Tag Archives: Gear

Opmid Meter for Honda Monkey/Trail | Gear Review

May 19, 2022 mcnews Leave a comment

Opmid’s M1204 Multi Meter is a direct plug-and-play replacement for the stock gauge cluster on 2019-and-newer Honda Monkey and Trail 125 models, and it alleviates the two most common complaints about the OEM setup. First, unlike stock, the Opmid’s adjustable backlighting is very bright and visible in all conditions, including direct sunlight. Second, gauge functionality is vastly improved, providing the rider with a wealth of information and customization not available on the factory cluster.

Installation on my 2021 Honda Trail 125 was very straightforward using the included harness. Opmid’s 10-minute installation video (on YouTube) was comprehensive enough for any reasonably competent DIYer to get the job done in 1-2 hours with hand tools. To begin, the stock gauge cluster is removed, and the new meter’s 5 x 3.9 x 2 inches (WxHxD) chassis drops into place. The only tricky part on the Trail is removing the body panels for the first time, since they utilize delicate tabs which can easily break if forced, but the video helps in that regard as well. (The Monkey’s installation is less painful than the Trail’s, since there are fewer body panels to deal with.)

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Once the panels are out of the way, the intake snorkel is removed to allow access to the area beneath, and from here the wiring job begins as the Opmid’s main harness is laid out carefully and zip-tied into place. It plugs directly into the gauge cluster’s sub-harness, stock temperature sensor, and ignition coil. Check that there’s adequate cable slack as the handlebar is turned left to right full lock.

When the Opmid is first powered on, there’s some programming to input front and rear sprocket sizes, rear tire diameter, and the initial value of the odometer (take a picture of your stock odo before removing it, for reference). All the stock figures to input are in the installation videos, but it’s nice to see that the device can be customized for different sprocket combos and wheel sizes as necessary. Once that’s finished, just button everything back up neatly and go for a test ride.

Out on the road, mini-moto riders will be grateful for the upgrade from the dim, spartan stock display. With the M1204 now installed, the rider has the following information readily available (some of which is customizable): speedometer, tachometer, odometer, A/B tripmeters, clock, gear indicator, shift light, fuel gauge, oil temp, voltmeter, oil temp warning alarm, speed warning alarm, oil change reminder, hour meter, and max records (speed, RPMs, and oil temp).

Many of the settings are adjustable if you get into the weeds with programming, but for most Trail and Monkey riders, the primary benefits are the addition of the tach, the gear indicator, and the oil temp reading. The rest is icing on the cake, but it all adds to a more enjoyable riding experience on these pint-sized Hondas.

For more information, visit store.hardracing.com.

The post Opmid Meter for Honda Monkey/Trail | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

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Aerostich: The Great American Motorcycle Suit

May 16, 2022 mcnews Leave a comment

To tell the story of the legendary Aerostich riding suit is to tell a story about America. The dream of it, but also the tenacity required to navigate its possibilities. Because running a successful small business in America these days demands more than a clear vision and hard work. It requires staying power.

Native Duluthian Andy Goldfine was committed to the dream of creating a small business long before he knew what product or service he might offer. Separately, the concept of a lightweight, armored, easy-to-use coverall to wear over clothes as one commuted to and from their job was born from a personal wish to own such an item. These two ambitions merged when Goldfine conjured the first Roadcrafter one-piece riding suit back in 1983.

What Schott is to leather and Belstaff is to waxed cotton, Aerostich is to synthetic-fiber textiles used to create durable, high-performance motorcycle gear. The world is overflowing with it now, but back in the early ’80s, people weren’t talking about things like breathability or tensile strength or viscoelastic foam armor. Cordura and Gore-Tex were still exotic. And so, without any kind of roadmap, Goldfine created a totally new type of riding gear, and boy, did that suit show us what our leather gear was missing.

