Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree5Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #46  
Old 28 Aug 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon USA
Posts: 121
CJ Designs DL650 Dual Sport Build with Siskiyou Panniers

Check out this super-bad V-Strom adventure bike build by CJ Designs!



Tough bikes need tough luggage!

Check out cjracer's thread about the bike here.
__________________
Giant Loop Moto
Reply With Quote
  #47  
Old 3 Sep 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon USA
Posts: 121
Fort Rock Top Case review in BMW Motorcycle Magazine

Thanks BMW Motorcycle Magazine for logging miles with the Fort Rock Top Case - you've already lightened your load considerably by riding Giant Loop vs. a hard luggage tail rack system!:clap
__________________
Giant Loop Moto
Reply With Quote
  #48  
Old 6 Sep 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon USA
Posts: 121
video: Canadian Couple Camps on Suzuki DR200s

Small bike camping is where it all started for us - love this video!
__________________
Giant Loop Moto

Last edited by OlafofOregon; 7 Sep 2013 at 00:52. Reason: just figured out how to do video embed!
Reply With Quote
  #49  
Old 20 Sep 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon USA
Posts: 121
New Giant Loop Gear: Tillamook Dry Bag, Rogue Dry Bag, Rubber Boa Straps


Just in time for Fall and Winter motorcycle riding, Giant Loop releases two new 100% waterproof double ended roll top dry bags, the Tillamook Dry Bag and Rogue Dry Bag.

Plus, expedition strength shock cord fender straps, the Rubber Boa Straps.


Tillamook Dry Bag (38 liters) and Rogue Dry Bag (17 liters)
Indispensible equipment for on- and off-road motorcyclists - keeps gear dry and easily accessible.
* Made in USA
* Limited Lifetime Warranty
* 18 oz. polyurethane with welded seams
* Reflective daisy chain - easy attachment, high visibility
* Vertical nylon compression straps with heavy-duty side release buckles


Tillamook Dry Bag™
* 38 liters packable volume
* unpacked flat dimensions 40" x 19"
* Integrates with Giant Loop's Siskiyou Panniers
* 2 reflective daisy chains
* MSRP $89.00
Tillamook Dry Bag available now



Rogue Dry Bag™
* 17 liters packable volume
* unpacked flat dimensions 32.5" x 13.5"
* Integrates with Giant Loop's Coyote/Great Basin Saddlebags
* 1 reflective daisy chain
* MSRP $73.00
Rogue Dry Bag available now

Rubber Boa Straps™

Put the squeeze on a spare inner tube, tools, water or other essential gear with Giant Loop's new Rubber Boa Straps™ lashed to dirt bike fenders.
* Made in the USA
* Military-spec 1/4-in. shock cord
* Heavy-duty injection molded fender hooks
* Super tough and stable
* Fit most standard dirt bike plastics
* MSRP $25 (package of 2)
Rubber Boa Straps available now

Support our excellent Giant Loop dealers! Find your nearby Authorized Giant Loop Dealer here.

Go light, go fast, go far,
Team Giant Loop


Designed in Bend, Oregon | Made in USA | Ridden Worldwide
__________________
Giant Loop Moto
Reply With Quote
  #50  
Old 27 Sep 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon USA
Posts: 121
Tiffany Coates in Madagascar

Our friend Tiffany Coates posted up some pics of her latest adventure: dirt biking in Madagascar.





__________________
Giant Loop Moto
Reply With Quote
  #51  
Old 7 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon USA
Posts: 121
10,000 KM on a KTM 950 Adventure in Australia's Outback

Great email from Giant Loop rider Jack from Perth, Australia:

Hey fellas,

Just got back from a 10,000km solo trip from Western Australia thru the Great Victoria Desert to Uluru (Ayres Rock), down the Oodnadatta & Strezleki Tracks to Tibooburra, then to Albury & up to the New South Wales Snowy mountains, Victorian high country & back to WA, about 10000Km, all on my KTM950 Adventure, equipped with your Siskiyou Panniers & Diablo Tank Bag.

