Would enjoy your opinions

[Zombie Master]

There is a lot of mature mechanical wisdom on Boxerworks. I would like to hear your opinions on some gear. I'm starting to order accessories for my new bike. I'm kind of stuck on which saddlebag carriers to buy. There is tons of stuff for the Suzuki DR650. This will be my first bike that will have hard bags. I want to use small hard bag for road duties, and soft bags for off road. My study has led me to understand that hard square edged panniers often break riders legs. I'd like to avoid this. I know I will fall down.

So I'm down to these three models. The first one from MOTO-RACKS is the top runner so far as it is simple, and carries the weight far more forward of the rear axle. You loose passenger comfort but I'm not really thinking of using this bike for pillion. This company also makes nice rear luggage racks that have some fantastic features like bungee rails for easy strapping down gear. I'd buy the smaller rear rack. There are only two points of attachment for the side racks, but the maker says more is not needed with this design. I like that these mounts are light and simple and can be use for soft and hard bags. The manufacture is a small outfit hand built in Vermont.

http://www.moto-racks.com/DR650-buy-page.html

Then there is the Happy Trails that are heavy duty but a lot more stuff behind the axle. I'm sure these would be a solid purchase. I'm not fond of the rear racks they make. I really like tubular construction for a rear luggage rack.

http://www.happy-trail.com/DR650/SU-Sid ... 650SE.aspx

The cheap bastard in me want to go for these Dirt Racks. They are made nearby and look to be a knock off of the happy trails. They can be ordered unpainted and with a rear luggage rack can be delivered to my door for $170. Far less than half the price of the others. All these racks have a lifetime warranty. But I don't believe in warranty on motorcycle stuff in Canada. I like the idea of buying them unpainted so I can see the welding.

http://www.dirtracks.com/1996-2014-Suzu ... d-0029.htm

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[ME 109]

Hey man. Hard to say without seeing the rack, but as it would stay on the bike most of the time, it wants to look good too.
Same rack for hard and soft bags might be a challenge?

Soft bags in the bush would be my choice too.

[Rob]

So which hard bag are you considering?
They are small, but I really like my Givi E21s.



Here they are on a /2, all dooded up (photos courtesy Randy)
http://www.pbase.com/dwerbil/image/139079352/large

http://www.pbase.com/dwerbil/image/139079356/large

And on my bike: http://www.pbase.com/tomfarr/image/152059466

[Rob]

Happy Trails link:

http://www.happy-trail.com/DR650/SU-Sid ... 650SE.aspx

They all look suitable. I, too, like the first ones because they make an effort to move the weight forward. Also, the prettiest, to my eye.

[Rob]

Same rack for hard and soft bags might be a challenge?

I think with soft bags, the primary purpose of the rack is keeping the bags out of the rear wheel and muffler.

[Zombie Master]

Hey man. Hard to say without seeing the rack, but as it would stay on the bike most of the time, it wants to look good too.
Same rack for hard and soft bags might be a challenge?

Soft bags in the bush would be my choice too.

The Moto Racks have tabs on them that fit the Wolfman expedition bags. So I could order it with Givi mounting hardware use the E 21 Givis (or Kappa) and just switch over to softbags by removing the lower Givi mounting buttons.

[Zombie Master]

So which hard bag are you considering?
They are small, but I really like my Givi E21s.

Yes those E21 seem to be a good choice. They are nice and rounded and are quite affordable. The top loading feature would make them easy to use. Have you found them sturdy Rob?

[ME 109]

I knew you'd eventually buckle and start piling stuff on your bike.

[Zombie Master]

I knew you'd eventually buckle and start piling stuff on your bike.

Just not on my Airhead.

[Rob]

Yes those E21 seem to be a good choice. They are nice and rounded and are quite affordable. The top loading feature would make them easy to use. Have you found them sturdy Rob?

I am suitably impressed. I think Givi makes some real nice equipment.