Showing posts with label Gear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gear. Show all posts
July 27, 2019
February 01, 2016
Pretty in Pink - Not!
With reference to a Facebook promo for a Z800 Lady Edition at BikerWorld, German Bloggeress Mo complained about the manufacture's lack of phantasy in design. Why pink? And so much of it? Ladies want their choice of colours, a good fit, plus protection, not a Barbie outfit.
But many companies in the two wheeled universe still seem to assume that products specifically designed for the female clientele must have something pink in it. Oh, right, and by all means let's throw in some flowery pattern for good measure. But honestly, I don't know one female rider dressed in pink gear, not one. So, naturally one wonders, who's buying all this sh$t?
I went digging through my stuff in order to find out if I own any pink coloured gear. Bikes, helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, boots: everything but pink. Ok, colour choices are rather limited to black, sand or hi-viz yellow.
What would Yoda say? Be patient. Hmmm. Hope, there is, Ladies. Yes, hmmm.
***
Schön rosa - nicht für mich!
Mit Bezug auf die Promo-Fotos für eine Lady Edition einer Z800 hat sich Mo kürzlich auf ihrem Blog zu Recht darüber mokiert, dass die Hersteller von Damen-Motorradkleidung, aber auch von Motorrädern immer noch denken, es müsste zwingend was Pinkes drauf sein, am besten noch kombiniert mit Blümchenmuster. Aber wer kauft so einen Schei$? Ich kenne nicht eine Motorradfahrerin, die in rosa Lederkluft oder sonstigem Barbie Outfit herum läuft. Beim Durchwühlen meiner eigenen Moppedkluft habe ich nicht einen rosa Fetzen entdeckt. Das zeigt, wiederum, dass es mit viel Mühe und Geduld gelingen kann, auch andersfarbige Damen-Motorradkleidung zu finden.
October 05, 2015
Motorcycle Road Trip 2015: A Luggage Review
During my road trip with a 2003 Honda VT750 Shadow A.C.E. through Eastern Canada and the Maritimes I had the pleasure to test two products offered by Motorcycle House. The Viking Lammelar saddlebags for said Honda model, and the universal Viking sissy bar bag.
First of all, both luggage items provided by Motorcycle House did a great job carrying the necessities of life on the road. There is space galore, and while the sissy bar bag is well thought through with regards to organizing your stuff, the saddle bags turn the Shadow into a true cruiser storage-wise, and also by appearance.
Second, the luggage didn't come off the bike. Having said that, there are some minor issues that might need some attention by the manufacturer. Otherwise I'd recommend to make sure to ride on smooth tarmac only, or carry extra straps, duct tape and tie wraps, because uneven pavement does a little number on the gear.
1. The Viking sissy bar bag:
The handsome bag goes well with a cruiser style motorcycle. It is easy to mount, and to remove (if needed), and comes with extra straps for carrying (best: backpack style). The height had me worried with regards to how it would affect the bike's stability in crosswinds or at higher speed, but at no time did this become an issue. Storage is plenty and well thought through. Double thumbs up! For trip preparation and packing review click HERE.
The mounting system contains of straps and fastening clips, which look fairly sturdy but obviously have their limitations.
On the second day, I felt the bag shifting while riding, and found that one of the main clips to hold the bag in place was broken. Nothing, a tie wrap couldn't fix.
After having attended to the issue with the appropriate measures, the bags were fixated for the rest of the trip. It worked for me, but I had no intention of removing the bag from the bike on a daily basis. I'd just pull out my backpack, and leave the sissy bar bag on the bike over the whole trip.
Of course there is some normal wear and tear on the zippers and the stitching but the quality seems absolutely roadworthy. No trouble here.
I didn't bother protecting the sissybar bag with the rain cover. My backpack is waterproof. However, even after a full day of pouring rain, the heavy duty Cordura/leather material kept surprisingly dry on the inside. There was some humidity to the touch, yes, but no puddles inside. That's a plus!
Speaking of the inside. Plastic frames on both sides keep the sissybar bag in its shape. At one point, likely when going through a pothole or a dip, one of the frames broke at the bottom, very much at a predetermined breaking point. However, it did not affect the bag, or deformed it. I had only noticed it very late into my trip. No need to fix it.
