The first thing I noticed...

[Ninja51]

One of the first things I noticed about bikes over here was the huge number with those Ventura back pack rack thingies sticking up on the back!
Yes, I'm sure they are extremely useful, but my god do they spoil the look of a bike? Especially sportsbikes. Sorry Ventura, I know you make 'em here but please... yuk!

[Coyote]

At least they're not pink :p

[Joni]

We once had a thread on this... Im still scared to say the words "pack and rack" in one sentence.... :shake:

I agree, not the most attractive!

[dhunt]

We once had a thread on this... Im still scared to say the words "pack and rack" in one sentence.... :shake:

I agree, not the most attractive!
But certainly the're much more attractive than a sore back after riding all day. And besides you can take them off when you aren't using them.

[James Deuce]

One of the first things I noticed about bikes over here was the huge number with those Ventura back pack rack thingies sticking up on the back!
Yes, I'm sure they are extremely useful, but my god do they spoil the look of a bike? Especially sportsbikes. Sorry Ventura, I know you make 'em here but please... yuk!

Come back when you've got something useful to say.

Or shall we just start bagging your ride?

Since I bought a bike that I used to bag mercilessly, and found it to be much better than I ever imagined, I given up bagging other people's rides and taste. After all I've proved to myself that I don't know anything useful anyway.

If you haven't got something nice, or at least constructive to say then STFU. It's less likely to piss people off who you may need help from on the side of the road one day.

[Motu]

Guys who ride sports bikes are just wankers - the pack rack proves it...

[vifferman]

Guys who ride sports bikes are just wankers - the pack rack proves it...
Well, yeah. But how does the pack rack prove it? :spudwhat:

[Skunk]

One of the first things I noticed about bikes over here was the huge number with those Ventura back pack rack thingies sticking up on the back!
Yes, I'm sure they are extremely useful, but my god do they spoil the look of a bike? Especially sportsbikes. Sorry Ventura, I know you make 'em here but please... yuk!Very practical though. I swap the pack rack for a grab handle (Well, I did when I had the bike. The wife's got that bike now.)

You OK Jim2?

[XTC]

Mmmm pack racks - the best invention ever. I love em. Would rather be able to carry all the crap I think I need than worry about pose value......

[James Deuce]

Very practical though. I swap the pack rack for a grab handle (Well, I did when I had the bike. The wife's got that bike now.)

You OK Jim2?

I've got the grab handle on too.

I've had it up to here (insert suitable height that reaches chin) with having to defend my ride, and/or aspects of it. I wanted a bike with a pack rack, because it's easier to carry two weeks worth of underpants and fruit jubes in a pack than it is to duct tape 3 rubbish bags to the bike. With the tank bag, the soft panniers, and the Ventura pack I could leave home and take my drums with me. I generally use the tank bag for day to day stuff, and leave the pack rack hanging up at home.

I thought we'd all resolved to live and let live?

Mutter, grumble.

This is what happens when I forget to get drunk before I come to work.

[Stroker Girl]

Hi Ninja, correct me if I'm wrong but if that is your bike on your profile pic, hasn't it got a small pack rack fitted??? :confused: Granted it doesn't look like a Ventura one but still............

[Motu]

Well, yeah. But how does the pack rack prove it? :spudwhat:

Yeah well - prove it doesn't prove it,then we'll have all the proof we need to provide provisional proof that having a pack rack proves wankership in the provences.Provided of course I can get this friggen twist cap off my Haagen...

[Grumpy]

One of the first things I noticed about bikes over here was the huge number with those Ventura back pack rack thingies sticking up on the back!
Yes, I'm sure they are extremely useful, but my god do they spoil the look of a bike? Especially sportsbikes. Sorry Ventura, I know you make 'em here but please... yuk!

Had a pack rack on nearly every bike that I've owned, sportsbikes included, I love touring and the pack rack is the one of the best inventions since the motorcycle itself . Ya gotta love 'em eh?........ but your right, they do look like shit on a sportsbike.

Sorry Jim2.

[James Deuce]

Sorry Jim2.
Bloody hell, I don't care about the looks, it's the functionality that counts, and they are barely visible when their profile is reduced to almost nothing with the grab rail on. Just annoyed at the number of people that feel moved to make disapproving comments about other people's decisions.

