Coyote Saddlebag Compared With Great Basin Saddlebag
Quote:
Originally Posted by tmotten
When the coyote was first released as the giant loop is was to suit small-mid bore trail and enduro bikes. Giving enough capacity for a few nights out, but in a way that wouldn't, or only marginally, affect the weight distribution and therefore the riding performance/ experience of a lightweight bike. Achieved by not needing racks and only providing 30l of space located close to the rider body.
My understanding is that the big bore crowd wanted something like that, but bigger with a similar capacity to conventional bags. Thus the basin was made.
This is not the type of use that I'm eluding to. I've used the coyote on week trips (no camping) fully packed on a DRZ full of beach, sand tracks and single trail mountain rides and, when used to the different feel of the added weight, if did feel like it was part of the bike. So much that you forget it's there when you try to dismount.
If you look at the suggested packing list on the GL blog though you notice a few items missing, which you would take on a big trip. Like a clothes bag with spare clothes for around town, or a few litres of camping water, etc.
The basin would work, but it's not designed for small-mid bore bikes with narrow seats so it's a compromise. There is also too much capacity up high. On a big heavy bike you probably won't notice. But on a small one you are more likely to tell the difference similar to comparing moving from a coyote to a duffle bag on the seat with equal weight.
Sure, you can get by and get used to it. But why be satisfied with that. GL wouldn't have developed the coyote if they took that approach.
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Thanks for the thoughtful comments - and you're clearly on board with our concept.
Another key difference between the Great Basin Saddlebag (60 liters) and the Coyote Saddlebag (30 liters) is position and orientation of the bag on the bike. The Great Basin Saddlebag is purpose-built for bikes with passenger pegs. It rides where the passenger would sit - that is, on the pillion seat - and its "legs" hang nearly perpendicular to the seat. The Coyote Saddlebag is purpose-built for bikes without passenger pegs. It rides behind the seat - on the rear fender or tail rack - and its "legs" hang diagonally. But the fitment is so universal, the two saddlebags crossover a huge range of makes/models. Lots of examples on our blog.
As you point out, lowering weight distribution when packing makes a significant, noticeable, positive impact on the loaded bike's handling. The tricker bit is the lack of structure low on an enduro bike, and the weight reduction and positioning advantages of Giant Loop's rackless concept more than make up for the lightweight bulky things packed above seat height.
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