Oh, and I loved the roll bag. It was permanently mounted with Rok-straps to the pillion seat, not on the sissybar bag itself. I kept it exclusively for food storage: fruit, beverages, my little freeze box, and snacks.
My rating: Thumbs up! The riding was rough at times, and the minor issues developing through my long haul road trip over 6.700km through various weather and road conditions are i.m.h.o. normal wear and tear, and didn't affect the overall performance. At (currently) 169USD it's a steal. You'll get an exceptionally big bang for your buck.
2. The Viking Lammelar Saddlebags:
It's all in the looks! And these streamlined leather covered hard bags make the Shadow look like a pro. Mounting was not all that easy though. Please visit David's blog to learn more about the installation of the saddlebags.
The inside is covered with a smooth liner. Which is both, good and bad. Good, as nothing starts rattling through vibrations, bad if you have a leakage of a fluid container, in my case oil drops causing stains that were hard to remove.
The mounting hardware and frame are definitely heavy duty, and survived through many potholes, dips and over miles of gravel roads. The saddle bags are lockable, that's a big bonus, however, the two-key system (one per side) is a bit awkward. But you get used to it, just use different coloured key rings, problem solved. The hinges are sturdy as well, and the lids stay open once in upright position. What didn't impress were the hinge covers.
This is how it looked like after - literally - a ride around the block: The hardware and subsequently the plastic cover loosened instantly. I fixed it several times while on the road but vibrations continued unfastening the screws every so often. In the end, the whole cover came loose, leaving the hinge unprotected, and in direct contact with the stored items. A short term solution to protect both, the hinges and the contents was duct tape. For long term, maybe the drilling of new holes, and a new set of nuts and bolts?
My rating: Given the issues while mounting the bags I would have thrown the towel on this product long ago, but it was David who got the job done, and good. Thanks for your patience on this matter, David. For me however, it's all in the looks. I'd leave the saddle bags on permanently. I like the smooth and streamlined shape, the black leather, and the way it complements the bike.
And once mounted, it is - hinge covers aside - a darn sturdy construction, and can be filled to the max. The right side ended up carrying my laptop, my cosmetic bag, a cable/accessory box, extra gloves, and rain gear. The left side's content was an MSR fuel bottle (filled), a 1l Oil container, chain lube, a tool bag, and a mini air compressor.
For the (current) cost at 399USD it is a well priced option to make a bike not only look better but also suitable for long or short haul purposes. That is if you're not too shy to put a little effort in when mounting it for the very first time. Thumbs up - despite the hinge cover issue.
First of all, both luggage items provided by Motorcycle House did a great job carrying the necessities of life on the road. There is space galore, and while the sissy bar bag is well thought through with regards to organizing your stuff, the saddle bags turn the Shadow into a true cruiser storage-wise, and also by appearance.
Second, the luggage didn't come off the bike. Having said that, there are some minor issues that might need some attention by the manufacturer. Otherwise I'd recommend to make sure to ride on smooth tarmac only, or carry extra straps, duct tape and tie wraps, because uneven pavement does a little number on the gear.
1. The Viking sissy bar bag:
The handsome bag goes well with a cruiser style motorcycle. It is easy to mount, and to remove (if needed), and comes with extra straps for carrying (best: backpack style). The height had me worried with regards to how it would affect the bike's stability in crosswinds or at higher speed, but at no time did this become an issue. Storage is plenty and well thought through. Double thumbs up! For trip preparation and packing review click HERE.
The mounting system contains of straps and fastening clips, which look fairly sturdy but obviously have their limitations.
 |
| Day two: broken clip |
On the second day, I felt the bag shifting while riding, and found that one of the main clips to hold the bag in place was broken. Nothing, a tie wrap couldn't fix.
Not sure, if it were the change in temperatures (3°C to 24°C), the weather, the crosswinds, or the road conditions, but none of the clips where holding longterm. They all came lose eventually, were bent and wouldn't fasten permanently. Hence, there came more tie wraps to the rescue.
