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:Me]

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...