Cochiez
Junior Member
First, let me say that the FZ6 has turned out to be a great little tourer for me. Since buying her in '07 I've steadily increased the mileage I put in per weekend. When I head out on a trip it's usually for a night or two, with a range of 300-1000 miles. I pack my stuff into an expandable fieldsheer tank bag and saddle bags. I've found that with this setup I can cover my basics: navigation, safety gear, clothing & and cold/wet weather gear, toiletries, and sleeping bag stuffed into the packs. A tent and sleeping pad fit on my pillion seat and strap down ok.
However, I see a need to expand my carrying capacity to increase my range of travel and comfort level. Extra items would primarily include additional clothing/layers to help deal with weather and avoid stink, a camping stove/cookset, and a small amount of food/water.
I'm considering a combination of options:
- A tail pack, such as the motofizz medium camping seat pack;
- A SW Motech or Givi rack, with the ability to strap on an additional stuff sack or two, possibly in combination with the seat pack;
- A rack with a coocase or givi hard case, approximately 35-48L
In a way, I guess this whole thing comes down to whether or not I need to install a luggage rack. Racks are great - they really expand the amount of stuff you can carry. However, I'm not sure I need that much extra capacity. I'm also worried about the aesthetics of my bike. Fizzers aren't exactly flashy, but I still think it's a great looking bike. Would adding a rack ruin it? Also, I feel I'm on the verge of over-loading. I don't want to loose the fun nature of my FZ6 because I've loaded it down like an R1200GS or DL1000.
I realize I haven't done a great job of describing my problem. Too much work and not enough sleep will do that to a guy. I suppose I'm just unsure and in need of some advice from fellow FZ-tourers.
Thanks.
However, I see a need to expand my carrying capacity to increase my range of travel and comfort level. Extra items would primarily include additional clothing/layers to help deal with weather and avoid stink, a camping stove/cookset, and a small amount of food/water.
I'm considering a combination of options:
- A tail pack, such as the motofizz medium camping seat pack;
- A SW Motech or Givi rack, with the ability to strap on an additional stuff sack or two, possibly in combination with the seat pack;
- A rack with a coocase or givi hard case, approximately 35-48L
In a way, I guess this whole thing comes down to whether or not I need to install a luggage rack. Racks are great - they really expand the amount of stuff you can carry. However, I'm not sure I need that much extra capacity. I'm also worried about the aesthetics of my bike. Fizzers aren't exactly flashy, but I still think it's a great looking bike. Would adding a rack ruin it? Also, I feel I'm on the verge of over-loading. I don't want to loose the fun nature of my FZ6 because I've loaded it down like an R1200GS or DL1000.
I realize I haven't done a great job of describing my problem. Too much work and not enough sleep will do that to a guy. I suppose I'm just unsure and in need of some advice from fellow FZ-tourers.
Thanks.