Go Light. Go Fast.

Giant Loop Rider: Finnish Enduro Racer Fits Coyote Saddlebag on Yamaha WR 450 AND Harley-Davidson XR 1200

2012-01-27T07:02:00.001-08:00

At the Swedish motorcyle show, I met this Finnish rider. He owns a Coyote Saddlebag and used it on his Six Days Enduro bike, a Yamaha WR 450 . . . until his sweet race bike was stolen. Luckily, his Coyote Saddlebag was not mounted on the bike when it was boosted.

With his insurance money for the WR, he purchased a Harley-Davidson XR 1200 (he's owned 6 bikes in 10 years, he likes to mix it up).

The question: Will the Coyote Saddlebag and Diablo Tank Bag fit the H-D?

The answer: Yes! They both fit perfectly! We ran the tank bag harness straps under the tank to the opposite sides (a trick I learned from a Husqvarna TE610 owner).

Giant Loop Tip: 2-Liter Fuel Bottle Fits In MoJavi Saddlebag

2012-01-27T05:02:00.001-08:00

A Swedish customer who rides with the MoJavi Saddlebag on his Husaberg FE570 wanted to maximize his fuel carrying capacity without mounting aftermarket fuel tanks on his enduro bike.

His solution: A 2-liter plastic fuel bottle in each side of his bag. Fits perfectly!

Giant Loop Tip: Desiccant silica gel packets eliminate moisture

2012-01-26T04:53:00.001-08:00

You know those little packets that come packed inside all kinds of products to absorb moisture? Save and reuse them! Swedish Giant Loop rider Joachim Brannas tells us that throwing a few into Giant Loop bags keeps his gear dry, absorbing moisture from damp clothes, condensation, etc. He says the large ones from computers and electronic equipment are best. And at the end of his ride, he simply sets them out to dry, and they can be used multiple times. Thanks Joachim!

Giant Loop in Europe: Postcards from Germany - Rottweil, Touratech AG

2012-01-24T07:13:00.000-08:00

Five page of Giant Loop in 2012 Touratech catalog!

Tasty local pils

Haus zum Sternen - Rottweil

Haus zum Sternen, built in 13th Century

Haus zum Sternen - costs less than staying in a generic chain hotel back home!


Cutaway of wall in Haus zum Sternum, showing ancient building technique

Tilo from Touratech AG picking me up at Haus zum Sternen in Rottweil

BMW G450 Rally at Touratech AG

Touratech AG's "nerve center"

Touratech AG's retail shop

Touratech AG's cafeteria

Touratech AG's retail shop

Touratech AG BMW staff car

Touratech AG's retail shop

Touratech AG's product manager Tilo Jentzsch, my tour guide

Touratech AG's retail shop

Rottweil

Dinner at Gästehaus Rössl

"Traveling carpenter" - an 800 year-old tradition of traveling craftsmen on the road for 3 years and 1 day learning their trade

Enjoying the German tradition of a shared table

Rottweil train station - tower wrapped for reconstruction

Rottweil train station

Trains here are excellent!

Giant Loop Customer Questions: Will Tire Irons and Spare Inner Tube Fit in the Buckin' Roll Tank Bag?

2012-01-18T12:58:00.000-08:00

One of our Giant Loop customers recently asked if the Buckin' Roll Tank Bag was large enough to hold 2 tire irons and a 21" inner tube on one side. We thought this was a good question, worthy of sharing the answer for those of you who may have been wondering the same thing.

The answer is yes, and here are some shots of a 21" Heavy Duty tube and Motion Pro tire irons. It's tight, but not like you'd be needing to get in and out of the thing all day.

The least universal in fitment of any Giant Loop product, the Buckin' Roll Tank Bag is designed specifically for motorcycles with air vents in their gas tanks, for example, the Honda XR650R with an Acerbis 6.3 gallon Sahara tank.

New from Giant Loop - Gear Repair Kit: Save-A-Ride Essentials for Motorcycle Adventures

2012-01-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

Gear Repair Kit: Save-A-Ride Essentials for Motorcycle Adventures by Giant Loop $25.00
Basic supplies for field repair of Giant Loop® bags and other adventure motorcycling gear.

Get yourself home in one piece! Use this kit to patch holes, seal seams, replace lost/broken parts and improvise other repairs on the trail.

Giant Loop Gear Repair Kit includes:
• Seam Grip® sealer/adhesive + brush
• 22 oz. vinyl truckers tarp patches (5 colors)
• 1-in. Nylike® webbing (1 yd.)
• zinc plated 1-in. cam buckle
• heavy duty 1-in. nylon tension lock buckle
• vinyl coated fender hook
• Giant Loop® vinyl sticker

Available from Authorized Giant Loop Dealers worldwide. Or, get it right here.

Video and Pics: Giant Loop Motorcycle Soft Luggage on KTM 690 Enduro-R

2012-01-13T12:06:00.000-08:00

Giant Loop rider Kurt has a really nicely dialed-in KTM 690 Enduro-R, and he rides with our bags on all of his bikes (KTM 640 Adventure, Aprilia Tuono, KTM 450 EXC) for various adventures in the Pacific Northwest. His pics and video run down fitment and first-hand tips for mounting and protecting Giant Loop soft luggage on his dualsport machine.

"I attach to the forward loops to the frame as you do. My feet are not huge but I've never felt them contacting the bag or strap in a normal riding position (ball of my foot on the peg). I have similar rub marks in similar places, but I'm pretty sure that must be from the bag itself. Backing up the buckle by knotting the end of the webbing around the main run of the strap should eliminate any possibility that it would loosen if you were hitting it. I usually do this anyway just to tidy up the strap ends."

"At the rear, I attach the bag by looping it behind and under the rear of the passenger grab rails. I do it this way just because I have them installed and the rails make for a pair of giant hooks that are really convenient. I've used the GL hook on the fender when mounting on my 450 and have logged many miles of hard off road like that with no visible wear on either the hooks or webbing (that webbing is TOUGH stuff!). Where I've worn the webbing on my Coyote, it's been from exhaust burns on other bikes (I've used it on my 450 before I got a proper exhaust shield, and on my old 640, which had an exhaust pipe close to the subframe forward mount point)."

"Regarding the heat shield, the stock exhaust is so huge that you need a bigger clamp for it than most other pipes. You can get it at Home Depot/Lowes/etc for a buck or two. It's usually with the large diameter ABS pipes and it works perfect."

Hope that helps!
--Kurt

More photos of the Giant Loop Coyote Saddlebag (same fitment for my MoJavi Saddlebag) on Kurt's KTM 690 Enduro R here.

Giant Loop Review: Rider Magazine Tests Coyote Saddlebag, Diablo Tank Bag, Coyote Dry Bag in Gear Lab

2012-01-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

Stoked to have rider, author and photographer Clement Salvadori put Giant Loop's Coyote Saddlebag, Diablo Tank Bag and Coyote Dry Bag to the test for Rider Magazine's Gear Lab in the February 2012 issue! Although he couldn't convince Rider to send him to North Africa for his testing, dang it, Clem logged some miles in Southern California on his trusty Suzuki DR650 and got inspired to take a Mojave Desert trip.

Rider Magazine, February 2012

"The nicest thing about the 30-liter Coyote bag is that it is built like a passenger with legs, half a torso and no head. It sits on the very back of the pillion seat, or fender, whatever gives the rider all the room he or she needs to move around."

Rider Magazine, Gear Lab, February 2012, page 62

"The Diablo tankbag is a small bag, only four liters, but when I'm "roughing" it, I do not want a large bag in front of me."

Rider Magazine, Gear Lab, February 2012, page 63

"I also included a Coyote Dry Bag, a simple waterproof bag (yellow only) that attaches to the back of the saddlebag with compression straps."

"Now I've got 46 liters to fill up. I've been abusing the Giant Loop set-up for quite a while now, and everything stays in place."

For the whole story, subscribe to Rider Magazine!

Giant Loop in Bend, OR's The Bulletin Newspaper: "Saddlebag maker is revving up sales"

2012-01-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

Always nice to get a little ink from our hometown's daily newspaper, The Bulletin. Business reporter Rachael Rees got the story straight!

"Saddlebag maker is revving up sales" by Rachael Rees, The Bulletin, January 11, 2012

The Bulletin newspaper struggles a bit with print journalism in the digital age, so unless you're a paid subscriber you'll be asked to pay $.75 to read the article online here.

Giant Loop Rider: William and Sons on Trans-America Trail with Great Basin Saddlebag

2012-01-06T12:28:00.000-08:00

Email and pic from customer William "somewhere in Utah" on the Trans-America Trail with Giant Loop's Great Basin Saddlebag:

Thought this was a nice photo showing off your saddlebag....it worked great!

It's a great product and both of my sons used the same bags without any hassles on the same trip, which lasted two weeks.

Keep up the good work,
William

Giant Loop Rider: Mark Rips Italy's Stelvio Pass on Ducati Hypermotard with Coyote Saddlebag

2012-01-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

Great email and pic from Giant Loop customer Mark, who rented a Ducati Hypermotard in Italy and rode the famously beautiful Stelvio Pass through the Alps with friends:

"This summer some friends and I took a little trip and rented motorcycles to ride up the Passo dello Stelvio [in Italy's Alps]. I bought your bag because it would fit virtually any bike. I use it on my KTM Superduke at home in Oregon. Here is a picture on the way up to Stelvio."

Giant Loop review: Adventure Motorcycle Magazine Tests Truimph Tiger 800 XC with Giant Loop Luggage

2012-01-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

Giant Loop makes a couple of appearances in the Jan/Feb 2012 issue of ADVMOTO - Adventure Motorcycle & Dualsport News magazine. Thanks guys!

First, in the Horizons Unlimited California Traveller's Meeting "Event Report" by Nicole Espinosa (aka Nicomama) you can just see Giant Loop's vendor stand (see you there this year!).

Then, in the Truimph Tiger 800 XC Review, Adventure Motorcycle equipped its test bike with Giant Loop's Diablo Tank Bag, Coyote Saddlebag and Coyote Dry Bag. Although we're not quite sure why they used bungee cords (NOT recommended - get some RokStraps instead), they did have some nice things to say: "Our Giant Loop Coyote bag setup was in perfect proportion to the body and it could have easily taken more."

Note: The Great Basin Saddlebag, Great Basin Dry Bag and Fandango Tank Bag also fit the Truimph Tiger 800 XC perfectly - just depends on how much gear you want to carry.

Giant Loop review: Dirt Rider's Jimmy Lewis Punishes Coyote Saddlebag, Fandango Tank Bag, Buckin' Roll Tank Bag

2011-12-16T11:09:00.001-08:00

Dirt Rider magazine's Jimmy Lewis has been riding with Giant Loop bags and punishing them for a whole season - the best kind of review. Pick up a copy of the February 2012 issue of Dirt Rider for the whole story. Enjoy the highlights below. And thanks Jimmy!

Dirt Rider magazine, February 2012

"Giant Loop makes really cool products that allow you to carry more stuff on your dirt or adventure bike. I've used a number of its bags now and have come away impressed with each one. They all serve a different purpose — or should I say, allow you to carry a different amount of stuff."


*The Dirty Part - DR Tested: "Giant Loop Coyote Saddlebag, Fandango and Buckin' Roll Tank Bags" by Jimmy Lewis*

"But the best part about the bags is that there is no extra racking attached to the bike and the bags come off so simply it only takes a few seconds to go from loaded to being light and race-ready. The price is very fair considering the quality and they easily fit a number of bikes, so they will be useful for a long time. If any sort of bike camping or adventure touring into the backcountry with your supplies is your thing, these bags deserve some consideration."

Giant Loop rider: Mike's 108-Day USA Tour on Honda XR650L with Coyote Saddlebag

2011-12-12T12:44:00.001-08:00

You may remember Giant Loop rider Mike, who stopped by the shop this summer during his 2,800-mile West Coast trip. He recently posted an extensive re-cap of the gear he carried on his Honda XR650L - and how he carried it, including a Giant Loop Coyote Saddlebag. Below is the intro to his ADV Rider post. Be sure to check out his blog, with many excellent pics from his journey. Ride while you can!

108days. 17,048miles. XR650L USA Tour

Hi All!!