Of course there is some normal wear and tear on the zippers and the stitching but the quality seems absolutely roadworthy. No trouble here.
I didn't bother protecting the sissybar bag with the rain cover. My backpack is waterproof. However, even after a full day of pouring rain, the heavy duty Cordura/leather material kept surprisingly dry on the inside. There was some humidity to the touch, yes, but no puddles inside. That's a plus!
Speaking of the inside. Plastic frames on both sides keep the sissybar bag in its shape. At one point, likely when going through a pothole or a dip, one of the frames broke at the bottom, very much at a predetermined breaking point. However, it did not affect the bag, or deformed it. I had only noticed it very late into my trip. No need to fix it.
Oh, and I loved the roll bag. It was permanently mounted with Rok-straps to the pillion seat, not on the sissybar bag itself. I kept it exclusively for food storage: fruit, beverages, my little freeze box, and snacks.
My rating: Thumbs up! The riding was rough at times, and the minor issues developing through my long haul road trip over 6.700km through various weather and road conditions are i.m.h.o. normal wear and tear, and didn't affect the overall performance. At (currently) 169USD it's a steal. You'll get an exceptionally big bang for your buck.
 |
| Cabot Trail, N.S. |
2. The Viking Lammelar Saddlebags:
It's all in the looks! And these streamlined leather covered hard bags make the Shadow look like a pro. Mounting was not all that easy though. Please visit David's blog to learn more about the installation of the saddlebags.
The inside is covered with a smooth liner. Which is both, good and bad. Good, as nothing starts rattling through vibrations, bad if you have a leakage of a fluid container, in my case oil drops causing stains that were hard to remove.
The mounting hardware and frame are definitely heavy duty, and survived through many potholes, dips and over miles of gravel roads. The saddle bags are lockable, that's a big bonus, however, the two-key system (one per side) is a bit awkward. But you get used to it, just use different coloured key rings, problem solved. The hinges are sturdy as well, and the lids stay open once in upright position. What didn't impress were the hinge covers.
This is how it looked like after - literally - a ride around the block: The hardware and subsequently the plastic cover loosened instantly. I fixed it several times while on the road but vibrations continued unfastening the screws every so often. In the end, the whole cover came loose, leaving the hinge unprotected, and in direct contact with the stored items. A short term solution to protect both, the hinges and the contents was duct tape. For long term, maybe the drilling of new holes, and a new set of nuts and bolts?
And once mounted, it is - hinge covers aside - a darn sturdy construction, and can be filled to the max. The right side ended up carrying my laptop, my cosmetic bag, a cable/accessory box, extra gloves, and rain gear. The left side's content was an MSR fuel bottle (filled), a 1l Oil container, chain lube, a tool bag, and a mini air compressor.
 |
| Confederation Bridge, P-E-I |
For the (current) cost at 399USD it is a well priced option to make a bike not only look better but also suitable for long or short haul purposes. That is if you're not too shy to put a little effort in when mounting it for the very first time. Thumbs up - despite the hinge cover issue.
***
Sorry, hierzu gibt es (noch) keinen deutschen Bericht, da der Motorradzubehörversand Motorcycle House (noch) nicht auf dem deutschsprachigen Markt vertreten ist.
September 11, 2015
Rain, crosswinds, mysterious noises and did I mention rain?
9.9. The expected but nevertheless unwanted change in weather asked for a change of clothing (gear I mean). Rain gear is my least favourite set of motorcycle outfit. However, I am glad, I have it on board. The wet stuff isn't actually too bad, the crosswinds are much worse, and require highest concentration. Sometimes, when maneuvering the Honda around I am thinking, darn, this bike is a fat duck, I wish I was on a Vespa. Today, honest to the PTB I am glad that the Shadow is as chuff as it is. Because that Thunderbird is cruising like a champ, all wind gusts withstanding.
Taking a break from the rain in Rimouski at Poine au Père where the rest area provides a picnic table with a roof, I pull out my lunch and enjoy not getting wet for a change.
