KLR 650 saddlebags

So I finally got the bike (my first), and now I want to add some
saddlebags so I can actually carry stuff. After looking high and low
for various types, I think I've come back to the Kawasaki ones because
of cost and the apparent paucity of any soft bags that have heat
protection vs the exhaust.

Questions:
1) For those who have the Kawasaki bags, have you had any problems with
either the bags or their contents melting or catching fire on longer
trips, what do they need in the way of waterproofing, and how heavy
have you loaded them (5lbs seems horribly light unless I'm talking
about my down sleeping bag)?
2) I've seen exhaust guards (a la Dual Star) that are supposed to
protect the right bag...does anyone know if that would be worthwhile
with the Kawi or other bags?
3) For those who have other bags that work well on the KLR, I'd love to
hear your recommendations. I'm particularly interested in soft bags,

I love the Happy Trails panniers.

They're not cheap, but no hard bags are. I have an older design. The
workmanship is excellent, and the design is very good. I have a minor
quibble about the latch system, but no big deal. The things are huge -
I can carry the groceries, the laundry, an inflatable bathtub, an
inflatable girlfriend, my mexican gardener, and a baby's arm holding
an apple. (OK, maybe not the apple, too.)

maybe 7-10" wide max.

I know this is not what you are looking for, but I thought you may want
to see a KLR with Givi hard bags.

I ended up trading the bike in on a Guzzi. I wish ICBC would allow me
to have one policy to cover multiple bikes, because I would love to
still own the KLR. The Guzzi is great, but I would love to have both.

What type of Guzzi have you got? Iv'e got a '95 Daytona 1000 (two seater).

2004 Stone (I was stoned back in the 70's) Touring.

.....only the '70's?

It looks good with the hard luggage. Not quite sporty enough for my
tastes.....but cool in that odd way that only Guzzi's can be.

have you done a wheelie yet? :)

Everyone knows that a shafty.........

Nice looking Guzzi.
Robert

http://ajh.ca/motoguzzi_is_home.htm