I've just returned from a 108 day, 17048 mile cross country trip on the XR650L. To sum it up, the United Stated is much bigger and beautiful than I could have ever imagined. 3½ months is not nearly enough time to soak up this country, but it was a good overview at the least. You will meet some very amazing and very friendly people as long as you are amazing and friendly yourself. Your aura sets the standard for your environment.

I won't be doing a full blown rider report since I blogged the entire trip mostly realtime. You can view my perspectives along the way on tumblr: http://michaelbrat.tumblr.com

Below is a full breakdown of all the gear packed on the bike for this trip. Hopefully this will give others ideas for when they plan to go on a motorcycle adventure! I've added some notes as to use of the gear brought on the trip. If I missed something or if anyone has any questions whatsoever, please ask! I didn't spend all day compiling this list just to have questions go unanswered This thread is meant to be informative and helpful so please also take anything you need from it.

Additionally, I have other pictures detailing certain items or even certain places along the way so if you'd like to see more of something or somewhere, ask and you may receive.

Enjoy friends!
Mike B

Giant Loop Coyote
-Durable horseshoe shaped bag originally designed for dirtbikes. Easy to attach and remove from the bike and seals rather well against rain. After seam sealing the bag, it keeps out about 95% of the rain. Some seeps in still but it was just enough to make a few things damp. Held up well against falls on the dirt.

1. See “Tool Kit” picture.
2. Rotella T 15W40 Engine Oil.
3. First Aid Kit – Just in case
4. Snow Peak Giga Power Stove w/ tea bags, hot choco, oatmeal
5. Latex Gloves – Greasy hands are not fun without a faucet in sight.
6. Spare OE H4 Bulb – Incase my eBay HID bulb dies :)
7. Assorted adhesives – JB Weld, Silicone Adhesive, Locktight, Grease
8. Extra Shop Towels – A gift from a friend in SC
9. Spare CDI unit
10. Gorilla tape & Electrical Tape
11. Giant Loop Coyote Bag
12. Clothing sack – 2 shorts, 1 levis, 1 swim trunks
13. Clothing sack – 5 pairs socks, 5 underwears
14. Heavy Duty Black Trash Bags – Used to waterproof my Flash 18 & Flash 65 Backpacks.
15. One of 3 Sacks provided with the Giant Loop – This one specifically used for dirty clothes.
16. Dry Sack for 15º Stoic Down Mummy Bag – Stays warm comfortably to the 30º range.
17. Fox Moto Goggles
18. Evernew Titanium Pot & Pan Set – Contains fuel canister.
19. Honda OE Oil Filters

Giant Loop rider: California Road Trip on Triumph Tiger 800 XC with Great Basin Saddlebag

2011-12-09T15:08:00.001-08:00

Nice blog post from I'd rather be riding . . . - "A Bridge not too far: The Golden Gate Bridge" multi-day tour on Triumph Tiger 800 XC with Great Basin Saddlebag. The video illustrates how simple it is to take the Great Basin Saddlebag off your bike and take it with you.

Click here for the whole story.

Also, check out TheCDANet's YouTube channel, with clips of riding a Yamaha WR250 in Oregon's desert with the Coyote Saddlebag!

Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebag on GlobeBusters Tibet Tour - Report from Tiffany Coates

2011-12-08T16:13:00.001-08:00

Epic ADV Rider ride report from Tiffany Coates. Thanks for the Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebag pic and mention Tiffany!

"The mountains in the distance are Pakistan, the guy in the foreground is using Giant Loop luggage which performed excellently throughout the trip."

Here's the start of Tiffany's ADV Rider report, "Tiffany's Trail to Tibet":

"Or should that be trial? I'm doing something very different with this current trip as I'm now a working girl (hmmm, maybe I should re-phrase that)."

"GlobeBusters have taken me on to help lead one of their groups and I've got the Tibet trip
They're supplied me with a 1200GS, a GPS that I had no idea how to even switch on and instructions to set off from London with a bunch of riders."

"I set off with a bike that was still quite clean and relatively intact. The group includes, Aussies, Yanks, a Swede, a Swiss and several Brits so a good multi-national mix and also three other women."

"Yes, I know I'm extremely lucky to get this job- it's a dream come true, especially with such a fantastic destination as Tibet."

"Our route is taking us from London, through France, Begium, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Iran (with Yanks alongside!), Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, China and Tibet to Everest, then back up into China to Beijing where we fly home from."
__________________
Tiffany
On the way home from...Mongolia
www.tiffanystravels.co.uk
Tiffany's youtube video

Click here for the rest of Tiffany Coates' report on this epic motorcycle adventure tour.

Giant Loop Motorcycle Saddlebags, Tank Bags, Dry Bags - Proudly Made In USA, Ridden Worldwide

2011-12-06T10:46:00.001-08:00

Did you know that all Giant Loop motorcycle saddlebags, tank bags, dry bags and heat shields are Made In USA? Sure, we could probably make cheaper bags in other parts of the world, but we're proud to support American manufacturing - and even more importantly, Made In USA still represents some of the highest quality on planet Earth. By manufacturing domestically, Giant Loop has better control over our materials and craftsmanship, plus we can bring new ideas and improvements to customers faster, wherever on the globe they call home. Grip it, and rip it!

Giant Loop USA Dealer List - Support Your Favorite Shop!

2011-12-02T17:19:00.001-08:00

Just updated Giant Loop's USA Dealer List. Support your favorite shops - and ride while you can.

Made in USA. Ridden Worldwide. Giant Loop®

Arkansas Adventure Rider	479-253-5717	Eureka Springs	AR	www.arkansasadventurerider.com
Go AZ Motorcycles	480-609-1800	Scottsdale	AZ	www.goaz.com
Sierra Expeditions	480-968-9689	Tempe	AZ	www.sierraexpeditions.com
Watt-Man	602-380-5756	Scottsdale	AZ	www.xanga.com/watt_man
Zen Motorcycle	480-600-2978	Mesa	AZ	www.zenmotostore.com
1 Off Motorsports	858-586-0286	San Diago	CA	www.1offmotorsports.com
American Beta (USA distributor for Beta Motorcycles)			CA	americanbeta.com
Bavarian Cycle Works Inc.	415-829-8235	San Francisco	CA	www.bavariancycleworks.com
Bike Bandit.com	619-623-3664	San Diego	CA	www.bikebandit.com
BMW Motorcycles of San Francisco	(415) 503-9988	San Francisco	CA	www.bmwmotorcycle.com
BMW Motorcycles of Ventura County	805-499-3770	Newbury Park	CA	www.bmwventura.com
BurnsMoto	408-425-7771	Los Gatos	CA	www.burnsmoto.com
Chico Honda Motorsports	530-342-4216	Chico	CA	www.chicohonda.com
Cycle Gear #65 LVE	702-435-0635	Benicia	CA	www.cyclegear.com
Cycle Gear Auburn WA	(253) 876-9999	Benicia	CA	www.cyclegear.com
Cycle Gear Direct	(707) 747-5053 ext. 2	Benicia	CA	www.cyclegear.com
Cycle Gear Medisto	209-576-0201	Benicia	CA	www.cyclegear.com
D&D Cycle	760-510-2008	San Marcos	CA	www.ddcycle.com
Dave's Adventure Cycles	209-524-1432	Modesto	CA	www.davesadventurecycles.com
Get Dirty Dirt Bikes	760-327-0747	Morongo Valley	CA	www.getdirtydirtbikes.com
Lee's Honda	530-221-6788	Redding	CA	www.leeshonda.com
Mojotown Motorcycle Gear	415-457-6656	San Rafael	CA	www.mojotowngearshop.com
Moore & Sons Motorcycles	(831) 475-3619	Santa Cruz	CA
Motorcycle Performance Center	916-722-2300	Roseville	CA	www.mpcktm.com
Motostrano	650-780-9306	REDWOOD CITY	CA	www.motostrano.com
North Coast Motorsports	760-758-3725	Oceanside	CA	www.northcoastmotorsports.com
North Valley Motorsports	530-864-9159	Chico	CA
PashnitMoto.com	530-391-1356	Camino	CA	www.pashnitmoto.com
Santa Barbara Motorsports	805-967-9898	Goleta	CA	www.santabarbaramotorsports.com
Scuderia West Motorcycles	415-621-7223	San Francisco	CA	www.scuderiawest.com
Renazco	707-526-1282	Santa Rosa	CA	www.renazcoracing.com
The Motorcycle Shop	707-578-6686	Santa Rosa	CA	www.the-motorcycle-shop.com
Trail Tricks	661.245.2356	Frasier Park	CA	www.trailtricks.com
Werstatt Motorcycle Repair	415-552-8115	San Francisco	CA	www.werkstattsf.com
Baja GPS Guide	970-557-4388	Winter Park	CO	www.bajagpsguide.com
Billet Racing Products	719-633-8133	Colorado Springs	CO	www.brpmoto.com
Davis Service Center	970-249-8161	Montrose	CO	www.davisservicecenter
Handlebar Motorsports	(970) 247-0845	Durango	CO	www.handlebarmotorsports.com
KTM of Aspen	970-384-2084	Glenwood Spring	CO	www.rmrwinc.com
Motorcycle Accessories	970-242-9495	Grand Junction	CO	www.motorcycleaccessoriesgj.com
Northern Colorado Euro	970-679-0089	Loveland	CO	www.coloradoeuro.com
RPM Motorsports	303-232-7576	Lakewood	CO	www.rpmms.com
Strickler	970-729-2465	Ridgway	CO
Moto Consult	860-465-8146	Mansfield	CT	www.motoconsult.net
Adventure Moto USA	561-242-5158	West Palm Beach	FL	www.adventuremotousa.com
ACME rider supply	678-503-5600	Alpharetta	GA	www.acmeridersupply.com
SAK Motorsports	678-461-5111	Roswell	GA	www.sakmotors.com
TheMotoStop.com	706 268-1300	Marble Hill	GA	www.themotostop.com
Gina's BMW	319-269-4383	Waverly	IA	www.ginasbmw.com
Big Twin Cycle Center	(208) 336-0367	Boise	ID	www.bigtwincycles.com
Black Dog Cycle Works	208-263-0438		ID	www.blackdogcw.com
Chaos Motorsports	208-528-8030	Idaho Falls	ID	www.chaosmx.com
Happy Trails	208-377-8771	Boise	ID	www.happy-trials.com
KTM Motosports Boise	(208) 375-5660	Boise	ID	www.ktm-motosports.com
Motorcycle Center KTM/Husky	630-782-2010	Villa Park	IL	www.teammcc.com
Letko Cycles	913-422-3336	Shawnee	KS	www.letko.com
Bob's BMW	301-497-8949 x220	Jessup	MD	www.bobsbmw.com
Gateway BMW Husqvarna	314-427-9090	St. Louis	MO	www.gatewaybmw.com
Motosport Inc	503-783-5600	Southhaven	MS	www.motosport.com
Adventurers Workshop Inc.	973-258-0034	Springfield	NJ	www.advworkshop.com
Carson Motorsports	775-267-3767	Minden	NV	www.cms-carsonmotorsports.com
Cycle Gear	702-435-0635	Las Vegas	NV	www.cyclegear.com
Recon MX	702-818-4289	Boulder City	NV	www.reconmx.com
Honda of Jackson	740-286-4956	Jackson	OH	www.hondaofjackson.com
Pointviewcycle	330-533-9335	Canfield	OH	www.pointviewcycle.com
Airhead Sales & Service	541-882-3572	Klamath Falls	OR	www.airheadmotorcycles.com
Atomic-moto	541-550-0969	Bend	OR	www.atomic-moto.com
European Motorcycles of Western Oregon	541.338.0269	Eugene	OR	www.emcwor.com
BMW Tigard	503-597-7097	Tigard	OR	www.bmwor.com
Cascade Motorsports	(541) 389-0088	Bend	OR	www.cascademotorsports.net
Chris Sanden's Mortorcycle	541-382-0089	Bend	OR
Columbia Overland	541-728-0625	Bend	OR	www.columbiaoverland.com
CycleBuy.com	541-345-3205	Coburg	OR	www.CycleBuy.com
European Motorcycles of Western Oregon	541-338-0269	Eugene	OR	www.bmwor.com
Fun Country, INC	541-298-1161	The Dalles	OR	www.funcountrypowersports.com
KTM of Gresham	503 667-3970	Gresham	OR	www.ktmnorthwest.com
M-TECH	541-388-5005	Bend	OR	www.mtechmotorcycles.com
Premier Motogear of Oregon	541-926-2107	Albany	OR	www.mredsmoto.com
Pro Caliber Bend	541-382-5731	Bend	OR	www.procaliberbend.com
Pro Cycle	541-688-9543	Springfield	OR	www.procycle.us
The Moto Shop	541-383-0828	Bend	OR
Anthracite Alternatives	570-654-3937	Pittston	PA
Ephrata Cycle	717-738-1184	Ephrata	PA	www.ecshonda.com
Matto Cycle	570-429-0678	Pottsville	PA	www.mattocycle.com
Motorcycle Insight	412-226-6778	Pittsburgh	PA	www.motorcycleinsight.com
RevZilla Motorsports	877-792-9455	Philadelphia	PA	www.revzilla.com
Velocity Cycles	717 766-2523	Mechanicsburg	PA	www.velocitycycle.net
Tellico Motorcycle Outfitters	423-253-2088	Tellico Plains	TN	www.tellicomoto.com
Moto Adventure Gear	877-207-8911	Forney	TX	www.motoadv.com
Dualsport Utah	435-260-2724	Moab	UT	www.dualsportutah.com
Sonzini	435-901-1233	Park City	UT
Velocity Motorcycles	804-353-3456	Richmond	VA	www.velocityvintage.com
Adventure Machines NW	360-389-2386	Bellingham	WA	www.advmachines.com
Alt Rider	206-922-3618	Seattle	WA	www.altrider.com
BestRest Products	(425) 673-1023	Mountlake Terrace	WA	www.bestrestproducts.com
Cycle Gear	253-876-9999	Auburn	WA	www.cyclegear.com
Cycoactive inc	206-323-2349	Seattle	WA	www.touratech-usa.com
JMC motorsports	509-586-3252	Kennewick	WA	www.jmcmotorsports.com
Pro Caliber Longview	360-636-1220	Vancouver	WA	www.procaliberlongview.com
Pro Caliber Vancouver	360-892-3030	Vancouver	WA	www.procaliber.com
Ride West BMW Motorcycles	206-527-1307	Seattle	WA	www.ridewest.com
Shop-Lift	509-301-6135	Walla Walla	WA
South Sound BMW Motorcycles	253-922-2004	Seattle	WA	www.southsoundbmw.com
Tasky's Metric Cycle	425-252-2295	EVERETT	WA	www.taskysmetriccycle.com
Tri Cities Cycle Supply	509-582-6718	Kennewick	WA	www.tricitiescyclesupply.com
CJ Designs LLC	262-894-2040	Mukwonago	WI	www.cjdesignsllc.com
Petrie Motorsports	262-723-5518	Elkhorn	WI	www.petriemotorsports.com
Appalachian Offroad	304-932-0437	Cross Lanes	WV	www.ktm-parts.com
Backroads Moto	307-690-0452	Jackson	WY	www.backroadsmoto.com

