I've been meaning to upload a couple pictures for a while now, but haven't found the time to sit down and write a post here. Just been too busy riding! (and working, d'oh). :honda
I invested in a set of the Honda OEM saddlebag mounts and matching bags which were designed and advertised for the CB500F. It looks like Honda used the same frame and mounting points for the CBR500R, so all of the bolts lined up nicely with the factory mounting equipment.
The saddlebag stays are a nice powder coated matte gray/black finish. They replace the factory passenger grab handles and have a set of handles built into the tubing (see pictures attached). They're a pretty beefy set of mounting points, bolting to the upper frame, the passenger footpeg mounting points, and then a cross member goes between the stays. The hardware is definitely beefy, once it is bolted down and tightened, it doesn't have any flexing or looseness to it.
Much the same can be said about the saddlebags. They are in a sort of flat black finish, ABS plastic with four rubber-lined mounting points. The saddlebags have a full-length rubber gasket and appear to be mostly waterproof. The bags sit on top of the stays and are locked in place with a nice stainless steel metal latch. Each saddlebag has its own locking cylinder to keep your belongings safe, as well as serving as a lock/release for the saddlebags to the mounting hardware. The cylinders have another nice touch, they come with a keying kit so you don't have to rely on the dealer to set up the cylinder. It comes with a couple dozen pins and instructions which lets you use your OEM key for the saddlebags. Really nice touches for the saddlebags.
Capacity for the bags is good, but not excellent. The saddlebags will not fit a full-face helmet, but they have more than ample capacity for a backpack, two sets of boots, or a combination of smaller luggage and contents. I've taken the bike on about a dozen trips since I've had them and found they hold the contents of approximately 2 backpacks worth. Plus, there is still room on the passenger seat to mount an additional bag and strap it down with bungee cords. I might try the Honda OEM topcase down the line, but right now, the saddlebags have more than ample storage for day trips.
Awesome stuff if you are looking to turn your bike into a sport-tourer. Its nice being able to toss stuff in the bags, lock them, then ride away, no backpack required
I invested in a set of the Honda OEM saddlebag mounts and matching bags which were designed and advertised for the CB500F. It looks like Honda used the same frame and mounting points for the CBR500R, so all of the bolts lined up nicely with the factory mounting equipment.
The saddlebag stays are a nice powder coated matte gray/black finish. They replace the factory passenger grab handles and have a set of handles built into the tubing (see pictures attached). They're a pretty beefy set of mounting points, bolting to the upper frame, the passenger footpeg mounting points, and then a cross member goes between the stays. The hardware is definitely beefy, once it is bolted down and tightened, it doesn't have any flexing or looseness to it.
Much the same can be said about the saddlebags. They are in a sort of flat black finish, ABS plastic with four rubber-lined mounting points. The saddlebags have a full-length rubber gasket and appear to be mostly waterproof. The bags sit on top of the stays and are locked in place with a nice stainless steel metal latch. Each saddlebag has its own locking cylinder to keep your belongings safe, as well as serving as a lock/release for the saddlebags to the mounting hardware. The cylinders have another nice touch, they come with a keying kit so you don't have to rely on the dealer to set up the cylinder. It comes with a couple dozen pins and instructions which lets you use your OEM key for the saddlebags. Really nice touches for the saddlebags.
Capacity for the bags is good, but not excellent. The saddlebags will not fit a full-face helmet, but they have more than ample capacity for a backpack, two sets of boots, or a combination of smaller luggage and contents. I've taken the bike on about a dozen trips since I've had them and found they hold the contents of approximately 2 backpacks worth. Plus, there is still room on the passenger seat to mount an additional bag and strap it down with bungee cords. I might try the Honda OEM topcase down the line, but right now, the saddlebags have more than ample storage for day trips.
Awesome stuff if you are looking to turn your bike into a sport-tourer. Its nice being able to toss stuff in the bags, lock them, then ride away, no backpack required