Looking for saddlebags to fit 1979 GS850

[Anonymous]

Haven't really found anything that appears to stretch over a 13" wide seat with grab rails on the sides. Anyone have any good ideas about what type of bags will fit this thing and still look decent?

Need a sissy bar too, but that is another story. My son just crashed the bike and had a really nice sissy bar on it that I got from a friend who had it in his basement. Was for an old KZ650 Kaw. When the bike went down the sissy bar bent backwards (almost parallel to the seat) so I don't think it is going to be salvageable.

Anyway, trying to find bags for it first.

Thanks guys

Kevin

[kalessin]

I think the Tourmaster Cortech Saddlebags may be adjustable enough to fit. Since the bags are removable from the harness, you might also find that they fit with the straps going under the seat. They tend to get good reviews for usability, weatherproofness with the rain covers on, etc.

$144 at http://www.newenough.com

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info Kalessin, I checked with the company and they agreed they should fit just fine. I will get a set and give them a try.

[DIMiller]

Reviving this thread. Just bought a 79 gs850 and was wondering if anyone knew of any hard-case saddlebags that work on the gs850. Also looking for a back rest / rack.

[rustybronco]

Vetter, Samsonite and Krauser are a few brands of used hard cases that you might find for sale in the parts wanted/sale or Ebay ect.

good luck on your search for a rack with backrest. most likely you'll need to remove the seat grab rail if you do find one.

[salty_monk]

I have a set of Fieldsheer luggage that fits fine. I've also used some Heine Gericke bags on it too... they fit fine as well.

I'm sure most soft luggage will fit

[salty_monk]

I have a set of frames (that someone in Canada made & used, I bought them but never used them) to mount Ammo cans or pelican cases etc if you're interested.

[AF_Bill]

I've for the same bike and you DO have to remove the grab rail from the seat in order to used the hard bags.

[gs scott]

If you want hard bags, and can find them at a reasonable price, GK bags will bolt right on to your 850. And if you can find a trunk too, there's your back rest! If you go the whole route, there is one piece you might need from the GK donor (where the turn signals would normally mount, there is a GK piece for each side, that will accept 2 bolts, one for attaching the trunk frame, and one for the saddlebag frame.) Check out the my ES in BOM 2009 - GK bags!

[kingofvenus]

I've got gk bags on my 850. I really like the removable (with the twist of a key) trunk.