GIVI Magazine - Novembre 2017

Text and photo by Mario Frati SOFT BAG BANZAI! WHEN WE TALK ABOUT “SOFT” BAGS FOR MOTORCYCLES, WE MISTAKENLY THINK OF A RUCKSACK OR A TANK BAG BUT IN REALITY, THE TOPIC IS VAST AND ... DEFINITELY REQUIRES SOME CLARIFICATION. GIVI MAGAZINE HAS PROVIDED A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN ALL ABOUT THE WORLD OF SOFT BAGS, PROVIDING USEFUL AND HELPFUL INFORMATION AND DETAILS WHICH WILL HELP ANY MOTORCYCLE OR SCOOTER RIDER TO SELECT THE PERFECT PRODUCT. U ntil a few years ago, the structure of the motorcycle was quite “stan- dard”: it offered a large saddle, two lateral dampers on which to mount bags and exhaust pipes running to the under- side, a position which ensured that there was no contact with the base of a bag and therefore presenting no danger. However, the stylistic evolution of the world of two wheels has profoundly changed characte- ristics and has led to the introduction of such a vast quantity of variables, comple- tely changing the past behaviour of the ri- der who would purchase a pair of universal saddlebags, mounting them on the saddle somehow and then hitting the road. Today there are many different types of soft bags which can be broken down into; side bags (either as a single or a pair), tank bags produced in a variety of sizes and also saddle bags. Some bags that mount on the saddle or the fuel tank can be con- verted into a backpack. There are also tunnel bags for scooters plus a number of smaller soft bags that are made to be mounted on either the handlebar, the fork head, a rear rack or on an engine guard. If such a wide choice was not enough, this long list can vary as a result of the diver- sity of two-wheeled machines available. Indeed, it is clear how confusing it can be to decide on a product which is best suited to individual needs. The best solution is to do everything step by step and to analy- se each and every category, starting with mounting.…... TANK BAGS The two main distinctions are dictated by the material used to fabricate the mo- torcycle fuel tank. With a metallic tank, a magnetic bag can be used. For a non- metallic tank, it would be necessary to use a bag with straps and clips. Additionally, the systemproposed by GIVI, known as the Tanklock system utilises the screws of the fuel filler cap to secure a flange that crea- tes a practical and secure anchorage point that fits into a female mechanismmounted to the base of each tanklock bag. This sy- stem can be activated with just one finger which triggers a lever to unhook the bag. The bag is attached to the fitting by sim- ply placing it in position and rotating the bag until it securely “clicks” into place on the flange. The only issue with the system arises when the motorcycle does not have screws in the filler cap, as in models pro- duced by MV and Ducati. EICMA 2017 will see the introduction of the evolution of this system, the TanklockED, an enhanced ver- sion of the tanklock system which enables the tanklock bag to be locked to the mo- torcycle using a security lock, substantially raising the level of anti-theft security. The flanges are compatible with the standard ed ED system and are distinguished by the part number “BF_ _ “. One aspect we wish to highlight, which ap- plies to all soft bags, is the waterproof fac- tor ... which is exclusively guaranteed by those models that are marketed as being waterproof. Other models are almost al- ways supplied with a rain cover, a standard accessory that will not make the bag wa- terproof but will guarantee protection in the case of a rain shower. SIDE BAGS It is importantto immediatelypointoutthat soft side bags require specific mounting sub-frames. Each motorcycle should have its own sub-frame, but due to the number of different models available, we can only speak in general terms and frequently, ma- nufacturers do not produce supports for soft side bags for Maxi-Enduro or Grand Tourer motorcycles, as these motorcycles are definitely more suited to rigid side ca- ses. GIVI proposes T-spacer frames, desi- gned to support bags, maintain stability and avoid contact with moving parts such as the chain or rear wheel, as well as main- taining the correct distance between the exhaust pipes and mufflers. A more “structured” version of these fra- mes is found in the TE series, created to be coupled with the thermoformed EasyLock bags (3D600), which, having a semi-rigid structure, require a key-lock system. The type of “semi-rigid” bags which fall betwe- en soft bags and rigid cases, has been fur- ther expanded by GIVI with the creation of the Metro-T and Sport-T lines in which stylistic research has played a prominent role. The Metro-T