Saddlebag Liners ( ST1300 )

[KoTAOW]

Contributed by Scott Fairchild, STOC #4728.
Original article can be found here: http://www.thefairchilds.org/bikes/

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Saddlebag Liners ( ST1300 )

Nothing all that modified here, as the side saddlebags come standard with the bike. If you were European, you'd call them "panniers." They are quite roomy, each holding about 35 liters, and a full-face will fit comfortably into each one. Amazingly, they actually add to the bike's styling. Said another way, the bike looks better with them on than off. They are quite easy to remove and reinstall and seem relatively durable. If I had one complaint about them it would be the lack of some kind of slow-opening device. Unless you hold the cover with your other hand, when you lift the latch, they will slam open a bit harder than I care for. There are straps to prevent them from opening completely (and scratching them on the concrete), but it's not a very smooth movement.

All in all, they are pretty good. I've never been a saddlebags kinda guy, because the wheels are a cool part of the bike that I like to see. On a touring bike though, they are pretty much required, and I think they look great on the ST.



Below you can see the inner liners that fit into the saddlebags. Honda makes specific bags, but they run over $100. I decided to get the full-size Bestem bags from Bestem USA®. The full-size ones are made of good quality nylon and fit better in the saddlebag shells than the normal ones, without wasting any space. They are extremely useful in that you can empty the entire saddlebag by simply removing the liner and taking it with you like a duffel bag.



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Thank You again for your contribution Scott Fairchild, STOC #4728

[KoTAOW]

Saddlebag Liners made by Honda are part number:  08L56-MCS-100A and approximately $173.95

Available from your local dealer:  Honda

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Comments by Steve Wendelboe, STOC #1099:

Another quality option are the RKA liners. I've used these for years and highly recommend them.