I gotta say, I gave the panniers a floggin’ & they’re still hangin’ in there, cos very early in the trip, I lost the 2 heat shields & the muffler burnt a hole in the right bag & the dry bag as well, but whilst in Kalgoorlie, I managed to patch em up with some hundred mile an hour tape & with some rough bush craft, new hose clamps & some aluminium angle, I fashioned a new heat shield, I was back on the trail in no time flat. Just wished I’d paid as much attention to securing the original heat shields as did doing the patch up job !!!! *Lesson learnt : Lock wire your hose clamps so they can’t come loose.

So, all was going very well till about 50Km west of Tibooburra, NSW, I had a very close call with an Emu ( like an Ostrich), fortunately not knocking me off, but as I glanced it, the left pannier took the full brunt breaking the plastic D ring, but amazingly not the webbing off the lower front side strap that goes onto the footpeg mount assembly. All at about 120Kmh, I didn’t have time to shit myself it happened that quick.

Anyway, *all in all the bags worked great for me & were easily big enough to carry all I needed & did everything I asked of them & more, right from the desert to the snowy mountains & back. Great product fellas, they’re as tough as guts.

Jack

Perth, Western Australia

__________________
Giant Loop Moto
Reply With Quote
  #52  
Old 10 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon USA
Posts: 121
Best email message we've ever received from a customer


"Hey Guys

4 years ago you guys at giant loop auctioned off a bag and donated the money to me after I was injured filming at the races.

On the 4 year anniversary of that accident, a few friends and I took off on a 6 day ride on the WABDR after we ordered some of your gear for the trip.

On the last night of the trip I did a little camp scene setup and took some nice pics for you as a way to say thanks.

Thanks again for stepping up and helping me and my family out while I was out injured.

You guys make a great product, and it worked flawless on this epic adventure.

Dave"
www.davidschelske.com
__________________
Giant Loop Moto
Reply With Quote
  #53  
Old 22 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon USA
Posts: 121
BMW Motorcycle Magazine - Winter 2013


From BMW Motorcycle Magazine, Winter 2013:

Motorcycle Adventure Gear
Giant Loop has become known for products that are rugged yet lightweight and can be loaded with stability. New products include:

Pronghorn Straps: Multi-purpose stretch polyurethane straps with virtually unbreakable fasteners. You’ll find a hundred uses for these tough, quick-connecting straps for securing items to bike or luggage. Sold in packages of two, the 3/4″-wide Pronghorn Straps are available in three color-coded lengths. Multiple straps can be chained together to make various lengths. 16″ gray $15, 20″ orange $17, 26″ red $19.

Indispensible Dry Bags: The 17-liter Rogue (20.5″ x 13.5″) and 38-liter Tillamook (40″ x 19″) are new. Made in the USA of 18 oz gray polyurethane with 100% waterproof radio-frequency welded seams. They both feature reflective daisy chain loops for easy attachment, access to gear from each end and durable side release buckles with vertical nylon compression straps for secure closing. $73, $89

Rubber Boa Straps: Shock cord straps with molded hooks lash gear to dirt bike fenders, in packages of two, super tough Rubber Boa Straps are made in the USA from military-spec 1/4″ shock cord with heavy-duty injection molded fender hooks. $25, giantloopmoto.com "
__________________
Giant Loop Moto
Reply With Quote
  #54  
Old 9 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon USA
Posts: 121
Hey HUBB! Wake Up! It's 2014! - BMW Owner's News Review

Thank you Kit J. Vercella for the comprehensive review of Giant Loop’s Tillamook Dry Bag and Rogue Dry Bag in the January 2014 “Kit And Caboodle” column of BMW Owners News magazine.

This is our favorite part:
“A personal side note: Although not necessarily relevant to your purchasing decision, there is something heartening about a group of adventure riders down the street who have the vision and technical expertise to create top-shelf, functional motorcycle gear every bit as good (maybe even better) than their corporate rivals worldwide.”


__________________
Giant Loop Moto
Reply With Quote
  #55  
Old 22 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon USA
Posts: 121
2014 Buckin' Roll Tank Bag - Center Only

Our trimmest tank bag yet! The 2014 Buckin' Roll Tank Bag is available in this center Tool Pouch only configuration, making it the most minimal and most affordable tank bag in Giant Loop's Adventure Proof Packing Systems line.

