I have had at least one motorcycle ever since I was 19. I've had a number of vintage bikes back when they were new and some (in the last decade) like my 1975 Kawasaki 750 triple 'widow maker' and my 1969 Velocette Venom Clubman, both of which were 'bucket list' bikes for me. I like vintage bikes but the reality is I like riding better than wrenching :^) So, along with my vintage 'stable', I have had a few BMW 'riders', the last of which was a '09 GS that I did a fair amount of travel/motorcycle camping on. I still am a member of the Washington State BMW Riders and plan to still occasionally motorcycle camp with that group (on my new Triumph). After reading Peter Egan's article on the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120, I got excited about getting one, as it seems that Triumph finally got all the details right on this model. It would fulfill my desire to have the look of a classic yet have all the modern 'bells and whistles' and modern reliability. So I sold my GS and bought a new white/black T120 a few weeks ago. I am taking it in to the dealer at the end of this week for it's 500 mile service and to have them put a new tank on, as they ran a fork lift into the tank as they were uncrating the bike........... :^( So far, I like the bike. It has enough power (for me) and seems to turn in quite nicely in the twisties. I am looking for saddle bags or hard bags for this bike and the choices appear limited. On the one hand, you can get the waxed cotton Triumph units and they look pretty cool but they are smaller than I would like and need rain covers if it gets wet out. I live in Olympia, Washington, i.e., 'the Great North'wet' so not sure that is the right move. Or you can go the Givi/SW Motech route, get a water tight, much larger box but not sure I can live with the look. The black 33 liter ones are kind of good looking, but...... Any other good options out there? Pictures would be helpful. Thanks! Looking forward to participating on this forum. Mike Ashford
Hello Mike and welcome to the forum You've stirred a few memories for me mentioning the Velo Vemon Clubman as back in 1967 a friend of mine had one. His had the RRT2 gearbox, Amal gp carb with the shaped petrol tank, as the Thruxtons, to accommodate the carb. The petrol tank was black with gold coach lines, gorgeous He sold it a year latter as his girlfriend got pregnant. Any chance of a picture of your Velo If you want panniers/sidecases with the Classic look, view the following link https://www.cravens.org.uk/
Hello Mike and welcome in to the forum. On the subject of luggage, I know you want classic looks but honestly these are outstanding good for bikes and camping. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lomo-60L-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 There's a guy called Stuart Fillingham who has a T120 and uses one, see his video :
Hi Mike, my advice is do not waste your money on the genuine Triumph waxed panniers. As you have said they do need waterproof covers. They will not tolerate any kind of precipitation. 2 hours parked out in the rain, leather ruined at stitched areas. Attempting to get some kind of compensation from Triumph. Dealer not optimistic
Hi, Mike and welcome. I agree with Tiglet re Craven luggage for the retro look. But also try www.normanhyde.co.uk for alternatives - a quick look at the site would suggest that you get Hepco & Bakker luggage frame(s) from the bike specific section and then luggage cases to fit from other parts of the site as they take your fancy. You may also find alternatives from www.squaredeals-ltd.co.uk or www.triumphparts.gbr.cc which are more to your liking. All UK based, I know, but then again so am I.
These are what you want painted to match the bike and get a custom set of mounting brackets made. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Moto-Guzz...585995?hash=item3d3b0b10cb:g:3AQAAOxyI8lR-fOf
