Go Rackless

[OlafofOregon]

Benefits of Rackless Soft Luggage:

* Lighter - several pounds of metal in even the simplest, lightest racks (35+ pounds with hard boxes and rack)

* Eliminates points of failure in the field (both luggage racks and the extra stresses on bike's subframe)

* Positions weight closer to center of bike for optimal handling

* Better clearance - only as wide as handlebars, less likely to catch rocks, logs, brush and legs swept under bike

[estebangc]

I agree, Olaf. But:

1) What if you cannot hang the soft-luggage due to exhaust/other reasons? A frame is in any case a better/safer way to keep it in place.
2) What if the rack is well built and it actually adds strength to the subframe?

I have hard alu panniers that came with the bike when I bought it 2nd hand and THEY ARE A DEAD PIG and I'll definitely move to soft panniers.

PS: Where did your post went????

[OlafofOregon]

I'm not sure what happened to my post . . . it seems to have disappeared?

For years and years, the state-of-the-art in backpack design was the external frame pack. In the '80s, internal frame designs emerged and now dominate. Motorcycling is still catching up!

Granted racks do add some protection to the bike.

But eliminating the additional weight, potential points of failure in the field, creating a narrower profile and positioning of weight closer to the bike's center are reasons enough to go rackless.

Exhaust heat can be managed with heat shields.

I've been riding 40 years, and I have never had anything more than a tail rack on any of my motorcycles - and I've never used hard luggage.

There are simply better ways to carry gear - especially off road - on a motorbike.

Originally Posted by estebangc

I agree, Olaf. But:

1) What if you cannot hang the soft-luggage due to exhaust/other reasons? A frame is in any case a better/safer way to keep it in place.
2) What if the rack is well built and it actually adds strength to the subframe?

I have hard alu panniers that came with the bike when I bought it 2nd hand and THEY ARE A DEAD PIG and I'll definitely move to soft panniers.

PS: Where did your post went????

[OlafofOregon]

Sorry - we should start a different thread to discuss rackless options, as this thread is about racks. Glad I got a response from someone on this forum though (crickets). Happy New Year!

Originally Posted by estebangc

I agree, Olaf. But:

1) What if you cannot hang the soft-luggage due to exhaust/other reasons? A frame is in any case a better/safer way to keep it in place.
2) What if the rack is well built and it actually adds strength to the subframe?

I have hard alu panniers that came with the bike when I bought it 2nd hand and THEY ARE A DEAD PIG and I'll definitely move to soft panniers.

PS: Where did your post went????

[Kenny M]

Hi Olaf, Im planning to go without rack as well, do you maybe know what I need for bags or equipment? No problems with things getting stolen? Thanks
Cheers

Kenny

[BornAgain]

Don't have any experience with these Home small company and seems to have a good product.

[Fern]

if you want to go without rack on a DRZ400 it might be worth putting a heatshield over the exhaust. Quite a few DRZs have the dreaded hole, where the luggage pushes the side panel, and if you are unlucky, can set fire to your luggage!