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[RPR50]

I've got an '08 CVO Softail Springer.  I'd like to add a Corbin Classic Solo seat.  I'm traveling out west this summer.  I'd don't want saddlebags, but think a solution like T-bags (www.t-bags.com) will work, but they need a sissy bar and something to rest upon (like the passenger seat or a luggage rack). 

You could mount an HD sissy bar/luggage rack aft of where the passenger seat would be normally, but there will be a pretty good gap between the solo seat and the luggage rack. 

I've not seen a sissy bar/luggage rack combination for a solo seat, although I've looked quite a bit.  I've found a luggage rack for a solo seat at Motherwell (see link http://www.hdforums.com/m_1338113/tm.htm) but not one with attached sissy bar.  Any help much appreciated as to sissy bar/luggage racks for solo seats or touring solutions for solo seats w/o saddlebags. 

BTW, Corbin doesn't yet show classic solo for the '08 CVO Springer, but I'm hopeful.

Snow in Ohio.  Think spring.  Thanks.

[VaEagle]

Hi RPR50,
I don't know for sure if the combo will do what you want but getting a Corbin solo seat with a removable backrest may work with that Motherwell rear fender rack.
I know you said you didn't want saddlebags but maybe a set of removeable leather bags would be a good compromise for you?
One thing to be concerned with on packing for a long trip is not only how to haul all the stuff but the weight distribution. If all you use is a T-bag then all your load weight is high and you may have some handling issues to consider.
If you still don't want saddlebags of any type, then to carry lots of stuff you may have to consider a two up seat/backrest/luggage rack setup so you could pack stuff in the passenger section attached to the front of the backrest and then on the back of the backrest over the luggage rack as usual. The load would be spread out then but still would be top heavy.

[ccr]

With my solo seat, when going long distance (my 2005 SEEG has 37000 miles) I put a detachable passenger sissy bar on the bike that the t-bag can sit on.  Then I use a removable passenger pillion (attaches with six suction cups) on the fender and the t-bag sit on this pad and not on the fender.  Then when you get to your room, you remove the sissy bar, t-bag and passenger pillion and you are back to a solo configuration, no fuss, no muss.

I have at least 5,000 miles on this configuration.  It works.  Now if you have hard bags, you have to worry about them hitting the t-bag when you open them with the t-bag on.  You don't have bags - so no issue with the rubbing.

Now the much smarter VAEagle just talked to you about weight distribution.  I have not taken that into consideration at all. He would be so right about all your weight being on top of the bike.........................

 

[spydglide]

With my solo seat, when going long distance (my 2005 SEEG has 3700 miles) I put a detachable passenger sissy bar on the bike that the t-bag can sit on.  Then I use a removable passenger pillion (attaches with six suction cups) on the fender and the t-bag sit on this pad and not on the fender.  Then when you get to your room, you remove the sissy bar, t-bag and passenger pillion and you are back to a solo configuration, no fuss, no muss.

I have at least 5,000 miles on this configuration.  It works.  Now if you have hard bags, you have to worry about them hitting the t-bag when you open them with the t-bag on.  You don't have bags - so no issue with the rubbing.

Now the much smarter VAEagle just talked to you about weight distribution.  I have not taken that into consideration at all. He would be so right about all your weight being on top of the bike.........................

 

I use much the same set-up when traveling as MrsWe.....a detachable sissy bar to attach a bag to and then I use folded up towels to raise the bag enough so as to avoid rubbing on the saddlebag lids.  The bike ends up being no more top heavy than have a BSR.    har!  spyder

[ccr]

I use much the same set-up when traveling as MrsWe.....a detachable sissy bar to attach a bag to and then I use folded up towels to raise the bag enough so as to avoid rubbing on the saddlebag lids.  The bike ends up being no more top heavy than have a BSR.    har!  spyder

That is an interesting perspective for me Spyder.  I have never had a passenger on the bike behind me, so I have no idea what that felt like.  And my bike was pretty loaded down all the times we have gone on big trips, and to be honest, I am not sure what one would be expecting, I have never found one bit of difference to my ride with or without the luggage. 

I also had to go back and edit my previous post ----- cause it is 37000 miles on my bike, and not 3700.   

[Puzzled]

On a Softail you could go with the luggage rack by itself and use a standard style duffle bag.

HD has one like this but pretty! (I needed to make a one time trip so I fired up the shop and made one.)

[Puzzled]

Crude but effective. I strapped my jacket and all sorts of gear to the top of the bag. At one point I was able to get it far enough forward to lean against.

[ccr]

Crude but effective. I strapped my jacket and all sorts of gear to the top of the bag. At one point I was able to get it far enough forward to lean against.

Oh,  you just reminded me, for me...... I can not really use my back rest properly, it is just a bit too far back to be effective, but with the t-bag full of soft things - coats - clothes it was wonderful.  Made the mistake once - about 120 miles - had a helmet in the bottom of the bag.  Not comfortable - not one bit.   

[Twolanerider]

Crude but effective. I strapped my jacket and all sorts of gear to the top of the bag. At one point I was able to get it far enough forward to lean against.

Puz, does that left pipe require you to as much of a contortionist as it looks like you might to keep your leg clear?

[spydglide]

Oh,  you just reminded me, for me...... I can not really use my back rest properly, it is just a bit too far back to be effective, but with the t-bag full of soft things - coats - clothes it was wonderful.  Made the mistake once - about 120 miles - had a helmet in the bottom of the bag.  Not comfortable - not one bit.   

Made me laugh... ....I can remember many times that something will be packed wrong and for whatever reason you just keep riding on while being aggrevated but not enough to cause you to stop, unpack, re-pack, etc.   I'm just glad to hear that others do the same thing.  har!  spyder

[Puzzled]

Oh,  you just reminded me, for me...... I can not really use my back rest properly, it is just a bit too far back to be effective, but with the t-bag full of soft things - coats - clothes it was wonderful.  Made the mistake once - about 120 miles - had a helmet in the bottom of the bag.  Not comfortable - not one bit.   

Ohh man I did the helmet in the bag thing, once. Only once.

[Puzzled]

Made me laugh... ....I can remember many times that something will be packed wrong and for whatever reason you just keep riding on while being aggrevated but not enough to cause you to stop, unpack, re-pack, etc.   I'm just glad to hear that others do the same thing.  har!  spyder

I had to laugh also. Been there done that.

[Puzzled]

Puz, does that left pipe require you to as much of a contortionist as it looks like you might to keep your leg clear?

It dips in closer to the motor. It will remind you that it is there if you don't pay attention.

EDIT: I did change them to something a little more traditional.

[spydglide]

It dips in closer to the motor. It will remind you that it is there if you don't pay attention.

EDIT: I did change them to something a little more traditional.

I do luv'um, though.  too cool.  har!   spyder

[Twolanerider]

I do luv'um, though.  too cool.  har!   spyder

Really like the look also Spyder.  Saw that image and the first thing that came to mind was relaxing on a lazy afternoon ride and noticing the smell of BBQ just before realizing it was me !