Hard Luggage

After getting the Versys I spent a few days researching different options for hard luggage. One of the things that had annoyed me about touring on the SV650 was the inability to lock anything on the bike. Soft panniers and a Ventura bag made it difficult to keep anything secure, but I did not want to fork out for hard luggage on a bike I knew I wouldn't keep in the long run...

At first I was tempted to go with the Givi range (easily available), but while the racks were cheap, the luggage was amazingly expensive. And then I heard that the top case rack had a weak point that frequently failed, so that threw that idea out... I liked the look of the OEM rack (made by SW-Motech), but the design allowed the top plate to be removed easily even while the box was bolted down to it. Out the window too. Next on the list? Hepco & Becker, from Germany. Expensive but well designed racks, relatively cheap boxes. Hardly cheap actually, but cheaper than the Givi alternatives.

So last Saturday morning, woke up bright and early and headed out to Split Yard Creek, onto Mt Glorious, and down the saddle to Samford. The Versys is a whole different bike to ride to the SV650! Onwards from Samford up through Dayboro, and eventually I arrived at Motorcycle Adventure Products at Ocean View.

2.5 hours of stuffing around taking my bike apart and bolting new bits to it, and voila! Ready to tour, 140L of lockable luggage space :)

The luggage is very well designed, fits 2 helmets in the top case, and one in each pannier. Easily removable too, and the pannier racks come off when I don't need them, leaving the bike looking naked and sexy :)

I can't wait to do my first big epic ride - bring it on!