****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I scratched my head for a bit to figure out how to install it. I didn't know for sure how to figure out which side was forward. Note: installed on an XR400. There are instructions with pictures, but I was still confused for a bit.I have an aftermarket rear rack and it is a nice place to tie the rear attachments, although the supplied fender mount would probably work fine (I didn't try it). I think I would have had troubles finding a good bottom tie down location on a stock bike, but I have aftermarket rear passenger pegs (mounts welded to subframe and pegs bolted to mounts). These passenger pegs proved to be perfectly positioned for this attachment. I really don't know how it would mount properly and securely without them. The bags rest against my plastic side panels; the muffler side gets quite warm, but no melting and I don't seem to need any heat shield. And I'm not worried about more scratches on the 24 yr old plastic.I'm getting old (in my 70's) and carrying a heavy pack with all my stuff is just proving too hard on my back. I've off-loaded some stuff onto a tank bag, but I found I needed to offload more. The bags nicely take my 4.5 quarts of water (1.5 quarts in a flex bag), tools and food and I could probably squeeze some more in there. But it's enough. I still have to carry my hiking boots in my backpack; my size 14's would barely fit by themselves and not with water bottles too, although maybe I could fit a small water bottle into each boot).I found some more joy in riding as with less weight on my back, I can start riding more like i should (standing through obstacles, etc.) rather than riding like an old manIt can be a little uncomfortable when I'm sitting back and am on the forward strap (I have the rear strap on the fender, just behind the seat). Since I don't go on long rides, it's not a problem for me. But others might have a problem. I investigated, briefly, putting the strap UNDER the seat. It's not a natural fit to do that, but it might be viable. But not worth it for me.I struggle to get on and off the bike as it is. It adds just a little more difficulty in that the bag on the far side can lightly catch my boot. This might improve with better technique. But the issue is minor. I don't even know it's there when riding (except for my butt when I slide back).No experience with water yet (I don't ride in the rain anymore nor do deep water crossing), nor crashing.Bottom line: glad I did it; no immediate quality problems; helps significantly; glad I didn't buy the more expensive bag with half the volume.