I (literally) stepped into my first Roadcrafter back in 1986 when Goldfine was visiting the Rider offices in California, and I have been living in these suits ever since. Like so many motojournalists of that era, I found the Roadcrafter wasn’t just the gold standard for commuting, it was also magic for sportbike riding and touring. Newer designs (R-3 Darien and AD1) from the Aerostich factory in Duluth might be just as popular these days, but when I last visited the shop I was hunting for a new Roadcrafter Classic two-piece to fit my now middle-aged bod.

It was my first time in Goldfine’s very Minnesotan three-story brick building – a former candy factory – and it was obvious right away this is a cool place for bikers to chill. After I was fitted for my new suit, I got a tour of the different floors and stations where skilled craftsmen and craftswomen, a fair number of riders among them, cut and assemble the various fabric into “kits,” which are then handed over to expert sewers and finally seam-taping machine operators before each garment is inspected and prepared to meet its new owner.

The handcrafting of the suits is enjoyable to watch, especially since everyone working here – some who have been with Goldfine for decades – seems to enjoy their craft.

But one of the things I leave most impressed by is how fiercely this operation works to remain “Made in the USA.” For example, Goldfine explains that, due to current trade policies, the tariff on bringing in fabric from Asia is about twice as high as the tariff for bringing in completed riding gear. “It’s as if the USA doesn’t want commercial/industrial sewing activity done in this country,” he told me.

Supply chain issues caused by Covid have only deepened the challenge. Yet Goldfine remains true to his standards, a rare example of an apparel manufacturer uneasy with the lure of inexpensive offshore production, even as many consumers take the bait, sometimes unwittingly trading quality for low prices on everyday goods.

While the riding suits remain the pillar of Aerostich offerings, Goldfine has created and collected a dangerously desirable array of complementary apparel items, accessories, and equipment to make riding “easier, safer, and more comfortable.” It might be a heated mid-layer, a unique tool, perfect-fitting earplugs, stink-resistant socks, or a new tent you didn’t know you needed until you saw it on the website or in that cherished catalog that occasionally shows up in the mail.

And while he finds satisfaction in his artful curation of products and the affirmation of Aerostich loyalists, Goldfine’s core intention isn’t driven by being fashionable or even making money. His deeper motivation is about promoting the physical, psychological, and societal benefits of riding motorcycles every day. It’s why he created Ride to Work Day, to remind us of the Rx effect of being on the motorcycle, even for a short “useful” ride each day. He believes riding makes us “better-functioning, calmer, clearer” people and also brings economic, environmental, and congestion-lessening benefits to our communities.

It’s with these big thoughts in mind that I step into my fresh Roadcrafter a week later. How the heck can a riding suit feel like home? This one does. No matter what newfangled riding apparel comes into my life to be tested, it’s the all-American Aerostich that endures.

For more information, visit aerostich.com.

The post Aerostich: The Great American Motorcycle Suit first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

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Alpinestars Shows off Tech-Air 10 Motorcycle Airbag 2022

April 15, 2022 mcnews Leave a comment

Avaliable now, the Alpinestars Tech-Air 10 is the most protective airbag system on the market.

Avaliable now, the Alpinestars Tech-Air 10 is the most protective airbag system on the market. (Alpinestars/)

Alpinestars took some time during this year’s MotoGP race at Circuit of The Americas to give riders an up-close look at its new Tech-Air 10 airbag system (following the original release at CES in the Alpinestars Introduces New Tech-Air Airbag Systems in 2022 article). This motorcycle gear changes the game for rider protection, offering Alpinestars’ race-proven technology to the masses. It will retail for $999.95 when available. Stay up to date on release information by registering for notifications.

Alpinestars has been developing its airbag technology for more than 20 years, and hundreds of riders in MotoGP and other regional series use Alpinestars kit to help ensure they’re able to walk away from a crash on track. Avaliable for purchase now, the Tech-Air 10 will provide the most comprehensive airbag coverage on the market, with full upper-body and hip protection. It is designed to work as a stand-alone unit, so can be worn by riders with just about any type of exterior gear, as long as it provides enough clearance for the airbags to successfully deploy.