Another storm front is heading my way. The wind picks up again, and fat rain drops are hitting the roof. Better wait it out, or not because there is no change in weather forecasted.
In this mess there is not much to see or do, hence I decide to call it a day it Sainte-Anne-Des-Monts. The motel Beau Rivage is reasonably priced and clean and overlooks the bay of the village.
While unloading the bike I discover a lose thingy behind the exhaust, which likely caused the occasional rattling noise I overheard while riding.
It came completely off, and both nuts to keep the whatchamacallit in place where missing. Thanks to my recent French lessons I have the vocabulary at hand to explain the issue to the nice young man next door (a plumber by trade). He pulls the support somewhat in place, and it gets secured with wire. Then he refers me to nearest repair shop. I follow his directions, and there it is. Three blocks down the road I find a branch of Napa Autopro. The friendly mechanic takes care of it instantly. He needs less than a minute to assess the problem. He finds the right fitting nuts, and screws them on properly. Five minutes later I leave the shop with an extra pair of nuts which will from now on travel in the tool kit.
With the issue resolved I am free to go for a walk into town. It's about half a mile down the bay, and I am glad for the exercise. Meanwhile the weather has cleared up a bit, at least it's not raining anymore.
The town doesn't have much of an infrastructure, however, like in any other town in the area there is a fairly big church.
As a special treat I finally get to spot the sun, while she's setting. Hello again. Where have you been? Good to see you.
Besides the exhaust support coming lose, the Shadow has performed extremely well under these weather and road conditions. I am very proud of it (still keeping an eye on the air pressure on the front tire though).
Notes on luggage: I didn't bother using the rain cover on the sissybar luggage, as my clothing is packed in the waterproof Ortlieb backpack. However, although it had rained hard, the bag was holding tight. Humidy got inside, yes, but it wasn't dripping wet. Meanwhile the roll bag continues to be of good service for my grocery shopping. And by far the best piece of luggage so far are the saddle bags. They are perfectly shut and dry.
September 06, 2015
All bright eyed and bushy tailed
Sep 5: With Roland safe and sound back home in Germany, I am now officially off into the second leg of my Canadian adventure. Of course I had a short night, didn't sleep well and was up at 7am, planning to leave by 9am. Breakfast contained of cereal topped with rice milk and a peppermint tea to calm down the stomach. You could tell, I was feeling anxious.
All my carry on stuff had been stowed away the night before in the saddle bags and in that huge trunk provided by Motorcycle House. As you may notice my backpack full with clothing, flip flops and other tidbits fits perfectly snuggly into the sissy bar bag. The side pockets are expandable and contain additional motorcycle gear such as the heated vest, electrical cables, gloves, and other items that might (or might not) come in handy. On the outside mesh pocket a bottle of fuel has found a place, secured with an extra strap.
I wasn't confident about riding with the bag sticking up like a sore thumb, when adding the roll bag on top of the sissy bar bag, hence the roll bag got fixed with rok straps on the pillion seat, and contains my little freeze box, food stuff and electrical tidbits.
One of the saddle bags mostly hold motorcycle related stuff like rain gear, tool kit, first aid kit, Ram mounts and other valuable items. The other box stores the laptop, my cosmetic bag a fleece jacket and the selfie stick.
So far, all has found its place, and there is still some space left for the opportunity to buy little trinkets and souvenirs. Time will tell, how this gear will fare under real life conditions. Thanks, Kiara from Motorcycle House to provide me with the opportunity to test these luggage items.
My mechanic took care of tire pressure, and made sure that all is strapped on securely. Then he jumped on his Vespa, while I mounted the Shadow rather reluctantly, struggling to keep the balance with the bike fully loaded, and lead the way to the ramp to Highway 20 East in direction of Quebec City.
Thanks again David for all your support in this project. Our Thunderbird Black Betty Honda Shadow ACE will write history from now on...
All my carry on stuff had been stowed away the night before in the saddle bags and in that huge trunk provided by Motorcycle House. As you may notice my backpack full with clothing, flip flops and other tidbits fits perfectly snuggly into the sissy bar bag. The side pockets are expandable and contain additional motorcycle gear such as the heated vest, electrical cables, gloves, and other items that might (or might not) come in handy. On the outside mesh pocket a bottle of fuel has found a place, secured with an extra strap.
