To pack rack or not to pack rack?

[Ms Piggy]

I have a pack rack for my bike and I've never used it but, I was wondering what the merits of attaching it would be.

I ride a 250 and do sometimes do day rides but at the moment I do a 50km round trip 4 days a week, most of it is ridden on the MW and I wonder how much wind resistance the pack rack would/could create, the wind really knocks my little bike around.

[Grumpy]

I've had pack racks on my previous bikes and have found them to be fine. The Aero design packs from ventura are good as they are a little more aerodynamically designed. Just remember to turn your pack around with it sitting on the seat behind you, keeps the weight forward of your back wheel.

[mangell6]

The question is how much do you have to carry?? In general pack racks are behind the rider who has far more resistance to the wind. If you have a little to carry then a small backpack should suffice.

[Bonez]

I have a pack rack for my bike and I've never used it but, I was wondering what the merits of attaching it would be.

I ride a 250 and do sometimes do day rides but at the moment I do a 50km round trip 4 days a week, most of it is ridden on the MW and I wonder how much wind resistance the pack rack would/could create, the wind really knocks my little bike around.They come in handy. Extra place to secure bungies. You can get a smaller rack frame usually, to fit in place of th higher frame for around town use and acts as a pillion grab rail. I don't use packs with packracks , but a roll bag- sits low on the seat and doesn't wobble about like a heavily ladened pack does, or sit as high. Just make sure the security screws are tight on a regular basis and have a lock nut-seen a few frames with contents attached seperate from the "L" brackets in my time. Oh and as for pack frame wind resistance-nothing to worry about.

[Ms Piggy]

The question is how much do you have to carry?? In general pack racks are behind the rider who has far more resistance to the wind. If you have a little to carry then a small backpack should suffice.
I thought I'd rather use that than my tank bag so my tank doesn't get scratched and I wouldn't use it if I was going on a big trip. I won't be carrying great amounts but, a change of clothes and some books.

I was just curious as to what others opinions were.

[XTC]

I also have always had pack racks on my bikes. Very versatile things. Had a top box on my VFR750 and that was even better offering more security as it was lockable. My pack is locked onto my bike and I use a small padlock on the zip as a deterrent when I'm away from the bike.

[FROSTY]

pack racks-gods gift to the travelling motorcyclist say I
I have travelled on closed roads at speeds well over 200km/h with a pack on the back no worries

[matthewt]

I commute with my pack rack (work clothes, shoes, 60Gb HD and more in it). Touring as well. As mangell6 said, your body will take most of the hit from the wind. Mines been on for 20,000+ k's and I've never had a problem with it.

[SPman]

Well - this was stable at 250 km on Saturday.......

[Ms Piggy]

Thanks all :)

[XTC]

Just a note..... If you do get an aero pack you need to make sure you have the aero pack frame to suit. Can use original L-brackets with this.

[Sniper]

Yep, Pack racks are fine Cathy. I used to have one on my CG125 and regularly do trips to nelson with a bag on the back. It didn't cause anymore wind resistance that I already had and they definetly are useful

[dawnrazor]

personally i can't stand what pack racks do to the looks of a bike, and would favour a set of throw over panniers or a set of hard panniers. That said I can see the advantages of pack racks. I usually get everything i need for the day into a back pack, water proof and contoured as well.

[Gontour]

What make is that pack SP??......I notice that the the Givi top boxes are incredibly expensive, would also imagine if anyone wanted contents they would take the whole thing...but thats a different matter.. Cheers SP

[placidfemme]

I have a pack rack on my bike... good thing about them is that when you're not using it, you can remove the bars (but still leave it attached to the bike with the Y brackets) and just not have the support beam and pack on it... doesn't make too much difference to the image of the bike...

[mangell6]

I thought I'd rather use that than my tank bag so my tank doesn't get scratched and I wouldn't use it if I was going on a big trip.
...snip...



You will notice a difference with no tank bag as they deflect the wind. It is a bit cooler.

[vifferman]

Now that I have both a packrack/backpack (well, two of them) and a tankbag, I'd have to say that while the tankbag is better for the bike's handling, the backpack is much less hassle - much easier to get on and off the bike. So, I'll probably use the tankbag only when I need extra luggage space.

[Biff]

Pack racks = fugly
Pack racks = practical

Therefore:

Packrack= decision (fugly, paractical)

Basic maffs innit.

[Sniper]

Basic maffs innit.

