I'm back riding "china" :)

[bennnn]

Hi guys, I've been off for a while, I got rid of my old Zong GY200 in favor of a Honda CB400T for a while.....

But Two days ago I snapped up this sweet deal on Craigslist, it's a 2007 UM DS-200.

I got it for $1300, and it only has 600 miles on it!!!!!

It is awesomely clean and nice, runs like a top.


I am looking for suggestions on how to get a set of saddle bags / luggage on it. I need to carry a bunch of textbooks and the occasional trip to the grocery store, not sure if I want soft or hard bags.

Can you guys offer some suggestions?

I kind of jumped the gun and already ordered these (may send them back if they don't work out):
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Classic-Accessories-Motorcycle-Saddle-Bags/10802875


Gratuitous pics of the score:

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc111/bennnn-fromgunsites/UM200.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc111/bennnn-fromgunsites/UM2001.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc111/bennnn-fromgunsites/UM2002.jpg

[SpudRider]

Congratulations on the nice score! :D

I really like my J.C. Whitney Travel Trunk. It's waterproof, and it locks onto the luggage rack with a steel mounting plate. You can easily remove the trunk when you want to ride off road, and your items are safely locked inside when you have it attached to your motorcycle. :)

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

That's a really good looking bike, and exactly what Son of Weldangrind is after.

[Brockway]

Bestem has a top box that holds 2 helmets for like $89.

http://www.amazon.com/Bestem-T-Box-TBOX-929-BLK-Motorcycle-Scooter/dp/B001O77CMW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338708658&sr=8-1

I have the smaller 2012 model that holds just one but comes in different colors. Pretty good quality and it comes with the mounting plate and hardware.

[SpudRider]

Here's a link to the J.C. Whitney Travel Trunk.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/motorcycle-travel-trunks/p2010969.jcwx

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Jackson%20Spring%202012/JacksonSpring2011074.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/SLC%20trip%20September%202010/SLCTrip2010part1062.jpg

I own two of the large, J.C. Whitney Travel Trunks, and I like them very much. :)

Spud :)

[Brockway]

My Bestem 2012 on my Triumph Sprint. If you want to go cheap there's always this: Stanley Waterproof Toolbox (http://www.lowes.com/pd_352329-355-BTST23001_4294801867_4294937087_?productId=3387822&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Tool%2BBoxes_4294801867_429493708 7_%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=) for $20 from Lowes. Bolt it on your rack with some U-bolts and you're set. Saw the link on ADV.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/2894/dsc00360ga.jpg

From ADV forum, the Stanley Toolbox:

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/1821/newbox2.jpg

[FastDoc]

That's a super nice looking CLEAN bike for sure. Enjoy.

How did you like the Honda?

The first full size bike I ever rode was a 1978 CB400T :P

[SpudRider]

Thanks for posting the photograph of your Bestem travel trunk, Brockway. :D It appears the Bestem trunk might employ the same locking mechanism as my J.C. Whitney Travel Trunk. ;) Does the Bestem trunk come with a metal mounting plate? Is the locking mechanism in the bottom of the Bestem trunk manufactured from metal as well?

Spud :)

[bennnn]

I had a travel trunk on my last (zong 200) dual sport, and this time I'm really leaning towards something on the sides in the way of a set of bags or luggage.

Thanks for the suggestions on trunks guys, I may go that way if nothing else presents, and my bags from wally world don't work out.

Does anyone have any experiences with a set of side bags, or hard luggage?

I was planning on a simple one piece bracket to keep the ones I posted above off of the muffler, but ideas and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged.

[Brockway]

It came with bolts, mounting plate, and some beam thingies that I guess would go under your rack to bolt the plate to. The 2 clam shell hinge pieces that hold down the lid are made out of plastic. The spring loaded latch that holds the front of the box to the plate and is locked by the key is metal though.

[SpudRider]

It came with bolts, mounting plate, and some beam thingies that I guess would go under your rack to bolt the plate to. The 2 clam shell hinge pieces that hold down the lid are made out of plastic. The spring loaded latch that holds the front of the box to the plate and is locked by the key is metal though.
If the mounting plate is metal, your trunk is very similar to the J.C. Whitney Travel Trunk. ;)

I think your soft side bags are a good idea, Ben. :)

Spud :)

[zingshoen]

nice looking bike! how strong is the tail end? for the zong they say no more than 5 kilos on the standard rack.

i would consider a sideways mounted rectangular box like that toolbox, ie so that it overlaps the rear quarter of the seat: better distribution of the weight and less drag. sth that can be dismounted easily (butterfly nuts) coz that kind of bike looks and rides best without.

