The cheapest luggage rack you can buy is Tusk. Same with a top rack. I bolted a cheapy home depot tool box to my top box and yes it can handle a lock. I bought some used tusk Panniers and fortunately I can beat them with a hammer to take care of the dents. If everyone was at least as honest as I am, I would have bought soft luggage. But for my adventures, lockable hard luggage has its place so there's compromise. My panniers, luggage rack, bark busters and engine cage have seen me thru many spills and tip overs. I still don't have any dents on the bike. I would not go on a crazy adventure without all the above, even if you don't hang luggage on it, get a luggage rack for protection.
Do I REALLY need fancy pants luggage?
Hello, new to the forum and owner of a '21 Africa Twin DCT. I'm gearing up for a 3-4 day trip exploring Colorado's backcountry in September. Because this AT is basically stock, I need to spend a little money getting it ready. Luggage being one of those items. Unfortunately, right now I have very little need for an expensive quality luggage system on an ongoing basis (wish I did though!). My reality is that I may get in one multi-day trip per year, at best 2...it's mostly day trips for me.
Due to other hobbies, I have various sizes of dry duffels with ample capacity so I'm wondering if I could skimp here. Would I regret strapping a duffel and/or dry bag to my bike without so much as a top rack? I only know of one aftermarket top rack that doesn't rely on the accessory $400 OEM base. Any suggestions if I do? Or should I seriously consider an alternative option?
Due to other hobbies, I have various sizes of dry duffels with ample capacity so I'm wondering if I could skimp here. Would I regret strapping a duffel and/or dry bag to my bike without so much as a top rack? I only know of one aftermarket top rack that doesn't rely on the accessory $400 OEM base. Any suggestions if I do? Or should I seriously consider an alternative option?
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Similar to others, I outfitted my ATAS with a small Givi aluminium top box, mostly for helmet storage and to hold my daily bag when commuting. I did get the OEM plastic panniers, but they both broke each time I dropped my bike from still, so I juts trashed them - I was only using them once or twice per year. Now my travel steup is just a medium waterproof duffel bag from Givi, starpped with Rok straps on the passenger seat. Any valuables go into the top box. That's it. If I was travelling with a pillion, my requirememnts would be different, but for now, this is enough. KISS
Buy used stuff. Save money and it still works great!
21 - 23 of 23 Posts
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