The Kuryakyn Tombstone Bag
The Kuryakyn Tombstone Bag is without a doubt the best piece of motorcycle luggage that I own. I would even go so far as to say that the Kuryakyn Tombstone Bag may even be the best piece of motorcycle luggage ever created.
If you’ve noticed, almost every picture that you see of my Honda Shadow has the Kuryakyn Tombstone Bag strapped to the sissy bar. It’s so versatile I take it on almost every ride.
The Kuryakyn website says that the Tombstone Bag is designed for double duty, and that it is. The bag has a hard, rigid frame inside that allows it to function as a backrest even when the bag is empty. And the bag is tough. I’ve ridden over 25,000 miles with that bag filled to capacity, using it as a backrest and after two and half years the bag shows virtually no wear at all.
The bag attaches to the bike quickly and easily with two velcro hook and loop straps. It has three compartments, the main compartment and two detachable side compartments. The main compartment is accessible from either the right or the left side and has three quarter zipper flaps that open easily and have plenty of storage.
All three compartments are lined and seem to be completely waterproof. Although Kuryakyn doesn’t claim that the bag is waterproof, I’ve ridden many times in pouring rain and everything in the bag has stayed completely dry. However the bag does come with a rain cover for those of you that like extra protection. The bag also comes with the customary carrying strap, although I have never used it.
The Kuryakyn Tombstone Bag on my Honda Shadow
The backrest feature of the bag is what makes this bag such an important part of my long distance riding. The bag comes with three different size backrest pads – a half inch pad, a two inch pad and a three inch pad. The pads zip on and off very easily from the front of the bag. The three different sizes allow you to adjust for the size of the rider or simply for your comfort level.
Now if you know anything about motorcycle luggage and Kuryakyn in particular, you know that these things are not cheap. Just the name Kuryakyn is going to bump up the price quite a bit. The Kuryakyn Tombstone Bag has a list price of $159.99.
I found my bag on eBay, from a private party. They had purchased it new, had crashed their bike and no longer needed the bag. It was in perfect condition and I got it for 60 bucks.
Even though my bag shows no signs of wear whatsoever, I still check eBay occasionally looking for another deal on one of these things but so far I’ve not seen another one sell for anywhere near $60. I think I just got lucky. You will find them online from anywhere between $129 to the full retail price of $159.99.
The fact is though; you get what you pay for. I have purchased a few different Kuryakyn accessories over the past couple years and the quality has always been top notch, I have never been disappointed.
If you buy the Kuryakyn Tombstone Bag I honestly believe that it will become your favorite bag as well. Check out the Kuryakyn website. Leave some comments and let me know what you think…