I wasn't confident about riding with the bag sticking up like a sore thumb, when adding the roll bag on top of the sissy bar bag, hence the roll bag got fixed with rok straps on the pillion seat, and contains my little freeze box, food stuff and electrical tidbits.
One of the saddle bags mostly hold motorcycle related stuff like rain gear, tool kit, first aid kit, Ram mounts and other valuable items. The other box stores the laptop, my cosmetic bag a fleece jacket and the selfie stick.
So far, all has found its place, and there is still some space left for the opportunity to buy little trinkets and souvenirs. Time will tell, how this gear will fare under real life conditions. Thanks, Kiara from Motorcycle House to provide me with the opportunity to test these luggage items.
My mechanic took care of tire pressure, and made sure that all is strapped on securely. Then he jumped on his Vespa, while I mounted the Shadow rather reluctantly, struggling to keep the balance with the bike fully loaded, and lead the way to the ramp to Highway 20 East in direction of Quebec City.
Thanks again David for all your support in this project. Our Thunderbird Black Betty Honda Shadow ACE will write history from now on...
 |
| Fully loaded and ready to roll. |
***
HIER geht's zur deutschen Version.
August 23, 2015
Making a List and checking it twice (updated: nun auch auf Deutsch) - post Road trip
(Für die deutsche Version bitte nach unten scrollen.)
Going on an epic road trip requires gear, and lots of various things and gadgets. I won't be going camping, otherwise I'd be in serious trouble storage-wise.
So, here's my personal packing list for there journey. What's missing? What should I really bring along, and what's better left behind? Suggestions are very welcome. Thank you, David for your suggestions and support.
Gear
Full face helmet
Armoured jacket
Armoured pants
Boots (Hiking boots, instead of riding boots)
2 pairs of gloves
Glove liners
2 Buffs
Beanie
Rain jacket
Heated vest
Tools & More
Air compressor w/gauge (D)
Chain lube (D)
MSR Fuel bottle (D)
Rok straps (D)
Bungee net
Disk lock
Cable lock set
Micro fibre rag
METRIC Tool bag Cruz tools
1l Oil 10W-40
(most of the stuff I borrowed from David, thank you.)
Electronics (packed in dry box)
Camera, extra battery, charger
Selfie stick & tripod
Iphone, charger, waterproof case for RAM mount, ear buds
Laptop, power cable, power adapter
USB plug, USB charger station
Head lamp
SENA Bluetooth set
Documents
Passports
Drivers license
Registration & insurance papers
Purse, credit cards etc.
Spare keys (D)
Maps
Copies of all documents, credit cards etc.
Clothing
5 sets of underwear
1 long john
2 long undershirts
1 LD comfort riding shorts
4 pairs of socks
3 Icebreaker T-shirts
Shirt
Sweat Shirt
Fleece jacket
Windbreaker
Pair of jeans
Pair of convertible pants
Sneakers
Flip flops
Deck shoes
Bathing suit
Personal Stuff
Meds
Cool box, bowl
First aid kit incl. bug spray & sun screen, disinfectant, ointment
Wrist support
Camp towel
Toilettries
Swiss Army knife manicure set
Water bottle
Spork, cutlery
Sun glasses
Ziplock bags
Pen
Notebook
Washing detergent
Sleeping Bag Liner, silk (for dodgy overnight stays)
Food for the road
Gluten free cereal, energy bars, bread or bunsTrail mix
Rice milk
Fruit
 |
| It's done! |
***
Die Mitnehm-Liste, jetzt auch auf Deutsch
Eine große Reise erfordert eine Menge Zeugs. Gut, dass ich diesmal (noch) nicht campen gehen will, sonst wüsste ich gar nicht, wo ich das alles unterbringen sollte.
Hier ist also meine persönliche Packliste für den Ost-Kanada-Tripp. Fehlt noch was? Ist es zu viel? Ich nehme noch gerne Vorschläge an. David hat mir bei der Zusammenstellung geholfen. Vielen Dank!
