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.
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.
Whether cruising the pavement or banging along a remote dirt road, tankbags are a rider’s most convenient place for storing frequently used items. Where else could I keep my sunscreen, hat, and snacks so easily at hand? I’ve used several high-capacity bags over the years on various motorcycles, and although appealing for the sheer volume of stuff they hold, I find large bags can also interfere with bike control. This is most noticeable when standing on the pegs while riding off-pavement. The Nelson-Rigg Trails End model, part of its Rigg Gear Adventure line, creates no such problem.
It has a useful 12-liter capacity, and is expandable vertically to 16.5 liters. Securely mounted to my Yamaha Ténéré 700’s tank with four side-release buckles and the requisite straps, it stays put over the roughest ground, yet is easy to partially remove for fueling. The Trails End’s base is slightly tacky to assist in stabilizing it, and there are protective fabric tabs where the straps contact the tank.
Sewn from UltraMax synthetic fabric, which is said to resist fading (as it has for 8 months), the Trails End maintains its tapered, box-like shape, and it features reflective piping all around. The twin zippers are easy to operate and designed to prevent dust entry, and the two narrow side pockets are large enough for my faceshield cleaning kit, a few small tools, and a notebook.
Perhaps best of all, the left pocket doesn’t sound the 700’s horn with the bars at full lock. Since the bag is narrow, the map pocket can’t accept two folds of an AAA map, requiring some field origami to make one fit. The clear top is touchscreen-friendly and includes an inside pocket with a net to hold a phone, but my phone had to be securely supported from below (as in stuffing a shirt in the bag) for me to use it easily. At the rear of the bag is a weather-resistant power port; from there, a cord can be run into the map pocket.
With the bag in its unexpanded configuration, the extra two-layer body material from the extension crowds the interior a bit without seriously limiting volume. The large hump of my Yamaha’s tank steals space too, so those extra 4.5 liters when the bag is expanded are invaluable for stashing an extra layer or stocking up on Fritos at the last gas stop before camp. This is a handsome, well-built bag, with its only flaw being some imperfect sewing to attach the map pocket net and second power port.
The Nelson-Rigg Trails End Adventure has a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, and comes with a tight-fitting rain cover with a clear top and the ability to extend to protect the expanded bag. It sells for just $119.95.
Our Hayabusa test bike fitted with the Nelson-Rigg Commuter Tail Bag (Touring size).
As our recent test of the Suzuki Hayabusa shows, a big, open-class sportbike can make for one heckuva sport-tourer. But touring means going far, often for days at a time, and that requires luggage to carry gear. Earlier this year we tested Nelson-Rigg’s Commuter series tankbags, both the Lite (up to 8.4 liters when expanded) and Sport (up to 14.5 liters). They offer strap and magnetic mounts in the same bag, which is perfect for the Hayabusa, since the front of its tank has a plastic cover and the back is steel.
When I needed to pack gear for several days to ride up to the Progressive IMS Outdoors show in Northern California in July, I used the Sport tankbag and matching tailbag. To accommodate different bikes and needs, Nelson-Rigg’s Commuter Tail Bag comes in three sizes: Lite (up to 15.3 liters, $109.95), Sport (up to 22.3 liters, $119.95), and Touring (up to 33 liters, $149.95). I opted for the Touring version.
Nelson-Rigg Commuter Tail Bags are available in three sizes: Lite, Sport, and Touring.
The Hayabusa has a large passenger seat (for a sportbike), which is removable with the ignition key, and it has a large wrap-around grab handle. The Commuter bag has four adjustable straps that connect to quick-release buckles on the outside. Pairs of straps are connected via looped ends, and they run under the seat. I looped the rear straps around the grab handle for extra security. Installation took only a few minutes, and I was able to remove the bag and the straps even quicker. Once installed and loaded, the bag remained secure and the straps tight, even after a full day of tossing the ’Busa around on California’s ultra twisty Highway 1.
The Touring size Commuter Tail Bag in its expanded configuration.
In its standard configuration, the Commuter Touring measures 14 x 12 x 9 inches and holds up to 24.8 liters. When expanded, its height increases from 9 to 12 inches and total capacity tops out at 33 liters. The bag is made of Nelson-Rigg’s proprietary UltraMax fabric that offers UV protection against fading, and molded EVA panels help the bag maintain its shape even when empty. Inside the bag is a light gray interior, straps to secure contents, and a large mesh pocket inside the dome-shaped lid. The exterior has a non-slip, non-scratch base, a flush-mount reflective handle, and reflective piping. A rain cover and shoulder/backpack strap are also included.