But maff's innit needed today. Keep it Real

[ManDownUnder]

I say try the thing out. Put it on and see how it suits, take it off if it doesn't...

It'd be a bit different if you didn't already have one.
MDU

[pritch]

I just tried a new packrack on a trip to Auckland and back and have to report the bike was more effected by sidewinds than previously. Not dangerously so, but definitely noticeable.

Much more comfortable than a backpack though.

[SPman]

What make is that pack SP??.....
Standard Ventura zip together Aero pack.Looks a bit off, but, really practical and no worse than a pillion on the back.

[Holy Roller]

I'd go for a set of saddle bags.
Carry more than a pack and weight is kept low.
They don't have to be flash - Borrow some kids paper delivery sacks if you cant find any thing else.
Above all enjoy your trip :2thumbsup

[scumdog]

I thought I'd rather use that than my tank bag so my tank doesn't get scratched and I wouldn't use it if I was going on a big trip. I won't be carrying great amounts but, a change of clothes and some books.

I was just curious as to what others opinions were.

A big point is to have the pack facing forwards (over the back seat) so that wind resistance and centre of gravity is not changed too much.

[Matt Bleck]

I had a pack rack on me ZXR 750 and loved it.

But always had mates saying "pack rack, death trap!".

They reckon that if I came off, I'd get caught up in it and be dragged along with the bike etc.

I still used it, cause I didn't plan on coming off.

Sorry to be a negative nelly, but it's food for thought.

[Bonez]

I'd go for a set of saddle bags.
Carry more than a pack and weight is kept low.
They don't have to be flash - Borrow some kids paper delivery sacks if you cant find any thing else.
Above all enjoy your trip :2thumbsupTis an idea but soft saddle bags really need a bracket fitted each side to stop them rubbing on the shocks or rear wheel. :blip:

[johnsf1980]

Does anyone know if I can fix soft luggage like a pack onto a Givi Monorack? My Bandit has a Givi rack but I dont like the look of topboxes and am wondering if I can use a pack without having to get rid of the Givi rack?

[inlinefour]

I have a pack rack for my bike and I've never used it but, I was wondering what the merits of attaching it would be.

I ride a 250 and do sometimes do day rides but at the moment I do a 50km round trip 4 days a week, most of it is ridden on the MW and I wonder how much wind resistance the pack rack would/could create, the wind really knocks my little bike around.

Personally I'd stick one on my runnabout (TT), but never consider putting it on the CBR as it'll upset the handling of the bike. I'm unsure if I can actually put one on the TT as it is rather narrow, but I'd like to get my mits on one if they fit. I usually wear a backpack and it'd be nice to have the frame to put it on instead as I use a pack all the time. Really depends on the pros & cons. I'd say it'll be noticeable with the wind and maybe a pack on our backs is a bit safer?:blink:

[kels]

I have a pack rack for my bike and I've never used it .
Hey Celtic...would you like to sell it? As I am looking for one for my CBR.

[Lou Girardin]

Does anyone know if I can fix soft luggage like a pack onto a Givi Monorack? My Bandit has a Givi rack but I dont like the look of topboxes and am wondering if I can use a pack without having to get rid of the Givi rack?

You could fit a tail pack to that rack, there's various types; Oxford, Ventura, Givi, Pacsafe.

CSL should also consider a Givi top box. They're little, if any, more expensive than a Ventura set-up, but they have the advantage of being waterproof and reasonably theft proof.
Rubber matting will protect your paint from tankbags too.

[Grahameeboy]

I have never used a pack rack.....either a rucksac or one of those webstraps which work really well.....the racks must still affect handling which is my main reason and of course a lot more expensive than other alterrnatives.

[johnsf1980]

You could fit a tail pack to that rack, there's various types; Oxford, Ventura, Givi, Pacsafe.

CSL should also consider a Givi top box. They're little, if any, more expensive than a Ventura set-up, but they have the advantage of being waterproof and reasonably theft proof.
Rubber matting will protect your paint from tankbags too.

Sweet thanks Lou :-) Knew there had to be some packs I could use!!! :2thumbsup

Has anyone has experience with fixing one of these packs to the Givi topbox rack?

[Lou Girardin]

Sweet thanks Lou :-) Knew there had to be some packs I could use!!! :2thumbsup

Has anyone has experience with fixing one of these packs to the Givi topbox rack?
No problem, they all have multiple tie down points. You can thread them through the slots in the top plate.

