CBR Luggage and overall sportbike comfort

[steve.m]

Anyone have some good suggestions for touring luggage to throw on an 06 CBR1000RR.  Also, if you have any ideas for keeping the package comfortable on long rides, I'd be happy to hear them.  I always seem to hop off feeling a bit shaken up from the vibes.  Jock strap doesn't quite cut it.

[JamesG]

Square peg, round hole...  

Besides a smarty pants comment, I really don't know. Standard smallish sport-bike soft luggage will probably fit. Donno what to do about your tender nether regions.

[Hickey]

Would you consider changing the ergonomics of the bike?  Convertibars has a set of new handlebars that will allow you to sit up more.  Sargent and Corbin probably have after market saddles (or can redo your stock saddle.)  Together those changes might put a stop to your comfort/vibration issues.

A small set of textile saddlebags with a rear seat bag will probably work and not melt on the exhaust.  You'll probably need to be very careful how you attach the straps, though.  You might need a tank bag too.  Or there is the Ventura luggage system, that might be available for your bike.

It might be worth checking the throttle vacuum balance of the four throttle bodies of the engine.  When they get out of balance usually the vibration increases.

[steve.m]

I've given consideration to converting the bike into more of a touring machine, but I always talk myself out of it since I bought it for the sole purpose of improving the sport riding maniac that screams too loudly from time to time.  I'm thinking the corbin seat might be a worthwhile option though.  thanks for the hints on luggage too, I haven't seen too many great fits, but I'll check out ventura.

[Gsam]

The soft saddle bags & tail bag worked for me , but I got tired of fighting  and got an ST1300.

[zc1]

Here's an F4i set up for touring (GTI20VTurbo's bike from the "Show Your Hondas" thread):

[bahwolf]

Cortech soft saddle bags work great on mine. As for the comfort thing, you need to move around more in the saddle.

[bpg]

The soft saddle bags & tail bag worked for me , but I got tired of fighting  and got an ST1300.

meh - hard bags on a CBR1100XX give you something that's still a SPORTbike, but will gobble 12 hour/800 mile days for weeks...  

[ray916mn]

Extra heavy bar end weights helped my CBR. I think I bought Manic Salamanders. Throttlemeister makes a combination throttle lock and extra heavy bar end. Gel or foam grips can also help reduce vibes.

I use Heli bars on my Duc and an aftermarket seat and it is good for 600 mile days. I use a tail pack and a medium size tank bag and can pack for 10 days on the road with a bit of room to spare.

Being able to pack light is key in my opinion and having an Aerostich suit if it might rain during your trip or two piece leathers if it won't rain is also key. Pick what to take before you leave home. A Stich eliminates the need to carry rain gear and leathers reduce the number of pairs of pants you need to bring, since you only need pants when you're off the bike. An electric vest packs tighter than a jacket and provides more warmth and comfort over time. Convertible long pants with zip off legs and dry wicking shirts and underwear minimize the amount you need to pack and size of what you pack too. Packing light makes the bike lighter and lighter is more comfortable.

[spd2918]

I love hard luggage and wouldn't be without it.

For comfort, I use a Russell Day Long and decent quality bicycling shorts.  They are padded and have no seam where your thigh meets your butt.  Pull the package up and the shorts should hold you up and out of the way.  They feel a little weird at first.