SW-Motech Blaze Pro Saddlebags for the 2018 Honda CB650F - First Impressions Review

[@TrekkieMoto]

As you know, I have exactly the same bags on my Speed Twin, and I think they look great. The mounting system on my bike is very slightly different, but the hollow arm is the same. You will recall I recently came off the bike in gravel, and I had the bags on at the time. Not only did the arm stand up to the impact and weight of the bike, but the bag basically protected much of the side of my bike. My only real criticism of these bags is that the shape of them is such that they cannot hold a laptop (except perhaps a little Chromebook, or something), so I'm forced to we wear a backpack if I want to carry my laptop.

[@WaltInPA]

Laptop storage really never entered my mind with these bags. I have two - my main laptop is a 15" CAD Machine that weighs a ton a barely fits in my backpack (not the one I use for riding but the one that is dedicated for hauling that beast around). I would have never thought to put that in the saddlebags. My other is a combination Notebook / Tablet (Microsoft Surface) which should fit in the saddlebags with room to spare. I've been very happy with the bags but I'm still a bit disappointed that the connection isn't cleaner.

[@the_E4_Mafia]

Hey Walt, thanks for the video, I was about to buy the SW Motech pro blaze bags and your video has saved me $500 and a bad decision . I was deciding between those and the Hepco Becker bags for my bike, and now I’m going to reconsider Hepco Becker.

[@thouseinthehouse]

Thanks for this. What did you do with the bags after you sold the bike?

[@wsmv]

The sw motec system is so clean to look at and the quality is so good, surprised about the bar being hollow, I expect its just for weight saving. Thanks for the mention, I watch your videos and it's making me want to splash out on a gopro 9 because the video quality is stunningly good 👍

[@WaltInPA]

It doesn't seem to be the weak point that I was expecting it to be. So far the bags have been great and I haven't had any issues. I'm still using a Hero 8 Black 👍

[@wsmv]

@@WaltInPA oh I assumed with the quality it was a nine, well done for getting so much out of the gopro8, superb visuals 👍

[@WaltInPA]

@@wsmv I think KZbin processes videos differently when they are uploaded at more than 1080HD (I record and upload at 2.7k) 👍

[@wsmv]

@@WaltInPA thanks, I remember you mentioning that before, genuine question, what sort of quality do my vids come out. Everytime I watch my own on the TV the quality seems poor

[@WaltInPA]

​@@wsmv Your videos look great - especially when the Automatic Playback allows the video to run at 4k. With you watching on your TV, it might be defaulting to a lower resolution. I wouldn't call your quality poor by any means

[@mokomia]

Just got these for my Trident. The fitting mechanism I got is slightly different to yours. Mine is mounted between the foot peg brackets and the frame - not on top, and the bar inserts come out from behind the bracket, giving it a more streamlined look. I guess it heavily depends on the bike. I have to agree with you on the sturdiness of the bar inserts, they are just small hollow pipes aimed at preventing wiggle. They advise a 5kg max load ( I guess that means ~10kg! ), so for that purpose it should be OK. Testing it on a trip soon, let's see how they hold up

[@WaltInPA]

It sounds like the mounting points are significantly different from motorcycle to motorcycle. I was hoping that mine would mount like yours and be partially concealed by the foot peg. I was also looking at the mounting points on a Triumph Speed Twin and those looked considerably different than mine. I haven't run into any issues with mine. Despite the tube being hollow it seems to be holding up just fine (I haven't put the max load in my bags - I just use them for odds and ends that only weigh a few pounds) Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@scottevens6274]

Hi Walt. Just received my SWM Blaze Pro saddle bags for my Z900. Thanks for your review and I agree with most of your points. The bags are very nicely made and the concept of cleanly removing them once at your destination is sound. The instructions are vague, still unsure if the tubes are supposed to bend upwards or outwards on my bike. My Z is all black so the black plastic mounts dont bother me as much as your contrasting aluminum passenger peg mounts would. The literature states 11 lbs max load per bag and an 80 mph speed limit ☹. We will see about that. The velcro strap is meant to manage the weight, the tubes merely keep the bags away from the bike. The tube wall thickness is decent, maybe .050" +/-, but if you go down I dont think the shape will hold. I also bought the tail pack, but am confused on how to attach it to the pillion at same time as using the saddle bag strap across the same pillion? I bought these based on speaking with a SWM tech at a vendor show and a review done by you tuber Redspade on her Z down in GA. Had to wait almost eight weeks to get them but have to now do some thinking since they dont fit my bike. I was worried my after market exhaust can would be an issue but the tech stated that the new H (for higher) version was designed to give clearance and it does. My issue is the tail tidy, my rear indicators are farther forward than stock so the bags are resting on them with pressure. Going to look for some smaller indicators that may solve the problem. Can never be a simple task. Thanks for listening, going to be moving out to that area this spring, maybe I'll see ya at a covered bridge or two. Cheers!

