I think it looks pretty clean without the bags on. But....they sure are handy. There is a lot of storage in the tank bag, and I have yet another section that goes on top of this one. Doubt if I'll ever use it.This picture is on Hwy 42, one of the few straight places, along the Umpqua River. The Elk are on the other side, the bushes you see are on the river bank.