The Tech-Air 10 comes with 12 sensors and a crash detection algorithm that can be set to either Race or Street modes. The unit, when it senses a crash, will deploy airbags with an average speed of 40 milliseconds. Smaller sized riders will experience faster airbag deployment.

According to Alpinestars, the system decreases impact force by up to 95 percent compared to more traditional protection. It’s also CE-2 certified for back and chest protection.

The unit has a remote, wireless LED display to indicate operational status and the integrated lithium-ion battery provides up to 24 hours of ride time. You’ll be able to connect to the Tech-Air 10 via Bluetooth to keep tabs on operational status, battery life, and MyRide trip information. The Tech-Air app will allow you to keep your Tech-Air 10 up to date with the latest algorithm updates and each system is certified for up to three inflations.

This game-changing piece of kit may be pricey, but the benefits provided make it clear that it’s money well spent.

The Tech-Air 10 is CE-2 certified for back and chest protection.

The Tech-Air 10 is CE-2 certified for back and chest protection. (Alpinestars/)

The advanced airbag system deploys full upper body and hip protection in the event of a crash.

The advanced airbag system deploys full upper body and hip protection in the event of a crash. (Alpinestars/)

The Tech-Air 10 system will retail for $999.95.

The Tech-Air 10 system will retail for $999.95. (Alpinestars/)

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

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Cardo Systems Releases Packtalk Edge Bluetooth Communicator

April 4, 2022 mcnews Leave a comment

A pair of Packtalk Edge units will price at $699.95.

A pair of Packtalk Edge units will price at $699.95. (Cardo Systems/)

Cardo Systems has debuted its most sophisticated motorcycle communication system to date with the Packtalk Edge. The slim design, improved functionality and up-spec features promise better sound quality, easier fitment, and more function options than ever before.

The Edge features the latest in Dynamic Mesh Communication, a self-adjusting network that can connect up to 15 riders. The DMC system is enhanced from previous versions thanks to improved connectivity, faster processing and pairing, and better Live Intercom Bluetooth support. Sound quality promises to be superior too as a result of redesigned JBL speakers and three new sound profiles to choose from. The microphone also comes with better noise-canceling capabilities than before.

It features the latest Bluetooth 5.2 technology and upgraded natural-voice operation, allowing riders to easily access numerous features by simply saying, “Hey Cardo.”

The new Packtalk Edge is Cardo Systems’ most advanced communicator yet.

The new Packtalk Edge is Cardo Systems’ most advanced communicator yet. (Cardo Systems/)

The slim unit attaches to any helmet using a magnetic cradle. It offers up to 13 hours of battery life and comes with fast-charging functionality, standard. In a pinch, riders can expect 1.5 to 2 hours run time on a 20-minute charge.

In a press release, Cardo System Chief Executive Officer Alon Lumbroso said of the new system:

“The Packtalk Edge is the best communication device we have ever developed. With the ultimate audio performance in the industry, a novel Air Mount for rapid and secure attachment, and beautiful sleek, and clean design. The Packtalk Edge is a fantastic flagship to our extensive range of communicators. This latest offering is testament to Cardo’s three pillars—quality, purposeful innovation, and user-first. Innovation is in our company DNA and we’re proud to translate that into a product for fellow motorcyclists.”

A single Packtalk Edge unit will price at $389.95 and a pair will cost $699.95. The new Edge system will be available from retailers in late April of this year.

Universal fit and up to 13 hours of battery life.

Universal fit and up to 13 hours of battery life. (Cardo Systems/)

A sleek, slim new design.

A sleek, slim new design. (Cardo Systems/)

Improved functionality makes it easier than ever to stay in contact with your riding pals.

Improved functionality makes it easier than ever to stay in contact with your riding pals. (Cardo Systems/)

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

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Giant Loop Unveils Keg Kaddy Party Panniers

April 1, 2022 mcnews Leave a comment

Adventure-proof packing systems innovator Giant Loop has responded to thousands of rider requests with the introduction of its new Keg Kaddy Party Panniers. Frosty cold beverages are on tap at the end of every day’s adventure now, with the world’s first integrated solar-powered refrigeration system cooling a full-sized 15.5 gallon keg (approximately 124 pints) kept fresh with a carbon dioxide injection.

