Soft Luggage Giant Loop on a X challenge

[crackandthump]

I've just down sized to a G650x challenge. I thought that if I was going to cr*p off road I might as well had a lighter bike to pick up. I d still like the option to carrying some kit.

The bike obviously doesn't fall into the category of a popular bike for luggage hence the lack of frame options, and I just can't be bothered with welding the extra iron work.

So has anybody used the Giant loop system. I know its a trade off with security and volume, but is it easy to live with on/off the road? Is the coyote big enough or is it worth getting a Basin .........just weary of the old fault of filling all available volume regardless of if I need it.

I really should leave the expresso machine behind, and get used to reversing my undercrackers every other day.


Mark

 

[gebrauchtwagen83]

im interested in reading the responses to this. i was on the verge of buying one for my sertao and then realised it wasnt waterproof out the bag. it put me off at that price but im still considering it.

 

[Zorro]

I have the one that is horse shoe shaped. I've only used it once but it was good. Plenty of space and the yellow inner bags are waterproof. Plus, if you do seal the seems as they recommend the actual horse shoe is also waterproof. My only concern is contact with the exhaust. It is fine with the plate protection but I did stop often to check it did not move...
If anyone can recommend a solution to this (or has a piece of very high temp insulation) then it is the perfect luggage for this bike. This and the TT tankbag is a good solution.

 

[PeterNI]

Prior to selling my XC I used a Giant Loop Great Basin on it for touring. Whilst the pack performed faultlessly car should be taken that the bottom of the pack doesn't come into contact with the rear wheel. This happened to me on one occasion. The lack of rear foot pegs leaves it fiddly to attach easily too.
Make sure and use seal sealant on all the stitching and joints, as it is not waterproof, I used it both inside and outside the pack. I didn't bother purchasing the expensive shaped dry bags mad by Giant Loop, instead I use the Exped dry bags.

 

[crackandthump]

I m liking the concept. The new basin is expensive and apparently doesn't come with internal bag Was thinking of a small loop braket to assist with securing. Is the extra volume worth the price difference between basin and coyote ?

 

[PeterNI]

I think it's worth it. For short trips when its not full the straps compress the pack down well. For longer trips if its full there are plenty of tie down places for attaching other bags or a jacket. I must admit I have the last generation Great Basin. I also have the smaller Mojavi for my Husaberg. There is always the temptation to carry more than you need on a trip. But I'd much rather be looking at something I needed rather than wishing I had packed it due to lack of space.

 

[PeterNI]

and don't forget to fit the exhaust guard. The XC can run very hot and easily melt the fabric of the Giant Loop

 

[crackandthump]

I ll probably augment it with a 30 ltr dry sack I got from a sailing shop I d like to size them up on the bike before coughing up the cash Is there a uk stockist ?

 

[PeterNI]

Yes adventure-spec among others

 

[mhsnowy]

As stated earlier the GL basin really needs to be secured at the bottom to work properly and there is a lack of securing points for this on the Xchallenge. I had a GL basin myself some years ago when I had my KTM 690 Enduro and yes they do leak in heavy rain through the seams and mine was an early model where the Zip was exposed and although also waterproof there was always a small hole where the zips met. Another problem I found is that it stores all the weight up high on the bike as it doesn't sit that low down the side of the bike. Also found it a pain to pack properly due to the shape, (try packing size 11 shoes and packing stuff around them), virtually impossible. On a positive note they do crash well and don't move if strapped properly.

I have an Xchallenge now and went for the Hepco and Becker racks which don't weigh a great deal extra on the bike but are fantastic for protecting the bike when having casual lie downs on the trail. Also great for pulling it around and extra places to grab hold to pick it up. Also gives you a massive option of soft luggage to use and keeps it out of the wheels and off the exhaust. You can mount tool tubes on the inside to utilize the extra space available.

Hopefully a balanced view from a user of both types.

 

[crackandthump]

Mmmmmmm...tempting to go the whole hog and get pannier frame and soft luggage like Adventure spec, but reality kicks in when I look at the bank balance.

I think I got a bit of equipment -creep with my R1200GS. Ok if you can afford it, but lifes a trade off. The Giant Loop system looks like it can provide me with my needs, but obvoiusly comes with limitations and problems. Suppose it up to the individual if they can adapt and live comfortably with them.

All input is appreciated and keep it coming. I've time before making the choice.

 

[magno]

Xc luggage

Only option in my opinion is hot rod welding rear rack with magadan panniers. Tough, waterproof and lightweight. Might seem a lot of money to stump up but buy cheap you pay twice.

 

[IJGser]

Only option in my opinion is hot rod welding rear rack with magadan panniers. Tough, waterproof and lightweight. Might seem a lot of money to stump up but buy cheap you pay twice.

Yep fantastic piece of kit, could they be mounted on hepco and becker pannier rails to save a from scratch fabrication.


Or make a U shaped frame out of metal tube couple with cheep fabric bags and bin bags for waterproofing, worked for me on a trip to spain looked shite though

 

[Gaz]

Dirtbagz and rails on my XCh that has done a fair chunk of the TAT and plenty of serious offroad in the Dordogne.
Perfect bit of kit

http://www.dbzproducts.com/

 

[crackandthump]

I'll give Adventure Bike shop in Sudbury visit next week. I'm just looking for that sensible compromise between a fully laden/spec'd GS and a small 250cc with an orange crate strapped to the back.....either way I'll have to learn to live with it for a bit.

 

[GFJ]

I currently use hepco & Becker frames with Wolfman panniers. Seem robust and relatively waterproof.

General pannier issues incl width of bike plus precaution for overstrap near to the exhaust.

Just coming back from 8 day trail trip in Portugal and there was a mix of panniers and giant loops. Both options were fine.

Will be getting a giant loop when I have a single track trip in mind.

 

[Losttheplot]

I've just done 8k miles across the US with GL's coyote on the bike along with a roll bag.

Securing it is no problem, it hooks onto the front of the TT rear rack, and the bottom straps run down to the footpegs. The exhaust can be an issue, but i fitted a pair of large jubilee clips around the rear can to help space the plastics off it, which also kept the bag away.

If you don't need to carry much then it is ideal. it will take the essentials, and takes a few minutes to totally remove so you can go play without having to worry about dropping the bike and bending your pannier rack.

I'm thinking of having a change though, and my giant loop may be up for sale when it gets back- hopefully next week?

Nathan

 

[crackandthump]

Anybody got pics of the GL system on their bike ?