Overall, the Commuter Tail Bag is a great piece of luggage that’s well made, versatile, stylish, and reasonably priced. It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty.
The Wolfman Peak Tail Bag WP is a 6.5L waterproof, rack-mounted motorcycle tail bag with an 840D nylon exterior and RF-welded seams. MSRP is $169.99. (Story and photos by Moshe K. Levy, aka Moto Mouth Moshe)
Wolfman’s Peak Tail Bag WP provides a compact but versatile storage space on any motorcycle with a dedicated luggage rack. Its black wedge-shaped exterior is constructed of 840D nylon TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) laminate with radio frequency-welded seams. The “WP” in the name refers to Welded Product, though the Peak is also waterproof. It has a reflective yellow Wolfman logo accent on the narrow side, and a matching yellow bungee on top.
Beefy YKK water-repellant zippers with oversized plastic pulls allow access to the matching bright yellow interior, which features an integrated zippered mesh pocket on the top lid’s underside. Total capacity is 6.5 liters, which is plenty of room for food, hand tools, and basic rain gear. Overall, the Peak measures 10 inches long by 6 inches high, and its width narrows from 8 inches in front to 5 inches at the rear. Four robust straps allow for mounting to the motorcycle’s rack (it’s not designed to be mounted directly to a rear fender), and the bag features a non-skid base attached by hook-and-loop to the Peak’s bottom, which keeps it from shifting during riding.
A bright yellow interior makes it easy to find small items.
Over a 5-month testing regimen, I exposed the Peak to a variety of weather conditions including extended winter rides below freezing and prolonged spring downpours. It proved to be very durable, and especially impervious to mud and road grime, which easily wiped clean off of the exterior’s nylon material with soap and water. The Peak’s water-repellant nylon exterior and welded seams kept the interior bone dry even after hours in torrential rain. Aesthetically, the Peak retains its shape whether full or empty thanks to its plastic-reinforced shell, which is an added bonus.
Ultimately, Wolfman’s Peak WP Tail Bag impressed with its combination of useful practicality and rugged construction, in a size that’s just right for day trips. Its MSRP is $169.99 and it’s made in the USA.
As Egon Spengler famously warned in Ghostbusters, “Don’t cross the streams … It would be bad … Try to imagine all life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light.” No, I wasn’t building a proton pack in my garage, but I did need to ride our KTM 890 Adventure R to the Indian FTR S press launch in Phoenix. There I was on an off-road-ready adventure bike, wearing a helmet without a dirt-bike peak, a cruiser-style leather jacket, riding jeans, and high-top riding shoes.
Every Gore-Tex-clad, Instagram-famous ADV rider who passed me going down the road probably laughed so hard that Starbucks French Roast spewed out of their nose. Clearly I had violated rules of proper sartorial etiquette and must be banished.
Whatever.
I needed to get the hell out of the house and put some serious miles on the KTM, and I wasn’t about to wear one set of gear on the bike and carry another for the press launch. I’m not (that) vain. But I did need a place to stash my slinky black cocktail dress, laptop and other necessities for a two-night stay.
Standard equipment on the KTM is a luggage rack with burly passenger hand-holds and tie-down points — the ideal perch for Nelson-Rigg’s Sahara Dry Duffle Bag. Part of the Rigg Gear Adventure line of luggage, the Sahara is made of heavy-duty, waterproof 24-ounce tarpaulin PVC with heat-welded seams. Internal stiffeners help the bag keep its shape regardless of what’s inside, and a roll-top keeps the elements out. The bag has a 39.33-liter capacity and measures 20” L x 10” W x 12” H. A pair of adjustable compression straps further secure the outside of the bag, and it has a removable carry handle and reflective accents.
Four durable webbing straps with loops on each end attach to adjustable buckles (two on the front and two on the back) to secure the bag to the bike. The straps don’t stretch, so they required additional tightening as the bike’s vibration introduced a bit of slack. Being the paranoid sort that I am, no matter what bag I put on the back of a motorcycle, for extra security I always double up with a pair of Rok Straps since their built-in bungees maintain constant tension.
