My R65 never had panniers and was lacking storage space. I didn't want to spend a small fortune on official, and rare, OE equipment. That money is being put aside for inevitable mechanical repairs.
Here is what I ended up with. Total cost is about $130.
These are Saddlemen expandable sport bags. I like them because they are semi-rigid and keep their shape. They also follow the upward slant of the exhaust, and allow the seat to open.
I attached them to saddle bag supports originally made for a Vulcan 800. They had to be bent a 1/4" to match the holes along the frame rail perfectly. Two 1" U-bolts clamp around the supports and then through holes I drilled into the backing. I covered the U-bolts with a 2" piece of fuel line so there's no metal to metal contact. Inside the bags, they bolt through a piece of flat aluminum stock which is also riveted to the backing to hold the bag solid.
I wouldn't haul bricks, but have no problems carrying 1 gallon jugs of water plus a few other items. This setup will fit my needs pretty well as long as they hold up.
