The first thing I noticed...

**James Deuce** · 15th February 2005, 16:32

Originally Posted by Motu

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** · 15th February 2005, 16:34

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

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

)

**madboy** · 15th February 2005, 16:38

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** · 15th February 2005, 16:45

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.

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** · 15th February 2005, 16:51

Originally Posted by Blackbird

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

)

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

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Result.... nice shiny bike with nice shiny plugs.

and wasn't it just.

**pyrocam** · 15th February 2005, 17:12

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** · 15th February 2005, 17:22

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?

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)

**Sparky Bills** · 15th February 2005, 17:23

Originally Posted by Ninja51

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!!!?

**Slingshot** · 15th February 2005, 17:32

This is what happened last time someone (namely NC30 Chick) mentioned Pack & Rack in the same thread:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ight=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

Just taking the piss...calm down

**Paul in NZ** · 15th February 2005, 17:56

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** · 15th February 2005, 18:10

Originally Posted by 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).

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

**Krusti** · 15th February 2005, 18:23

Originally Posted by 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?

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)

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

.

Me and meon3 fitted it together

much like married couples hanging wallpaper together!

Got 4 spare washers if anyone wants them

**Skunk** · 15th February 2005, 18:23

Originally Posted by 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.

The bike will handle better with the rack as the weight is not just flopping around (and pulling you around)

**Blackbird** · 15th February 2005, 18:49

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