Gear Sack Rack Pack Systems

[gyp23]

Well, not sure right now whether to take this as good or bad news, but in a month I'm going to relocate to Sydney (from Brisvegas) for work.

What this means is not only am I going to be living away from my partner for at least 12 months, but that I'm also now going to be without a car. Its just me and the Z750.

SO! What I'm thinking is that I should spend some money on a gear rack system for all of those fun grocery runs My question to you guys is: whats the best out there, in terms of value for money, durability, weather-proofing, etc?

I've had a look at the Ventura website, but to be honest don't know of many other brand names, or installation process.

Looking forward to hearing back from you, and hopefully catching up with some Sydney folk in the upcoming month.

[Jonno]

The Ventura stuff is great, a little rough looking compared to hard panniers or top boxes but much less expensive. I have the 45L and 35L bags, they zip together and I still have room for a pillion. It amazes me how much I can fit into the bags when shopping; I don't know what I would do without them really. They are tough too, I have constantly gone over the 9kg recommendation and the bags show no sign of failure.
I paid $135 for the 45L and $115 for the 35L, the rack, dummy bar and "L" brackets was $170 all up I think but I did not shop around, just asked my local K dealer to get them.

Good luck.

[gyp23]

Yeh, they sonded pretty good quality. And Im definitely only after a soft/temporary bag system, not a hard pack at all.

Tell me, are your bags waterproof? Will the contents get wet if its raining (hard?)

[Jonno]

Tell me, are your bags waterproof? Will the contents get wet if its raining (hard?)

No problems with water in heavy rain or wind so far, I use them all the time.

[Musty]

The Ventura system i believe is to be the best but the bags are not as waterproof as Gearsack.
I've had both systems over the year, gearsack suits my GPX perfectly but the Busa needed a Ventura as the rack can be dismantled when not in use.
The bags simple, if it rains wrap them in a raincoat, raincoats for bags cost around $15

[gyp23]

am I right in understanding then that the Ventura has a dismantable rack system, whereas the GearSack doesnt?

[Musty]

Dunno bout the new gearsack racks but the ones i've had stay that way 24/7
The Ventura rack you can take the top section of and place a grab rail in its place looks alot neater
heres the ventura website http://www.ventura-bike.com/

[Smitty]

The Ventura system i believe is to be the best but the bags are not as waterproof as Gearsack.
I've had both systems over the year, gearsack suits my GPX perfectly but the Busa needed a Ventura as the rack can be dismantled when not in use.
The bags simple, if it rains wrap them in a raincoat, raincoats for bags cost around $15

I am with Musty although I have a Ventura system on my Gpx
always have had and it gets sports rack when the BIG bag is off
which looks ok and handles small stuff as well
and unlike Musty,
i have found the Ventura bags absolutely waterproof
I did a GOR ride last year with this lot, the rain was so heavy it was getting thru the rain suit but the stuff in my ventura bag stayed dry..unlike me...

lemme know if you want piccies of the ventura system

cheers

[Phil]

i've got the ventura rack, they are nice and light and the top comes off easily if you need it to (track days, photo shoots etc).

i cant reccomend highly enough the r-jays bag i use, in fact at least 15 people i know use them (i've personnally bought 7 for myself and 6 friends including ty)

HTH

[zxrarron]

yeah i got a ventura rack and bag. cost me 350 but i say well worth it. comes with easy instructions how to install takes about 10 mins not hard at all. and u can remove the top section of rack whick looks better when riding around. i got mine through dold industries i think they from nz(head office) cause i had a bit of trouble finding one to fit my bike. ive had no trouble with water proofing. bag looks good. reflective patches on it. its a good package

[mike-s]

dont forget to see if you can claim any purchases on tax as it *is* a work related purchase.

[Colette]

I'm happy with my Ventura bag - and as for shopping, just use shopfast and then you don't have to worry about it lol

[matchan]

I'm happy with my Ventura bag - and as for shopping, just use shopfast and then you don't have to worry about it lol

What Colette said !!! Shopfast greengrocer, etc heaps of them around and not too expensive either. I've got an oxford seat back for when I need to carry anything on the bike, nowhere need the capacity of a gearsacl/ventura system though, but its another option.

Matt

[gyp23]

one of the many joys of moving to sydney.
unfortunately, that kind of technology ain't available up here.

still, need the packs to move to sydney.

[Ratmick]

Tell me, are your bags waterproof? Will the contents get wet if its raining (hard?)

No they're not, and yes they will, but having said that, they're pretty good. They do a pretty good job of keeping 95% of the water out, but when the going is torrential the last 5% gets in . My Ventura was a rectangular jobbie with a zip around the top which gave you an extra 15-odd litres when you needed it. Pretty handy and held shit-loads.

A tip: I bought some waterproof bags from Mountain Designs (intended for Kayaking) and used to put my Walkman/wallet/mobile in them when it was inclement. They keep the 5% from getting into stuff you don't want to get wet. Buy the ones that seal by folding over three or four times and clip shut, not the heavy-duty ziplock ones, as they are way cheaper and come in a multitude of sizes.

Grocery shopping on a bike is going to be a pain unless you like shopping every couple of days. Have you considered investigating the e-grocery shopping via the web concept? I recall seeing that as an option in Sydney, may be cheaper and quicker in the long run.

A Givi top box is a better option, more secure and 100% waterproof unless you ride into a creek. However they do cost more, and the big ones capable of holding the same as a Ventura pack make you look like a gumby.

am I right in understanding then that the Ventura has a dismantable rack system, whereas the GearSack doesnt?

I can't vouch for the Gearsack system, but the Ventura one is removable...to a point. The 'L' brackets stay behind when the back comes off. Pretty ugly.

HTH.