Looking for tailbag royalty? Look no further, SW-Motech have got you covered
I needed a tailback that had the capacity, that was easy to put on and take off the bike, that was universal so I could use it on the GSXR1000 one day, and the Tiger 1050 the next. It needed to have easily accessible outside pockets and ideally be sturdy enough to keep its shape should one side of the bike be more loaded than the other. I’m thrilled to say the SW-Motech Rackpack fulfils all of this criteria and more, it’s a fantastic way to lug your stuff around without having to think too hard about how to pack it all – fire and forget luggage.
There’s a lot to like about the Rackpack, it’s been incredibly well-designed, almost like someone asked a hundred hardcore touring types what they wanted in their soft luggage before creating this. It’s made from an extremely durable 1680D Ballistic Nylon, which was originally designed for military application so it is rugged. Chuck it around with aplomb using the two handy grab handles and don’t worry about it, it’ll take care of itself and its contents.
The main compartment is accessed through a huge 10” square double-zipped ‘lid’, the other side of which has a transparent zip compartment useful for storing stuff you need getting to quickly. It’s worth noting that this, or the two external side compartments (which also have an extra zip compartment each), are not waterproof. The cavernous main compartment isn’t either, but there is a voluminous dry liner supplied that Velcros into place. What’s interesting is that while the default capacity is 32 litres, two zips either side allow the bag to expand outwards to 42 litres and the liner will match that expansion.
The detailing on the Rackpack is impressive. Zips have small elasticated sleeves to tuck into so they don’t flap about int he breeze, there are little reflective strips to help other road users see you at night, and there are umpteen points dotted around the bag where you can bungee stuff on. There’s a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) attachment on the top of the main lid compartment which means you can safely attach all sorts of extra stuff on there. It comes with a removable shoulder strap and I love the discreet, premium styling of the Rackpack itself. There’s a sturdiness to the RackPack, so it sits comfortably in that halfway point between soft and hard luggage and keeps its form even when empty.
Attaching the bag to the bike using the four supplied straps is simplicity itself. Each of the straps has its own loop to go around a bike rack/subframe/pillion peg/grab rail/other secure point, then it simply hooks onto one of the twelve strategically placed points before a little tug on the strap tightens it. To release just press down on the strap’s clamp and pull it free. I’ve been using the bag on the Triumph Tiger and although it doesn’t have a rack it sits securely on the pillion seat and doesn’t budge, thanks in part to the grippy base.
It’s been utterly, brilliantly practical and a real joy in use. From carrying my weekly food shop to holding enough for a long weekend away, and despite being caught out in a few downpours without securing the inside liner everything has stayed dry. The only thing that’s failed is a nylon zipper pull – replaced with one from a pack of 20 for £5. Tailbags have come on a long way in recent times in terms of design and construction, and the SW-Motech Rackpack is a prime example of that evolution.
FOR: Stylish and durable feature-packed universal tailbag.
AGAINST: Not the most affordable option, but a worthy long-term investment
PRICE: £204.99
http://sw-motech.co.uk
Check the prices at Sportsbike Shop – they currently have the SW-Motech Pro Rackpack on sale at £171
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/776984