No need for an apology, because that isn't what got my dander up.

[mattt]

Sort of a lose-lose situation when you've got too much shit to carry.
Either kill that sporty look that your sports bike has, or worse still - take the car :spudwhat:
Dunno how many trips I've done balancing a couple of pizza boxes on the tank 4km home :2thumbsup

[James Deuce]

Yeah well - prove it doesn't prove it,then we'll have all the proof we need to provide provisional proof that having a pack rack proves wankership in the provences.Provided of course I can get this friggen twist cap off my Haagen...
Do you know how much skin I've lost off my hands trying to twist bottle caps off non-twist top beer bottles? Let's just say I could have made a lovely purse out of it, if I'd saved it all up. Or a toolkit for a Harley.

[Blackbird]

They don't look as bad as those Oxford monstrosities. No pack enhances a bike though (unless you're a BMW rider and need to disguise it a bit :niceone:). The good thing about a Ventura pack system is that it's rock steady at over 200k's (theoretically speaking of course :confused: )

[madboy]

I'm a w****** and proud of it. My sportsbike came pre-w****** with a packrack, and although I use it roughly once every month, I can't be bothered removing it when not in use. For everyday commuting where I'm basically carrying coke and sammies, I use the tankbag (less aerodynamic drag as I crouch over the tank wishing my daughter didn't go to a private school and I could afford a [insert 2005 model 1000cc sportsbike here]. So most of the time anyone sees my bike it's got a packrack AND a tankbag on it!!!

Besides, who buys a bike cos of looks? Thought it was the thrill of constant near-cage experiences that did it for everyone?

[Grumpy]

Had myself a real horny looking TL a couple of years back. Spent alot of time and money on it getting it to look a little different to the rest out there. You know the usual shit... polished rims, aftermarket bodywork etc. The bike looked bloody good, even if I do say so myself.

Problem was I liked touring so I had this pack frame fitted. Had this nice looking bike with an ugly pack frame on the back. So I got a mate to machine up a couple of nice alloy plugs, polished the shit out of them and when I wasn't using the frame, that stayed in the garage and in went the plugs. :wari:

Result.... nice shiny bike with nice shiny plugs. You hardly noticed the L brackets hanging down there. Not everyones cup of tea but I was happy. At the end of day that's all that really matters I 'spose.

[SPman]

The good thing about a Ventura pack system is that it's rock steady at over 200k's (theoretically speaking of course :confused: )

Moreso than the rider,(So I've researched,to be the case, theoretically speaking)



Result.... nice shiny bike with nice shiny plugs.
and wasn't it just. :niceone:

[pyrocam]

noob question. Ive noticed a heavy backpack alters my ride. Ie turning etc. would a pack rack still change the riding physics or would it be pretty much the same.
I think my bike can take one and since im mainly commuting I dont mind looking a bit goofy (im still not wearing a vest)

[StoneChucker]

I am JUST about to buy the whole Ventura system (Pack rack, L-bracket, 45 l bag and a grab rail for when I want a lower profile).

You guys ALMOST put me off, then I remembered how much use it would be!

Hey, can you chrome the L-bracket and grab rail? :lol:

I've seen another bike like mine with the system on, and it looks fine to me. And looks aren't everything, it's whats on the inside that counts!!! (1000cc's of throbbing power hahahahaha) :confused:

[Sparky Bills]

Yes, I'm sure they are extremely useful, but my god do they spoil the look of a bike? Especially sportsbikes. Sorry Ventura, I know you make 'em here but please... yuk!


I fully agree! But they are too helpfull not to have!
And can be taken off when not in use.
Plus you could use it as a brace for a spoiler or something!!!? :banana: :wari:

[Slingshot]

This is what happened last time someone (namely NC30 Chick) mentioned Pack & Rack in the same thread:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=6379&highlight=pack+rack

We're gonna have to agree to disagree on this one. I love seeing bikes fully loaded with pack rack, tank bag, tent etc, I think to myself...yeah....that rider is free!


Handling with a pack rack fitted is different...if you can experiment with different suspension settings.


And Jim...what's with your bike being so curvy:wari: Just taking the piss...calm down:banana:

[Paul in NZ]

I've got the worlds second ugliest (but period orginal) Agostini rack on my Guzzi.. It's a god awful looking thing made worse by my poorly designed and excecuted modifications... It looks like an industrial revolution steam engineers version of a tank trap.... Except powder coated...