Ausrüstung
Helm
Protektorenjacke
Protektorenhose
Wanderschuhe, die auch als Motorradboots dienen
2 Paar Handschuhe
Innenhandschuhe
2 Schlauchhalstücher
Mütze
Regenjacke
Heizweste
Werkzeug u.s.w.
Luftpumpe/Mini-Kompressor incl. Messgerät (D)
Kettenspray (D)
Benzinflasche (D)
Befestigungsriemen (D)
Elastisches Netz
Bremsscheibenschloss
Kabelschloss
Putzlappen
Werkzeugrolle Cruztools (metrisch)
1l Öl 10W-40
Elektronisches u.s.w. (in wasserdichter Box)
Kamera, Batterien und Aufladegerät
Selfie stick & Tripod
Iphone, Aufladekabel, wasserdichte Hülle und RAM Befestigung, Ohrenstöpsel
Laptop, Ladekabel
USB Stecker, USB Aufladestation
Stirnlampe
SENA Bluetooth set für die Kommunikation mit dem iPhone
Dokumente
Reisepass
Führerschein
Fahrzeug- und Versicherungspapiere
Geldbörse, Kreditkarten etc.
Ersatzschlüssel (D)
Straßenkarten
Kopien aller Papiere und Kreditkarten
Kleidung
5 Sets Unterwäsche
1 lange Unterhose
2 lange Unterhemden
1 Motorrad-Untershorts
4 Paar Socken
3 Icebreaker T-shirts
Pullover
Fleece Jacke
Winddichte Jacke
Jeanshose
Wanderhose
Laufschuhe
Flip flops
Straßenschuhe
Badeanzug
Persönliches
Medikamente
Mini-Kühlbox
Erste-Hilfe-Kasten, Sonnen- und Insektenschutzmittel, Desinfektionsmittel, Salbe
Handgelenkstütze
Camping Handtuch
Kosmetik
Schweizer Messer Manikür-Set
Wasserflasche
Göffel
Sonnenbrille
Wiederverschließbare Beutel
Stift
Notizbuch
Rei in der Tube
Innenschlafsack (für einfache Unterkünfte)
Essen für unterwegs
Gluten freies Müsli, Brot, Energie-RiegelReismilch
Studentenfutter
Obst
July 11, 2015
Project: Thunderbird
 |
| Photo: courtesy David Masse |
It's getting there! Please feel free to jump over to David's blog for an update on Black Betty's condition. For some reason I get the impression that I might have gotten the better end of the deal, with him taking care of the bike while all I will have to do is ridin' it, and talk about the equipment we got as a freebie from Motorcycle House. Needless to say that I am very much looking forward to test the road-worthiness of the the sleek looking Viking saddle bags, as well as the gargantuan sissy bar luggage.
***
Projekt: Donnervogel
So langsam werden wir (oder besser: wird David) fertig. David beschreibt auf seinem Blog, wie weit er inzwischen mit der Restaurierung des Motorrades gekommen ist. Neben der Windschutzscheibe sind iPhone und Navi-Halterungen sowie Stromanschlüsse dazugekommen und von Motorcycle House, einem Motorradzubehör-Ausstatter aus Kalifornien gab es (umsonst!) Satteltaschen und eine Sissybar Gepäcktasche dazu. Irgendwie werde ich das Gefühl nicht los, dass ich das bessere Ende des Deals bekommen habe. David kümmert sich um das Bike... und ich brauche es nur zu fahren und über meine Erfahrungen mit den vom Ausrüster zur Verfügung gestellten Taschen zu berichten.
June 01, 2015
DEEMEED Sissy Bar Luggage - A Product Review
I needed a bag for my tour to Southern France, providing me with enough storage for about two weeks worth of clothing. Since my Kriega Drybags only provided 30 litres of space, I settled for the DEEMEED Discovery M with double the capacity and I picked the Cordura/Leather option with reflective company logo in grizzly skull design. Because I'm bad!
The bag makes a robust impression, and looks pretty voluminous. What am I going to do with all that space? The walls and bottom are foam enforced to keep the bag in a good shape, and an extra aluminium plate can be added to help stabilising the bag on a small luggage rack.
