Corbin

The second problem was a bigger issue. When I bought the VFR, I gave it a "fenderectomy", by chopping the stock fender off to give it a cleaner look. However, the way the Corbin bags mount to the bike is from 3 points on each bag. One of the mounting points is to the stock license plate bracket. With a "fenderectomy" the OEM Honda bracket moves 2" higher. I looked at this and thought about inverting the bracket they supplied with the bags. Then I had to weld two new hangers to the Corbin supplied bracket. I could've left the bracket the way it was designed and welded longer tabs, but the bracket would be below the license plate and would've looked out of place. I wanted everything hidden and clean. Inverting the bracket hid it behind the license plate. I don't have a serious workshop, but the job was very easy. I have a buddy that owns a welder. He and I went about making all of the brackets to make it fit. (If you have a stock fender, there is no need to make any brackets.)

Post installation thoughts: The fit and finish of the luggage is top notch. The bags were a perfect fit. I had my doubts at first but the end results were spectacular. Corbin really did their homework with the mounting hardware. The bags virtually disappear on the bike. When viewed from the side, you hardly notice they are on the bike. They even look great from the rear. When I was thinking about getting the bags, my idea was to take them off when I wasn't in touring mode. However, I like the look so much, that I now leave them on all the time. I did apply some firm jolts to the bags with my arms to check for integrity of the bags. I didn't put my full weight on the bags due to my 190lbs frame. The bags still flexed very little. I felt comfortable loading them to the hilt with gear. The locking mechanism works great. I do not have to worry about someone stealing all my gear when I park to see a movie or catch a bite to eat. These bags are very secure. Once locked, there is no way of getting them off of the bike. My friend and I then turned our attention to the water resistance of the Corbin bags. We proceeded to spray the bags from all directions with a hose. We even sprayed the underside and backside of the bags for about 5 minutes. I was delighted to find no water intrusion. I know a hose can not compare to a driving rain at 70mph so I had to wait for the right day for a road test.

My overall rating is B-. The fit and finish is second to none and the style matches the VFR very well. I do have a few complaints though. The bags just aren't as practical as most hard bags. The small opening for loading and unloading is a bit of a pain. Other manufactures have bags that attach and detach from the bike, making hotel stays and loading much easier. The Corbin bags force you unload all your gear in the parking lot and walk it all to your room. Another complaint is the $999.00 price. You can buy a really nice set of Givis that detach from the bike, hold more gear and are easier to load for that same price. If Corbin would make the Beetles removable, I would give the bags a solid A. I purchased the Corbin Beetle Bags based mostly on appearance, but thought they would be a bit more touring friendly. If I were to do it again I would buy the GIVI 3 bag system. Even though they look like Samsonite "carry on" luggage to me, they are more touring friendly, practical and hold a lot more gear.