Happy Trails Side Racks
#1
05-29-2009, 06:36 AM
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Misawa Japan
Posts: 3,106
Happy Trails Side Racks
Just got word from Jason at www.happy-trail.com that they are designing SU side racks for the the KLX250S, among other items. 
The SU racks are designed to accept hard panniers, like those offered by GIVI and the aluminum models offered by Happy Trails. I until now, all that has been offered for our bike are frames designed for soft luggage.
Unlike those offered by Turbo City, these attach to at least three separate points on the frame so that the weight is not concentrated on the rear subframe.
Anyway, for the few of us who like to 'minimalist tour' every now and then and don't like messing with soaking wet bags or their semi effective rain covers, Happy Trails said just to keep watching their website for the KLX racks to be posted.
Here's what the SU racks looks like.
The SU racks are designed to accept hard panniers, like those offered by GIVI and the aluminum models offered by Happy Trails. I until now, all that has been offered for our bike are frames designed for soft luggage.
Unlike those offered by Turbo City, these attach to at least three separate points on the frame so that the weight is not concentrated on the rear subframe.
Anyway, for the few of us who like to 'minimalist tour' every now and then and don't like messing with soaking wet bags or their semi effective rain covers, Happy Trails said just to keep watching their website for the KLX racks to be posted.
Here's what the SU racks looks like.
Last edited by tremor38; 05-29-2009 at 08:45 AM.
#3
05-29-2009, 08:31 AM
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Misawa Japan
Posts: 3,106
I botched the spelling by putting an 'S' after 'trail'
I should be www.happy-trail.com
#5
05-29-2009, 01:17 PM
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Misawa Japan
Posts: 3,106
Judging from the price of the same style of rack for the KLX650 and DRZ400, it looks like it will be about $240.00 U.S. Not cheap, but worth it for me because I've been waiting for somebody to make this type of rack for our bike for quite some time.
Don't get me wrong, I've done some decent touring with my cordura bags, but it seems water always finds its way in even aftet you putz around putting the rain covers on.
I'd much rather get some givi E21's or similar, so that all you need to do is close the lid and you're set. 
The fact that the good folks at Happy Trails are building them is even better. They build nothing but great quality products.
Don't get me wrong, I've done some decent touring with my cordura bags, but it seems water always finds its way in even aftet you putz around putting the rain covers on.
I'd much rather get some givi E21's or similar, so that all you need to do is close the lid and you're set. The fact that the good folks at Happy Trails are building them is even better. They build nothing but great quality products.
#7
05-29-2009, 07:23 PM
This does sound like good news. A pair of Givi's could be nice. I do run a pair of Cortech soft bags sometimes. The rain covers are worthless while moving. Maybe they're ok while on the platform waiting for a train.
I found I always had dry belongings if I folded everything up inside a leaf bag first. A heavy-duty rubber band, cut off the long extra length, and ready to go.
We found that the new B&B 1.1 tank does fit if you're also running the DirtBagz brand luggage.
I found I always had dry belongings if I folded everything up inside a leaf bag first. A heavy-duty rubber band, cut off the long extra length, and ready to go.
We found that the new B&B 1.1 tank does fit if you're also running the DirtBagz brand luggage.
#9
05-30-2009, 01:49 AM
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Misawa Japan
Posts: 3,106
[QUOTE=lcpl0331;376780]
Yeah, that's pretty slick Bake, but get back on topic 
J/k
J/k