SW-Motech Blaze Saddlebags: Owner's Review

[@VanBlamm]

I realized it's going on two years since I made this video, so I thought I'd provide a small update here! I have now ridden about 5,000 miles with the Blaze saddlebags mounted & heavily loaded, and they have performed flawlessly the entire time. No fraying velcro, no busted zippers, no seams coming apart. There unfortunately is no escaping the need to use the waterproof liners; even with a fresh heavy coating of the Kiwi spray I still found my clothes damp after riding through about 30 minutes of rain. I have found that with the use of compressable packing cubes to store my clothes, I can pack for a week-long road trip without even unzipping the expansion gussets. I recommend these bags more highly now than I ever have before! Here is where you can watch two of the road trips on which I've used the Blaze bags: kzbin.info/aero/PLRYfpsQcYyuCdfiYjKyuj9Sa9IUfaagC8 kzbin.info/aero/PLRYfpsQcYyuDq7Jx244cjEfJSBea-bcYd

[@ricardoalr]

Your video and response to my previous comment convinced me to take the plunge and buy the saddlebags. I just finished installing the supports a few minutes ago. I wanted to ask if you used the protective film the bags come with. It's supposed to be applied on the sides of the motorcycle seat to prevent damage from friction. Did you apply it and/or have you had any problem with the bags chafing the leather on the seat?

[@VanBlamm]

@@ricardoalr I don't even remember them coming with protective film! I've always run them directly against the seat (which is not real leather, probably PU) and it doesn't show any sign of wear or use. If you fasten the central strap tightly it doesn't move around or rub.

[@ricardoalr]

@@VanBlamm Great, thanks for your fast reply!

[@Florijin]

Thanks for the great review! Really looking forward to get a pair for my NC 750x. There´s also a PRO Version of the saddle bags. They have a better weather coating.

[@marksweeney7964]

Thanks…wonder if you can get a waterproof cover to go over the bags? Like my tail bag.

[@trailingarm63]

That's an incredibly professional review - better than most professional reviews in fact. I'm considering buying a set for my R1200R beemer. The factory hard cases are too expensive, too ugly and possibly too wide for easy filtering, etc. I think SW-Motech's are reasonable value, discreet and a clever, safe design. Greetings from North Wales. I've subscribed and look forward to future vids.

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you! I think they'd suit the R1200R very well. I did finally get to take a real road trip with the Blaze bags last month and have published two videos about it so far, with more to come.

[@pelegrinsamblas]

Thank you very much for the detailed video. I'm thinking of buying a Speed ​​Twin 1200 but I need to carry some luggage. I didn't know it was possible. Thank you so much.

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks for watching! In case you're wondering, these SW-Motech Blaze bags have served me very well for the past 4 years. No problems.

[@jjnewman65]

Comprehensive review VB. Thanks. They don’t look great on the bike but for an occasional tourer like myself they are a winner for me.

[@robinwatford]

Thanks for the review; just what I was looking for! A good compromise between convenience (very) and looks (not really retro). Ride safe.

[@garydavis2265]

I had these on a 2007 fz6 and the worked great. I never undid the over the seat strap,just started each support in the pockets and slide over seat from the back. Might not work on the ST. They didnt look as wonky on the fz.

[@rudijohnsen2557]

I commented on another video aswell, but the blaze saddlebags fits perfectly under the seat on the speed twin.

[@ponderguy7724]

The bags are great in almost all ways except security. Often when touring we stop for a hour or so and leave the luggage with the bike. One thing we find very useful is the wire net bags which are great when changing out of your riding gear.

[@BobC777]

Nice review - had been looking at those myself. Tail Tidy looks good. How are Colorado plans shaping up?

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you, and thanks for asking! Preparing for the trip has been so much more work than I expected (hence the irregular uploads) but I'm almost ready. Hitting the road next Friday the 31st! I'm hoping to squeeze out one more update video before I leave.

[@Littleeeee56]

Hi. Thanks for the realistic review (including your updates on the other videos) Can you tell me if you can fit a full face helmet in them. not for when your riding but for storage when off for a walk at the destination. thanks.