Giant Loop Joins RawHyde Adventure Camp

2011-11-29T17:03:00.001-08:00

Giant Loop's Dustin Cary joined other Adventure Lifestyle colleagues at RawHyde Adventures in California earlier this month for riding and brainstorming. RawHyde is the official North American BMW training center — the BMW Off Road Academy is one of only nine places in the world where you can learn to ride a BMW GS "the way it was meant to be ridden." Enjoy Dustin's postcards.

Entrance to fun

Even has an electric blanket

Customer accommodations

RawHyde bikes and entrance to the Dakar Bar

Big tours require big trucks and trailers

Nice overland truck

The fleet under the radar

Bike of choice for Jim Hyde, founder of RawHyde Adventures

Adventurers wine of choice - GS = Grand Syrah

The BMW GS time line

The man behind the GS

Good times had here

More customer accommodations in the field

Couple of RawHyde's instructor bikes

One of RawHydes tours

Outside shower with a great view

Study and idea time for the Adventure Lifestyle

NO dust! Time to ride!

Giant Loop review: BMW ON Owner's News Magazine features Diablo Tank Bag, Fandango Tank Bag

2011-11-29T15:00:00.001-08:00

Thanks BMW ON magazine for including Giant Loop's Fandango Tank Bag in the December 2011 issue's holiday gift guide. And a huge thank you to Kit J. Vercella's "Kit and Caboodle" review of Giant Loop's Diablo Tank Bag!

BMW Owner's News magazine, December 2011

Kit Vercella's "Kit and Caboodle" Diablo Tank Bag review

"Back in January 2011, I reviewed Giant Loop's Fandango Tank Bag. For those of you who in late, in terms of functionality and execution of design, this tank bag will rival the best on the market. Simple, functional, bulletproof. What else is there?"

"Since my review of the larger Fandango Tank Bag back in January, the bag has been re-designed with some minor, yet significant, improvements. This design tweaking was duplicated in the advent of the Diablo Tank Bag. The difference between the two bags? Size only."

Kit Vercella's "Kit and Caboodle" Diablo Tank Bag review

"For me, the Diablo is a sensibly sized tank bag for daily commutes or an afternoon of dual-sport riding where minimal weight and bulk are your friend.""Kudos to Dave and Harold at Giant Loop for taking a solid, functional tank bag and adding improvements to make an excellent product even better."

Fandango Tank Bag featured in BMW ON magazine's "2011 Holiday Gift Guide"

"Made in USA with tough 'trucker's tarp' and water resistant YKK zipper — like Giant Loop's saddlebags — the trim 10 liter Fandango carries the essentials and stays out of the way. Harness straps onto all GS models, providing easy fuel fill access, and the bag can be removed and carried."

Giant Loop riders: Baja 1000 Winners JCRHonda & Pro Caliber Finishers

2011-11-22T10:07:00.001-08:00

"Probably the best additions were the Giant Loop 'MoJavi' saddlebags, which is where we stuffed all of our heavy items. Our shoulders thanked us. With the weight off our backs and secured to the bikes, we could ride twice as long without getting tired." — "Endless Summer Ride 2010 - Big miles, big bikes, big problems and big fun" by Quinn Cody, Dirt Bike magazine, January 2011

Congratulations to JCR/Honda riders Quinn Cody and Kendall Norman for the Baja 1000 win! And to riders Colton Udall, David Kamo and Timmy Weigland on the podium!

Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody pre-running in Baja with MoJavi Saddlebags, September 2011

2011 Baja 1000 - Top Overall Finishers Pro Motorcycles:
1. Kendall Norman, Santa Barbara, Calif./Quinn Cody, Los Olivos, Calif./Logan Holladay, Buellton, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 14:14:25 (49.51 mph) (Class 22)

3. Colton Udall, San Clemente, Calif./David Kamo, Caldwell, Idaho/Timmy Weigand, Valencia, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 14:31:10 (48.56 mph) (Class 22)

And a huge congrats to our Pacific Northwest homeboys - and our Cali homegirl Anna Cody! - from Team Pro Caliber for the 11th place finish!

11. Craig Bowman, Kelso, Wash/John Bredfield, Castle Rock, Wash./ Ace Nilson, Reno, Nev./Ken Wortman, Canada/Anna Cody, Lancaster, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 25:28:34;

Giant Loop review: Great Basin Saddlebag featured in Adventure Motorcycle Dual Sport News, Nov/Dec 2011

2011-11-21T16:58:00.001-08:00

Thanks Adventure Motorcycle Dual Sport News magazine for the review of the Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebag in the November/December 2011 issue!

"If low and tight is the holy grail of packing for motorcycle travel, then Giant Loop's Great Basin Saddlebag is the answer. Designed to ride pillion and hug the body of the motorbike, the Great Basin has a trim, contoured profile that gets as close to a bike's center of gravity as possible. The best part is no matter how much weight you pack in it, you'll hardly know it's there," writes Alisa Clickenger (MotoAdventureGal).

"I've used the Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebag for several months now. It's super easy to take on and off the bike, so I leave it (mostly) packed and ready for short and long trips on either of my bikes. It has an uncomplicated, snug fit on both my Suzuki DR650 and my KTM 950 Adventure. While the Great Basin Saddlebag is made to fit adventure touring bikes, it also fits most sport and touring bikes as well."

For the whole story, subscribe to Adventure Motorcycle magazine!

Giant Loop Goes To EICMA 2011

2011-11-09T14:16:00.001-08:00

From the sublime to the ridiculous - it's all here at the world's largest motorcycle show, EICMA in Milan, Italy.

Giant Loop Rider: Yamaha Dualsport With Coyote Saddlebag Makes Logger's Work Horse

2011-11-04T02:31:00.001-07:00

After using the Coyote Saddlebag to haul barrels if hydraulic fluid on his trusty Yamaha dualsport, Giant Loop rider Mark writes:

"Giant loop saves the loggers ass again. I broke a main drive hose and lost 30 gallons before I knew it. Thanks for making such a tough bag."

Giant Loop Goes To UK Dirt Bike Show With Adventure Spec

2011-11-03T04:12:00.001-07:00

First trip to Europe is off to a good start.

Giant Loop Riders: Kurt, Park, Justin on Autumn Dualsport Desert Adventure

2011-10-31T11:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks Justin for the cool video journal!

The Initial Tow from Justin Smith on Vimeo.
Thank gawd I wasn't holding the camera when Park led us all into the mud...

Sun Going Down from Justin Smith on Vimeo.
Time to try this towing thing now that our visibility is gone.

Park, how do you feel? from Justin Smith on Vimeo.
Park gets his anti-KTM feelings off his chest...

And still looking... from Justin Smith on Vimeo.
Park was remarking on the fun "singletrack"...

Bushwacking again... from Justin Smith on Vimeo.
... something that seems to happen when you ride with Park.

Baja Style out of Fields, Oregon from Justin Smith on Vimeo.
Park showing off his Baja skillz in a rutted track on the way to the Alvord Desert playa.

A Sense of Scale from Justin Smith on Vimeo.
Looking towards the Steens from the south west. This was our lunch spot... smoked oysters, kippered herring, jerkey, you name it... :)

Desert Water Crossing from Justin Smith on Vimeo.
Park doing a crossing we found heading out of the Hart Mountain area.

Kurt on the way out of Hart Mtn. Hot Springs... from Justin Smith on Vimeo.
Perfect water bars after climbing up through the aspens to the top.

Giant Loop's South Africa Distributor Red Sky Adventures' Afrikaans Ad

2011-10-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Harold

I want you to look at an ad we are placing in an Afrikaans mag with a bias toward Adventure riding.
We will be running half page ads for the next 6 months in this mag and they will also publish a full page review of the Great Basin Saddlebag and Fandango Tank Bag in one of the following editions.

The Afrikaans slogan translated will mean "to shift your goal posts"

- Altus
Red Sky Adventures

Giant Loop rider: Veronica Rides Dualsport in British Columbia with Coyote Saddlebag

2011-10-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I met you at the motor cycle show in Abottsford BC almost 2 years ago and I now own one of your great bags. I didn’t have a bike then but I knew that when I did get one I would also get one of your Kewl bags. Looking back it all seems a bit surreal, that now, yes I have a great bike and one of your bags and I go away whenever I can… Actually quite a bit. Here is a pic of one of the trips. My buddies also have your bag because I explained to them what a great concept they are.

No bent frame. Seriously they like to nap at the craziest times.

No problems with water so far, and I was thrashing around it that for a bit.

Heading up into the high country north of Goldbridge.

“The Pony” in the middle.

I just finished your contest page…but I forgot one thing that I think is quite important… I think you should put your logo on with reflective paint. Can’t be too visible. I love the bright colors. Let’s face it as much as I love to think of myself as a commando on a mission… I really do “need” to be seen.

S/miles
. .
Veronica

Giant Loop Rider: ini88's Gaspé Peninsula Run on KTM 690 Enduro R with Great Basin Saddlebag and Fandango Tank Bag

2011-10-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Cool ADV Rider ride report by ini88, including packing details: 5 Wheel Drive: Land Rover & KTM tackle the Gaspé Peninsula

"Myself and 2 buddies are setting out on a 5 day run up to Québec, Canada to conquer trek through the Gaspé Peninsula.Why 5 days? Well we could only get that much time off work + we only really started planning this trip about a month agoI will be on my KTM 690 Enduro R & Jarek will be in his Land Rover Discovery I, with Ryan as co-driver/navigator"

"I am trying to pack light as I will be carrying all my own luggage. I am using two Giant Loop bags. The Giant Loop Fandango tank bag and their Great Basin bag. I personally think they make some of the best soft luggage in the market. Soft luggage will be key on this trip as the going may get tough and tight!"

