Luggage (Sides)

We will need somewhere to put all of our stuff. We will use hard luggage as opposed to soft (bags) to keep everything not stolen and protected. Update: We decided on the Jesse bags, we both have them installed and love them.  Durable, waterproof, and spacious.

For the aluminum panniers on the sides we will go with either the Touratech Vega cases or the Jesse Luggage Odyssey II system. Right now we're leaning towards the Jesse system, but here they both are:

Jesse Luggage makes the Odyssey II system for the V-Strom 650 (above). These cases are stronger than the Touratech cases, are more angular, are shaped to fit around the exhaust pipe and bike, have a unique sliding mounting system, and cost $950. Also, the locking mechanism seems much stronger than the Touratech which seems like it could be broken with a screwdriver. Jesse Luggage web site

Touratech makes a 35/41L system for $1100 (above). Because the V-Strom 650 only has one muffler and it is on the right side, that case is slightly smaller. These cases have great reviews, are watertight, large, and durable. They are on the expensive side though. Touratech website.