For those of you looking for a rugged inexpensive Pannier set up, Happy-Trail is almost ready. I spoke with Ed a few days ago and the Panniers are in production, pics taken and web guy should be posting next week. Engine guards and skid plate to follow. Ive been looking for a set up for under a grand. I think this might be the ticket. I don't like the OEM and touratec was just toooo much money.
I stopped holding my breath being told by HT twice to look at there website "next month" in April and June and bought a BRMoto rack instead that was delivered as promised and just mounted my own sidecases.
I went to their website. And then to the "Find your bike" page. There are manufacturers that don't even exist on that page. But no Husqvarna.
Its available now. The catch is it only comes as a complete kit.......including the bike. http://www.happy-trail.com/Bikes-For-Sale/2013-Husqvarna-TR650.aspx
I just put the deposit down for the skid plate and bars. They are two weeks out on production. Mostly the wait is everyone preordering. I've seen their showroom bike and the equipment is pretty damn solid with nice construction. So far their prices I have not seen any better. You can get the rack outside of the kit for about $350. But for $800 with panniers and top rack, to me, that's a damn good price.
I don't know why they put the back of the rack outside the rear fender when others choose to use that as fender reinforcement. something our bikes sorely need.
I realize that dual-sport bikes and equipment are supposed to have king of an 'ugly' utilitarian look to them. The Happy-Trail stuff definitely fits that category. Great price for that bike though.
Not sure its king of ugly, the crash bars look pretty good, one of the better designs I have seen. The skid plate does lack alittle flair, but it looks to cover most of the exposed areas of our bikes so function seems on track. The rear rack looks like it eliminates the terrible stock plate completely and if it does thats a big plus, lots of available replacement racks just bolt to the stocker. One thing I wonder is since the rear rack seems to be raised up is there any disadvantages to that? I really dont know so anybody with experience could chime in about that. I think HT makes quality side racks and these look to be on par, the rear fender support is different, maybe it is bolted to the fender giving more support? All in all I like the products, Terra owners are all winners when a quality company like HT gives our bike some love!!
Unfortunately, it looks like the rear rack is just a big bolt on plate for the stock rack. It looks like it would add enough leverage to snap it off on rough road, without even being loaded. http://www.happy-trail.com/images/.56/tr650_4.jpg I do like the side bags. Top loading, nice loops to strap on to, and they look good.
Ya msmith345 I thought the same thing at first, but it seems way too high to be the stock rack, I guess we will have to wait for more informantion from HT .
It sure looks like a HUGE plate bolted on the stock rack to me. It’s jacked up, because it is sitting on top of the side racks. Looks like a pretty bad design to me. All the plate work (vs. tube) and just the overall appearance of the rest of the parts looks a bit too "KLRish" for my taste.
Anyone running these panniers yet? I hate to go to the expense and long wait of having them shipped here to Oz only to discover they fall short. Really needing a good rack set-up and soft panniers. Not interested in weight of hard cases. Also, anyone running the rear bag/plate? Any suggestions for best rear rack/box (or bag) setup? Getting ready to piss off for a while on the bike and don't wanna regret the luggage choices.
LOL, that's kinda what I thought. I had Happy Trails Panniers (Tetons) on my Vstrom 1k. They are well built and sturdy, but heavy. I like how the lids hinged "sideways" instead of front to back, and the simple latches that allowed you to lock them, or not. Are they stylish, not even remotely. Their stuff is kinda blacksmith like. I didn't use their rack, I mounted them on SW-Motech racks which I far prefer for their quick detach feature. Somewhere I still have their rack set for a KLR I need to sell, if I can find them. If you want super rugged hard panniers, they aren't a bad option. If you want light or stylish I'd look elsewhere.
Thanks. Nope, not looking for heavy, super rugged. Lot of lightweight soft stuff is still very durable. Also don't have to worry about breaking or mis-shaping them if bike goes down. I am trying to order a Nomadic Rack but their site isn't overseas friendly. They are supposed to be emailing an invoice so I can try paying through PayPal. I'll keep up the hunt for panniers and frames. Wish I had a bender. Rate I'm going I may just buy one and fab it all up myself. Not impressed with the choices here in Oz, and with the exchange rate right now, there are no good buys from good 'ol USofA.
Danketchpel, that is an excellent description of Happy Trails goods. I stopped in there during a trip I took in September and got a full tour of the place by the mechanic in the back. If you guys or gals ever go to Boise Idaho, be sure to stop by. They have a full time mechanic, lots of universal bike stuff, and of course, their custom goods. I did notice that they are starting to refine their products and make some lighter gear, but the pricing also showed it. I picked up some oil, a small can of chain lube, and a replacement duffle bag. It was a one stop shop. The owner just happened to pull up when I was about to leave, and guess what he was riding?….Yup, a KLR. I was a little disappointed that their fab shop is located somewhere else in the city so I didn't get to see it. This is the showroom, repair shop, and shipping department.
I'm happy with the SW-Motech racks I have. What I like best about them is the quick detach feature, less than 5 minutes with a large screwdrive and the racks are off/on the bike. They are about as light as you can go and still be suitably sturdy. Off the bike you are only left with small tabs. But if you want a matching rack/pannier kit that may not be the way to go, don't know.
What Panniers do you put on them? They aren't really compatible with any soft bags, are they? I'm more concerned with the panniers coming on and off the frame easier than the frame coming off the bike. Don't wanna futz around for 10 minutes every time I want to remove the pannier bag(s). There will be places I go where I want to quickly and easily secure my bags with me, not leave them on the bike. Do like SW stuff... have their crash bars on both bikes.
I Like my SW Motech racks as well. And you can get them with adapters for pretty much any major brand of panniers.
