Not being one to go the hard-bag route, I've been researching backpacks.

Do any of you fine folk have any experience with Kriega motorcycle backpacks?
Seems that they're the Crème de la Crème, of backpacks for use on a 'scooter'.

All day comfort so 'they' say.
Not cheap! but designed specifically for motorcycle use and worth every penny. (or so they say).
I don't mind waiting a bit and paying top dollar for top dollar goods ( I bought a Versys, after-all) but, what might be some worthy alternatives?

What's the good word people?
:feedback:

Be well.
ride safe.
Peace.

Carl

Believe it or not, marketing fluff is true in this case.
I had a R25 for over a year and I'm very pleased.
Weight distribution and chest harness make it that no matter how much you load it you just don't feel the weight while riding. (It was hard for me to believe this before trying it)
R25 will fit a lot of stuff. Some say they can fit a helmet in it but not me.
It's a bit cumbersome for normal (non-moto) use but I use it for everything.
You could say it's splash-proof but not quite water-proof.
My only complain about R25 is that it doesn't have a lot of pockets. There is a large main compartment, small (wallet size) inside pocket and an outside pocket. Excellent build quality.

If you want it for travel or something similar then R30 (http://www.kriega.com/pages_uk/r30/R30-topframeset.html) may be a way to go. It's waterproof, slightly larger and has more pockets/compartments.
I would trade my R25 for R30.

As for alternatives; since I was looking for backpacks a few years back up until now, I haven't seen anything comparable to Kriega. There are some Alpinstars backpacks at higher prices that seem inferior even in the pictures.
There are a lot of Kriega's satisfied customers and some have taken their stuff around the world.
If you search on YouTube there are quite a few video/reviews to give you an idea how it looks and performs. I remember posting images of mine on a different forum and could dig it up if you'r interested.
They are pricy, though.


Cheers.

I have 2 US10s and a US20 tailpack system. They are indeed waterproof, but take about 5 minutes to get mounted to the bike. I was traveling last year with a buddy that had hard bags and got real jealous of the fact that he was always standing around waiting for me to finish mounting my bags while he had his on in seconds. On top of that if you want to get something out of them you must loosen the mounting straps, or if its in the bottom of the bag, undo the mounting straps all together, this is a royal pain.

Needless to say I added hard bags this year. I use both for longer trips, but the Kriegas stay home on shorter trips now. They are not a good substitute for hard bags.

Thank you very much Gentlemen.

I have been using the kriega luggage for about five years now and I have to say the range of Kriega rucksacks (http://www.bradfordmotorcycles.co.uk/browse/440/_____KRIEGA_Rucksacks/) offers something for everyone. I currently ride with the new R30 dry pack and its great for my daily commute on my Versys but when on my 08 ninja I catch the back of my helmet on the bag sometimes when leant over which can become a little annoying. Overall I cannot recommend them enough the straps all tidy up nicely so there is nothing flying around and they are bullet proof.