Although I didn’t encounter any rain or ectoplasmic slime on my journey, I dealt with some desert dust storms and nary a particle got into my gear. Overall, this is a solid piece of kit that will be part of my ADV arsenal for years to come. It’s available in Black or Yellow/Black for $114.95.
For more information: See your dealer or visit nelsonrigg.com
It may seem like you need a big adventure bike to carry saddlebags or luggage on a long on- and off-road ride, or at least some sort of side racks to support and keep the bags out of the rear wheel. Fortunately for fans of smaller, more dirt-worthy machines, the clever souls at Wolfman Motorcycle Luggage have figured out how to secure soft luggage to the slim, Spartan tailsections of enduro and dual-sport bikes without mounting heavy and undesirable metal side racks.
In addition to a wide selection of soft luggage for all types of motorcycles, Wolfman offers the E-Base WP “Unrack” system as a starting point for mounting many of its different bag options. Constructed of two layers of custom 840d TPU with hard flexible plastic in between, the E-Base is waterproof and durable enough for sustained abuse off-road, and its simple three-point mounting system fastens it securely over the rear fender and side panels of enduros and dual-sports and makes it very stable. Multiple D-rings and quick-release straps on the E-Base let you attach Wolfman’s various bag options — I tried the waterproof small 303 WP and medium Rolie WP bags in various combinations depending upon the length of the ride.
Roll-down tops with quick release buckles and radio-frequency welded seams make the tough 840d TPU Rolie WP bags 100% waterproof, and the outside layer is laser cut with slots for nylon webbing straps that secure to the E-Base or to crash bars and tail racks. The 303 WP bag (named after Colorado’s original area code) holds six liters, and two or three of these are perfect for day trips on my Yamaha WR250R. For longer overnighters and camping I use the 12-liter medium Rolie WPs for more space. Large 20-liter Rolie bags are available for use with Wolfman’s larger B-Base WP and bigger ADV machines. All have bright yellow liners to make items easy to find within, and ask Wolfman about stuff sacks for the Rolie Bags WP — they were working on some at this writing.
Once you figure out how everything mounts and cut the straps to length (replacements are readily available), the E-Base WP and three Rolie bags filled to capacity simply won’t budge on my dual-sport, even after hours of riding on rocky, bumpy trails. The beauty of the system is that the bags can stay on the E-Base when you whisk it off the bike by simply undoing two straps. If you’re concerned about scuffing, I recommend applying some clear shelf liner or 3M paint protection film to finished parts under the E-Base, like the plastic muffler heat shield on my WR. Wolfman also sells accessory heat shields.
The $149.99 E-Base will fit most enduro bikes and smaller dual-sport bikes, like the KTM EXC, EXC-W, Husky FE and TE Series, Yamaha WR and WR250R, Honda CRF series, Suzuki DRZ400 and Kawasaki KLX250. Rolie bags sell for $69.99 to $99.99.
My first street-legal motorcycle was a Honda XL500R dual-sport, and as a teenager I rode the wheels off that thumper, generally wearing a backpack to carry stuff since securely fitting the soft luggage available then to its skinny seat and fenders was a pain. Like our dual-sport bikes of today, however, soft luggage for them has advanced considerably, enough that it’s now possible to quickly and securely attach enough for an on-/off-road overnighter, even on my little Yamaha WR250R.
Nelson-Rigg recently released a pair of Dual-Sport/Enduro Saddlebags that hold 12 liters per side, or 15 liters per side expanded, a good size for a short camping trip into the backwoods or trips to the grocery store on most dual-sport singles. Constructed of UV treated, water-resistant Tri-Max fabric with an anti-slip/scratch protective panel on the back, their kidney shape is well suited to the upswept tail section and muffler of the typical dual-sport bike, and the lengthwise zipper on top makes it easy to load larger items—I was able to slip a large roll of paper towels and four cans of soda easily into one without even expanding it. Should you need more space, a circumferential zipper unzips to expand the bags outward, and there’s a pouch pocket for tools and whatnot on the underside of each.