"The Giant Loop bags are nice and snug. Tank bag has my passport, cameras, wallet and odd and ends I will need quickly. Great Basin bag on the back has all my clothes and camping gear. I know it is only a 5 day trek but I really wanted to over pack and load the bike up to see how it handles. I plan to ride to South America in a year or two so I really want to do some easy short test runs for prep."

BMW Owners News Magazine: "All the Rocks in the World: AltRider's 2nd Annual Giant Loop Adventure Ride"

2011-10-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

Check out the 2011 BMW MOA Rally Recap of the 2nd Annual AltRider Giant Loop Adventure Ride, including photos by GL's Dave Wachs. BMW ON (Owners News) magazine's October issue runs down the good times shared by 7,330 enthusiastic motorcyclists in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania in July.

The Seven Mountain Conservation Corps did a fantastic job with the 70-mile course, plus hosting us for breakfast and lunch. Great day of riding with friends and customers from around the USA!

See you next summer in Missouri for the 40th BMW Motorcycle Owners Association Rally - and plan to come a day early for the 3rd Annual AltRider Giant Loop Adventure Ride!

Giant Loop Designer Dave Wachs's "Dave's Packing Tips" Featured in Dirt Rider Magazine's "Rides"

2011-09-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

Check out the November 2011 issue of Dirt Rider Magazine for the "Rides" edition: "We Take You On 8 Awesome Adventures," featuring "Dave's Packing Tips" for dualsport camping the Go Light, Go Fast way!

Wachs and Giant Loop even get a byline and photo credit! Sweet! Thanks to Dirt Rider Magazine editor Jimmy Lewis for making it happen!

Click here for PDF sneak preview.

Giant Loop rider: Adam's Alaska Circle to Fairbanks Trail Adventure on 2011 Kawasaki KLX250S with Fandango Tank Bag, Coyote Saddlebag

2011-09-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

Gents,

Picture attached of my 2011 KLX250S all loaded up for a camping trip on the historical Circle to Fairbanks Trail this past weekend. I used your Fandango Tank Bag, Coyote Saddlebag, and Coyote Dry Bag to carry everything needed for a solo off-road getaway on my dual sport. Thanks for making tough and innovative gear!

Respectfully,
Adam
Fort Wainwright, AK
Gents,
Forgot to attach this photo as well to my last email. Most importantly, your gear helped me to get to a great campsite with this view. Thanks again!

Join Giant Loop at Horizons Unlimited California Travellers Meeting, October 14-16

2011-09-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to riding with my son to Cambria, California next month for the Horizons Unlimited California Travellers Meeting. This will be my first time at an HU meeting, and I'm excited about all the amazing world travelers we'll get to meet there and learn from and laugh with. Get on your bike and come join us! - Harold Olaf Cecil, Giant Loop Moto

Highlights of the 2011 Horizons Unlimited California Travelers Meeting, October 14-16, Cambria, California (from HU website):

Why Come to a Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Meeting?
You can meet people who don't think you're crazy for wanting to ride your bike to South America or Africa or across Asia, or even around the world! Admit it, all your 'normal' friends and most of your family fears for your sanity! So, this is your opportunity to meet the people who will encourage you in that craziness, share their experiences and advice on how to do it, and maybe you'll meet them again in Mongolia or Timbuktu!

The Plan
The plan is simple. Show up on Friday afternoon, meet people and setup. Travel Presentations and Tech clinics are planned throughout the meeting, starting Friday night.

2011 Speakers and Tech Clinics:

Jupiters Travels revisited
Ted Simon
Ted has promised he will be there with his latest show!

Riding the World
Gregory W Frazier
Reflections on 5 1/2 Circumnavigations of the Globe by Motorcycle

Our 500,000 km ride through 193 Countries on a Harley-Davidson ElectraGlide
Peter and Kay Forwood, Australia
How this motorcycle became the World's Most Traveled Motorcycle.

How to make the most of your trip!
Merritt & Pierre Saslawsky
Slow down, meet people and come back alive!
Merritt and Pierre spent three years on the road, and have amazing photos - and a ton of experience to pass on.

The Continental Divide
Clement Salvadori, USA
Author, photographer and Rider Magazine contributor Clement Salvadori said of his Continental Divide Ride: "This was the best ride I have ever taken on the North American Continent. I've motorcycled from Alaska to Panama, from Nova Scotia to Baja California, and this trip topped them all."

Breakdowns in Small Towns All Around the World (TBC)
Carla King USA
Carla will talk about her various trips on indigenous motorcycles: China on a cranky Chang Jiang, India on a Royal Enfield Bullet, and riding a Moto Guzzi in Italy and around the Adriatic. And why breakdowns aren't always a bad thing.

You don't have to do it in the road...
you can do it in the dirt too! It just takes a little practice and a little help from your friends at Coach2Ride. Bonnie Warch and Andrea Beach, Coach2Ride in Ramona, CA will be giving a talk and demonstration on off-road riding techniques. Bonnie and Andrea are both MSF Certified Dirtbike Coaches and licensed ASI Instructors as well as active Motocross racers.
Coach2Ride will be putting on a full one day clinic on the Friday before the event! Here's a GREAT opportunity to improve your skills before you head off-road, or around the world!

9000 miles in 90 days through South America
Fred Walti
How two baby boomers somehow survived being on the road for 90 days in South America

West on a Harley
Tim Bussey

Packing Lite
Zigy Kaluzny
Do you REALLY need all that stuff? See the miracle of 2 months' -- or more -- worth of clothing in a 15L compression bag! How to select and pack the clothes and gear that will serve you on a motorcycle (or any other) trip -- instead of the other way around.

MAKING, not TAKING Photos
Zigy Kaluzny
or, "You had a great trip; why are your photos so boring?" Tired of shooting the same tired "here's my bike in front of (name the Famous Monument, vista or cafe) photos?" Learn how to use your eye and your camera to make -- not take -- photos that will not only bring back YOUR memories, but show others the special qualities of the place you spent time and money to reach, whether the other side of the world or a familiar local ride...

Touring the Antipodes: NZ and Tasmania
Zigy Kaluzny
Zigy has lived and toured in Europe, as well as doing many years' long journeys all over the American West and up to Alaska, and he still believes NZ is the best of all travel destination for motorcyclists.

2010 Alcan 5000 Road Rally
Roger Toevs
Road Rallying with my 16yo daughter in BMW sidecar outfit

Mexico with Smitty & Slade
Jeff Smith
A ride through Mexico: Chihuahua, Copper Canyon, Mazatlan,Durango, Zacatecas, Real de Catorce

Bluetooth & Communications Technlogy
Richard Battles
Making the correct choices about communications

Does Size Matter?
Henry Tate
Traveling by small motorcycles. Henry has been riding for over 50 years, almost everyday, and has logged over 1,100,000 miles. He has crossed the United States so many times he has lost track. Get the straight scoop on smaller bikes from the guy who's been there and really done that.

Ecuador
Steven Gessler
A video on the country and it's people. Steven will also do a 7 minute DVD on Copper Canyon.

Talkin' Solo Riding and Good Eating
"Nicomama" - Nicole Espinosa, USA
Nicole will talk about her solo West Coast travels, and also she'll also demonstrate her innovative techniques for preparing your own dehydrated meals for travel. In addition to writing for Adventure Motorcycle magazine, Nicole designs dual sport accessories for her business Rugged Rider, tackling fun solo adventure rides, and finding passion in telling her stories through photography and writing in Los Angeles with her children.

Road side repairs, what you can - or can not - fix on the side of the road
Chris Sidah USA
Writer, master mechanic and technical guru Chris Sidah will show you what you can and can't do to get yourself back on the road if you breakdown where the smartest mechanic around is YOU! He'll talk about how to diagnose basic problems, and how to be prepared to deal with them.

Good eats on the Road!
Peter Dean, Executive Chef
You CAN eat really well on the road - learn from the master! Practical demo - bring your notebook!

Gear 411
Joanne Donn, GearChic
Shopping Tips, how to shop for your gear, what to look for, how to get the right fit and the most out of your budget

Where there is NO doctor...
Molly Martin
Schoolteacher, Mountain Guide, Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician Molly Martin will present a hands on Emergency First Aid Clinic. In this presentation we will learn how to safely remove a crash helmet, how to check for spinal cord and head injuries, and discuss what first aid supplies you might bring on a trip away from first world medical care.

Women only
a very popular session - I'm told it's a must for the ladies, so plan on being there!
We have an amazing group of women offering presentations this year, including:
Alisa Clickenger - Adventure traveler
Carla King - Author, photographer and adventurer
Nicole Espinosa - Solo woman adventurer
Molly Martin - Educator
Susan Johnson - Horizons Unlimited
Bonnie Warch - Coach2Ride
Andrea Beach - Coach2Ride
Michelle Baird - Motorcycle journalist
Joanne Donn - Gearchic.com
They'll all be participating in the Women Only session to talk about anything and everything of interest to women riders.

Fix that flat! How to change a tire anytime, anywhere
Grant Johnson
How to prevent flats in the first place, and fix them when you get one. The best tools and how to use them for tube and tubeless tires. Hand's on practical and tire changing contest for beginners to experts.

Horizons Unlimited - You can do it, we can help!
Grant and Susan Johnson
How it all began, the story of Grant and Susan's trip around the world, without a plan or a clue! Plus the origins of Horizons Unlimited, what's on the site and how to find your way around it, and more...

Your NEW bike doesn't fit you!
Grant Johnson
Ergonomics! When you pickup your new bike, did they take the time to make it fit you? You'll learn the amazing difference a properly setup bike makes to your riding fun.
Experienced Travellers Panel - ask the experts anything you want!

Vendors
BurnsMoto specializes in motorcycle electrics shipped fast. Our weatherproof USB chargers are in huge demand with motorcyclists around the world. We also sell the BMW Fuel Pump Bypass Cable which world travelers have been using to save them from getting stranded in remote areas.

Carla King will bring her books - get her to sign your copy!

Horizons Unlimited - we'll have all our DVD's and 2011 t-shirts too - but order your t-shirts in advance when you register - we'll only have a VERY few extras!

Rugged Rider sells innovative dual sport motorcycle parts, dual sport accessories, dirt bike accessories, dual sport apparel, dirt bike apparel, camping equipment and original dual sport aftermarket parts. Rugged Rider also provides dual sport and camping tips and tricks and an entertaining dual sport blog.

Schuberth will have their excellent helmets available. The Schuberth C3 (and C3W for women) is the world's lightest, quietest, most aerodynamic flip-up motorcycle helmet. Add the optional, easy-to-install Schuberth Rider Communication System for the ultimate in-helmet communication solution. Made In Germany.

Ted Simon of course will have all his books - get a new signed copy from him! He's happy to sign your old copy, but a new one does him more good. ;)

Touratech USA is planning on coming! If you want them to bring anything for you let them know well in advance. They'll help you put it on!

Altrider engineered products for the Adventure bikes from BMW's GS line, Suzuki, Kawasaki, the KTM Adventure series, the Ducati Multistrada 1200, the Yamaha Super Tenere XT1200Z, the Triumph Tiger 800XC, and the Honda V4 Crosstourer Concept. They also offer proven products from other manufacturers.

RKA Luggage will be attending as a presenter (tech presentation on how the connect various bits of electronic gear - gps - cell phone - intercom - bluetooth.) and as a vendor - motorcycle touring gear.
Giant Loop will be there to show their great products. Talk to Harold and get the real scoop!

Olympia Motosports will be sending a jacket for door prize and catalogs and a banner.

Sign up now - and see you there!

Giant Loop rider: Brad Camps in North Carolina on Suzuki DR650 with Fandango Tank Bag and Coyote Saddlebag

2011-09-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

I've got a GL Fandango Tank Bag and a Coyote Saddlebag for my Suzuki DR650 that I use when I go on long trips or go camping, and I'm thinking about picking up the dry bag attachment you recently added to your line up to store my tent in or other misc objects.

I have to add that I have been really impressed with your products! Attached is a picture of my bike after returning from a camping trip in the NC mountains. It looks top heavy, but the large bag in the back is my sleeping bag...all the heavy objects are in the lower parts of the Coyote.