[@WaltInPA]

Hi Scott, Thanks for watching and commenting! I had a bit of trouble with the instructions as well. Everything went on easy enough but putting the first side on was a bit of trial and error as I tried to make sense of the instructions. I'd have to double check but I'm pretty sure mine are stamped L and R (on the black plastic at the base of the tube). That might help with your upwards or outwards confusion. I have a Nelson Rigg Commuter Series Tail Bag that I thought I'd be able to use along with the saddlebags if I needed more storage for a trip. It requires that the mounting strap run under the seat while the saddlebags going over the seat. I haven't figured out how to make that work yet - unless I can somehow mount the tail bag to the saddlebag strap. After living with them for a few weeks now, I don't mind the black mount nearly as much. With the saddlebags removed, the black mount doesn't look terrible (it isn't as clean as it could be but I can live with it given how easy the bags go on and off). The issue you're having with the indicators is why I held off buying mine for so long. I was afraid that my tail tidy would put the indicators in a position where the saddlebags were pushing against them. I went with an integrated tail light and indicators from TST Industries. That is great - what area of PA are you moving to? Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@scottevens6274]

@@WaltInPA Thanks Walt for the tip on the integrated light/indicators mnfr. I'll look into them. Kinda looking at smaller LED stalks from Motogadget and such. Yes the mount and tubes are marked left & right, it's just the drawing which I believe shows the left side, indicates the orientation. One of these afternoons when I'm not in zombie mode I'll try again. Born and raised in Levittown. Still have family there, my niece has offered up a room until I secure employment and a place of my own. Time to start a new chapter.

[@TWOWHEELD]

I of course am not in the market for these bags, but I can appreciate your honest, first impressions of them! I can see where your criticisms are valid. If I were looking for a similar product, based on what you said, I would look for something else. On the other side of this, I bet you like having that extra storage that isn’t pulling on your shoulders so much!

[@WaltInPA]

I can be a bit over critical at times - I'm still not thrilled with the connection to the bike but otherwise I've been very happy with the bags. It is nice having the option to stop somewhere on a whim and pick something up without trying to figure out how to get it home 👍

[@davidshaffer4649]

The tube is hollow to reduce weight the strap on the top is❤ meant to support the weight and the bike I looked at installation instructions the bracket went under th peg mount with a spacer for the exhaust. Was not the same bile as yours.

[@NonaMaryGrace1952]

Hello Walt. Found you from Doyle's shout out. So nice to meet you. 💕NonnaGrace

[@WaltInPA]

Thanks for stopping in and checking out my channel - I've been watching Doyle for a little while now and he seems like a great guy 👍

[@Wind.Road.Therapy]

I carried a Backpack around one day in Sturgis and I'm still painting for that with neck and shoulder pain. I'll have saddlebags, and prefer a mounted version.

[@WaltInPA]

One of these days (maybe when the kids are older and less dependent on my wife and I) I buy myself a touring bike with dedicated bags. I sure do like the Yamaha FJR1300 - I'm just not there in my motorcycle journey yet 👍

[@Wind.Road.Therapy]

@@WaltInPA I hear that, I'm scooting about on my Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 and I'm happy with her.

[@AndyPutt1]

Good review... excellent.. these things you tell us about are what the damn manufacturer should be more up front about. Really appreciate your time presenting this. Looking for options for saddlebags on the gSX650F. I think it's pretty bad that unequal load could caust the bracket arm to crack.. that is BS!!!

[@KODEGREY]

Sounds like all thought was put into the bags and not the mounting hardware. If the metal tubes can't support uneven weight in bags that small, then that is a big issue!! It's not like your going to put a 100lbs dumbbell in one side and a 50 pounder in the other. They look good, but I would always be worried about it breaking.

[@WaltInPA]

I'm wondering if that warning in the manual was just a precaution. TrekkieMoto reminded me that he dropped his Speed Twin and aside from some scuffing on the bag - the rod and mounting hardware was undamaged.