In stock and shipping now!
__________________
Giant Loop Moto
Reply With Quote
  #56  
Old 22 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon USA
Posts: 121
2014 Buckin' Roll Tank Bag - Complete & Center Only Options


New for 2014, Giant Loop's Buckin' Roll Tank Bag has been completely redesigned, making it fit virtually any motorcycle make/model and fuel tank combo.

Named for saddle pads used by rodeo cowboys, Giant Loop's Buckin’ Roll Tank Bag keeps all the essentials handy and out of the way when standing on the footpegs, making it the Tank Bag for those who don't like tank bags!

The Buckin’ Roll Tank Bag consists of three components, which can be used individually or in any combination: harness, center Tool Pouch case and Pannier Pockets.


The new Buckin' Roll is available in two configurations: COMPLETE and CENTER ONLY. The photos above are the COMPLETE option, which includes two 2-liter Pannier Pockets.


Here's the CENTER ONLY option:


The Buckin' Roll Tank Bag - CENTER ONLY option is just the ticket for carrying a few small essentials.


We're in the process of getting our website update, but in the meantime, the 2014 Buckin' Roll Tank Bag is available in our webshop in both the CENTER ONLY and COMPLETE configurations.

If you're concerned about scuffing or scratching bodywork or plastics, get a package of Giant Loop's Vinyl Protective Film and install it beneath the Tank Bag's contact surfaces.
__________________
Giant Loop Moto
Reply With Quote
  #57  
Old 23 Jan 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
I notice many GL users use multiple stuff sacks to place inside the GL bag.
In the beginning of a long ride I waste a hell of a time looking for items and don't know what is in which bag. Also, in the first two weeks on the road I'm continually moving stuff around ... which makes it worse ... I go crazy.

Have you guys thought of a way to make a CLEAR stuff sack ... or at least something with a clear plastic panel in it ... so I can SEE what is inside each bag?

And it's not just "the old guys" with this problem ... even young guys I travel with have trouble ... and I spend tons of time watching (and waiting) while they dig through various stuff sacks to find some obscure item. This is the problem with the basic "everything in one compartment" duffel type bag.

I eventually "learn" my "system" ... but the "learning curve" would be faster if I could see what is in each individual stuff sack.
Who knows? Maybe an opportunity for yet another useful product ... ? ... or not?
Reply With Quote
  #58  
Old 28 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon USA
Posts: 121
Organizing Kit

Thank you for the great suggestions and questions!

Yes, I completely agree. It always takes me a couple days of travel - packing, unpacking and repacking a few times - to get the kit all organized. Amazing how it all "shrinks" after a couple rounds, as you become better at packing everything.

Great suggestion on the clear. I've used clear vinyl roll-top dry bags for whitewater rafting and fishing trips - it is really handy to see the gear inside.

In the meantime, we've seen customers who use a permanent marker to number their Stuff Sacks or Dry Pods. Some even save a packing list on their phone or a piece of paper in their tank bag, so they can quickly check which bag has the desired piece of kit.

I always pack the same way, so I know mostly which bag to pull out:

Lower Left = tools, tubes, etc. (this is the part I hope I never have to get out!)
Lower Right = cook kit, stove, fuel
Middle = clothing, toiletries
Dry Bag = sleeping bag pad
Dry Bag = tent/poles
(or all of it in one single large Dry Bag)
Tank Bag = wallet, phone, camera, sunscreen, lip balm, snacks, lens kit, etc.

With GL's double-ended roll top Dry Bags, it's handy to pack items you want to reach close to the ends. The bags don't have to be unstrapped to access gear from either end.

One of the key drivers of our design development is continuing to expand our Adventure Proof Packing Systems with more modular, customizable components, to give each ride the ability to pack and organize their kit according to their own needs.

I hope this helps a little.

Cheers!
Harold





Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
I notice many GL users use multiple stuff sacks to place inside the GL bag.
In the beginning of a long ride I waste a hell of a time looking for items and don't know what is in which bag. Also, in the first two weeks on the road I'm continually moving stuff around ... which makes it worse ... I go crazy.

