Just bought an '09 Ninja 650R less than a week ago, and I'm wanting to get some luggage accessories for it. I've found a few places where I can get racks and cases for the '08 model year, but I doubt they'll fit on my bike. I'd like some side cases and a top case.

I guess I'm not really sure where to start... I don't know how the racks and brackets and things work, so if anyone has fitted aftermarket luggage onto a bike, I'd appreciate a point in the right direction. Thanks in advance!

 

I dont know anything specific for the 650, but there are universal tank and saddle bags that should work just fine. Most of them can be installed and removed in seconds If you are looking for hard bags its gonna be a little tougher to find something compatable. Good luck, get some pics up when you get a chance

 

I actually just went ahead and bought these:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...addlebags.aspx

They're just under 11 litres of storage each, but if I combine those with a tail bag and a good size tank bag - along with some good ol' tie down straps and bungies - I should be good to go for a decently long distance trip.

I'm surprised Kawasaki hasn't really pushed more luggage accessories on these 650Rs... They're great, comfortable bikes that could be made into a small sport-tourer with relative ease. I think they'd make a good bit of money by selling OEM hardbags and trunks and things.

 

Givi do a rack which will take their hard side cases and a range of top boxes up to 47 litres capacity. Fit the optional brake light kit into the top box as it can obscure your tail light from high vehicles close behind at traffic lights. Top box is best not used for anything heavy - it screws the bike's handling - but is great for parking your helmet and riding gear.

Lots of choices for soft luggage, but for anything heavy better to use a tank bag. Oxford Sports have a good expandable one with a magnetic base and straps to use it as a back pack off the bike.

If you're riding solo, I use an Aprilia tunnel bag sold for the A500 scooter that's a perfect fit on the pillion seat.

The market for luggage isn't big enough to be worth the manufacturer's time, especially on a sports styled bike. The luggage specialists can sell their kit right across the market with minimal expense in providing the correct adaptors for the bike model.

Rob

 

I have the Givi V35 sidecases and racks on my '09 along with the 34 liter top trunk. I like them, but they were pretty expensive.

 

Can you remember about how much they ran you, and where you got them from?

I'm going with some soft luggage right now, but in the future I would like to get some hard cases.

 

I ordered them from Twisted Throttle. To get the V35 sidecases, both racks and a top box will be about a grand. If you want to do it in stages, you'll have to get the top box and rack first. The rack and top box should be about $300 depending on your choice of box. I got the older 34 liter model and it is a good size. The top box rack is required to mount the PLX side racks unless you want to fab up one of the supports yourself. The good thing about the top box is I have a spare mounting plate so it can be swapped between bikes.