A propane barbecue grill completes the party and balances the weight for optimal off-road performance and handling. Giant Loop logo tap handles and built-in cup dispenser. Built-in hot and cold storage keeps food fresh for up to five days. And just in case any revelers indulge in “one too many,” a breathalyzer disables the motorcycle’s ignition system if the rider’s blood alcohol level exceeds legal limits.

“This is our first ‘crowd-sourced’ design,” explains lead developer Inna Tocksicaded. “Taking inspiration from the famed Coolest Cooler, we added every requested bell, whistle and feature our customers suggested. Plus, we are headquartered in Bend, Oregon, one of the capitals of the USA microbrewing industry, so it’s a natural fit.”

Other features include expandable storage compartments for folding table and chairs, tiki lamps, patio lights, portable urinals, and other festive accoutrements (optional accessories, not included). When fully loaded, this go-light fiesta on wheels weighs in at a mere 305 lbs, which is less than many adventure touring riders normally pack for weekend outings.

For riders who want to party like it’s 1999, Giant Loop’s new Keg Kaddy Party Panniers (GL part #KKPP) are priced affordably at just $2,999.99, including solar panels, CO2 and propane tanks, and barbecue. Keg BMW Motorcycle Owners Association members qualify for special pricing. Kaddy Party Panniers are available exclusively at giant-loop.com.

The post Giant Loop Unveils Keg Kaddy Party Panniers first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

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100% Goggles Spring 2022 Line First Look Preview

March 28, 2022 mcnews Leave a comment

The Accuri 2, an affordable entry point into 100%’s goggle line

The Accuri 2, an affordable entry point into 100%’s goggle line (100%/)

For spring 2022, gogglist 100% is offering a new collection of off-road goggles in its Accuri 2, Racecraft 2, and Armega styles.

The Armega is 100%’s top-of-the-line option, featuring an Ultra HD lens with the brand’s proprietary HiPer contrast-enhancing technology. This lens provides better depth of terrain, richer colors, and more detail than standard lenses. It’s shatterproof and held in place by a six-point tab-lock mechanism to make swapping lenses incredibly easy. The bonded dual-injected frame is made to be highly durable and features forced-air intake ports and perforated triple-layer face foam for improved ventilation. The nose guard is removable, and the wide 48mm strap comes with a large silicone bead to keep the goggles reliably in place. The Armega is available in a broad range of colorways in prices ranging from $90 to $120.

The Racecraft 2 comes with many of the same features as the Armega but doesn’t get the Ultra HD lens. It’s designed with a nine-point lens retention system, a 45mm-wide seamless strap, removable nose guard, and dual-injected frame. The lens is anti-fog-coated polycarbonate. Prices range from $65 to $75 depending on colorway and lens option selected.

The Accuri 2 is a more affordable option with an anti-fog-coated polycarbonate lens, 45mm-wide strap, wide field of view, and triple-layer face foam. Pricing starts at $45 for the Accuri 2.

The Armega, with its special Ultra HD lens with HiPer contract-enhancing technology.

The Armega, with its special Ultra HD lens with HiPer contract-enhancing technology. (100%/)

The Racecraft 2, a high-quality goggle at an affordable price.

The Racecraft 2, a high-quality goggle at an affordable price. (100%/)

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

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AltRider Skid Plate for Yamaha Ténéré 700 | Gear Review

March 16, 2022 mcnews Leave a comment

When I look at protecting a motorcycle for multi-surface touring, my first priority is the soft aluminum underbelly, better known as the crankcase. Difficult to field repair and expensive to replace (over $1,400 from one online source), those intricate castings are the inner sanctum for the motor and tranny. Like most OEM skid plates, the Yamaha Ténéré 700’s 2mm-thick aluminum stock unit is adequate for mellow dirt-road travel, but it doesn’t provide enough protection against the serious rock impacts that can occur when the road deteriorates. For something more substantial, I turned to AltRider for its 4mm-thick aluminum plate, which is TIG welded by hand in the USA.