The mounting system starts with the usual pair of adjustable hook-and-loop straps that go over the seat. Then you tie off the front of the bags with a slip-buckle strap that also serves as a tensioner for the load in the bag along with another tensioning strap on the outside. The aft straps attach to an adjustable harness with U-shaped buckles on each end that slips onto the rear fender. It takes a bit of fiddling to get everything adjusted properly, but once you do the bags end up better secured to the bike than typical saddlebags. They still aren’t held down as tightly as bag types that attach to a separate harness, and these saddlebags aren’t waterproof, so I would categorize them as medium-duty, best for on-road and light, dry off-road riding. Make sure to have a heat shield in place if a bag would otherwise contact a muffler.
Nelson-Rigg’s Dual-Sport Saddlebags do hold a lot, and their top lengthwise zipper (versus a roll-down opening) makes them very convenient to use. To add even more capacity, Nelson-Rigg’s Trails End Dual-Sport Tail Bag holds 6.5 liters or 11 liters expanded, attaches easily to lots of motorcycle types—not just dual-sports—and its rugged UltraMax fabric construction holds it shape when empty. Zippers are water-resistant and also keep out dirt and dust, and there’s a Molle panel on the lid for attaching even more stuff. This tail bag is perfectly sized for my soft lunchbox, for example, and has tie-down straps inside to secure the load.
As long as your off-road adventures aren’t too gnarly, this Nelson-Rigg saddlebag/tail bag combo is a convenient solution to dual-sport luggage needs. The Dual-Sport/Enduro Saddlebags go for $142.95 and the Trails End Dual-Sport Enduro Tail Bag is $119.95.
Touratech Zega Evo panniers installed on a Honda Africa Twin.
Looking at a set of “panniers” (from the French panier, or basket), or hard locking saddlebags, most of us probably wouldn’t think of them as a “system,” like a suspension or electrical system. But with its Zega Evo Panniers, Touratech has indeed elevated a pair of motorcycle side cases to that level. Available for a number of BMW GS, KTM ADV and Honda Africa Twin models, I chose them for my AT because they sit a few inches lower and farther back than some others, yet still have plenty of ground clearance. But the quality and comprehensive features of the Zega Evos pleasantly surprised me once they arrived.
The primary Evo advantage is a slick but secure quick-release latching system, which allows you to pop them on and off the stainless steel mounting racks with a single locking lever outside, rather than having to unscrew and fiddle with a pair of knobs inside the bags. So the Evos can be installed or released quickly and easily whether they’re closed or open, and have fold-flat ergonomic handles on top that make them easy to carry.
Constructed of sturdy aluminum with no welded seams, the base of each Evo is secured with stainless-steel rivets and a silicone gasket, and the raised lid has a tongue-and-groove aluminum edge with an integrated, waterproof silicone seal that is recessed out of harm’s way. Both bags passed the hose test with nary a drop of water entering. A waterproof vent prevents vacuum from forming when changing elevation so they always open easily.
The Zega Evos feature dual hinging latches, a detachable nylon strap that holds the lids open, lashing loops on all four corners and integrated mounting pins for Touratech accessories like water or fuel bottle holders.
I went with the 31- and 38-liter pair of Evos (10 and 10¾ pounds, respectively) for the Africa Twin; the smaller one mounts on the exhaust side for a mostly symmetrical fit. Together they provide plenty of storage for a long solo ride, and the overall width is 40 inches – about 4 inches wider than the AT’s handlebar. There is still plenty of room for a passenger’s feet on the pegs, too. Touratech also offers a 38-/45-liter pair of Evos that it says end up 42 inches wide; the 45-liter bag can hold a full-face helmet.
The Zega Evo System comes with stainless tubular-steel mounts that are offset for the exhaust. They took me about two hours to install because the rear turn-signal extensions on 2018 and later Africa Twins have to be removed, an easy but time-consuming job, and the AT’s middle rack supports were a challenge to fit. Once they’re on, though, the sturdy, well-made racks provide solid support for the Evos or soft saddlebags.
Other nice Evo Pannier features include dual hinging latches, so you can remove the lids entirely or open them at either end – a detachable nylon strap holds the lids open. Lashing loops on all four corners of the lids – inside and out – let you utilize the inner lid space and secure additional gear on top. Integrated steel mounting pins are preinstalled in back for attaching Touratech accessories like water or fuel bottle holders.