At this point it came in handy that I work in a manufacturing company... I had the support plate done by a colleague in exchange for a coffee, and saved 18 bucks by doing so.
In the beginning the lid was a bit annoying as it didn't seem to stay open while packing, but that issue was gone after a while. The overall workmanship and the zippers look pretty solid. The material is water resistant, as proven in a rain shower, however for longer rides in the rain it is recommended to put the complementary rain cover to use.
The mounting is idiot-proof: Adjust the attachment belt to the size of the sissy bar rack, hook up the bag and fasten it with the additional straps to the bike. Done and secured! A shoulder strap facilitates hauling it to the hotel but I would have preferred a backpack strap solution.
The bag doesn't look very elegant, but rather scrunched. A bit more leather and chrome could have improved the appearance.
Pro:
- lightweight
- "stuffability", no blind spots
- four outside pockets for additional bits and bobs
- robust zippers
- overall solid manufacturing
Contra:
- high price (259€)
- an inner organiser would have been handy
- no backpack carry option
- lack of elegance
Conclusion: A great piece of luggage, however the cost for a Cordura bag with a few leather appliqués seems about 50 to 60€ too high.
Für die Tour nach Südfrankreich erstand ich die DEEMEED Tasche Discovery M mit 60 Liter Inhalt, da meine Kriega Drybags mit 30 Liter Stauraum für die zweiwöchige Tour einfach zu klein waren. Als Harley Treiberin hatte ich mich für die Leder/Cordura Version entschieden, mit dem reflektierenden Firmenlogo im Totenschädel-Design. Ich bin ja so böse!
Die Tasche macht einen robusten Eindruck und wirkt erstmal ziemlich groß. Was sollte ich nur mit all dem Platz? Die verstärkten Wände und der versteifte Boden sorgen dafür, dass sie nicht zusammen fällt, allein der Deckel nervt ein wenig, da er immer wieder beim Packen zuklappen will. Aber das gab sich mit der Zeit.
Zur zusätzlichen Verstärkung des Bodens auf kleinen Gepäckträgern wie ich ihn habe, wird eine Alu-Platte angeboten, aber da ich in einem metallverarbeitenden Betrieb arbeite, konnte ich mir im Austausch gegen einen Kaffee diese 18€ extra sparen.
Die Verarbeitung sieht gut aus und scheint was auszuhalten. Das Material hat auch bei einem größeren Regenguss keine Nässe durch gelassen, doch bei Dauerregen sollte dann doch besser die mitgelieferte Regenhaube verwendet werden.
Die Befestigung an der Sissybar ist idiotisch einfach: Die Haltegurte werden auf die Breite des Sissybar Bügels eingestellt, die Tasche an der selben dann eingehakt und die zusätzlichen Gurte, die optional am Bike fest gezurrt werden können, sorgen für einen stabilen Extra-Halt. Ein Schultergurt erleichtert das Tragen der Tasche, allerdings wäre mir lieber gewesen, ich hätte sie mir als Rucksack auf den Rücken schnallen können.
Elegant sieht die Deemeed Tasche auf dem Bike eher nicht aus, da wäre eine Ledertasche mit Chromschnallen sicherlich schicker, aber sie erfüllt ihren Zweck und ich werde sie bei größeren Touren gern wieder einsetzen.
Pro:
- Relativ leichtes Gewicht
- Nutzbarkeit des Stauraums - keine "blinden Ecken"
- Vier aufgesetzte Außentaschen für Kleinkram
- Robuste Reißverschlüsse
- Solide Verarbeitung
Contra:
- Hoher Preis (259€)
- Ein Organizer innen wäre nett gewesen.
- Keine Rucksack-Tragefunktion
- Statt Eleganz, der Knautsch-Look
Fazit: Die Tasche ist prima, aber der Kostenfaktor erscheint mir für ein Gepäckstück, das fast ausschließlich aus Kunstfaser-Material mit ein paar Lederapplikationen besteht, gefühlte 50 bis 60€ zu hoch.
front, back and side views
At this point it came in handy that I work in a manufacturing company... I had the support plate done by a colleague in exchange for a coffee, and saved 18 bucks by doing so.