Read our Yamaha Ténéré 700 long-term review

It attaches to the same four mounting points as the stock piece with the included stainless-steel hardware, and to four rearward frame bolts, unitizing the undercarriage. AltRider’s compact design keeps the plate close to the engine to prevent rocks and debris from collecting; protects the header pipes, oil filter, and sidestand switch; and is vented in key areas to shed heat. The oil sight glass is still visible, just a tad harder to see.

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To complete the armor package, I also sourced AltRider’s Linkage Guard, a 6mm high-density polyethylene piece that bolts to the tail of the plate. Riding just below the T7’s exposed rear suspension joints, the flexible guard helps the bike slide over obstacles while limiting impacts to vulnerable suspension components.

The skid plate installation video on AltRider’s website was a helpful guide during installation, to the point of showing how to keep the forward spacers in place with a dab of grease while lining up the screw holes. My 700 has the OEM centerstand fitted, which complicates matters somewhat, because the stand’s thick bracket shares the frame attachment points used by the rear of the plate. Having some visuals would have been helpful for aligning everything and getting the bolts threaded, but perseverance and some colorful language carried the day.

Testing began in the wilds of Nevada, with clunks and clanks ringing out from below as the T7 conquered rocky climbs and roadways-turned-creek beds. The extra-thick metal and stout welded structure gave me the confidence to plow through or smack aside anything in my path –good thing, since at times there was no option but to slam on ahead. The abuse continued into California, where the back way into Bodie State Historic Park dished up more rocks and rubble. Damage assessment: zero, to either bike or plate (not counting scratches), and no small rocks left rattling around between the crankcase and its armor.

Consider me satisfied. The skid plate runs $383.97, or $405.97 with the guard, in either powdercoated black or clear-finished silver.

For more information, visit altrider.com.

The post AltRider Skid Plate for Yamaha Ténéré 700 | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

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Motoport Air Mesh Street Jeans | Gear Review

March 15, 2022 mcnews Leave a comment

Bias alert: About 10 years ago, I procured a set of Air Mesh Kevlar overpants from Motoport. In the more than 100,000 miles of riding in every conceivable condition since, my expectations have only been exceeded. They wear like iron and the black Kevlar fabric hasn’t faded a bit, even after thousands of hours in the sun. They are, far and away, the most rugged and comfortable overpants I have ever tested. These new Motoport Air Mesh Street Jeans share much in common with my old overpants.

Upon first inspecting the garment, the impression is one of substance, quality, and extremely stout construction. They’re made of a Kevlar mesh blend on the front and a Kevlar stretch blend on the rear, all safety-stitched. The mesh-blend material is thick and surprisingly rough to the touch. Motoport claims a tear strength of 1,260 pounds with an abrasion resistance of 1,800 cycles before failure for the mesh fabric, and a tear strength of 420 pounds with an abrasion resistance of 1,800 cycles for the stretch fabric, both of which exceed values for competition-grade leather.

Aesthetically, the Air Mesh Jeans are strictly business, with a quasi-militaristic appearance. On our black test model, there are two cargo pockets, two front handwarmer pockets, and gray reflective piping on the lower leg. Internally, the Air Mesh Street Jeans feature what is likely the industry’s most comprehensive armor coverage. There are hip pads, a sacrum pad, thigh pads, knee pads, and shin pads, all fitted in dedicated pockets.

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A plethora of options are available, including various colors, suspenders, alternate pockets, cuffs, armor upgrades, and more. I upgraded to four-layer Quad Armor (three-layer Tri Armor is standard) and added an Aero-Tex waterproof/windproof/breathable pant liner and 1.5-inch reflective striping on the calf area. These jeans are built-to-order for each rider’s measurements and tastes, with a base price of $549 plus options (see website for the full list and pricing).