Thanks for making quality American made products!
- Brad

Giant Loop rider: Mike Rides 6 Days in Eastern Oregon on Husqvarna TE610 with Fandango Tank Bag, Coyote Saddlebag

2011-09-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to drop you guys a line and say that your gear held up great on my six day Eastern Oregon trip this summer. My buddy and I did 1100 miles from Medford to Lakeview, and up to Seneca, and back. Great riding, beutiful scenery.

R/
Mike O

Giant Loop Goes to Europe 2011: EICMA Booth 130

2011-09-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

Here we go, yo! Giant Loop will be exhibiting in space 130 at the 69th Edition of the EICMA (International Motorcycle Exhibition) in Milan, Italy..."the largest annual motorcycle trade show in the World."

Looks like the Italians take the whole thing pretty seriously:

WELCOME KNIGHTS
All ye Noble Lords and Ladies of the powersports world are welcome to partake in the Queen of All Two-Wheeled Trade Shows: the 2011 EICMA SHOW!
November 8-13, 2011 in Milan, Italy

Click the map below to find Giant Loop in the land of the giants. Look for us - we'll be the dragon slayers.

Giant Loop rider: Chris (n16ht5) Rides Honda XR650L, Washington to Alaska, 4000 miles with Coyote Saddlebag

2011-09-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hey, I just thought I would share my ride report with you. 4,000mi on an XR650L with your Coyote Saddlebag. I am still writing it, so I will be adding more pictures and video as time goes. Everything worked great. Thanks for the great gear! -- Chris (aka n16ht5 on ADV Rider)

ADV Rider - Ride Report
n16ht5
WA to AK, Dust 2 Dawson, and back on an XR650L

"June 10th through June 30th I spent traveling over 4,000mi from my home in Arlington, WA to Alaska, Yukon, and British Columbia. I had always wanted to go to AK, but never really had the time to make it happen. I was getting old, 25. I though I better go before I croak. It was the ride of a lifetime.. I stayed at a great lodge with the wife on a mountain pass, camped at beautiful lakes and campgrounds, saw moose, caribou, bears, sheep.. Stayed with some really great people near Denali who took me dirt biking up in the tundra, got to go whitewater rafting for free through Denali park, Flyfishing, rode the Denali highway, Top of the World highway, ran the Dust2Dawson poker run, went to Summerstroke concert in Whitehorse, rode the Cassiar highway in the sunshine to Hyder, AK, and made some good friends along the way.. I would do it again in a heartbeat"

Giant Loop rider: Polish Riders 7000km in Russia on KTM 690 Enduro, BMW X-Challenge with

2011-09-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

Super cool pics and video from GL customer Lukasz and his buddies from Poland!
--

Hi Harold

As I already mentioned we made an 7000km trip to Russia. I was using Coyote [on BMW X-Challenge] and my friend was using Great Basin GL bag [on KTM 690 Enduro].

I would like to share with you short teaser that I made and some pictures that we have taken there:

Cola without Ice TRAILER from Lukasz Lechowicz on Vimeo.

2011 Karelia and Kola Peninsula Enduro expedition trailer

and pictures:

We were very pleased with your bag design and stable way they were mounted on our bikes.

When we were back I just saw your dry rolls - I think that it was quite logic upgrade to your product line as most of people takes additional roll for longer trips anyway

Best Regards
Ride Safe
Lucas

Giant Loop rider: John's new 2002 BMW R1150GS Adventure with Great Basin Saddlebag, Fandango Tank Bag

2011-09-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

We met enthusiast rider John at last year's BMW MOA International Rally in Redmond, OR and sent him home with a set of Giant Loop motorcycle soft luggage for his trusty BMW R80, running the Great Basin behind his sissy bar, so he could use both hard luggage and GL saddlebag. He's stoked to report his new purchase . . . read below. Congrats John!
Hi Harold...

I think it was last week that I wondered back over to Eugene, and visited the Beemer store. They had a couple of used GS's on the floor, and the prices weren 't too bad...so i bought the '02 1150 GSA with 20K miles on it... it had new tires, a nice set of aluminum hard boxes(Hepco- Becker) on it, and an Aeroflow windshield and faring.... but what I was waiting for was to put the Giant Loop Great Basin bag and the Fandango tank bag on it... it had a Beemer tank bag... but I didn't like it as much as the Fandango.

I picked it up on Tuesday, and have already put 200 miles on it just getting used to it. What a difference from my R80 airhead.

When I put on the great basin bag on in place of the boxes... I really noticed a difference in the handling.... now for some gravel roads...

I have attached a few photos of the rig for your approval....

John

Giant Loop rider: Dan from Australia - 4300kms, Queensland to Cape York on Suzuki DRZ400

2011-09-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

Message passed along by Giant Loop's Australian distributor, Steve (aka Red), from Adventure Moto. Checkout the enormous termite mounds!
Hi Harold and Dave... Here is a happy customer on the road to Cape York with his Great Basin Saddlebag and Fandango Tank Bag.
Steve
Adventure Moto, Australia
Comments from customer:
Thanks for all the gear for the drz that I bought. Had the time of my life adventure riding to the Cape and back - 4300kms - go the little drz! Cheers Dan, Queensland

Giant Loop rider: Ashley from Australia on BMW R1200GS with Great Basin Saddlebag

2011-09-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hi
I recently completed a 12,500 km trip around Australia on my 2010 R1200GS. The trip was completed over the period 25th July to 21 August 2011. I purchased the Great Basin saddlebag to use as the primary luggage component. After much research I discovered the GB via the Adventure Rider web site. I favour the soft luggage over the hard panniers as the former is lighter, it actually forces you to be frugal in what you take. The GB does not protrude out either side of the bike, as hard panniers do and I found that the fuel consumption was not altered significantly. I purchased the GB via the local agent Adventure Moto. Once received, I packed and re-packed the saddlebag half a dozen times before I sorted out what I was going to take and how I was to pack. In the saddlebag I had:

clothing – 5 pairs underpants, four pairs socks, two changes of thermals, 3 Tshirts, spare BMW riding pants, spare pair of gloves, track suit pants;
2 * 1L water bottles – travelling in remote outback Australia this was a necessary reserve.
1 comprehensive BMW tool kit;
1 air compressor;
1 litre of oil;
1 bag containing computer/phone cables, adapters etc;
1 down sleeping bag ( this was packed loose to fill all the voids and worked great);
First aid kit.

I attach several photographs showing my set-up. The Givi Topcase complemented the GB by providing a secure storage when stopped. When on the road it carried toilet bag, cache of food, cooking gear, notebook computer, battery jumper leads. I must say that I did not go off road. If I was to plan to go off-road I would not take the Givi topcase. I would be looking at a duffel to supplement the GB. The yellow dry sack contains a bikers swag.

In summary, the Great Basin performed to expectations and was brilliant in all weather conditions – I encountered very heavy cross-winds and rainfall in Western Australia. I had many people saying that they were impressed with my set-up. The set-up may look that the centre of gravity was quite high, and I was concerned about this, though this turned out to not be the case and the performance of the bike was not compromised at all.

Thank you for a fine product.

Regards,
Ashley

Giant Loop rider: Peet from Netherlands on Yamaha XJR1300 with Great Basin Saddlebag

2011-09-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I bought a few time ago the Giantloop bag. Last weekend we took the Ferry to the UK and i made some pictures.

Motorbike: Yamaha XJR1300

I think Giantloop en the XJR are a compact Duo

The ferry you see is the one we where waiting for

best regards,

Peet van Dam
The Netherlands

Giant Loop's first Iron Butt: BMW K1200 with Great Basin Saddlebag

2011-09-02T16:04:00.001-07:00

Giant Loop's Midwest ambassador Jeff Simpson recently completed his first Iron Butt ride on his BMW K1200 with the Great Basin Saddlebag. Go light, go fast, go far!

Here's a photo from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Did my first Iron Butt ride on Thursday. — Jeff

Giant Loop Fitment Guide: Comprehensive List of Motorcyle Makes/Models

2011-08-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

Click here to download PDF of complete list.

SPECIAL GIANT LOOP® FITMENT NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

• Bikes with dual exhausts require 2 Hot Springs Heat Shields. Coyote and Great Basin Saddlebag include 1 with each bag. MoJavi Saddlebag does not include heat shield.

• Optional Hot Springs Heat Shield HIGHLY recommended for all late-model Asian dirt bikes and virtually all European models with minimal plastics.

• Great Basin Saddlebag fits virtually any motorcycle equipped with passenger footrest mounts. Sits on pillion seat and/or tail rack.

• Coyote/MoJavi Saddlebags straps to subrame/frame - passenger pegs not required. Sits on rear fender or tail rack.

• Buckin' Roll Tank Bag fits tanks/seats with steep, tower shaped fuel fills and vent holes in tank for attachment. Other configurations require user modifications.

• Fandango/Diablo Tank Bags fit virtually all fuel tanks/cowlings with a relatively horizontal (flat) profile.

LET US KNOW ABOUT MAKES/MODELS TO ADD!

QUESTIONS? CALL 541-633-0620 OR EMAIL RIDE@GIANTLOOPMOTO.COM

For pics of many makes/models equipped with Giant Loop luggage, visit our blog. Send us your pics!

Giant Loop tip: Installing Powerlet Pass-Through on Fandango Tank Bag/Diablo Tank Bag

2011-08-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

Installing a Powerlet pass-through power plug in Giant Loop's Fandango Tank Bag and/or Diablo Tank Bag makes it easy to charge cell phone or power other electronics inside the bag by connecting to your motorcycle's accessory power outlet.

What you'll need:
* Soldering iron for melting holes through bag
* Sharpie pen for marking holes
* SeamGrip or other silicone sealer to waterproof the connection
* about 20 mins in a well lit and ventilated work space

Hole marking plug location on left front of Tank Bag.

Hole melted through Tank Bag with soldering iron. Do this part in a very well ventilated place and avoid inhaling fumes!

Test fitting and marking screw holes.

Four screw hole locations marked.

Holes melted through marked locations with soldering iron.

I applied SeamGrip sealer (included with all Giant Loop bags) to all holes, inside and outside plug plates to make it waterproof.

Here's a blurry pic of the inside, all sealed up with SeamGrip.

Finished Powerlet pass-through installed, with Powerlet connector cable that plugs into the accessory outlet.

Inside, I have a 75-Watt inverter plugged into the cigarette lighter-style adapter. Although it's a little bulky, this set allows me to use the AC chargers that come with my electronics instead of packing multiple assorted adapters.

NOTE: Take simple precautionary steps to ensure that your electronics stay dry inside your Diablo/Fandango Tank Bag. From heavy-duty zip lock bags to waterproof containers specifically designed for electronics, it's pretty easy to keep a few drops of water from ruining sensitive devices.

Giant Loop riders: "Adventure Motorcycle Morocco" DVD Adventure Spec Takes MCN to Africa on KTM 690s with Coyote Saddlebag and Great Basin Saddlebag

2011-08-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Dave Lomax from Adventure Spec, Giant Loop's UK distributor, took a video crew and friends from MCN to north Africa earlier this year, and the DVD is now available: "for you desert junkies out there we are pleased to announce the launch of ‘Adventure Motorcycle Morocco’. A film of a three week trip we ran earlier this year to ride some old favourite trails down in Africa and explore some new ones. We had great times and took a professional film crew down with us to show other riders exactly what they can expect on a 2/3 week trip across the water."

The video embed doesn't want to play nicely with blogger, but you can click here to see the full frame.

Giant Loop rider: Kim from Idaho on BMW F800GS does RawHyde 2011 Continental Divide Ride

2011-08-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Customer Kim from Idaho rode his 30th Anniversary BMW F800GS on RawHyde's 2011 Continental Divide Ride, using the full Giant Loop kit, including Great Basin Saddlebag, Great Basin Dry Bag, Fandango Tank Bag and Buckin' Roll Tank Bag.

Enjoy these pics, vids and comments - Kim promises more to come, too!
Getting ready. I plan to do this trip with 'less' --- both as a test of my ingenuity, but also because I totally understand your concept

I really think that the group will be impressed and I'm already loving the 45 lbs. of metal I get to shed come Sunday when I get home, and start experimenting!!!!!

I'm so stoked, frankly I can't see straight!

So, my mission is to minimize.....