[sunhuntin]

What make is that pack SP??......I notice that the the Givi top boxes are incredibly expensive, would also imagine if anyone wanted contents they would take the whole thing...but thats a different matter.. Cheers SP

i use a givi...works like a dream. i was also worried about the whole thing being taken, but to do that, the theif would have to rip out the brackets that slot into the l frames. to take the box off, i have to unlock it and press the red button at the bottom to pop it off. it would be fairly obvious to passers-by it was being stolen, cos youd need a fair bit of force to take it from the l brakcets...ive tried on mine.

as far as wind resistance, i didnt have enough riding on the bike without to notice any difference. makes it easy for storing lid, uniform, jackets and all manner of things. and tightly rolled jacket can be jammed inside the lid and gloves etc tucked around it, with room to spare. with a cargo net, you can put even more on top of the box, and with a bungy, put stuff on the pilion as well. can even carry pizza that way, lol. i wouldnt be without it now.

edit for r4...i came off my bike with both the top box and a back pack. all 4 items [me, bike and luggage holders] went in four different directions. most dangerous of the 4 was i think the top box, which somehow didnt hit me...it was less than a meter away from me when i got up. pack was bungied to the brackets for the box...the bungy stayed with the box.

[scumdog]

MAY have mentioned it before but how many solo riders still ride with their pack hanging off the rear of their pac-rac as opposed to hanging off the front? (and sitting on the pillion seat area)
Makes more sense - out of the wind (less drag) and weight forwards.:yeah:

[merv]

We are totally into Ventura pack racks - easy to fit, and all the bikes I've had them on, the VFR included, you'd never know they are there and I've never noticed handling problems with the bags loaded even. So those talking about handling problems, I don't agree.

I used to ride with a small pack on my back on the dirt bikes and still have to at times depending on what I want to carry, but as per these threads where you'll see pics of our dirt bikes and my VFR, they all have racks. Its less hard on your back without the weight on, and so easy to get at your gear such as camera each time you stop.

Sometimes we'll put the bags on the front, seat side, of the rack, but mainly just leave them on the back. Leaves you with room still to swing your leg over. Never been a problem with wind or handling.

I use the small bag on the back just about every time I ride, and then zip on the larger bag on the seat side if I'm going away and need the extra space.

Usually Ventura produce the L brackets for the specific bike pretty quick after the bike hits the market. For some reason they haven't done that for the XR250L yet so I had to adapt the old brackets from my DR250, just doesn't sit at quite the right angle, but with the bag on it didn't look as silly as I thought it would last week. With my WR it took about 6 months after I bought it before I could get the brackets.

Definitely recommend Ventura. Only negative might be security compared to Givi, but if I have valuables on board at all I always just unclip the bag and take it with me, into cafes for example.

Check out these threads that have a few of my pics on with our bikes included.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=22980

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=23078

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=21180

[Zapf]

i use a givi...works like a dream. i was also worried about the whole thing being taken, but to do that, the theif would have to rip out the brackets that slot into the l frames. to take the box off, i have to unlock it and press the red button at the bottom to pop it off. it would be fairly obvious to passers-by it was being stolen, cos youd need a fair bit of force to take it from the l brakcets...ive tried on mine.

as far as wind resistance, i didnt have enough riding on the bike without to notice any difference. makes it easy for storing lid, uniform, jackets and all manner of things. and tightly rolled jacket can be jammed inside the lid and gloves etc tucked around it, with room to spare. with a cargo net, you can put even more on top of the box, and with a bungy, put stuff on the pilion as well. can even carry pizza that way, lol. i wouldnt be without it now.

edit for r4...i came off my bike with both the top box and a back pack. all 4 items [me, bike and luggage holders] went in four different directions. most dangerous of the 4 was i think the top box, which somehow didnt hit me...it was less than a meter away from me when i got up. pack was bungied to the brackets for the box...the bungy stayed with the box.

I have had GIVI racks and boxes for the SV650S in the past and toured the SI with them. They are great... you can leave them on the bike and know they are reasonably safe... or when you get to a motel just stick a key in and pop them off and off you go. I found that using Givi pannier cases are best, as they keep the weight low. Where as when mounted as top boxes you can feel the sway and also bounces as it positioned behind the rear wheel.

and.... I did come off my bike :P the givi boxes stayed on the bike and them panniers acted as a really good crash bung for the rear of the bike..