The Air Mesh Street Jeans are easy to take on and off, thanks to beefy 13-inch-long YKK zippers with thick pull tabs at the cuffs, which are hidden behind Velcro flaps for a cleaner look. The armor requires a break-in period before it conforms to the shape of a rider’s body. It initially felt bulky but molded itself to my lower body over time. After two weeks of steady commuting, the pants felt like a second skin.

The realistic temperature range of the Air Mesh Street Jeans was 50 to 105 degrees, the hottest temperature encountered during testing. For colder temperatures or foul-weather riding, the optional Aero-Tex liner kept me warm and dry down to 30 degrees.

After an adventure-filled three seasons, I have only one minor gripe: The interior of the cargo pockets is the same rough-textured Kevlar mesh material as the exterior of the garment. Some delicate items, like documents or smartphone touchscreens, deserve a soft lining.

Aside from that, I have no doubt that these Motoport Air Mesh Street Jeans will be every bit as reliable as my old Air Mesh overpants. This is not an inexpensive, off-the-rack item, but rather first-class American-made protective gear for the serious motorcyclist.

For more information, visit motoport.com.

The post Motoport Air Mesh Street Jeans | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

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Klim Resistor HTD Gauntlet Gloves | Gear Review

March 8, 2022 mcnews Leave a comment

With Arctic blasts of frigid air gifting us single-digit ambient temperatures here in New Jersey, most motorcycles are parked for the winter season. However, there remains a small but dedicated band of polar bears who insist on riding in spite of the cold, and for them proper gear is critical. Klim Resistor HTD Gauntlet Gloves (HTD stands for “heated”) are specifically intended for this type of application.

(Resistor HTD Gauntlet Gloves are part of Klim’s snowmobile apparel line. The Hardanger HTD Long Gloves are designed for motorcycle use and offer more crash-protective features.)

The Resistors feature subdued, but contemporary styling. The black polyester exterior shell is punctuated by additional padding and a swatch of 3M Scotchlite reflective material across the knuckles, with tightly seamed stitching throughout. The palm and fingers are a grippy black leather treated with 3M Scotchgard. A large strap keeps the gloves tightly secured at the wrist, while a bright yellow shock cord at the gauntlet clamps down against the jacket’s cuff. The gauntlet itself opens to a generous 5 inches and can be stretched further if necessary, which is more than enough space for most riders. Each glove has a 1.5-inch-long rubber face shield wiper on the index finger, which was moderately useful in rain and light snow conditions. A large pull loop on the bottom of each gauntlet allows excellent leverage to cinch the gloves on tight.

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Inside, a Gore-Tex windproof/waterproof membrane is sandwiched between the outer shell and the soft moisture-wicking “comfort fleece” inner lining, supplemented with generous 3M Thinsulate insulation (200g on the backhand, and 100g on the palm.) Overall construction of these Vietnamese-made gloves is excellent, with no loose threads, blemishes, or defects detected.

Power for each glove comes courtesy of a 7.4VDC Atewa Li-Po battery, rated for 2Ah. The 2.1- x 0.5- x 1.8-inch cell slips neatly into a Velcro-sealed pouch within the gauntlet. A small backlit button on the gauntlet allows the rider to turn the glove on, off, and toggle between 3 different heat levels. Holding the button down for 3 seconds turns the power on to the High heat setting as default. (If left there, the setting will automatically step down to Medium heat setting after 10 minutes, to conserve battery life.) Tapping the button allows the rider to select between High (red,) Medium (blue,) and Low (green) settings as necessary, and holding the button down for 3 seconds will turn the gloves off.

Check out our Klim Ai-1 Airbag Vest review

Run time on battery varies according to ambient temperature, but in the low teens (the bulk of my testing regimen,) I was consistently able to get nearly 8 hours on low, nearly 3 hours on medium, and about 1.5 hours on high. (This was all after cycling the batteries a few times.) One can expect more time in warmer ambient temps, and less in colder. An AC-DC charger which handles two cells simultaneously is included.