After installing the Evos I loaded them up for a two-night trip to Lake Arrowhead, and gave them and the Africa Twin a good thrashing on some of the rocky, rutted forest roads in the San Bernardino Mountains. They held fast, kept the dirt and water out and popped right off at the hotel. At $1,799 for the complete Evo system you’ll pay about $450 more than Touratech’s Zega Pros for quick-release convenience.
For more information, call (800) 491-2926 or visit touratech-usa.com.
Mosko Moto Reckless 80L V2.0 Luggage attached to a BMW F 800 GS.
Mosko Moto has some new ideas about soft luggage for motorcyclists. A good example is its modular evolution of the horseshoe-style pannier system — the Reckless 80L V2.0 tested here. Constructed of tough 1680D nylon over a polyethylene core, the R80’s three-part harness carries a holster on each side and a beavertail of two overlapping flaps on top. Aluminum stiffening bars are fitted to stabilize the harness during hard riding. Some assembly is required, assisted by helpful printed and video instructions. The holsters attach to the center chassis with supplied screws, washers and T-nuts that fasten through pre-drilled holes. When my fingers cried “uncle” trying to set the T-nut prongs into the thick harness I reached for a hammer and half-inch socket to drive them home.
The Reckless is a strappy system, starting with five to attach it to the bike — a pair at the lower front pulling it down and forward and three at the rear. Eleven more straps cinch down the beavertail and pouches. Not to worry though, the straps ensure a compact, solid load that stayed put over miles of heavy hits on rocks and ruts during testing. Most fasten with familiar side-release buckles and have keepers to prevent flailing. Mounted to my BMW F 800 GS, the 80-liter Reckless leaves plenty of room on the seat for me, and some on the rack for more gear. At just over 11 pounds, the pack is much lighter than rack-dependent solutions, though heavier than some other rackless options.
Mosko Moto Reckless 80L V2.0 Luggage attached to a BMW F 800 GS.
Each Hypalon-armored holster carries a 25-liter, 800D polyurethane-coated dry bag and mates to a roll-top accessory pocket below; both are slanted to facilitate storing heavy items low and forward. The dry bags feature clear windows and blue interiors to aid in eyeballing the contents, and bottom grab handles for pulling them into the holsters. Lighter gear rides under the beavertail in Mosko’s 22-liter Stinger dry bag, which doubles as a backpack. Packing up the Reckless took some thought and experimentation. I settled on water, sleeping bag and tent in one dry bag, kitchen and food in another, and clothes and sundries in the Stinger. My chair, tools, tire kit and snacks went in the pockets. The R80 package also includes an aluminum heat shield, a rugged tent pole bag and a featherweight 20-liter dry sack for wet items. Under the beavertail are two mesh organizer pockets and a detachable map case.
Mosko’s modular design keeps everything handy, both on the road and in camp. The dry bags can sit in the rain until you unpack them in your tent vestibule; empty, they cover your boots overnight. For motel stops, the harness stays on the bike and the bags come inside. I didn’t find a detail that wasn’t addressed in the design and construction of this robust, waterproof luggage system that sticks to my GS like it was bolted on. The R80 is rugged kit that’s built to go the distance. It sells for $625.
For more information, call (509) 281-3211 or visit moskomoto.com.
Our Editor-in-Chief got the farkling bug, and outfitted his Africa Twin with enough crash protection to cover any unexpected dirt naps, plus hard luggage and more. Photos by Kevin Wing.
It started innocently enough. At 507 pounds ready to ride, Honda’s CRF1000L Africa Twin is the lightweight among the liter-class ADV machines, and given my short legs and lukewarm off-road riding skills I had little desire to make it any heavier. What goes down must come up in order to carry on, and much beyond 550 pounds or so there’s little chance I’m picking it up by myself.
But before riding off into the sunset, every proper ADV machine should have a centerstand and heated grips, right? Both are Honda accessories and were easily installed. Hard saddlebag mounts were next — Honda’s bags are good-looking and convenient since they drop and lock right onto the bike’s built-in mounts, but aren’t quite sturdy enough for the adventures I have in mind. Wanting to mount either soft waterproof saddlebags to save weight or locking aluminum panniers for riding behind enemy lines, a good option is theHepco & Becker Fixed Side Carrier ($281.18), distributed in the U.S. by Moto Machines. This adds just 10 pounds and carries my Hepco & Becker Alu-Case Xplorer 30-Liter Panniers ($821) quite securely, providing some tipover protection as well as storage. The bag/carrier combination on the bike is about an inch wider than the handlebars, and asymmetrical since neither the carrier nor right bag wraps around the muffler, but the offset is only two inches (which can be symmetrized by mounting a 40-liter Xplorer on the left).
