Hitchcocks front side bags?

[grokman]

Just a small one for carrying a few bits and pieces for emergencies. Nothing massive! I could mount it to the plate with wing nuts, and a spacer between the plate and box, so the mounting plate would stay in situ whether the box is mounted or not, but as it would pretty much do everywhere with the bike anyway being a permanent fixture is not really an issue. I want a small fuel can for the other side, and the Rotopax mounts come as a pair.

Good plan. Yup, two hundred rounds ought to do it.

 

[grokman]

Here's what I've gone with for the time being. I dug around Amazon's vast collection of tactical bags and chose this one:

https://www.amazon.com/G4Free-Tactiacl-Sling-Tactical-Utility/dp/B08FX5RN8N/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=tactical+bags&qid=1605987866&refinements=p_89:G4Free&rnid=2528832011&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-15

There are tons of choices. All of them have a plethora of loops, D-rings, and other fasteners that make them amenable to strapping to the Himalayan racks. Some are full-size backpacks, others are smaller shoulder slings. They're all pretty cheap, though quality seems pretty good. The one I got is water resistant but not waterproof - no big deal for my casual, fair weather use. For adventuring, I'll get something larger and waterproof. Maybe one like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YJMP41H/?coliid=I2THNNO434SXDE&colid=20XA0YRZ8KYD7&psc=1

That one has an integrated rain cover. Here are a few pics of the one I bought mounted on the bike:

 

[modiorne]

Here's what I've gone with for the time being. I dug around Amazon's vast collection of tactical bags and chose this one:

https://www.amazon.com/G4Free-Tactiacl-Sling-Tactical-Utility/dp/B08FX5RN8N/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=tactical+bags&qid=1605987866&refinements=p_89:G4Free&rnid=2528832011&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-15

There are tons of choices. All of them have a plethora of loops, D-rings, and other fasteners that make them amenable to strapping to the Himalayan racks. Some are full-size backpacks, others are smaller shoulder slings. They're all pretty cheap, though quality seems pretty good. The one I got is water resistant but not waterproof - no big deal for my casual, fair weather use. For adventuring, I'll get something larger and waterproof. Maybe one like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YJMP41H/?coliid=I2THNNO434SXDE&colid=20XA0YRZ8KYD7&psc=1

That one has an integrated rain cover. Here are a few pics of the one I bought mounted on the bike:

Looks good. I repurposed a couple of camera bags until I got the tank guard bags I wanted - I still use a range bag as a 'top case' on the pillion seat for general purposes but I have a nice big dry bag to use when going camping.

 

[grokman]

I imagine a range bag would work pretty well. For me, versatility is the name of the game, and the Himalayan is one of the most versatile bikes out there. One interesting possible feature of using tactical stuff is that anyone that recognizes it as such might just think to themselves, "Better not mess with that bike."

 

[RSD-Moto]

Well, I checked this morning following your post, and they are indeed in stock. So I ordered a set. The product and shipping came in at about 55 GBP, but even if I get hit with import duties, they will still be cheaper than Amazon, which last time I looked were 99 GBP

View attachment 2004

I won't get the luxury of next day delivery, but I can live with that

Quick update on this post. The bags arrived this morning. From order to delivery was about 10 days. They were delivered by FedEx, and I was charged import duty as expected, but this was 20GBP and change.

So all in, 75GBP and change, and while slightly more expensive than the Lomo bags (which are excellent btw) I think the ViaTerra bags fit better and look better.

 

[grokman]

The bags arrived this morning.

Hey, that's not bad! I wonder if shipment and cost would be comparable for the U.S.

I think the ViaTerra bags fit better and look better.

I agree about the looks. LOMO bags look super-serious and aren't designed specifically for the Himalayan. I think they'd be great if I lived in a wetter environment, but scuba gear looks a little out-of-place in the Desert Southwest.

 

[RSD-Moto]

Hey, that's not bad! I wonder if shipment and cost would be comparable for the U.S.

I see no reason why not?

