I need to get a pair of hard, locking saddlebags for my 3G Magna. I need to carry a notebook computer and some books and papers on a daily basis, so I need something that is hard, lockable, waterproof, and somewhat padded inside. So far, the only ones I have found are the Leatherlyke and the FatMax fiberglass bags. Both can be removed in minutes, so that is good. I really like the look of the FatMax bags, and if painted, they would look even better, but the price is pretty steep, even with the MOOT discount. On the other hand, while the Leatherlykes are more reasonably priced (at $400+ I can't believe I'm saying that!) I am not too fond of the design. I guess that because they look like soft bags, they look cheap. Also, the leather material on them doesn't look too nice. So, does anyone out there know of any other hard, locking side bag that will fit the Magna. I would prefer something in the price range of the Leatherlykes. Thanks.
To my knowledge there are not any lockable hardbags in the price of the leatherlykes.
Fatmax and one other company, name escapes me, make fiberglass lockable bags but they are much more expensive in comparison.
I carry a laptop with me as well but keep in the laptop backpack which snaps on to my Cortech Tourmaster soft throwover saddlebags (http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/product.php?productid=146&cat=31).
Unfortunately this means I must take my laptop with me whenever I arrive somewhere, but I'm not sure I would trust the locks on the saddlebags to protect a $2300 laptop. That's my dilemma.
I'm not a fan of the leatherlyke's appearance either however, I've always thought I would get the contemporary version if I did. Have you seen those?
http://www.leatherlyke.com/hoese/images/contempbag.jpg
I have seen photos of some leatherlykes where the lids were painted to match the bike and it looked nice. But I don't know what it looked like in person.
I had the same issue when I got my bike. I went with a set of KG bags and trunk. You can find them on ebay every once and awhile. I got lucky and got a set with all the mounts from a fellow MOOTSTER, Thanks Charles....
There are some pics of my bike with them on my site. http://www.geocities.com/kdf9511
You could also go with a set of plain aftermarket bags. I have seen them on ebay for less than $100.00. That was my original plan before finding the KG"s. Or you could go with a set like this very cheeply.
(http://home.hetnet.nl/~chrisboullart/images/magnabagger800x600.jpg)
Yeah I have a 17" Laptop and I carry mine in a backpack also but it is on my back as far as being waterproof well I put my Rainsuit over me and the pack heheheheh . Have you thought about a trunk they have them on ebay quite abit and on Webbikeworld he reviewed a trunk kinda $$ but no more than bags and it comes off and has a carry handle!!!!
Another thought, just to give you another one :-), would be te get a set of Ghost/Easy Brackets, then find a set of hardbags somewhere (salvage, ebay, etc.), and mount them up.
I carry a laptop to work all the time and use a T-Bag.
http://www.t-bags.com/
see the pic in my sig block below
The T-Bag compartments have zipper hasps with tang loops so a a small key lock can secure it. I lock the bag to the bike with another small lock and a wire cable w loop ends.
Works great and never had a problem.
Added benefits : T-Bag has a rain cover, can be used for long trips storage; has separate map side pockets, and big front pocket all with lockable zippers; and has hidden straps to convert into a backback to carry into the building. A handy little bugger.
Got mine for about $120. at local cyclegear shop
Check this people: http://www.tsukayu.com/Strong.htm
Quote from: bambamCheck this people: http://www.tsukayu.com/Strong.htm
Has anyone purchased these bags? I'm wondering if they would fit my bike. I don't want them to be higher than my fender.
Karin
The dimensions are here:
http://www.tsukayu.com/strong%27s%20dimension.htm
They have a lot of photos of them on bikes but none of them are on a Magna.