Fortunately I'm so bloody ugly and my bike is so alien that no one even notices it and it's damned useful.

Ventura? Ugly!! Bwahahahahahaha! It's a slim hiped dusky maiden of the luggage world people. If you want UGLY... Get a bloody Givi wingrack thing...

Paul N

[Blakamin]

I am JUST about to buy the whole Ventura system (Pack rack, L-bracket, 45 l bag and a grab rail for when I want a lower profile).


It'd fit on th boot lid of your mx-5 too :niceone:

[Krusti]

I am JUST about to buy the whole Ventura system (Pack rack, L-bracket, 45 l bag and a grab rail for when I want a lower profile).

You guys ALMOST put me off, then I remembered how much use it would be!

Hey, can you chrome the L-bracket and grab rail? :lol:

I've seen another bike like mine with the system on, and it looks fine to me. And looks aren't everything, it's whats on the inside that counts!!! (1000cc's of throbbing power hahahahaha) :confused:

I'm sure you can buy them either black or chrome on custom or cruiser kits. Just fitted one to my bike, prick of a job. How come bolts are always washer width too short:angry2: .

Me and meon3 fitted it together:bash: much like married couples hanging wallpaper together!

Got 4 spare washers if anyone wants them:whistle:

[Skunk]

noob question. Ive noticed a heavy backpack alters my ride. Ie turning etc. would a pack rack still change the riding physics or would it be pretty much the same.The bike will handle better with the rack as the weight is not just flopping around (and pulling you around) :banana:

[Blackbird]

This is the front and rear pack zipped together on the bird. Admittedly, it does look a bit ungainly stuck up there but blends in somewhat better when the rider is on it. It suits the definition of "fitness for purpose" perfectly though. If you want to play hooligans, leave it off. However, it's all I'm taking on the Southern Cross ride for 8 days and 6500kms of riding and that's where it comes into its own.

Dunno what all the fuss is about - each to his or her own :done:

[gav]

Hmmmmmmm (is that 10?)

[Slingshot]

Hmmmmmmm (is that 10?)


Is that you in the walking frame:2thumbsup

[**R1**]

Not judging anyones ride, but personaly i dont like the looks, i bought the rack and pack for my old zxr750, but only used it once and then took the whole lot off and sold it with the bike, now if it duznt fit in a back pact then i dont need it. but then im someone that isnt worried too much with practicality(sp) if it goes good and looks good im a happy lad.

This should have been a poll.

[gav]

Is that you in the walking frame:2thumbsup
LOL, no its this old bugger who must live down the street somewhere, one of these old gits that wants to talk all the time. Takes hiom ages to get anywhere, only took this about half an hour ago "Say your bike going all right?" ahh, yeah, thanks "You selling it? That why you taking photos? Why are you selling it?" I'm not fucking selling it, piss off.... The bastard actually stopped and waited while I took photos, old git, do I crop them out? ahh WTF....

[**R1**]

Hmmmmmmm (is that 10?)
No!!!...now that it has the packrack it's only a 8 outa 10 :banana:

JK

[Jantar]

Yes, I'm sure they are extremely useful, but my god do they spoil the look of a bike? Especially sportsbikes.

So how do you carry your tent, sleeping bag etc to the Rally? :confused:

[**R1**]

So how do you carry your tent, sleeping bag etc to the Rally? :confused:
find a sucka that has a pack rack and bribe them with beer???

[Jantar]

Or instead of a packrack you can fit hard luggage. I find that the Givi system allows for either a single top box, or dual panniers with room to strap the tent bag on the top plate.

[Blackbird]

Nice piccies Malcolm :2thumbsup

Geoff

[Jantar]

One is Geoff, the other is Lake Brunner. :yeah:

[dhunt]

find a sucka that has a pack rack and bribe them with beer???
Yeah I'll say - I had to carry 4 litres of oil round the south island on my pack rack for my uncles xs11. Looked such the part on my bike. :whocares:

[Posh Tourer :P]

noob question. Ive noticed a heavy backpack alters my ride. Ie turning etc. would a pack rack still change the riding physics or would it be pretty much the same.
I think my bike can take one and since im mainly commuting I dont mind looking a bit goofy (im still not wearing a vest)

Yeah, a packrack will put more weight behind the rear axle. This will lighten the front, and possibly cause it to wobble like a caster wheel. It depends on how much you weigh and the bike weighs compared to the pack on the rack. Normally you can't just load them up with lead, you need to keep a decent ratio. So with a real heavy load, you may have some problems. Still good though.....