In the beginning the lid was a bit annoying as it didn't seem to stay open while packing, but that issue was gone after a while. The overall workmanship and the zippers look pretty solid. The material is water resistant, as proven in a rain shower, however for longer rides in the rain it is recommended to put the complementary rain cover to use.
The mounting is idiot-proof: Adjust the attachment belt to the size of the sissy bar rack, hook up the bag and fasten it with the additional straps to the bike. Done and secured! A shoulder strap facilitates hauling it to the hotel but I would have preferred a backpack strap solution.
The bag doesn't look very elegant, but rather scrunched. A bit more leather and chrome could have improved the appearance.
Pro:
- lightweight
- "stuffability", no blind spots
- four outside pockets for additional bits and bobs
- robust zippers
- overall solid manufacturing
Contra:
- high price (259€)
- an inner organiser would have been handy
- no backpack carry option
- lack of elegance
Conclusion: A great piece of luggage, however the cost for a Cordura bag with a few leather appliqués seems about 50 to 60€ too high.
***
DEEMEED Sissy Bar Gepäcktasche - Ein Produkt Review
Für die Tour nach Südfrankreich erstand ich die DEEMEED Tasche Discovery M mit 60 Liter Inhalt, da meine Kriega Drybags mit 30 Liter Stauraum für die zweiwöchige Tour einfach zu klein waren. Als Harley Treiberin hatte ich mich für die Leder/Cordura Version entschieden, mit dem reflektierenden Firmenlogo im Totenschädel-Design. Ich bin ja so böse!
Die Tasche macht einen robusten Eindruck und wirkt erstmal ziemlich groß. Was sollte ich nur mit all dem Platz? Die verstärkten Wände und der versteifte Boden sorgen dafür, dass sie nicht zusammen fällt, allein der Deckel nervt ein wenig, da er immer wieder beim Packen zuklappen will. Aber das gab sich mit der Zeit.
Zur zusätzlichen Verstärkung des Bodens auf kleinen Gepäckträgern wie ich ihn habe, wird eine Alu-Platte angeboten, aber da ich in einem metallverarbeitenden Betrieb arbeite, konnte ich mir im Austausch gegen einen Kaffee diese 18€ extra sparen.
Die Verarbeitung sieht gut aus und scheint was auszuhalten. Das Material hat auch bei einem größeren Regenguss keine Nässe durch gelassen, doch bei Dauerregen sollte dann doch besser die mitgelieferte Regenhaube verwendet werden.
Die Befestigung an der Sissybar ist idiotisch einfach: Die Haltegurte werden auf die Breite des Sissybar Bügels eingestellt, die Tasche an der selben dann eingehakt und die zusätzlichen Gurte, die optional am Bike fest gezurrt werden können, sorgen für einen stabilen Extra-Halt. Ein Schultergurt erleichtert das Tragen der Tasche, allerdings wäre mir lieber gewesen, ich hätte sie mir als Rucksack auf den Rücken schnallen können.
Elegant sieht die Deemeed Tasche auf dem Bike eher nicht aus, da wäre eine Ledertasche mit Chromschnallen sicherlich schicker, aber sie erfüllt ihren Zweck und ich werde sie bei größeren Touren gern wieder einsetzen.
Pro:
- Relativ leichtes Gewicht
- Nutzbarkeit des Stauraums - keine "blinden Ecken"
- Vier aufgesetzte Außentaschen für Kleinkram
- Robuste Reißverschlüsse
- Solide Verarbeitung
Contra:
- Hoher Preis (259€)
- Ein Organizer innen wäre nett gewesen.
- Keine Rucksack-Tragefunktion
- Statt Eleganz, der Knautsch-Look
Fazit: Die Tasche ist prima, aber der Kostenfaktor erscheint mir für ein Gepäckstück, das fast ausschließlich aus Kunstfaser-Material mit ein paar Lederapplikationen besteht, gefühlte 50 bis 60€ zu hoch.
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