Out on the road, these gloves were supremely comfortable thanks to their plush, well insulated interiors. Indeed, even unheated, they were warm enough to ride in the high 30s without the heating function activated. In colder conditions with the heating turned on, they reached peak temperatures in about 5 minutes, and were more than a match for sustained rides in the single digits. Likewise, the waterproof claim was verified by submerging them in a bucket full of water for 20 minutes, without a drop leaking inside. Overall, these Klim gloves represent a superlatively functional choice for my fellow polar bears who brave any temperature a sane motorcyclist would dare venture into.

Klim Resistor HTD Gauntlet Gloves retail for $249.99 and are available in sizes XS-3XL.

For more information: See your dealer or visit klim.com

The post Klim Resistor HTD Gauntlet Gloves | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

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Pakit Rak and Bag for Honda Gold Wing | Gear Review

March 8, 2022 mcnews Leave a comment

Over the past nine years, I have taken four major cross-country motorcycle trips, all of them covering well over 11,000 miles. (Read about one of them here: “One Ride, 47 National Parks”.) I am always looking for an easier, more efficient packing system to improve storage and accessibility on the bike. After researching various options, I found the Pakit Rak and Bag for my Honda Gold Wing.

My requirements were simple: 1) the bag needed to be waterproof through torrential downpours; 2) it must not affect the handling of the bike; 3) it should be easy to put on and take off; and 4) it must be secure so I can leave the bag unattended. On my most recent 15,000-mile, 75-day trip (“The Great American Deli Schlep” in the December 2021 issue of Rider), the Pakit Rak and Bag checked all four boxes.

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The rack is positioned behind the Gold Wing’s rear tire, just below the trunk, and the rack and bag are narrower than the integrated saddlebags, so it does not create additional wind resistance. The rack is rated for a maximum of 25 pounds, including the bag. The weight limit was never an issue because I store my heavy gear, tools, etc. in the side panniers. The Pakit Rak Bag is my hotel bag, so it holds my clothing, CPAP machine, toiletry kit, and other overnight essentials.

The bag, which measures 21 inches (W) x 12 inches (H) x 11 inches (D), offers 13 gallons (49.2 liters) of storage capacity in the main compartment, which has internal pockets. There’s additional storage in the expandable zippered side pockets, and the bag includes a shoulder strap and a rain cover. When the bag is on the bike, I always use the rain cover to protect it against the elements, dust, dirt, and road grime.

The Pakit Rak can be mounted in two ways: 1) a receiver bracket that attaches directly to the bike’s frame, or 2) a hitch bracket. The hitch brackets are less expensive than the receiver bracket; see the company’s website for pricing based on Gold Wing model/year (GL1200, GL1500, GL1800) and hitch type. For my 2018 Honda Gold Wing, I went with the receiver bracket option ($575). The bracket is made of 18-guage sheet metal and stiffened with tube steel, and the attachment tube is made of 1-x 1-inch structural tube steel. Everything is powdercoated black, and once the hidden frame bracket is installed, you never see it.

The attachment point for the rack is behind the license plate. When the bag is placed on the rack, it can be secured with a metal bar that runs through the bag and locks in place. For the receiver bracket version, a cotter pin secures the rack to the bracket; an optional locking cotter pin provides additional security.

For more information, visit pakitrak.com.

The post Pakit Rak and Bag for Honda Gold Wing | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

MotorCycle News

Tag Archives: Gear

Opmid Meter for Honda Monkey/Trail | Gear Review

Aerostich: The Great American Motorcycle Suit

Alpinestars Shows off Tech-Air 10 Motorcycle Airbag 2022

Cardo Systems Releases Packtalk Edge Bluetooth Communicator

Giant Loop Unveils Keg Kaddy Party Panniers

100% Goggles Spring 2022 Line First Look Preview

AltRider Skid Plate for Yamaha Ténéré 700 | Gear Review

Motoport Air Mesh Street Jeans | Gear Review

Klim Resistor HTD Gauntlet Gloves | Gear Review

Pakit Rak and Bag for Honda Gold Wing | Gear Review

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