[Hitcher]

"Pack rack". So you can take stuff with you when you go riding. An interesting concept...

[idb]

I wanted a bike with a pack rack, because it's easier to carry two weeks worth of underpants and fruit jubes in a pack than it is to duct tape 3 rubbish bags to the bike. With the tank bag, the soft panniers, and the Ventura pack I could leave home and take my drums with me. I generally use the tank bag for day to day stuff, and leave the pack rack hanging up at home.

Man...am I telepathetic or wot?
Somehow I just knew that you had a pack rack after only your first post on this thread ..... spooky (cue ghostly music). :confused:

[Hitcher]

Man...am I telepathetic or wot?
You are both telepathetic and wot...

[Paul in NZ]

LOL, no its this old bugger who must live down the street somewhere, one of these old gits that wants to talk all the time. Takes hiom ages to get anywhere, only took this about half an hour ago "Say your bike going all right?" ahh, yeah, thanks "You selling it? That why you taking photos? Why are you selling it?" I'm not fucking selling it, piss off.... The bastard actually stopped and waited while I took photos, old git, do I crop them out? ahh WTF....

Actually dude... In a few years that will be you and telling some young tearaway about this 'onda you used to have and... But don't worry. If you look at his walking frame and then your pack rack the profile is very similar. I guess you are halfway there already? :2thumbsup

Paul N

(90% someplace but I don't like it there)

[idb]

You are both telepathetic and wot...

I can multi-task

[Ninja51]

Come back when you've got something useful to say.

If you haven't got something nice, or at least constructive to say then STFU. It's less likely to piss people off who you may need help from on the side of the road one day.

Oops! Sorry J2...

Seems Ive touched a nerve here. Im sorry if my comment wasnt useful or constructive - I was merely expressing a view (nice or otherwise) as do so many other members on here. Maybe I should have asked "who thinks Ventura packracks are friggin ugly when not supporting a backpack?" As a relative newcomer to this site, I wasnt aware that this topic had been touched on before. As for pissing people off, I hardly think that if and when I'm in need of roadside assistance KB members are going to recall this thread and pass by on the other side. But dont get out of your pram about it mate. Life's too short. Promise I'll think twice before I bang my drum again though. Each to their own as they say...


QUOTE
Hi Ninja, correct me if I'm wrong but if that is your bike on your profile pic, hasn't it got a small pack rack fitted??? Granted it doesn't look like a Ventura one but still............

Shit! Who put that on there?? :-)
Yes you're right, not exactly pretty either, but since J2 seems to think Im a bit of a wanker, it comes in handy... :-)

Sorry to all I offended with this topic/thread. Shall we talk about the weather?

[White trash]

Do you know how much skin I've lost off my hands trying to twist bottle caps off non-twist top beer bottles? Let's just say I could have made a lovely purse out of it, if I'd saved it all up. Or a toolkit for a Harley.

Harleys don't have/need toolkits......

[White trash]

Not judging anyones ride, but personaly i dont like the looks, i bought the rack and pack for my old zxr750, but only used it once and then took the whole lot off and sold it with the bike, now if it duznt fit in a back pact then i dont need it. but then im someone that isnt worried too much with practicality(sp) if it goes good and looks good im a happy lad.

This should have been a poll.

You're missing the obvious advantages for the R1, Aaron.

Loose the big rack, fit a nice low "sport rack" and it then doubles as a 12 O'clock bar and a handy place to stick one foot when doing circle wheelies!

[gav]

Actually dude... In a few years that will be you and telling some young tearaway about this 'onda you used to have and... But don't worry. If you look at his walking frame and then your pack rack the profile is very similar. I guess you are halfway there already? :2thumbsup

Paul N

(90% someplace but I don't like it there)
So how did you fit wheels to your pack frame/ trundler , you find them OK then? Thanks for the tip :sunny:

[gav]

Harleys don't have/need toolkits......
Thats why he should have saved the bottle caps!!
What do they have? Phonecard??