I like the look of those bags too, because they don't stick out in the slipstream as much as some of the hard bags do. I have seen some that look like this on AGirl's bike--I asked her about it once and didn't hear back from her.

I imagine you must create a method of keeping them from touching the heatshield on the pipes if you don't want scuffs. Or, if you can live with a little scuffing I hear the heatshields actually work pretty well to keep things from burning. I heard someone say they had a heat resistent pad that rested against the heatshield and nothing inside the bags was harmed, but it did get pretty warm in there.

I suspect if there was a one-inch clearance between bag and pipe you'd be good.

 

I like the look of those bags too, because they don't stick out in the slipstream as much as some of the hard bags do. I have seen some that look like this on AGirl's bike--I asked her about it once and didn't hear back from her.

AGirl's bags are Nelson-Rigg CL850's. There are no side racks, they just lean against the cans. Over the miles (her bike just turned over 100,000k miles) they have scuffed the cans pretty badly but since she never takes them off it doesn't really matter. The hold a good bit too. With my tailbag (mostly camera stuff and cold weather gear) and a tank bag (personal junk) I got enough in them for 8 days on the road.

 

I did a trip last week with softbags and no rack and yes they scuff. Not major scuffing mind you, but I certainly noticed it when taking the soft bags off after 1300kms (150kms of which were graded gravel roads) with them on. I am looking for cheap stand off options for my future rides.

BTW, I had my right soft bag sitting right on the exhaust heat shield and, even in 30-30C temp riding, they did not damage the bag in anyway. The contents of the bag were quite warm (est 50C temp), so I wouldn't put any heat sensitive items in that side. Clothes were just fine there.

 

For soft luggage on a DL650, you must get one of these luggage guards from Dan Vesel.

Nelson Rigg CL850 bags

 

I have this exact setup. The heat shield scratches some - not a big deal for me. I wrap the passenger grab rail with electrical tape so the black paint does not come off from rubbing from the straps but probably not necessary either. 3M clear protective foil is probably a good idea if you are concerned about scratching. The exhaust heat shield works well no issues.

 

I wonder if the heat shield could be refinished, perhaps with some appropriate grit sandpaper or some other abrasive? Anybody tried this?

 

When I use my soft bags I attach clear contact paper to any body work that will be in contact to the bags. I did a 3200 mile trip, got home pulled the bags and contact paper off - no scrathes. I didn't put contact paper on the heat shield, wasn't sure about heat and melting, and there were scratches left behind.

 

Liberal use of Duck tape and that non silp mat stuff you can buy in rolls works , not pretty mind.

 

easy off racks

My 07 1000 came with the OEM side bags and top bag. I only use the side bags on trips,once or twice a year. When they are not in use I take off the racks, takes about five minutes.

 

my soft luggage scuffed up the heat shield on exhaust. i repainted it and it looks fine. however the luggage rubbed right thru the paint on the left side of the bike which i had to get professionally repainted. I would recommend you get some sort of bracket like the dan vessel on the left side at least.

wizzer

 

Yep, they'll scuff your clear coat. I fold a large bath towel in half length wise and lay it over the back seat first. Make sure the towel is padding between the bag and side cover and you're good to go.

 

Nelson-Rigg/Boondocker. I have the same setup Boondocker but I can't see if you have the Nelson-Rigg rubber cushions between the bag and the heat shield? I just got mine installed so don't know if the rubber pad is a new feature or not but would think that it would stop the scuffing?

 

He's got the rubber pads (more like foam - gray, about 3/8 inch or so thick) - you can see them in the picture. I use them, too. I don't think the rubber pads themselves cause the chafing it's the grit that gets in there. Frequent cleaning hepls but does not prevent it.

 

I see now. Thanks for clarifying that! I better get busy and find something to protect the heat shield.

 

scuff marks

I protect my aluminum heat pipes with some peel & stick plastic material from an auto shop that's intended as a bug protection clear coating film to shield car hoods.
There is no simple way to keep dirt and grit from accumulating between the bags and the pipes ( unless you stay on paved roads). The pipes don't ever get hot enough to bother the neoprene padding between my MotoPac bags and the pipes.
And ya my bags look droopy ... who cares. I don't tip over often but the soft bags are like pillows and would protect the bike. My real valuables stay in the locking H&B top case .... who cares about old jeans and dirty underwear in the soft bags.

 

I have used Sniders paint guard on my last 2 bikes to keep the paint fresh in areas that either you or your luggage are going to rub against. You just trim it to size and wet it and the surface to cover then squeeze out the air. I have it under my tank bag also but those really curvy surfaces are tough to cover. Don't know about the heat shield though. When it gets dirty pull it off and wash it then reinstall. No ADHESIVE!:thumbup:

Unless you look close you don't see it.

Duct tape? Really?

 

I roll with the Ortlieb drybag saddlebags from Aerostich. I have a luggage guard from Dan Vessel and just use blue painter's tape on the heat shield. No major scuffs or scratches.

 

Any pictures of Ortliebs on Wee. Especially interested in rear view.

 

I have the older Nelson Riggs bags, large ones. I've made several round trips from central Florida and back and have had zero problems with them. Deal's Gap, Washington D.C. two times, and a few camping trips inside of the state. The have never marked up my bike at all. I also use the Dan Vesel support bracket.