Here is a good view of the National Cycle VStream Sport/Tour Windscreen, Touratech Headlight Guard, Hepco & Becker Tank Guard and BDCW Connector Rods, Lower Engine Bars and Ultimate Skid Plate.
Now, I swear I was going to stop there, but the Moto Machines website sucked me in and before I could tame the mouse it had clicked on Hepco & Becker Handlebar Protection bars(2.75 pounds, $163.33) and its Tank Guard (8 pounds, $301.68) for the Africa Twin. I like the style and wind protection of the stock plastic hand guards on the AT — the sturdy steel Protection bars beef them up like an exoskeleton and install in about 10 minutes. And Tank Guard is kind of a misnomer — it protects far more than just the tank by mounting the tubular-steel bars solidly to the bike’s frame at top and bottom and wrapping around the front and sides of the AT’s fairing. Should make a good grab point as well.
K&N air filters are washable and last up to 100,000 miles; oil filters often come with a nut on top for easy removal and installation.
When I was installing the Tank Guard, I noticed just how exposed and vulnerable the Africa Twin’s radiators are to flying rocks and such, and that the thin plastic grates Honda has installed over them aren’t much better than soft cheese. That led me to Black Dog Cycle Works (BDCW), which offers a pair of well-made aluminum Radiator Guards ($95) that bolt on over the stock ones and don’t impede airflow. Turns out BDCW has lots of nice stuff for the AT, including tubular-steel Lower Engine Bars(6.5 pounds, $285); lightweight aluminum Connector Rods (1.75 pounds, $160) that link its Engine Bars to the Hepco & Becker Tank Guard; an aluminum Rear Rack(3 pounds, $149) extension; and large aluminum Traction Footpegs ($229). All of this stuff somehow found its way onto my bike in about 2.5 hours, helped by good instructions, well thought-out design and an underpaid second pair of hands.
But what really blew me away was BDCW’s Ultimate Skid Plate (11.5 pounds, $349). Not only because it covers so much more of the bike’s tender underbits with tough 3/16-inch-thick aluminum than the stock 3-pound unit, but because its clever design takes less than 10 minutes to install, and it comes off for oil changes and such with just two bolts. The smooth bottom lets the Skid Plate slide over obstacles, and it’s contoured to the frame for maximum ground clearance.
Add combo wrenches for axle nuts and tire repair tools to this CruzTools RoadTech M3 Tool Kit and you’re good to go.
Oh boy, I was on a roll now. More wind protection: National Cycle’s VStream Sport/Tour Windscreen($159.95) is about 3 inches taller and wider than stock, and quiets wind noise down quite a bit. Protection for that expensive LED headlight: Touratech’s Quick-Release Clear Headlight Guard ($139.95) is like a pair of safety goggles, straps on and can be removed in seconds. It doesn’t seem to affect the headlight beam either. More aggressive DP559 and DP121 Brake Pads from DP Brakes, a Nelson-Rigg Adventure Tank Bag ($101.95) and Sahara Duffel ($112.95), and I was nearly finished except for suitable rubber. We gave Michelin’s new Anakee Adventure Tires (MSRP front $202.95, rear $287.95) a thorough review in the June 2019 issue, and found them to be an exceptional choice for 80/20 ADV work. In addition to greater grip off-road than the Africa Twin’s stock tires, the Anakee Adventures sacrifice very little wet or dry on-road performance, and don’t make any noise riding in a straight line, just a mild hum in faster bends.
DP Brake Pads give the AT’s brakes more feel and bite.
All told I ended up adding about 50 pounds to my 2018 Africa Twin (not including the Xplorer bags), but now it’s ready for almost any adventure, and some of that weight should pay for itself the first time it takes a dirt nap….
Keep scrolling for more detailed photos.
BDCW Rear Rack.Hepco & Becker Alu-Case Xplorer 30-Liter Panniers and Nelson-Rigg Sahara Duffel.Trails End Adventure Tank Bag.National Cycle VStream Sport/Tour Windscreen.BDCW Traction Footpegs.BDCW Skid Plate.