LOMO bags look super-serious and aren't designed specifically for the Himalayan

The fact that the VT bags are designed specifically for the Himalayan frames, they fit really well. The LOMO bags work but are a little "Heath Robinson"

 

[grokman]

"Heath Robinson"

LOL! Britain's equivalent of Rube Goldberg. Two of humanity's finest inventors.

 

[Cal57]

Hitchcocks front rack bags are waterproof and have a waterproof zip on the top edge, well made and really usefull. If you dont like the mountain logo, it just peels of very easily, just get a fingernail under one edge and peel off, that's what I did.

 

[OregonChuck]

In Oregon, you gotta have waterproof, so I went with the Lomo bags. The price was right too shipped from the UK.

 

[RSD-Moto]

In Oregon, you gotta have waterproof, so I went with the Lomo bags

Absolutely, waterproof is key! The LOMO bags are without doubt waterproof, but so are the ViaTerra bags, whose construction is very similar to Kriega bags with an internal removable liner and roll tops.

The VT bags cost about 20GBP more than the LOMO bags (inc shipping from India and taxes/duties) but imo are superior build quality.

Whichever the discerning rider chooses, neither will disappoint I am sure

 

[GlennG]

Yeaaaaa the gamble paid off. I knoe you guys will like this. Its a perfect fit and mounts on the fuel tank brackets. I can swap between 1 fuel tank 1 bag, or 2 bags or 2 fuel tanks. Its like the bags were made for those front racks. The bags are key lockable so more storage for secure items. Only thing is the bags are 250 bux but more than worth it.

Hi. I love the look of those bags , how did you mount them ?

 

[petespace1]

Yeaaaaa the gamble paid off. I knoe you guys will like this. Its a perfect fit and mounts on the fuel tank brackets. I can swap between 1 fuel tank 1 bag, or 2 bags or 2 fuel tanks. Its like the bags were made for those front racks. The bags are key lockable so more storage for secure items. Only thing is the bags are 250 bux but more than worth it.

Great looking GIVI top box. The lower profile suits the bike.

 

[grymsr]

These came on my 2020. They fit great and have waterproof liners. I have no idea what they cost but I like them a lot.

 

[Manny]

Hi All,
I have been after some front bags or a while just for convenience. I ordered a pair from India.
I had o get an email alert as they sell out as soon as they come in.
Get in quick guys.
They took a week to arrive by Fedex.

They are a brilliant fit. They allow for a discreet tie-band, plastic tie to lock them to the frame.

Te bags are ripstop, waterproof and double lined. Roll top allows for all kinds of storage.
Cost £30 UK. But delivery by Fed Ex is £25 to the UK/Great Britain. Yes GB I'm an ole fart.
But these still work out cheaper than the Hitchcocks bags and these hold more.
ViaTerra - Royal Enfield Himalayan Trailpack (viaterragear.com)

I recommend them.

Ordering was on line and payment secure. Communication was great via email and WhatsApp. The company is on the ball, really professional.
Good luck getting hold of fronttrail packs.

 

[Rednaxs60]

Have been thinking of what would be a good alternative to having the RE aluminum saddlebags attached. Considering an aluminum top case, $227.00 CDN without mounting bracket unfortunately, and the top box slim enough to swing the leg over - won't hold a helmet.

This thread is timely. The ViaTerra bags are more economical, and slimline then the side aluminum saddlebags. Checked shipping - same price as the bags - still less expensive than an aluminum top box. Total shipped is $100.00 CDN.

Will chew on this for today and make a decision.

Like the discreet plastic tie wrap. Nothing is beyond being repatriated to someone else, but inconveniencing this occurence is the key.

Anyone bought and use the Spencer - Street Mesh Riding Jacket from ViaTerra? I'm 6'2", 230 pounds, usually a 2XL, like the jacket to be longer in the body.

Good info.

 

[Napom]

I bought the Hitchcock bags and like, but don't love them. They do fit nicely and I think look good, but they a tendency to slide back on the mounts when riding. I gigged up some zip ties to the top strap to fix that issue. They do have water resistant zippers and so far have kept things dry. Haven;t ridden in heavy rain yet though.

 

[Rordog]

I just added some OBR adventure crash bar bags