[@bonacci01]

Great video. I have been wanting a set of a bags for my 15 gsxs750. I have a nelson rigg tail and tank bags, which I love. I do agree that the shortcomings of these bags is a bummer. Especially the support rod. I get wanting a cleaner look, but this is the cleanest and easiest to remove system out there for these type of bikes that I am aware of. Not sure if I am more confused now or less! 😕

[@MrDeepseadweller]

I think the Hepco & Becker system is far superior. You can’t remove the brackets as easily but the whole setup is just on a higher level and looks way better in my opinion.

[@AkaBull]

Thanks for the review, I'm also thinking about adding some bags to my low rider s👍

[@WaltInPA]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@AkaBull]

@@WaltInPA Anytime ✌

[@Ucmpigs]

Came over from Blue Bike and Doyle…look for to your content!

[@WaltInPA]

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my channel. I've been watching Doyle for a little while now, he seems like a really good guy (and does a lot for the community) 👍

[@SigmaSheepdog]

I was going to order a set of these bags for my '24 Yamaha MT-09 but I am reluctant to do so. It seems that SW Motech USA don't answer questions via email or answer their phones, which are two issues that I am currently having.

[@MightyMouzMoto]

I just got this bike and hate wearing a backpack. I'm getting the Sw-motech rear street rack, but also considering their side bags.

[@izimater]

Are they passenger friendly? I can't figure out it. Any help from the users would be much appreciated

[@MisplacedMotoVlogger]

Saddlebags are such a great addition to any bike. Did they give any kind of weight limit for them? That tube breaking would not make for a fun day.

[@WaltInPA]

I don't remember seeing a weight limit advertised - just that it should be evenly distributed. The weight is mostly carried by the velcro straps that cross over the seat. The rods are supposed to keep the bag from swinging under the tail and hitting the tire. I'm still not crazy about the way the mounting bracket looks but the setup is really nice. Taking them off is fast and simple 👍

[@Saddlebags73]

I can’t thank you enough for the repeated mentions throughout this video 😝 Seriously though, it looks like a good option for luggage. I went with hard luggage on my Z900rs, and the mounting system is like scaffolding. So unsightly that I now remove it when I don’t need it, which is a rigmarole. I think the mounting brackets on this system are actually quite discreet. If you’re not happy though, how about painting them?

[@WaltInPA]

The bags are growing on on me more and more every time I use them. Taking them on and off couldn't be simpler. When the luggage is off, the black bracket really isn't that noticeable. I know it is there but most people giving it a quick glance probably wouldn't see it.

[@CDLNEPA]

I have gotten to the point I don't bother with cameras on my rides this summer. I already have the room for everything though.

[@WaltInPA]

I've done a lot less recording this summer than I did last - it was nice to take a little bit of a break and not have to worry about constantly coming up with something to say 👍

[@EasyRiderGreg]

For $450 I 'd see if I could return them The support rod/tube being dependent on both bags being loaded equally does not seem like they are properly designed.

[@WaltInPA]

I was talking to someone recently that has the same bags - they dropped thier bike on a gravel road. The bags got scuffed up but the rod holding them in place was undamaged. I wonder of them being hollow gives them a little bit of flexibility in a situation like that.

[@ChopperFett]

Cool little bags and they dont detract much from the bike. Side note, you sounded like Owen Wilson today.... not sure if its cuz I just watched Loki but ya man... Owen Wilson!

[@WaltInPA]

I think that is the first time I've ever someone say I sounded like Owen Wilson 🤣 My favorite feature is how easily they go on and off the bike.

[@dualsportdiary1150]

Nice bags. I hate bags but I never have room for what I need 🤣

[@WaltInPA]

I take them on and off as I need them but so far they have been great 👍

[@rogerpriestwell6379]

Please, can a 15inch laptop fit inside the bags ?

[@CDLNEPA]

Bags look good

[@WaltInPA]

Thanks 👍

[@tech_gear]

Can a passenger still fit with the bags on?

[@WaltInPA]

The mounting bracket for the Blaze Pro Saddlebags keeps the passenger pegs accessible but I don't think a passenger would be too comfortable. They would likely have their legs on top of the bags (I've never ridden with a passenger to verify though)

[@andyguo1824]

question, are they easy to filter with it ?

[@TheBlueBikeDoyle]

You paid how much lol you got a bagger

[@WaltInPA]

Its funny - when I put them on I thought I'd only use them here and there. I find myself using them quite a bit - they are so handy!

[@BikesBeardsAndBrews]

I mean if you had a road glide you wouldn't have this issue

[@WaltInPA]

Bike and Bags, I'm all in at about $7k. I could could have three matching setups for the cost of a Road Glide 🤣