[@VanBlamm]

Unfortunately they definitely can't fit a full face helmet. You'd even have a hard time getting a half helmet in there, since the opening is so narrow.

[@HightLink]

Hey, is the extra material on top of the seat comfy for the passenger? thx

[@VanBlamm]

She says there's no difference in comfort, but that it's maybe a little bit less grippy

[@RicardoRodrigues-rn3iw]

Man this product is exactly what I'm looking for. But I have a problem. I live in Brazil, and this product is too big and expensive to me. Do you know if they sell only the installation kit without the saddlebags?

[@VanBlamm]

They do sell the brackets by themselves! You might want to email SW-Motech directly to order a set.

[@RicardoRodrigues-rn3iw]

@@VanBlamm thanks a lot

[@Mikethebike721]

Recently traded my Honda Cb500x (black) for a street twin but unlike you held on to my Blaze saddle bags because I liked them so much. Now trying to source the fitting kit... Not that easy so far! Anyway, enjoying your videos.

[@RDKTB83]

Great review video man. I have a T120 black and I'm wonder if these would work?? I'm guessing YES considering your Speed Twin is about the same bike.

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks! There's probably a mounting kit specific to the T120. The bags themselves are universal.

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video fantastic bike looking forward to next video stay safe 🇬🇧👍🏻

[@mark222b]

Does it always have to be mounted as a pair? Can only one side be installed if needed?

[@VanBlamm]

They must be mounted as a pair. However, you may be able to modify one to make it fit by itself.

[@canwe02]

Cool video on these saddle bags but my question for you is why wouldn't you choose the EVO Cargobag tail bag for your distant trip since this bag looks like it has more space and less money?

[@VanBlamm]

I used to have a Kriega 30L dry bag and found that the Speed Twin doesn't have a big enough pillion seat or rear subframe to strap it down. I figured a set of saddlebags would give me the most flexibility and secure attachment. Plus I personally prefer the look of saddlebags over a tail bag.

[@mymotosai5036]

Hi, have you found the bags cause any damage to seat or bike from rubbing anywhere? How are they holding up after 10 months? I will be using the bags expanded so need good quality.

[@VanBlamm]

Not that I've noticed! I've ridden about 2,000 miles with them mounted, expanded, and very heavily loaded, and they show no signs of wear. I am in the middle of a trip with them right now and will be doing about 1000 miles in the next 4 days, so I'll let you know if anything changes.

[@mymotosai5036]

@@VanBlamm cheers mate, have a great trip!

[@dkf2711]

Beautiful bike. Thank you for the great bag review! :)

[@petewebb6952]

Very helpful thank you. We are wondering how it would be for a pillion rider? Will you include that in your next review? Otherwise, as a UK Speed Twin owner, this review was very helpful.

[@VanBlamm]

Not sure I'd want to take a pillion taller than about 1.6m with these bags attached. It can be done, but they'd definitely have to ride with their heels on the pegs and their toes pointed outwards. Long-range comfort would be a concern.

[@Michigan3104]

Thank you for your perfect review! I really want to buy the bag but I could not find the arms for speed twin. Would you please let me know the parts number or something like that?

[@ricardoalr]

Great review. I hope you still see this comment a year after your video. You mention little legroom for a passenger. Do you think the bags can make the pillion seat too uncomfortable for touring with a passenger? My wife is about 5'1" and my bike is a Ducati Scrambler which I think is very similar to yours.

[@VanBlamm]

I don't think they make it less comfortable, there's just less room to shift one's feet around on the pegs. I tried a brief two-up ride with the saddlebags in a later video and fared better than expected: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp-YZ3d_npydqJY

[@ricardoalr]

@@VanBlamm Awesome, thank you very much for that extra insight. I'm much more convinced to take the plunge now.

[@InnocenceVVX]

Do you reckon the platform they create is strong enough for a big duffel bag to be tied to?

[@VanBlamm]

Hmm, I wouldn't advise tying the duffel bag directly to the saddlebags, but if you positioned it horizontally across the pillion seat and tied it the the rear subframe I bet the saddlebags would help it keep its shape. Definitely pack the heaviest things in the center of the duffel bag if possible.