[bennnn]

The rack and it's mounting hardware seem pretty rigid, but I don't have a manual with the bike so I don't know any specs, wish I did.


Hey, I was wondering; since it just hit 650 miles today, is there a list of breakin service things that should be checked and/or adjusted?

I changed the oil the first day, but does it need valves adjusted, stuff like that?

I was thinking of taking it to the shop that originally sold it and see what they do in that regard, anyone have advice?

[SpudRider]

The rack and it's mounting hardware seem pretty rigid, but I don't have a manual with the bike so I don't know any specs, wish I did.


Hey, I was wondering; since it just hit 650 miles today, is there a list of breakin service things that should be checked and/or adjusted?

I changed the oil the first day, but does it need valves adjusted, stuff like that?

I was thinking of taking it to the shop that originally sold it and see what they do in that regard, anyone have advice?
I suggest you check your owners manual for the recommended breakin procedures. Did you get a service manual with your bike?

It wouldn't hurt to change the oil again; it only takes a quart. ;) I change my engine oil every time the odometer turns 1,000 miles. :) It's also wise to check the valve lash. You can learn to do so by reading the following thread. ;)

http://chinariders.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1655

Spud :)

[bennnn]

Well, I found a manual on Fleabay for $15, and it's on the way so that's going to be helpful.


I also got the Wall-World bags from Fed-Ex today, and they actually fit pretty good, but unfortunately it doesn't look like they are tall enough for my textbooks, which is the whole point of having them...

But anybody else who like them, they work good on the bike, here's a pic.


http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc111/bennnn-fromgunsites/UMbagger2.jpg


http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc111/bennnn-fromgunsites/UMbagger.jpg

[Weldangrind]

Are those the Paul Jr. Designs bags?

[bennnn]

Are those the Paul Jr. Designs bags?


They are very similar, probably identical, but not sold as such.

Take a look at the link I posted on page one, I went to the cart from that page.

They sure look the same don't they? I think I have them on facing the wrong way, duh... Gotta fix that.

[bennnn]

Wish I would have seen this first actually, although made for a bike, I bet with as narrow as the tail of a DS is that it would work.

And (AWESOME!!!) the top detaches as a huge backpack!

Do want.


http://www.walmart.com/ip/M-Wave-3-Piece-Traveller-Pannier/13442750?findingMethod=Recommendation:wm:RecentlyV iewedItems

[Weldangrind]

That does look like a good solution, and the price is fair.

[tonyscott123]

Bicycle panniers, have a look around the usual bike e-tailers as well.

I paid a lot more for a set of Givi motorcycle panniers. Really strong, waterproof construction, and fit both my Phils 125 dual sport and my US Husky TE610E just fine. They are sized to fit a dual sport bike, a bit deeper than wide.

[bennnn]

Bicycle panniers, have a look around the usual bike e-tailers as well.

I paid a lot more for a set of Givi motorcycle panniers. Really strong, waterproof construction, and fit both my Phils 125 dual sport and my US Husky TE610E just fine. They are sized to fit a dual sport bike, a bit deeper than wide.

Can you tell me the model #, or what they're called?

[tonyscott123]

Bicycle panniers, have a look around the usual bike e-tailers as well.

I paid a lot more for a set of Givi motorcycle panniers. Really strong, waterproof construction, and fit both my Phils 125 dual sport and my US Husky TE610E just fine. They are sized to fit a dual sport bike, a bit deeper than wide.

Can you tell me the model #, or what they're called?

The ones I am using are http://www.aerostich.com/packing-it-in/seat-bags-and-tail-bags/saddlebags/ortlieb-dry-bag-saddlebags.html. They have others available as well, if you click on the Saddlebags hierarchical link above the picture.

If you're looking for bicycle e-tailers, google or look at Jenson USA. There are many others, but unfortunately I have those links on my other computer that is back in the Philippines...

Be a bit careful with the bike luggage: most is sized to fit a very narrow rear rack, and the saddlebags are typically intended to clip onto a rack rail on top and then the bottom of the chainstays (near where the axle is mounted).