Using the Ventura system isn't as easy as throwing a pair of saddle bags over the back of your bike. It requires that you bolt a support frame onto the subframe of your motorcycle using four bolts. It's a five minute job, and after this menial task is complete you will have the simplest, most convenient luggage system I've ever seen or used.

The luggage system is comprised of two pieces: a back pack and a tote bag that zip together. A large pocket in the backpack slips right over the support frame. The shoulder straps of the backpack disconnect at its base and then used to attach the system to the rack the backpack rests on. It is a well thought out system. Access to the contents is as simple as unzipping the double zippers where they meet at the top of each unit. Inside your neatly stacked items are as easy to get to as if they were sitting on a shelf. As for the amount of stuff it can hold, I couldn't fill it up. You could move with this system.

The bottoms of both bags are lined with thick, clear plastic shields that maintain the shape of the luggage and aid in keeping the contents dry. They are easily removed when cleaning the luggage. It also comes with its own rain gear, a highly reflective water proof cover that slips right over the whole thing. It effectively puts an end to dragging wet and mud spattered luggage in and out of your tent or motel room.

At first sight, I was a little concerned that the handling might be adversely affected by the luggage, as the system rides high and slightly off the back end of the motorcycle. But the majority of the weight rests right on the rack of the support frame, which is attached just under the passenger seat to the sub frame, exactly where a passenger's weight would be. I didn't detect any handling abnormality, even at speed.

The Ventura system has a lot of advantages: No more melting saddlebags on the mufflers. No more rummaging through all the stuff on top to get what you want from the bottom. No detaching it and laying it flat like a suitcase to prevent everything from falling out. No more taking two trips to get everything unloaded from the bike. Simply unzip the back pack from the tote bag, disconnect the straps from the rack, reattach them to the back pack, put it on, grab the tote bag with one hand and your tank pack with other and you're off. Simple, easy and effective.

Available from HSI, 405 Howell Way, Edmonds, WA 98020, Telephone (800) 688-6439.

view article 4 of 13