OK...after biting the bullet of 90 bucks shipping from the states my Cortechs are here and I was ready for the test.
I loaded them with exactly the stuff I need for my 2000-miles-6-countries trip in July and went for the small Island Fyn on sunday.
Attaching them to the 695 requires a little fantasy but once you found the right way its a matter of seconds to take the whole tri-set off or put it back on.
The best way is to use the black anodized parts over the foot rest fro the front stripes.
The rear ones go around the license plate holder and tail.
(http://www.lotuscars.de/Bella_Macchina/DSC00174.JPG)
This way they are balanced and dont go too low and no beer cans are needed to keep em from touching the pipes.
The tail bag attaches itself to the saddle bags trough extremely heavy clips and sits perfectly on the back seat portion.
I was quite happy to get them in black/red to fit the color scheme too [clap]
Riding with all three fully loaded with cloths totally works...I couldn't really feel the extra weight...Ok...I tried to keep em balanced as well.
I got hit by rain twice and here the only downside kicks in.
The tail bag has a working rain cover that goes around completely
But the Saddle bags are hard to cover due to the straps reaching out and preventing the rain covers from staying in place.
I almost lost one of them after some miles.
Anyway...I think they are great for the money and in stlye and I am looking forward to the long trip
(http://www.lotuscars.de/Bella_Macchina/DSC00173.JPG)
Thanks for the report! [thumbsup] I have the tailbag but not the saddlebags.
Where are you going on your trip?
Interesting set up you got there.
I have the exact same bags (except all black) and regularly make 500+ mile trips with them. However, I don't use the extra straps that you used to tie them down. I've found that as long as you shorten up the bungies (by tying them) and hook them on to the frame i don't get any slippage. You just have to, of course, make sure that the saddlebags are secured to the tail bag and I usually tighten the straps that connect them before every trip just to make sure they don't slip down and hit the exhausts.
I know what you mean about the rain covers... I lost my rain cover for my tail bag in a horrible storm one time... so now i don't even use them. Yea, sometimes my stuff gets a little wet, but you'd be surprised how water resistant the bags are in the first place. If it's not a serious rain your stuff will stay dry.
Nice setup! Do you ever just use the tail bag alone?
Also, one tip - instead of using the rain covers for the outside of the bags, pack your clothes/gear in oversized Ziploc bags. Then just put the Ziplocs into the saddlebags. This is an old canoeing trip strategy...
Good luck with your upcoming trip!
You can pile more stuff on there! I dont have the monster or the side bags anymore. I kept the top bag and still use it regularly with my ST. At least until I get a Givi top box. I have the rack for one, just need the box. I never had a problem getting the covers on.
(http://johnkrawczyk.powweb.com//Monster620_04_224k.jpg)
I have the same bags and love them. I learned that if you tuck a trash bag in the bottom before loading all your stuff in, it will block the water. Enjoy your trip - I'm jealous!!