BMW Soft bag 2

[davlyn]

Has anybody tried one of the Bmw soft bag 2 55ltr's? I think they look quite good and would possibly do the job I want it for but would appreciate any feed back available.
Thanks in advance,

Dave

 

[SiBorg]

I've got this bag. It's pretty good, with a couple of minor reservations.

The good: the interior is pretty big, and can easily hold enough kit for a week away (more in summer). The base is semi-regid, so it's a bit tough, and it stays in place when straddling the rear rack or seat. It's also completely waterproof - I've done multiple motorway hours in heavy rain and nothing inside was damp at all when I got to my destination. There are quite a few pockets too, for odds and sods.

The bad: it's got an elasticated loop on the bottom that is supposed to help secure it to a BMW rack, but it does not fit my TC GS at all. This is probably why the bag does not feel particularly secure when using the supplied straps - I had four in use, and there was sufficient movement of the laden bag that I didn't want to trust them to secure everything on their own. So I suppliment them with a couple of bungees, and then it feels very secure. The bag is also not exactly 'stealth friendly' - bright silver does make it easier to locate your bike in the car park though. Oh, and new they're pretty expensive, but then the bag works very well and has lots of nice details that make using it a pleasure. They do come up on ebay sometimes, but I wouldn't hold your breath (and they tend to go for good money there, too).

I tend the use this bag if I'm riding somewhere direct, that I will then use as a base of operations (so I don't have to worry about an insecure bag left on my bike; paranoid, I know). If I know I'm going to be stopping lots and leaving the bike, then I use the panniers.

Hope this helps.

 

[Skid06]

i bought a brand new one off a guy on here last week, arrived today and it looks a cracking bit of kit, i have the softbag 1 and toured all last year with no problems, very well made with loads of pockets, and like the op says above, all you need for a week or more if your a light traveller without the need to be lugging awkward panniers about...just the job

 

[LittleJohn]

I had a look at one in a BMW showroom last week (£250 new I think). Tried it on the rear seat but was not a great fit with a givi top box in place. It was too far forward and sitting in my back. It would be OK without the box, don't know how it would fit with a BMW vario top box?

 

[Fluffmeister]

I've got one and use it in place of my Adventure Top box when away for a week or two touring or away working. Had mine 18 months now and it's had regular use, and has not suffered any leaks. That said though, I actually prefer to use my BMW 60L Drybag which I bought used off here, only because it fit's better plonked on the seat with the BMW straps and it's just one big fat compartment.

So, whilst I love the Softbag 2, if I was spending my money again, I would look for the 60L Drybag instead.

 

[davlyn]

Cheers guys that's really helpful. I've seen them on the BMW motorrad store shop @ £145.00. I think I prefer the idea of one of these instead of a top box to accompany a pair of side panniers.
Dave