Triumphrat

Doc59 · 09-19-2009, 06:38 AM

Don't own a Street Triple yet but seriously thinking of one as a replacement for my Vstrom. Too old and spoilt for the backpack thing so would like a rack to carry lunch etc to work. Checked out the Ventura but the Renntec rack looks nicer. Well at least in the adds it does, anyone have a Renntec rack fitted to their bike that wants to show pics?

GaryC · 09-19-2009, 04:28 PM

Why not consider a tank bag with magnetic straps? They look good and can be removed when you don't need them so the bike looks really good the rest of the time. Triumph sells them as an option in 2sizes. Lots of useful compartments, and carry straps that let you carry your stuff inside or on your back like a small back-pack. Think how useful that would be when you are off somewhere and you want to carry your kit into the mall or on a hike. The bags and magnetic holders are lined and won't scratch your tank.

Doc Hudson · 09-19-2009, 04:43 PM

Gary, do you talk from personal experience? The Triumph tank bags look nice on the website.

sdirwin · 09-19-2009, 04:55 PM

I had a Renntec rack mounted to my TT600 and loved it. I mounted a Givi top box on it because I wanted a place to put my laptop bag, jacket, change of shoes, etc. Very high quality and good looking, too. Not expensive and easy to install. I'd recommend it over a tank bag. No matter how careful you are, frequent use of a tank bag will leave some scratches on your tank, rub the paint, etc.

GaryC · 09-19-2009, 06:00 PM

No personal experience yet, but I plan to order the bag with the bike in the next couple of months. I see the poster after me states that prolonged use of the bag eventually results in scratches. That is something to consider, but at this point I still like the idea. I probably won't have it on the bike that much and a white coloured bike will be the last to show that kind of problem. I think a rack takes away from the sportiness of the bike and the other solutions (stuff everything under your jacket or balance between your knees) aren't any better.

GaryC · 09-19-2009, 06:11 PM

There is also a version of this bag designed to strap onto the back of your seat where your passenger would otherwsie sit. It is much bigger. It detaches readily for bringing inside, carrying as a back-pack, etc. That could be ideal for commuters with more to carry like books and binders, dressier work clothing, etc.

Doc Hudson · 09-19-2009, 06:52 PM

Cheers Gary, that's really useful. I bit the bullet and bought a top box for my Sprint ST, it was as ugly as sin but given it's a tourer, I put up with it. A year later it decided to go its own way on a motorway and I haven't seen it since.

With my soon to arrive Street, my vanity is battling my sensible side in terms of sticking a box on it, so I'm still exploring. Whenever I see bikers walking around in baking sunshine, carrying a lid - I know that they don't have a top box.

My Timbuk2 messenger bag is pretty good but it does writhe around a bit. One of the features of the Street, is that it's such a new bike that everyone is still feeling their way.

GaryC · 09-19-2009, 09:18 PM

My thinking on helmets was to lock them with some kind of under seat clip. By the way, thats a long commute you are doing every day!

Doc Hudson · 09-20-2009, 04:19 AM

Something I still have lurking in the garage from my Fazer 600 days is a Pacsafe bage -it's a steel mesh bag that you can fix to your bike and put your helmet and leather jacket inside. Only issue, from what I can remember is that it only takes a smallish padlock which given twenty minutes, I might be able to pick with a safety clip.

My commute is a big one and I always love the journey in but the last stretch on the motorway going home can be tough. Only time will tell if my swap from the Sprint to the Street is joy or misery. It will however slow me down on the motorway and that is part of the plan.

charoli · 09-21-2009, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryC

There is also a version of this bag designed to strap onto the back of your seat where your passenger would otherwsie sit.....

That would be the tail pack. It looks good, easy to attach/detach and IMO doesn't spoil the sporty look. I have the triumph one, believe me it is very small, enough for a packed lunch, drink, wallet etc, but don't expect to fit too much more. Also bear in mind you will need more effort to swing your leg over the seat, I now tend to do the karate kick over the front half of the seat. There are other rear tail bag options which will carry more and cost less than the Triumph branded one.