FE/FC Altrider "Holster" on FE501s?

I like the looks of the relatively new Altrider dualsport soft luggage system. I have a FE501s on order and am considering buying the "holster" portion of the setup because I already own dry bags that will fit it. The holster can be seen at www.altrider.com and on the Revzilla website. It is a "no rack" system.

I am curious whether any forum members are running the new Altrider soft luggage setup on a FE501s or other Husky of similar configuration? If so, how do you like it?

Thanks for any input anyone can offer.

Dave

I too am curious about this setup. I've run the Wolf Man soft panniers before but didn't really care for them (too small and difficult to pack or find stuff) and they needed the rack. I like the rack-less idea of the Hemisphere/Holster. I've read through the write-up in the vendors section on ADVRIDER and they look really good but I would like to hear some real world feed back.

I'd lean more towards giantloop from every review I've seen.

After posting my original question, I noticed that Wolfman offers a rackless carrier that fits over the rear of the seat/front of the fender. Straps are used to secure up to three dry bags to the carrier. I saw the Wolfman unit listed for $105 compared with $190 for the Altrider holster.

I think I have a preference for the Altrider unit for three reasons. First, the Altrider holster does not limit the length of the dry bags you can slide into it. I have some longer dry bags (appropriate diameter) that would be a lot easier to fit to the Altrider unit. With the Wolfman, I'd have to roll my dry bags down to the length of the straps---unless I could extend the straps. Second reason for preferring the Altrider is that when the dry bags are removed, it would be easier to use the holsters to transport firewood or other such items to camp. The holsters seem a bit more versatile. Third, the holsters have a secondary pocket that will hold a fuel bottle or tool roll more easily than the Wolfman setup.

Dave

Reveille,

I like the Giant Loop products. From what I've read, the same fellow who did a lot of the work in developing the Giant Loop units went over to Altrider. There he designed the holster setup as what he envisioned to be an evolution beyond the Giant Loop products. I guess only time and the marketplace will tell whether the holster is more appealing than the preceding Giant Loop products.

One thing I like about the holster is that I can use some NRS dry bags that I already own for canoeing and river rafting. They are very sturdy products and I am highly confident that they will keep my stuff dry. So the Altrider holster would permit me to acquire a highly reliable and versatile luggage system for less than the Giant Loop systems.

Dave

Good info Dave. My best riding buddy ran the wolfman setup like you mentioned. It died a fast death. All the stitching came apart. He tried to warranty them unsuccessfully. Does Moskomoto make some? Seems they're build well.

Found them. Just another option for you. http://mosko-moto.myshopify.com/collections/all/products/reckless-40l-system

The guy that designed the GiantLoop stuff was screwed over by the owners. he's left and has designed an all new line sold by AltRider.

Seems to be allot of that going around. Same way moskomoto got started...

Reveille,

Thanks for the info on the Mosko-Moto rig! I watched the very detailed video and their gear looks quite impressive. It appears to be even more secure than the Altrider setup, but one would really have to examine both in person before reaching that conclusion. One disadvantage for me, personally, would be that I'd be buying yet another set of dry bags that I don't really need.

Much appreciated,

Dave

Dave,
A good friend of mine was asked by moskomoto to use his super tenere as a demo bike at the Chicago bike show. I went along to help haul the bike and inspected the bags they had on display. Very impressive indeed. I run wolfman Teton bags on my super tenere but am considering an upgrade. My Husky is light and fast with no bags. I like wolfman but the moskomoto stuff is on another level.

I have the AltRider bag on my 501S. The holster pretty much lives there full time. I ran a Giant Loop Great Basin bag on my KLR. It was just too big for the Husky. The AltRider bag is a quality kit and the perfect size. The bags are solid on the bike, but when hitting whoops the holster will bounce a bit if you only have tools or other small heavy things in them. When fully loaded they don't move, and the bounce effect is just the bottom of the bag rotating a bit. The bag hangs a bit below the mounting straps. Not an issue in my opinion. I'm happy with them for sure.

Thanks for the first-hand experience!

I'm grateful.

Dave

Any issue with the exhaust? Did you need to get a heat shield or does this work fine without?

Heat shield is definitely needed. No issues at all with the heat shield on.