Have you guys thought of a way to make a CLEAR stuff sack ... or at least something with a clear plastic panel in it ... so I can SEE what is inside each bag?

And it's not just "the old guys" with this problem ... even young guys I travel with have trouble ... and I spend tons of time watching (and waiting) while they dig through various stuff sacks to find some obscure item. This is the problem with the basic "everything in one compartment" duffel type bag.

I eventually "learn" my "system" ... but the "learning curve" would be faster if I could see what is in each individual stuff sack.
Who knows? Maybe an opportunity for yet another useful product ... ? ... or not?
__________________
Giant Loop Moto
Reply With Quote
  #59  
Old 29 Jan 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
Quote:
Originally Posted by OlafofOregon View Post
One of the key drivers of our design development is continuing to expand our Adventure Proof Packing Systems with more modular, customizable components, to give each rider the ability to pack and organize their kit according to their own needs.
I hope this helps a little.

Cheers!
Harold
Harold,
Thanks for the response and good ideas! I like modular, customizable components too ... and that is why I've not gone with GL bags ... as of yet.

My more traditional Nelson-Rigg panniers have various internal compartments & pouches to separate and better organize items. Also keeps things from rubbing together and turning hard items into powder as happens so frequently with metal boxes on washboard sections.

As mentioned, ALL IN ONE Duffels make organization tough (for me!) LOTS of little stuff sacks. I have tried different colors & numbers ... not great for me. Paper Lists last one day.

With panniers I learn where things are (eventually) ... because I can SEE most everything immediately upon opening the pannier. (visual is good)

I use Inner bag liners. They help with quick unload at Hotels. My GL buddies spend 10 minutes unstrapping the GL bag from the bike and have to carry the whole thing in. I grab my two inner bags and top duffel, and I'm off.
Panniers stay on the bike with only a few low dollar items left behind. I don't use a tank bag ... just a Camel Back with storage pouches.

Wolfman dry bag sits on plywood platform .. too big. Will be cut down to size. (Previously carried bigger duffel for camping) Upcoming ride involves no camping ... so trying smaller 33 liter Wolfman dry bag.

The Nelson-Rigg's seem BIG on my DR650 ..but are nearly empty.
I guess that's good? not overloading gives room to store stuff or carry food and !

Panniers: I keep heavy stuff down low & forward, all clothes in Wolfman Dry bag. I'm using small/light Happy Trails racks to keep panniers off the pipe. (not shown in pic)

I've had friends with GL's catch fire on two occasions ... when bag shifted. So I guess there is some expertise involved in mounting GL's to the bike. My buddies GL bag would kind of "slouch" to one side (over time), eventually resting on the hot pipe. We caught it early so no great damage.
Has to be cinched down TIGHT. (crushing anything inside)

My panniers move a bit too on rough terrain, but really no place for them to go, no probs so far. (55,000 miles on this bike)

GL bags seem well suited on dirt bikes with no sub frame and carrying a very light load.

But my Suzuki DR650 has a very strong rear sub frame, so no worries loading it up. It won't break if not too overloaded. (Suzuki claim it's designed to carry a 120 lbs. pillion)

Cheers!
Reply With Quote
  #60  
Old 30 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bend, Oregon USA
Posts: 121
Rubber Boa Straps in Dirt Rider magazine's Gear Bag

Giant Loop Rubber Boa Straps: $25. Specifically designed to hook onto dirt bike fenders, now there is no excuse to not have that spare tube, tool pack or submarine sandwich.” – Dirt Rider magazine, March 2014
__________________
Giant Loop Moto
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
giant loop


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Giant Loop Panniers clankymike Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 30 9 Jan 2014 18:26
Giant Loop Panniers clankymike Equipment Reviews 3 9 May 2013 20:02
Giant Loop Great Basin pannier bag in black for sale... HarleyAndy TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 5 31 Jan 2013 14:29
FS: Giant Loop Coyote + Klim Badlands Pro 36 pants (Europe) LukasM TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 21 Jun 2012 18:26

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:01.