I have developed a new technique for seam sealing I'll share.......it involves a little mineral spirits to 'thin' the sealer, and using a small foam brush.....it really does a great job of penetrating the seam threads..... A trick taught me by an ultralight backpacking buddy......

Depart tomorrow..... Want to make sure my 'best side' is toward the camera!
Thanks guys,,,, all set, we're on our way!
From Stanley, Idaho: So far, perfect.... Beautiful ride ip the South Fork of the Payette River!
Hi guys..... Harold the ride today was spectacular..... We did the Custer Motorway and attached you'll find a pic of the gold dredge ...everything worked perfectly (gear wise)...we did 245 miles (including the Custer Motorway) without a hitch/slip/mis-step! Riding the F800 is so much better with the Basin on instead of hard bags!

Giant Loop "Great Basin" with the Sawtooth's in the background! Incredible day!
Ready to head out on day 1.... I'm the only Great Basin.... And the filmmaker is my roomie for the trip.... He set up and shot me loading the Basin in the morning light!
Start of Day 4.... The Giant Loop system is drawing rave reviews from everyone who gets on the bike, and nearly everyone has! More to report later!
Half way to Steamboat Springs, Colo...... Ripping along two-track burning sunlight and miles!
This was shot with the Grand Tetons in the background...

Made it to Albuquerque today... End of an 'epic' adventure..... The gear worked perfectly, including surviving 'bone dry' after a night of what they call here, the NM 'Monsoon'.... Probably rained two inches in 4 hours at our camp..... The film maker is the same fellow who did the WABDR.... for TouraTech... He's incredible!
I'm guessing that this is the first 'Great Basin' to go over 'Mosquito Pass'.... 13,185 ft. Above sea level.... Highest navigable dirt road in North America..not really 'dirt'.... More like a boulder field!
Why the Great Basin 'stands out'!
These sections were 'hot'......50-70 mph!
Continental Divide!

Mosquito Pass - Wind blowing 50+

New Mexico desert
New Mexico mud

This is my buddy from North Dakota.......I ordered him a Great Basin (+ tank bag and dry bag) yesterday from Tim at Happy Trails......this was his crash on Mosquito Pass that convinced him to buy......I had a crash about 50 yards beyond this shot......the Basin landed on my leg (no damage!).... I picked up the F800 and rode away!...... My buddy spent 35 minutes trying to strap his 'formerly attached' hard bag to the bike so he could ride on!!!!!

You guys need to Google "Mosquito Pass" ......you'll get some idea about what it's like......
This is what it's like........the boulders get worse from here on up!

BMW USA's Pieter de Waal........everyone crashed at least once!
Here's the top of Mosquito Pass.....
RawHyde is officially endorsed by BMW Motorrad North America as a BMW training center, The BMW Off Road Academy, one of nine in the world.

Giant Loop fitment: Aprilia ETV 1000 CapoNord, 1969 BSA 441 Victor Special

2011-08-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

MoJavi Saddlebag on 1969 BSA 441 Victor Special
Coyote Saddlebag on BSA 441 Victor Special

Great Basin Saddlebag on Aprilia ETV 1000 CapoNord

David and Daniel from Revoluzione Euro Motors just stopped by with a couple of bikes we don't see everyday. Giant Loop's Great Basin Saddlebag fits the Aprilia CapoNord perfectly, and the little BSA looks trail ready with the MoJavi Saddlebag and Coyote Saddlebag.

Giant Loop rider: Triumph Bonneville T100 with Great Basin Saddlebag

2011-08-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

We met this customer at Rally In The Gorge a couple weeks ago in Stevenson, WA. He got lost and ended up offroading his retro Triumph Bonneville T100 for miles. Giant Loop's Great Basin Saddlebag fits almost all the retro and vintage standards, strapping on when you need it and leaving nothing on the bike when you take it off.

Giant Loop review: Buckin' Roll Tank Bag featured in Motorcycle Consumer News "Innovation of the Month" - September 2011

2011-08-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks Motorcycle Consumer News' Jim Stanley for reviewing Giant Loop's Buckin' Roll Tank Bag in the September 2011 issue's "Innovation of the Month"!

Stanley strapped the Buckin' Roll onto his 2002 Honda CR250R and put it through the paces.

"What I like about the Buckin' Roll: It stays put over rough ground, it doesn't interfer at all with my riding, it's tough, it's waterproof, and it's made in USA."

What we like about Motorcycle Consumer News: Its subscriber and donor based model means reviews are completely unbiased by advertising dollars, a la Consumer Reports! Subscribe to MCN here.

Giant Loop riders: 2 Friends Ride the Trans-America Trail on Kawasaki KLR 650, Husqvarna TE 610 with Great Basin Saddlebags

2011-08-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

Sam and Jon had a most excellent motorcycle adventure earlier this summer, crossing the western USA via the Trans America Trail. Sam rode a Husqvarna TE 610 supermoto converted into a dualsport dirt bike for the trip, and Jon rode a Kawasaki KLR 650. Both riders carried their gear in Giant Loop's Great Basin Saddlebag.

Sam: "We set off on July 2nd, and got home on July 20th, with a five day stop-over in Salt Lake City. Each day presented unique challenges, but they were manageable. We avoided any major storms or breakdowns. The ride itself was awesomeness."

Jon: "It was exhilarating spending ten or more hours a day riding through unbelievable landscapes. My fear never completely vanished, but I grew more confident. I had a few 'get-offs'and my shoulder appeared to be holding up."

"Sam Correro's Trans American Trail maps are designed for travel East-to-West. We felt it made more sense to travel West-to-East, starting in Oregon and heading towards Denver. That way the trail builds from the fire roads of Oregon to the technical sections in the Colorado rockies. Beyond Colorado, the landscape flattens out, so we decided to focus on the Western portion of the TAT."

Check out their website AdvTrail.com for details about packing and preparations, routes, lots more beautiful pics and videos of the motorcycle adventure tour.

Giant Loop riders: Motolombia's Mike Thomsen and Film Maker Ben Slavin - "The New World Ride - Pilot Episode #1"

2011-08-12T17:59:00.000-07:00

Cool to see Giant Loop's Great Basin Saddlebag on motorcycle touring company Motolombia's bikes in Colombia.

Giant Loop MoJavi Saddlebag, Coyote Saddlebag on Aprilia SXV 550

2011-08-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

Chris from Giant Loop's UK distributor Adventure Spec just sent these nice shots of the MoJavi Saddlebag and Coyote Saddlebag mounted on a customer's sweet Aprilia SXV 550 supermoto - including one with a tent riding behind the Coyote. Ready to ride to the track for the weekend!

Giant Loop review: Best Scenic Routes Praises Great Basin Saddlebag, Fandango Tank Bag on Suzuki V-Strom DL650

2011-07-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Sean McDermott from BestScenicRoutes.com published this well-written review of Giant Loop's Fandango Tank Bag and Great Basin Saddlebag.

Here are some highlights:

“Hands down, the best solution that I have found for packing camping gear on a motorcycle is the Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebag. Those of you who have followed my product reviews for a while may remember the accolades that I gave Giant Loop for the Fandango tank bag. These guys have it going on.”

"The Giant Loop Great Basin is a soft bag with a tough personality. The bottom portion of the bag is made of 1050 nylon ballistic cordura, the top is made of 22-ounce vinyl coated polyester. Top-notch YKK zippers allow easy access to goods and the whole package is sewn together with military-grade thread."
"Speaking of holding it on the bike, this thing isn’t going anywhere once attached to your bike. The compression/attachment straps are made of 1-inch ballistic cordura and Nylike webbing with steel and aluminum buckles. Two similarly constructed straps secure the bottom of the bag to the bike. I’m not sure what the heck 'Nylike' is, but these straps are strong."

"Build Quality – A
Ease of Install – A
Bang for Your Buck – A
I have not found another product that compares to the Great Basin."

Check out the full review by clicking here

Giant Loop How-To: Packing for Motorcycle Camping the Go Light, Go Fast Way

2011-07-13T18:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some tips and tricks about how to pack for motorcycle camping, as well as a complete list of the gear I carry while adventure touring.

This photo shows all the gear I packed on Giant Loop's BMW F800GS last month for a 9-day, 2000+ mile tour, from Bend, OR to the Klim Adventure Bike Summit near Rigby, ID, followed by a solo dirt road tour through the mountains of north central Idaho, then back down to Boise to present a Motorcycle Camping workshop at Big Twin Cycle Center before blasting back to Bend.

Camping can mean a lot of different things. There's RVing - packing everything including the kitchen sink. Car camping, which is packing everything BUT the kitchen sink. And working your way through the spectrum, you have bicycle touring and backpacking/mountaineering on the other, lighter more minimalist end.

Camping light in Idaho. When there are no trees, the bike supports the tarp, and I used my fishing rod case to support the other end for better head room.

At Giant Loop, we advocate for packing your motorcycle for camping more like a bicycle tourist, backpacker or mountaineer. It's not "how much can I possibly carry on my motorcycle," but rather "how little can I carry to safely and comfortably enjoy my ride."

I prefer to use a mountaineering tarp and bivy sack instead of a tent. When this summer rain storm blew through, it took me less than 10 minutes to have all my gear covered and out of the elements.

Why pack light? Simply put, it's more fun! The riding experience is more enjoyable because the motorcycle handles and performs better. There is less to worry about, pack and manage. And having a more capable bike opens up new horizons and terrain.

A Fandango Tank Bag, Great Basin Saddlebag and Great Basin Dry Bag provide a total of 83 liters of gear volume, plus I lashed my fishing rod, tackle and waterbottles to the outside of the saddlebag.

Not only is total weight and volume important, but how the weight is positioned on the motorcycle vastly influences how the bike will ride. Imagine your gear as a pyramid with its weight at the bottom creating a solid base - not an inverted pyramid balanced on its peak. Or, think of the weight as if you're packing a canoe. Heavy things go at the bottom below the water line, so the load is easier to balance and more stable. On the motorcycle, this means keeping the heaviest bits of gear - tools, cook kit, etc. - below seat height.

Just one pot to boil water does the trick for me. It's easy to eat well with dehydrated, freeze dried and other foods that keep well and aren't packaged in cans or glass. On this trip, I never carried more than two meals, plus snacks, because I was near towns for refuel and resupplies everyday (more notes on Food below).

Self sufficient travel on the motorcycle is the goal. Have what you need to get yourself and your bike home - or at least to the nearest help. This means packing a fairly extensive tool kit and a few key parts (e.g., inner tube). And it should also include packing basic first aid supplies and a compass/map. I don't use a GPS (although I intend to get one and start using it), but even when you do rely on GPS for navigation, the map and compass won't break, won't run out of batteries and won't loose communication signals - utterly reliable technology that human beings have used for thousands of years to navigate the globe. That said, I would add a Spot Tracker to my list next time I do a solo trip - it's a little extra insurance in case of the unforeseen.

On my motorcycle, I can easily camp in places where I never even see another human being or vehicle.

Try to be light, but not too spartan. Pack according to your personal comfort level. On this trip, I carried plenty of clean clothes because I had two events to attend. Clean socks everyday is a small luxury I also afford myself.

If you're new to camping off your motorcycle, start out with an overnight trip close to home. You'll learn what you didn't have and needed - maybe a warm hat or mosquito repellent - and what you bring but probably don't need.

After years of backpacking, bicycle touring and motorcycle touring on a dirt bike, I've learned that I pack roughly the same amount of gear for 3 days as for 30. Remote travel requires more spare parts, carrying more food and possibly water, etc. - but quick-drying clothing made of performance fabrics can reduced the amount of clothes packed, freeing room for these other necessities.

