell" side opening bags to top loaders. MUCH easier to rummage through!
Love, love, love them. Do wish I wasn't forced to lock them though.
*You have to use the key to open. Key stays will while open, once latched, key comes out... *THAT is my ONLY complaint about the bags and nothing to do with the side or top loading of them...
Smokier

You can always do the gadget mod to be able to remove the key while its unlocked.

[Peg]

Originally Posted by Gypsy Dragon

You can always do the gadget mod to be able to remove the key while its unlocked.

When Gadget's site is up & running again he can.

I've done that mod on my Nomad bags, and similar "keyless latching" mods to both the Nomad and Voyager gas caps... Highly recommended. Here's an old thread on the subject.

Some will say there's a danger the bag will pop open & strew your stuff down the highway, but I never had an issue. I think you just have to be sure the bag is latched properly.

Edit: And having now had both styles of bags (side & top opening) - I preferred the Nomad / Vaq style side-openers, but I've also made the top loaders work for me. There's wasted space in the lid which I've partitioned off with bungie nets, so I can stash jacket liners etc up in there.

There was so much moaning about the Voyager bags when the bike was introduced that Kaw actually listened, and went back to the side-openers for the Vaq.