range is designed for Scrambler, Café Racer and in general, the “new classic” style of motorcycles and would need to be mounted in conjunction with the dedicated “TMT_ _ _ _” sub-fra- mes. The character of the Metro-T range is further enhanced by the ability to purcha- se just one side bag, as opposed to a pair. Alternatively, the Sport-T range is ai- med at large, “naked” motorcycles, such as the MT10 or the GSXS1000. Here the sub-frame has a shape and the part num- ber is “TST_ _ _ _”. What about the model of motorcycles for which sub-frames are not available? For those models, there is the alternative of rigid cases with a choi- ce between PL - PLR - PLX - PLXR - PL- CAM and PLRCAM sub-frames. A number of these solutions can also be used for mounting soft side bags. In other words, when using this type of bag, for the we- ekend or maybe a summer holiday, do it right by using a support frame or opt for a completely different type of storage. SADDLE BAGS Saddle bags are available in a multitude of different shapes, sizes and materials and can be used on both motorcycles and scooters. The fastening is a classic one, in two variants: double ring loop straps or elasticated straps with hooks at the ends. Sizes start from a 20 litre capacity right up to 50 litre (in total). GIVI has a catalogue of models that follow the shape of the motor- cycle tail and the roll bags are reminiscent of the classic duffel bags, waterproof with a roll-top zip closure and handles for easy transportation. The latter is the most prac- tical for both the mounting and opening of the bag. Soft saddle bags do not require any addi- tional support but it is essential to esta- blish that the tail / saddle / luggage com- partment of the individual motorcycle will provide sufficient support for the soft lug- gage being mounted. SPECIFIC BAGS FOR “NO TAIL” MOTORCYCLES In instances where a motorcycle does not have surfaces suitable for lateral soft bags, the rider will be the support for a comfor- table but generous technical backpack, attached to the back and designed to be carried whilst riding. The backpack can be matched to a tank bag. In this category we find small and medium sized Enduro motorcycles such as 250cc and the CRF450 or the KTM 690R. For those riders thinking of crossing the Pyrenees with a model of motorcycle that falls into this category, there is a specifical- ly designed range of soft bags; the Gravel- T which includes side bags with a capacity of 15 ltrs on each side, to be mounted with an aluminium heat shield and avoiding sub-frames. Tank bags are sized to allow the freedom of movement needed to ride on dirt roads and mud tracks. A generous mudguard pouch in addition to other new proposals will be introduced at the Salo- ne di Milano during EICMA 2017 and all of which are completely waterproof because “what kind of road is it, if you do not en- counter some splashes”? In short, it can be seen that there is an enormous choice available and this is also true for scooters. Considering the love affair between scooters and hard cases, even scooters can use a tunnel bag, or perhaps even soft side bags and they can be mounted to a scooter without the use of any frames, due to the support provided by the body. TOP TIPS For those who are planning to buy one or more soft bags that are not specific to the motorcycle or scooter owned, we sug- gest….. - Try them on the vehicle before buying them. Do not trust intuition, or the “I think this is ok” mentality - There should be no interference withmo- ving parts for example, the rear wheel or the chain. - Avoid flapping belts or straps - Evaluate the overall safety, even on the move, by making sure that the bags are fir- mly secure as they must not interfere with riding controls - Allow at least a 10cm clearance betwe- en the base of the bags and heat sources, such as mufflers or exhaust pipes Finally, remember that when a bag is de- scribed as being “universal”, it is understo- od that it is compatible with most commer- cial two-wheeled vehicles available on the market . Make one more phone call, or write to the Technical Area of ​our GIVIPEOPLE blog; we are here for you! captions 1) TANK BAGS OFFER DIFFERENT MOUNTING SYSTEMS. THE “TANKLOCKED” IS THE MOST ADVANCED ONE: LIKE THE ORIGINAL TANKLOCK, IT IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE CLASSIC MAGNETS & STRAPS SYSTEMS, BUTI T NOW FEATURES A SA- FETY LOCK. 2) SOFT SIDE BAGS ARE MOUNTED WITH THE SUPPORT OF FRAMES. THE STRONGER ONE IS THE “TE” MODEL AND IT IS USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE THERMOFORMED MODELS. 3) LUGGAGE RACKS AND THE SEAT ITSELF DOUBLE AS SUP- PORTS FOR DUFFEL AND CARGO BAGS. 42 Tech