Every rider's packing list is unique. Here's mine:
Riding Jacket/Pants, including rain/insulation layers
Elephant Ears handguards
Water bottles (insulated)
Boots
Helmet
Gloves
Fishing rod/reel
Tackle (on this trip, I should have left the flyfishing gear at home - all the rivers were flooded - and packed a folding saw instead to clear the winter blow-down)
Spare key in toolkit
Tow strap
Inner tube patch kit
Misc. nut/bolt kit
Multitool
Magnetic mini flashlight
Various additional sockets/drives needed to remove wheels

CO2 cartridges
Hand pump
Quick Steel
Tire spoon/axle wrench combo
3/8" ratchet
Adjustable wrench
T-handle
Drives
Extension
Metric open end wrenches

Locktite
Duct tape
Wire ties
Silicone heat tape
Maps
Spare gloves
Goggles
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Towel
Plastic bag for extra sleeping bag rain cover
Head lamp
Flashlight
Mosquito repellent
Tarp
Recorder (musical instrument, yes, I'm a music nerd)
Nylon cord
Tent stakes (these are Easton aluminum and weigh practically nothing)
Plastic bags (stuff these into corners - many uses)
This fits in the lower side of the saddlebag in a pannier pod stuff sack:
Water filter
Coffee mug/press
Coffee
Butane Stove
Stove fuel
Pot w/ lid
Fork, spoon, knife
Fire starting kit: newspaper, pitch kindling
Soap
Tool pack (contains all the tools detailed here and fits in place of one Great Basin "pannier pod")
21" inner tube (covered to prevent abrading a hole)
Clothes: socks, underwear, bicycle shorts, shorts, swim trunks, polypro long johns, synthetic wicking undershirt (with highway speed wind chill factors, you can become hypothermic when the air temperatures are in the 50s or lower, especially if you're wet), t-shirts, sweat pants, fleece shirt, long-sleeved collared shirt. This is more than I would normally carry on a dirt bike trip - but I didn't need to carry lots of food, water, spare parts, etc. on this particular ride, so I splurged. Shorts AND swim trunks? Luxury!

Clothes organized in two sacks:
Bottom = Socks, underwear, long johns, etc.
Top = shirts, thermal top, etc
Plus some items left loose to fill small spaces
Toiletries packed in green ditty bag:
toothbrush, paste, dental floss
deodorant
razor
Working Hands "for skin that cracks and splits"
contacts, solution
cotton swabs
wipes
pain reliever, anti-acid, allergy medicine
eyeglasses
comb (Dave Wachs doesn't need a comb - ha ha!)
My tank bag is where I keep all the things I want to easily access throughout a day's ride:
cell phone
phone charger
Clear Shot lens cleaning kit
bandana
knit beanie
baseball cap
sunscreen
lip balm
camera
wallet
chewing gum
owner's manual
registration/insurance cards
snacks
pocket knife
keys
tire pressure guage
LED key chain flashlight
lighters
toilet paper
hand sanitizer

FOOD
Packing and preparing camp food is an art, and with imagination and preparation, you can eat incredibly well on the road. Outfitters have a million tricks, like freezing foods (steak, chili, etc.) solid and wrapping them well so they keep without ice or refrigeration sometimes up to a few days.

I usually keep it pretty simple, and I rarely carry more than 1-2 days of food at a time, restocking as I make fuel stops. For longer duration trips, farther away from outposts, backpacking freeze dried meals are the lightweight way to carry multiple days supply. Wachs likes to pack food in his hydration pack, since it weighs very little.

A trip down most any supermarket's aisles will offer plenty of packable, non-perishable food options. I'm a fan of cooked chicken breast and tuna steaks in foil packages. Anything that's "just add water" also works great. Instant oatmeal, soups, seasoned rice and beans, dehydrated vegetables, etc. are all readily available, inexpensive, easy to pack, keep well and require minimal preparation and clean up.

Often in cooler weather, just a little ice from a soda machine in a doubled-up grocery bag is enough to keep food safely cool for several hours. A cold stream or lake also keeps food from spoiling - just be sure to attach the food bag to something so it doesn't float away.

Here are some of my typical motorcycle camping meals:

Breakfast
coffee
milk for coffee (small plastic bottle or paper carton purchased at final gas stop for day)
juice (small plastic bottle)
muffin (picked up at last gas stop of day) or hot cereal
fruit (apple, banana, orange)
hard boiled egg (many stores now have two cooked eggs packaged in a plastic clam shell)

Lunch
dry salami
jerky
cheese stick
bagel
fruit
trail mix or energy bar

Dinner
cooked chicken breast in foil pouch
red beans and rice
soup
tortillas

Please share your list!

- Harold Olaf Cecil, Giant Loop

Giant Loop review: Rider Magazine's "New & Cool" August 2011 Spotlights Buckin' Roll Tank Bag

2011-07-12T11:41:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Rider Magazine for including Giant Loop's Buckin' Roll Tank Bag in the August 2011 issue's "New & Cool" product spotlight!

Writes Rider: "All of the goods and services listed in New & Cool are chosen by Rider's editors based on the interest to readers."

Rider Magazine, August 2011, page 92:
TOUGH TANKBAG. Oregon-based Giant Loop makes durable soft luggage that withstands the rigors of adventure and dual-sport riding. Its latest product is the Buckin' Roll Tank Bag, designed for tower-shaped fuel tanks, such as large capacity Acerbis dry-break type models. Made in the U.S.A., it features two zippered 1.5-liter side pockets and a half-liter center pouch with storm flap, drawstring internal closure and exterior mesh pocket. Its straps allow quick installation or removal with no mounts or hardware. The primary material used is Bomb Shell, a waterproof 22-ounce coated vinyl used in trucker tarps. Beefy, water-resistant YKK zippers, military-grade thread and a seam sealing kit for maximum water resistance are included. Yours for $125. For more information, visit www.giantloopmoto.com

BMW MOA Rally: AltRider’s 2nd Annual Giant Loop, Wednesday, July 20

2011-07-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

Headed to the 2011 BMW Motorcycle Owners Association International Rally in Bloomsburg, PA next week? So are we! Join us for our second AltRider Giant Loop Adventure Ride - last year's was a rally highlight, and this is going to be even better. Space is limited and filling up quickly - sign up, and ride while you can!

FREE RIDE
Sign up for AltRider’s
2nd Annual Giant Loop
ADVENTURE RIDE
Wednesday, July 20 // Bloomsburg, PA // BMW MOA Rally

One hundred miles of on and off road terrain await – the epic route has been planned in conjunction with local riders, who agreed to share their secret spots! Stops along the way will allow everyone to rest and try out new techniques, and a catered lunch will be provided. At the end of the day, we’ll wrap up the fun and head back to the fairground.

This ride will be filmed and photographed. The footage will be edited down into a highlights video (like this one) premiering Thursday night on the GS Giant Area big screen, along with presentations from Joe and Flora Lloyd of Reconnecting with Canada.

We’ll meet at 8am at the AltRider vendor booth at the Bloomsburg Fairground for coffee and a pre-ride meeting before heading out. You’ll need to come with your bike (and yourself) fully prepped for the day. This ride is complimentary (yes, even lunch) but space is limited, so reserve your spot now.

Giant Loop review: Diablo Tank Bag featured in ADV Moto magazine

2011-07-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

Giant Loop's Diablo Tank Bag reviewed in the June 2011 issue of Adventure Motorcycle magazine.

"Giant Loop has designed a minimalist Diablo Tank Bag to please even the staunchest tank bag objectors. The shorter cousin of Giant Loop's popular Fandango Tank Bag, this little devil is made from the same tough, waterproof "trucker's tarp" material and used the same harness for mounting on sport, dirt, adventure and dualsport motorcycles with either metallic or non-metallic fuel tanks. For more info, visit: GiantLoopMoto.com MSRP $164.00."

Giant Loop rider: CA to WA on Yamaha WR 250 R with Great Basin Saddlebag, Fandango Tank Bag

2011-06-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

While on his trip from the San Francisco Bay Area to Washington's Puget Sound, Mike stopped by the Giant Loop shop to pick up a new Great Basin Saddlebag to replace his ailing soft panniers. With the Hot Springs Heat Shield installed to bolster his already melted stock exhaust shield, the Great Basin Saddlebag was a perfect fit on his Yamaha WR 250 R - even without passenger pegs - and is going to make it much easier for him to continue on his trip into Washington and back to California again.
Giant Loop team rider Jason assisted Mike with the fitment.
Mike already owned Giant Loop's Fandango Tank Bag, so while he was here he also upgraded to the new Fandango Harness, with buckles concealed under the tank bag and a larger cutout for easier fuel fill access. Now he's fully kitted and ready to continue exploring the Great Pacific Northwest without having to worry about his motorcycle luggage.

Thanks for stopping by the shop Mike and safe travels!

P.S., Mike: Sorry we sent you up the Old Mackenzie Hwy - we found out right after you left that the road still wasn't cleared of snow and open for traffic (the snowplows broke down!).

Giant Loop Rider: Congrats to Jack Broomall's Successful Ride Across the USA on Hodaka 125 2-Stroke

2011-06-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, June 12, Jack Broomall set off on a 12 day, 2800 mile ride from Philadelphia, PA on an ambitious journey to ride his 1977 Hodaka Wombat 125cc 2-stroke across the USA to Athena, OR to attend the Hodaka Days reunion.
"The bike continues to run well and my little "chainsaw" motor that I built in my garage now has nearly 1200 miles on it(through day 3, 1600 more to go!!!)."

"A highlight for me was the annual Hodaka Parade which goes down Main Street in Athena on Saturday morning. It was important for me in a couple of ways. At some level the whole idea for this trip originated after having watched the parade two years ago and thinking "It would be neat to ride an old Hodaka that I restored in the parade" and, perhaps more importantly, they named me the Grand Marshall of the parade this year in recognition of my ride from Pennsylvania. Got to ride right in the front!!! Sweet!"

"The mileage logged during the entire trip ended up as 2908, including the 2858 miles enroute to Athena and another 50 miles locally. I saw incredible sights, met fascinating people, I had just about enough difficulty to remind me what a thin thread I was hanging on for this entire trip, and in just 2 weeks accumulated enough memories to last for a long time! And I did it all in the seat of a 34 year old, two-stroke motorcycle with an engine smaller than that in my lawn mower!"

"I owe a serious "Thank You" to all my supporters and everyone who followed here. Without your help , and the encouragement that you provide things like this just simply cannot happen."

The East Oregonian wrote an awesome article about Jack's adventure, check it out by clicking this link: EastOregonian.com

Click this link to see Jack's whole journey

Giant Loop rider: 2800-Mile West Coast Trip on Honda XR650L with Coyote Saddlebag

2011-06-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

Mike just returned to L.A. after logging over 2800 miles up and down the coast of Oregon and California. Halfway through his trip he stopped by the GL headquarters - only a few hundred miles out of his way - to say "Hey!" and do a little bike maintenance.
"I just got back to LA last night, logging around 2800 miles up and down the coast. It was great meeting Paul and Jason. Both super cool guys!"

"I'll probably be rolling through again in 3-4 weeks on my 'big' cross country trip, so I'll stop by when I'm passing through your area."

Equipped with a Giant Loop Coyote Saddlebag - and numerous other bags. Check out Mike's tent and luxurious camping set up!We appreciate Mike's go for it attitude - he jumps into adventure with both wheels!

Checked out more pics from Mike's trip and his Honda XR650L set up.

Giant Loop's Austrian Distributor Endorange Bike Equipment - KTM 690 Enduro R in Alps (Giant Loop österreichische Distributor Endorange Bike Equipment

2011-06-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

Beautiful shots of a KTM 690 Enduro R with a Great Basin Saddlebag from Endorange Bike Equipment, Giant Loop's distributor in Austria. Look for Tom and Endorange at the Erzbergrodeo this week!

Schöne Fotos von einer KTM 690 Enduro R mit einem Great Basin Satteltaschen aus Endorange Bike Equipment, Giant Loop-Distributor in Österreich. Suchen Sie nach Tom und Endorange beim Erzbergrodeo in dieser Woche!

Giant Loop Rider: Johnny Unser's BMW F800GS with Great Basin Saddlebag, Fandango Tank Bag

2011-06-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

Johnny Unser sent us an update on the Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebag and Fandango Tank Bag he recently purchased for his BMW F800GS.

From Unser:

Just yesterday I finished a 200 mile ride with a good friend through the desert and lava fields of Southern Idaho, it was my first day with my new Giant Loop bags! As far as the conditions go....we had about everything from 80 mph fast, open gravel roads to 15 mile sections of hand cramping, arm pumping, 1st gear single track crawling up and over lava fields with endless rock sections mixed with some treacherous sand pits (I saw enough of that to last me for awhile!). Previously I had used a rear seat top bag to store tools, tubes, jacket, ect. Needless to say I was anxious to see how the Great Basin Saddlebag would ride and how it might effect my riding. I couldn't have been more pleased, for me these tough 1st gear sections were about all I could handle, it was like a trials ride and I needed all the help I could get. I think having the weight low and tight to the bike made all the difference, no weight shifting and no movement, truly awesome! For the faster 3rd and 4th gear stuff it was like the load wasn't there! Thanks Giant Loop, I don't know why anyone would consider anything else!