[@RoopeshShah]

Great video. Thanks for doing this for us SpeedTwin owners. Have you tried locking the seat over the bag straps? I felt the strap over seat was putting the bags at a weird angle. Maybe becomes more secure too.

[@VanBlamm]

Not sure it adds any security, but I see what you mean. I always pull the strap over as tight as it will go; maybe they'd hang straighter if I didn't do that.

[@RoopeshShah]

@@VanBlamm you're right. Possible loosening the strap may hang the bags slightly straighter. Locking the straps under the seat is just to deter someone trying funny stuff.

[@tomandriello3575]

Can the SW Motect arms be used with other bags without slip on arm holders? Just to get the bags away from the rear tire and dual shocks of the Speed Twin?

[@VanBlamm]

Hmm I think that would work. However, while they do sell just the receivers without bags, I'm not sure if you can get the arms without also getting a pair of bags.

[@petermiller8634]

Excellent review thanks. Shame they don’t come with waterproof covers though.

[@CapCityDC]

Useful review thanks!

[@elliottthomas7562]

Hello ,...new to your channel; very helpful,.. and enjoying easy go attitude 🏁✔️

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks! Cheers from a fellow Elliott

[@Kalcifers9]

i've just bought the blaze bags. The steel arms touch the back spring, is it normal?

[@VanBlamm]

Hmm, doesn't do that on mine. I recall it coming with some sort of spacer on one side, did you install it with that?

[@Kalcifers9]

@@VanBlamm you're right on the bottom of the box there is a pair of black spacers, I'll try it. Thank you! Beautiful video btw!

[@MARKINAU8]

Can you put the Velcro strap under your seat?

[@VanBlamm]

I've heard someone say they did it, but you might have to remove a few of the rubber bungs to get enough clearance for the strap to pass under

[@OnceSniper66]

Real nice review 😀

[@richiektm]

Hiya dude, Could you tell me the width of the strap that goes across the rear seat?

[@tonyhewitt1345]

An excellent review. Thank you.

[@anthonypeters1797]

Good video man. Ur talented!!

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks!

[@movem1]

Excellent review 👍

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks for watching!

[@Kalcifers9]

1:27 man the viiiiiibeeeeeeeeeeeee

[@melfrank985]

Can the Velcro strap be ran underneath the seat?

[@VanBlamm]

Good question! I'll try it and report back, but I'm afraid it'll be just a little too thick to latch the seat down over it.

[@fredzuccarelli]

Great option for luggage!

[@VanBlamm]

They'd probably look great on the RT!

[@레쓰비-p5i]

Can it store a full face helmet inside?

[@VanBlamm]

No, it cannot.

[@JamesGutierrez-wx1bl]

How to order

[@Darkdeaths994]

I cant seem to find these bags for my honda cb650r anywhere :(

[@tommywara8105]

Thank you. Bought the same

[@TrekkieMoto]

Just installed these on my own Speed Twin. There really aren't any nice alternatives out there that don't uglify the bike.

[@VanBlamm]

You said it.

[@TrekkieMoto]

@@VanBlamm Did you have issues with the clip straps being a little bit close to your shocks?

[@VanBlamm]

Not in about 2,500 miles. I'm not sure if they ever touch, but if they do it must not be enough to cause an issue

[@TrekkieMoto]

@@VanBlamm That is very good to know! Many thanks for your advice and review. 👍🏻

[@PhilWare1]

Good review, but I couldn't live with the looks. Would rather have ones that were more in keeping with the bike, but as you say the trade off is that you have to live with a more obvious bracket when removed. Just a personal choice though :-)

[@VanBlamm]

I respect that. Maybe somebody will come out with a bag that lets us have it both ways!

[@PhilWare1]

@@VanBlamm Nothing wrong with the bags on a another bike, eg CBR 650R etc - its just that on a modern classic like the Speed Twin I think i'd prefer the more retro looking alternative.

[@squidlips5368]

When l first saw your video with your voice l thought it was an infomercial.

[@BillooBakra]

SW Motech no longer sells these bags. Sad.

[@TP_Gillz]

Idk what it is, but these just don't "look" right. I can't put my finger on it.

[@c.g.c2067]

I'm shure there better solutions :)