got home yesterday and on a whim decided to take the saddle bags, passenger seat and sissy bar off - just for something different for summer - of course with no bags I have to have some where to put my hat - so I went by the local cycle gear and got a pleather tool bag that mounts under the headlight so i still have a place (all though a lot smaller) to put stuff -
anyways she looks good and more "stream-lined" for the summer months...
I do like the look of my stripped down one also, my other is set up with all the touring items, I am thinking of reducing for a nicer look.
(http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa214/TLRam1/Motorcycles/Magnas/94%20Magna/DSCN0004.jpg)
No question the bikes look better without the bags, but where would I carry all my absolutely necessary stuff, like:
Clear visor for night riding (just in case I actually have to come home in the dark). I have used it precisely once. Well, I suppose I could have ridden home with the dark one raised...
Maps of back roads in Hays and Blanco Counties. I actually looked at each of them exactly one time.
Extra riding gloves -- you never know when my first pair might blow off...
Insurance certificate and registration receipt.
Bungee cords and net for carrying heavy objects home -- I actually use these to bring home ranch chemicals in 3 gallon containers from Marble Falls.
And today, I brought home a new fuel pump for the tractor in one of the bags. I could not carry it in my teeth.
If I had more confidence in my tank bag not to scratch the paint on the tank, I could toss it on the bike when I intend to carry something more than gloves.
Keep the bags Lawrence.....I don't won't to be the only one out there with saddle bags....I'm like you...I can carry allmost anything on "Ike"(my magna)..Who needs an SUV when you have saddle bags..