Johnny Unser | Co-Founder
UNSER RACING & ENTERTAINMENT - DENVER

Giant Loop Rider Jimmy with Coyote Saddlebag

2011-06-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Giant Loop Rider Jimmy had the pleasure to pre-run the 2011 Malcom Smith 7-Days of Baja with the infamous Malcom Smith himself. Malcom Smith rode with the MoJavi Saddlebag and Jimmy with the Coyote Saddlebag.
Jimmy had this to say:

(Giant Loop), again thank you for your consideration of my issue and generosity in helping resolve ............... my fault ENTIRELY for burning a hole in the Coyote.........

Please find pictures in .pdf format of Malcolm and I in Baja...Walt Koch took the photos, he was my WingMan......... we spent nearly 2 1/2 weeks and 2600 miles using the Giant Loop Bags.

Malcolm used the MoJavi system, Walt and I used the Coyote......

I NEEDED a product just like Giant Loop Coyote as have had my spine operated on 2 times (too many dirt miles ridden since 1966) ! With your Giant Loop products I can carry water only on my back and everything else needed for a prolonged dirt adventure in the Giant Loop bags............. you just extended my riding another 15 years.........

Thanks to Walt Koch (cook) for introducing me and Malcolm to your products.

Jimmy Sones / Malcolm Smith Adventures Trail Boss

Thanks Jimmy! Glad we could help you out.

Ride fast. Ride light.

Giant Loop Rider Dave and his KTM 990 & 640 Adventure with Giant Loop bags

2011-06-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dave wrote us to inquire about the Giant Loop Fandango Tank Bag and being able to zip it to the new Diablo Tank Bag's harness so he can swap bags between his two bikes. We are happy to say that, yes, the Diablo Tank Bag Harness and the Fandango Tank Bag Harness are the same.

Dave also sent some pictures of he and his buddy on KTM990 Adventurer and KTM640 Adventurer with Great Basin Saddlebag's and Fandango Tank Bag's. Thanks Dave.

Ride while you can.

Giant Loop Rider from Oregon with the Great Basin Saddlebag on BMW R1200GS

2011-06-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

This Giant Loop Rider from Valley Falls Oregon recently posted these photo's of his 2007 BMW R1200GS with the Great Basin Saddlebag at ADVrider.

I have found the Great basin work great on a GS. Barely knew it was even there. The pics are deceiving when it comes to the exhaust. I have just as much room as -mek-.

Ride light. Ride Fast.

video: Giant Loop Rider Jason with the Warn XT17 Winch and Coyote Saddlebag

2011-06-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Check out this great video of the Warn XT17 Portable Winch.
This is our friend Jason from Warn, one of Giant Loops very first customers, motorcycle racing nut. That's his tricked out KTM950 SE with the Warn Winch packed just behind the MoJavi Saddlebag.
Ride light. Ride fast.

Giant Loop Rider Tim's Suzuki Hayabusa with Great Basin Saddlebag and Fandango Tank Bag.

2011-06-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

Tim at PashnitMoto sent us some great photo's of his Suzuki Hayabusa with the Great Basin Saddlebag and the Fandango Tank Bag. Pashnit is based in California and offers tours, part and road information.
Thanks for the photo's Tim.

Ride light. Ride fast.

Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebag on BMW R1200GS

2011-06-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

A Giant Loop Rider in Finland posted these great photo's of his BMW R1200GS on ADVrider with the Great Basin Saddlebag.

From the ADVrider Giant Loop thread:

Just in case, somebody would be interested, I purchased Giant loop Great Basin saddle bags for my GS. The GB sits very well on GS. Top case rack does not need to be uninstalled. If you are going to use GB on GS without passenger seat, I would suggest to uninstall top case rack. Otherwise the passenger grips on the rack will push the GB too far front, ca 5 cm on drivers seat.
Quality seem to be very good, any longer experience I don't have yet.
-mek
Ride light.Ride fast.

Giant Loop Rides 20th Annual AMA Black Dog Dualsport and Adventure Ride

2011-06-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

Gwen
Jim
customer on BMW HP2 Enduro with Coyote Saddlebag
John

One of our favorite annual regional events, the Black Dog Dualsport and Adventure Ride was held June 4-5 this year in Odell, near Hood River, Oregon. Giant Loop's David Wachs rode the dirt bike routes on his KTM 525 EXC and Harold Olaf Cecil rode to and from the event on the BMW F800GS, plus the adventure routes on both days. It was a blast riding with Giant Loop Riders Kurt, Whitney, John, Jim, Steve, Pete, Gwen, Brad, Mark, Matt, Peter, Craig (who am I forgetting?) - and literally dozens of bikes were kitted out with Giant Loop bags this year. Check out the great photos below and for more head on over to ADVrider and Harold's/Dave's SmugMug gallery . Black Dog organization promotes positive and responsible OHV use in our public and private lands, primarily focused on dual sport riding. A big Thank You to Black Dog for an awesome weekend.
Great time riding with friends! See you next year?!

From Dave:
I've gone to this event 3 years now and it's really a fun time with good folks just up the road from our desert in Hood River, Oregon. Last year it rained so much that we barely got through some sections but this year it's different.

A variety of bikes, both dualsport and adventure, were represented at Black Dog. Several rides were organized from tight climbing single track to open and gravel road cruising. Steve rode his KTM 690 Ralley - sweet!

Whitney roosting past Mt. Hood.

David and Kurt with the north side of Mt.Hood in the background. That's the MoJavi Saddlebag and Diablo Tank Bag on the KTM 525 EXC.

This was just after a really steep, rooted hill climb that stopped quite a few bikes, not this guy though (N2Moto on his choice XR650R).

Giant Loop Rider: Great Basin Saddlebag on Ural Gear Up

2011-06-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

Giant Loop team rider and photographer Kurt snapped some pics of this cool-looking Ural Gear Up with the Great Basin Saddlebag. Jokes Kurt, "Not sure what wacko needs more luggage capacity on a Ural but I thought I should snap some shots. :)"

BMW Owners News Magazine: An Adventurous Tradition-AltRider Hosts 2nd Annual Giant Loop Adventure Ride at 39th BMW MOA International Rally

2011-06-07T12:25:00.000-07:00

Join the AltRider team for their Second Annual Dual Sport Ride at the BMW MOA International Rally! The 2011 ride will take us through some great Pennsylvania terrain on a route devised by local riders, include a catered lunch, and end with a few cold beverages.

The ride will last most of the day and start with riders meeting in the morning for an off road clinic, covering techniques to feel more comfortable and confident off road. During the lunch break, riders are encouraged to talk about what they’ve learned and how that translated during their ride. Throughout the day, the group will be filmed by six cameras. Footage will be edited down to a highlights video, which will be played at night during the rally.

At the 2010 Rally in Redmond, Oregon, AltRider's Jeremy LeBreton and Giant Loop owner David Wachs held a morning clinic and led riders on an all day ride exploring eastern Oregon's canyons, dirt trail and rivers.

Hope to see you there. Ride light. Ride fast.

Giant Loop Rider: Tod Parker joins Wheel2Wheel Charity ride through Australia

2011-06-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

Tod Parker with be joining his brother Morgan's Wheel2Wheel Charity ride for its Australian leg of their tour. With the help of Giant Loop's Australian distributor, Adventure Moto, he has extensively outfitted his KTM 690 Enduro R and include the Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebag and Fandango Tank bag to round out his luggage needs.
Check out Wheel2Wheel's blog here describing the other mods to Parker's KTM and to follow his progress with the Wheel2Wheel team through the remote Australian outback.

From the Wheel2Wheel blog:

"Joining Morgan on the Australian leg of the Adventure has required the purchase and preparation of a bike. About 3 months ago I purchased a KTM 690 Enduro R and set about preparing it for the trip. The preparation has involved setting the bike up to travel big distances off road on primarily a mix of rocky and sandy roads, tracks and trails."

"Doing the Australian leg without a support vehicle (except when Morgan’s good mate Cameron Woodrow and his father, Russell will be joining us through the Kakadu and Arnheim Land stages in a Landcruiser) requires us to be able to carry all our gear including food, water, clothing and camping equipment. Giant Loop make some awesome motorcycle luggage and many an adventure rider has used this gear and it seemed to be right up my ally so a Giant Loop – Great Basin Bag and Fandango Tank Bag have been strapped to the bike to haul all my gear."

Thanks Tod and best of luck to you and the rest of the Wheel2Wheel team.
Ride light. Ride fast.

Giant Loop Riders: Sweden to Romania with Great Basin Saddlebags on BMW HP2 Enduro, KTM 950 SE

2011-06-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

The author and his friend, Fredrick, take an adventure from Sweden to Romania on their BMW HP2 and KTM 950 Super Enduro. Loaded with Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebags - and spare tires! - their trip is extremely well documented at ADVrider. Their story is a good one full of humor, mid-trip repairs and beautiful scenery.

Here we are at home, outside Kristianstad in south Sweden,at my place and ready to go. Me with my HP2 and Fredrik with his Super Enduro.
"Das Grünes Band" and the adventure starts. Looks nice and easy to ride but the track isn't wider then what you see. It is made of concrete blocks and the different in height, to the grass, is often 10-15 cm. Can be tricky with a heavy bike. It was easy to hear the wings of history and see the old German panzer division driving on these tracks.
After many miles on the often rough and bumpy Grunes road the authors BMW's rear frame broke:
The man that came to our rescue was the man to the right, Uwe Haaker. He made a phone call and said: follow me. I think we drove for 15 min. and then we came to an old industry area out in nowhere. Have to admit that scenes from the movie Deliverance was passing my mind. But his friend was a master on aluminum welding.

Taking a break just off the Transalpina in Romania.

People are protesting but with no success, DN67c (Transalpina) will be asphalt. Hard to say how fast they are working but I don't think there is many after us who will drive on gravel. And for sure not on the old original parts. Maybe only 400 meters left of that. And maybe only 40 km´s gravel in total. But it will still be a fabulous road.
This is about all that is left of the original road.

Giant Loop Rider: Urban Grocery Getter - Great Basin Saddlebag on KTM 690 R Enduro

2011-06-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes my Great Basin Saddlebag has to do the urban runs to the pet store for dog food. I love it! The food was for Gus the Bulldog. He eats a lot as you can see.
-Daniel

Gus the Bulldog patiently awaiting the arrival of his dog food.

Yes, it's true. The Great Basin Saddlebag CAN be used for domestic adventures, too.

Thanks for the photos of your KTM 690 grocery-getter! Ride while you can, Gus!

Giant Loop Adventure: Great Basin Saddlebag and Fandango Tank Bag on KTM 530 EXC

2011-06-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Our Australian distributor Steve of Adventure Moto sent us this sweet photo of the Great Basin Saddlebag and Fandango Tank Bag on this tricked out KTM 530 EXC. The bike will be featured in the next issue of Trail Bike Adventure Magazine and on the next epic Motorbikin' ride to the geographical center of Australia in the Simpson Desert. Check out the large, white fuel tank across the tail of the KTM. Cool!

Giant Loop rider: Great Basin Saddlebag on Ducati Hypermotard

2011-05-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

Giant Loop rider Michael writes that his Great Basin Saddlebag is a "Perfect fit for a Ducati Hypermotard - thanks!"

"The strap is behind the tail light, but is not needed," he writes.

Giant Loop rider: Great Basin Saddlebag on Aprilia Dorsoduro 750

2011-05-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

Giant Loop rider Eric recently purchased a Great Basin Saddlebag to use on both his Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 and his Kawasaki Versys. While he did not send pictures of the Great Basin Saddlebag on his Versys (click here for examples of Giant Loop bags on the Versys), he did mention that even with the Versys top case mounted there is enough room for the Great Basin Saddlebag. Good to hear Eric - and thanks for the pictures.

From Eric:

"Took a short trip; attached are some images. I held the bag back by
wrapping around the tip of the tail light; this worked passably. The
real solution I came up with was to machine a crosspiece that shares a
couple of the exhaust mounting bolts; this will be just right.

Solid bag; never noticed it even riding *ahem* aggressively."

Cheers,
E

Using the passenger foot peg mounts and Eric's machined crosspiece make for a great clean mount on the Dorsoduro.