SW-Motech racks

[motocephalic]

Bolts, simple, and it will take minutes to remove them, but still doable.

 

[fredz43]

I am disappointed by how asymmetrical those racks are.

They are made asymetrical so you can use different size bags on each side and end up with a symmetrical overall look without an epty gap between the bike and rack on the non exhaust side. With symmetrical racks, you end up with empty, some say wasted space on the non exhaust side between the rack and bike in order to make them symmetrical. Some prefer one design, some prefer the other. I had been favoring Hepco and Becker racks and bags when I saw a display at the Indy Dealer Show in Feb on a R1200GS. It had asymmetrical racks and used a 30L, a rather small bag, one one side and a 40L on the other. I went with the SW-Motechs as I was disappointed when the H&B racks for the S10 came out and were symmetrical, so you either had two small 30L bags or two rather large 40L bags.

Different strokes for different folks.............

 

[motocephalic]

I agree the asymmetry lends itself exactly to the 2" needed on the exhaust side. One side gets the 8" bag, the other 10". The SW motechs lend themselves to that combination.

 

[fredz43]

Anyone thought of how to secure the rack to the bike? I used the big black springy connectors. Even with my cases connected it would take me less than 60 seconds to walk off with the case and the rack. Not exactly secure.

If we are still talking about the SW-Motech racks, they sell and recommend that you use two of the locking connectors, one on each side that can only be removed with a key.

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/5409

 

[Psyduck]

I went with two boxes of the same size. Don't really care that one side sticks out a bit more.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

If we are still talking about the SW-Motech racks, they sell and recommend that you use two of the locking connectors, one on each side that can only be removed with a key.

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/5409

Interesting. An expense item I didn't anticipate. I was just reading over on stromtrooper that one owner felt the SWM locks were "a joke." I'm trying to get further clarification.

 

[Kidder]

I agree the asymmetry lends itself exactly to the 2" needed on the exhaust side. One side gets the 8" bag, the other 10". The SW motechs lend themselves to that combination.

Yeah, well I'm not buying new bags just because of that. I have matching Givis (E360s). Looks like I'll go with a different rack system. It's too bad because I liked them on my V-Strom 650. Or, you could always fill the void with a tool tube (IF they were symmetrical).

 

[rem]

was just reading over on stromtrooper that one owner felt the SWM locks were "a joke." I'm trying to get further clarification.

I got two of the "rack locks" with my MicaTech/SW Motech setup. They work well. There are four points of attachment for each rack to the bike. They use a quick lock, quarter turn device with a simple standard screwdriver head. You can substitute one of these attachments with the rack lock. It functions the same, except the head is a locking handle. If you "lock" the head with a key, the head twists and you cannot turn the shaft to release it from the bike. Simple and elegant. Works well. One point of attachment prevents someone from lifting the rack from your bike. When you unlock the rack lock, the handle engages and you can twist the shaft and remove it just like the others. Easy peasy. Not sure what problem the Stromtroopers might be having with it. R

 

[Kidder]

The SWM locks work great. Like rem said, you lock it and it spins. You are unable to remove it from the rack.

 

[colorider]

The SWM locks work great. Like rem said, you lock it and it spins. You are unable to remove it from the rack.

I had them on one of my V-Stroms and never had an issue with them. I elected to not purchase them this time as I did not feel they were needed in 99.44% of my situations. Just an added expense and unnecessary step to go through when removing the entire rack (which I very seldom do).

 

[rem]

did not feel they were needed in 99.44% of my situations

True enough. Not likely someone is going to walk off with your pannier rack. It was sort of an impulse purchase for me. I'm glad I have them, but probably not necessary. If someone REALLY wants your rack, they'll probably get it. But the do work. R

 

[colorider]

True enough. Not likely someone is going to walk off with your pannier rack. It was sort of an impulse purchase for me. I'm glad I have them, but probably not necessary. If someone REALLY wants your rack, they'll probably get it. But the do work. R

All a person accomplishes with most locks and security items is keep the honest people honest. If the bad guy wants your bike, car, in your house, whatever - they will do it - regardless of lock.

 

[fredz43]

We will be using our racks and bags differently. I will only have mine on when on trips. For everyday, my KLR tailpack will hold about anything I might want to haul. When on trips and parking in a motel lot overnight, my bags and racks will be locked, my key will be out of the ignition, steering locked and my helmet will be in the room. If a real theif wants to steal my bike, it will still be gone, but I don't want to tempt the punk amateur by making it too easy.

 

[rem]

I figure the thief will look at the lock handle thingys and figure that's the way to take them off. He'll give it a turn and say .... Damn, it's broken ... and move on to your bike. That's the plan. Oh, yes ... I have it all worked out. I should put a sign that says .. "Turn here to remove rack".


Rode to Braeburn yesterday morning for coffee. 60 miles. Nice day. It soared up to 68 degrees. It was brutal heat but we managed. Sunny all the way. I hated it, of course, but I needed a coffee. You understand. R