[Mooch]

Agree with Merv (Good to see you back Merv !), We a Ventura system if we're going away for more than a couple of days. Handling wise I don't notice much difference (apart from manoeuvring), and the aero packs are reasonable in cross winds. For shorter runs I'll use a tank bag.

My wife also had a system on her old bike. She did say that she would prefer panniers over this system to drop the weight further down the bike. This would only be for serious touring mode where we tend to take too much stuff.:slap:

[terbang]

I have had ventura frames on my 1100's and bandit and they are just great and when you don't have the pack on you can just fit a small pillion grab rail on it that doesn't look too bad. I have the big 65 litre bag that isn't too aerodynamic and it doesn't effect the handling too much though Ventura talk about 130kph as a limit I have taken mine to 210kph often with no probs. I have a Givi top box that I have made an adaptor to fit it to the Ventura mounting "L" brackets that I often exchange for the frame for a day fang and it looks cool, is lockable though it doesn't fit as much in it (also seen over 200KPH with no probs).
Bandit with pillion and back pack full of stuff that mother allways drags along has had no probs whatsoever except that if I get a little excited in the lower gears the front wiill rise a bit (sore, bruised ribs as a result).

[SVrunner]

As i ride in all weathers & puting backpack on back it gets wet.
Having a packrack makes for easy to put on bag as it is designed for rack.
Especially when raining as bag has its own raincoat,

[Lou Girardin]

except that if I get a little excited in the lower gears the front wiill rise a bit (sore, bruised ribs as a result).

My wife's getting used to that, I don't even get a slapping anymore. a tad more than 1/4 throttle will do that when I've got her a all three Givi cases on.

[merv]

Agree with Merv (Good to see you back Merv !)

Cheers, but I haven't really been too far away that much, just a lot of work or holiday trips here or in Oz that have kept me a bit lean on posting, basically because you face such a pile of postings each time you get back and you've lost touch with what's going on.

[sunhuntin]

I have had GIVI racks and boxes for the SV650S in the past and toured the SI with them. They are great... you can leave them on the bike and know they are reasonably safe... or when you get to a motel just stick a key in and pop them off and off you go. I found that using Givi pannier cases are best, as they keep the weight low. Where as when mounted as top boxes you can feel the sway and also bounces as it positioned behind the rear wheel.

and.... I did come off my bike :P the givi boxes stayed on the bike and them panniers acted as a really good crash bung for the rear of the bike..

i wouldnt mind getting panniers for the gn, but dont know if they weigh the bike down to much.

[pritch]

MAY have mentioned it before but how many solo riders still ride with their pack hanging off the rear of their pac-rac as opposed to hanging off the front? (and sitting on the pillion seat area)


That info is included in the instructions now. For short distances or with light loads I use the back out the back as it's easier for me to get on or off the bike. Loaded, or on trips, the pack is on the seat.

[sheddy]

There is a ventura rack on my recent addition, xv1100. I don't have a bag for it and I'm thinking of getting an rjays explorer pack as it looks a pretty useful bit of kit. The way it can be expanded easily, keeps it smaller until you need to load it up.However, I see some nice leather panniers around as well that suit the cruiser style. From what I see the leather panniers look good but wont carry as much. obviously with the rack and sissy bar on the virago putting the bag on the pillion seat is not really an option.For looks I guess the leather panniers are the go. Can't decide which track to take. On price alone the leather panniers are over twice the cost. has anyone else put bags on xv's or intruders ?, which way did you go about it.:wacko:

[Zapf]

i wouldnt mind getting panniers for the gn, but dont know if they weigh the bike down to much.

yea they would be a bit too heavy / big for the GN... wait till your up and coming big bike :)

[geoffm]

Pack racks are mighty handy things, especially for comuting and long trips. I hate wearing backpacks while riding.
I have a cheap top box which Ihave had for years, and is now on the BMW. It was on my GSXR750 previously - I used the packrack L brackets and made an adapter for the top box plate. A top box is great for commuting.

[ducatilover]

i have a ventura packrack from my bros650, i took it off when i got it and if you want it could be someones for a small price:drinkup: it has a few different parts to it so it can be adjusted according to how much crap you want to carry and its in mint condidtion...... pm me if youre interested anyone

[fliplid]

"and.... I did come off my bike :P the givi boxes stayed on the bike and them panniers acted as a really good crash bung for the rear of the bike.."

Been there and done that! Saved a heck of a lot of damage to my bike as well- scuffed the trim on the top box, a Givi 52l jobbie... Still works as it should as well.