Rack vs. Rackless ADV Motorcycle Luggage Systems | Mosko Moto

[@BigRockMoto]

My solution - have both! But I'm spoiled for choices. My advice - reckless for smaller bikes (690cc and below) and rack mounted for larger bikes (700cc and up). More road - rack mounted. More off road - reckless. I also really like having rear racks to protect the bike, to add grab and attachment points, and to keep the load secure.

[@MoskoMoto]

Ian as always you make some great points!

[@AliEhttisham]

It's important to figure out your riding style and need and then choose what suits the best, thanks Pete for explaining and helping to choose the right system. Been using Reckless 40 and 80 both, off and on depending on the trip, and man i'm impressed with the overall design, utility and everything else it has to offer. The whole idea of a luggage system looks redefined with adding a lot of style along with catering to every trip's need. Yet to use the pannier system but i'm sure that would offer no less!

[@MoskoMoto]

You're right about figuring out your riding style and needs! That will likely determine which system is right for you.

[@MOTOTREK]

I just switched from the Reckless 80 system (which I've had on the 790 for two years) to the Backcountry 35's v2 which I had on my old bike. The rackless system has been great and keeps the 790 feeling as light and nimble as possible, but the two rack-mounted 35-liter bags PLUS four 4-liter pockets PLUS a duffle on the passenger seat offers a LOT more storage even if I don't use it all. I've tried to reduce the size of my moto camera kit to fit the rackless panniers but the storage compromises aren't worth it to me. My camera gear is bulkier than most since I carry big lenses, a real gimbal, and some redundancy, so the extra space is worth it to me. If I wasn't carrying camera gear I'd stick with the Reckless 80. - Tim

[@MoskoMoto]

Camera gear is always tricky to pack and it doesn't help that it can be bulky especially when filming videos like you do!

[@dougstroudphotography]

I’m curious how you pack the panniers with camera gear, I mean, professional camera gear, because all that bouncing around on cameras and lenses seems like it would knock them out of alignment, both lenses and bodies.

[@geoffreykrueger5562]

I have both. BC35 for my Africa Twin and R80 for my 701. BC35 is much easier to get in and out of. You have to be a little more deliberate in the way you pack the R80 but I like that it fits closer to the bike for lane splitting (I'm in CA).

[@MoskoMoto]

Geoffrey speaking some truth!

[@Zerotys_ADV]

For the last 2 years I have been using rack system. I found having a rack system to be pretty good. They were easy to remove from the bike for over night stays and depending on the type of trip I would choose a different size duffle for my luggage plate. The one thing I did not like about my rack system was it really made rear end of the bike wide - using symmetrical panniers. Asymmetrical panniers would have been a much better choice. Now that I am setting up a different bike, DDX, I am going to try the R80. I am not some off road whiz, but I want the bags closer to the frame and the versatility of R80 seems worth a try. I just wish Mosko had their Gnoblin in stock for more than 5 minutes at a time! I'll be giving up some extra protection the panniers afford though. If I was strictly a street rider the pannier rack system would be the way to go. You learn quickly that this sport forces you to deal with a lot of compromises as it pertains to equipment.

[@MoskoMoto]

If carrying the weight closer to the bike and more center line to the bike the Reckless 80L is the way to go! We also should have more Gnoblins in stock soon!

[@Mark11704]

It all depends...if we're going two up for a couple of days the BC 35's with the duffel are great! Just me and more technical the BC 35's stick out too far on the right side of the Twin. Perhaps a 25 on that side. Next time I'm going with the R80, I just feel having the weight close to the bike will help the handling and maneuverability in tight spots...it all depends. Either way with Mosko you can't lose.

[@MoskoMoto]

Each setup has its perks and drawbacks! It typically comes down to what bike you're riding or what kind of trip you're going on!

[@xdream_life]

I have been using the Backcountry 35 on my KTM 790 Adventure R for more than 3 years now and I brought them on my winter trip to Northcape at -30 Degrees and crossed dunes in the Sahara at +40 Degrees. They are simply amazing. Most of my trips are longer trips so I love the convenience and the storing capacity of the BC35. What I love most compared to the reckless system: Taking them off every night, carrying them and remounting them the next day is easypeasy. I just love them compared to the reckless. Stuff is easy to pack and unpack. The mount is bombproof. Everything stays in its place. Nothing wobbling around or loosens up even after a day of 500k+ washobard road. No abrasion on the straps or on the bike from the bags moving around. I can also take a passenger if I want to. Shure they are a bit wider than the Reckless (specially on the right side of my KTM). The left side seems pretty the same with BC or Rackless. Right side looks crazy wide and not appealing to the eye. And lanesplitting gets scary for everybody involved 🙂. So thats one downside. But I dont go through crowded cities very often anyways. So just a minor downside. Weight is a factor for sure. But with a good suspension setup, clever weight distribution and a proper riding technique you can compensate a lot. But on the harder stuff like crossing dunes in the Sahara, slippery muddy trails, riding on snow or when you get tired you defenitely feel the difference of the weight in the back. Still I would love to have the Reckless as I also want to tackle some gnarly offroad when you get to the places you travel. I used a rackless Bag on my trip through Sibiria and loved it for riding, but it was a pain to get it on and off the bike dayli after a few weeks of riding, or undoing the bags for filling up the gas (had another bike with rear tank at that time, so I had to lift the bag to fill up gas). Thats just some stuff to consider as well. So it will always be some compromise no matter which solution you choose. Anyways, both amazing products and thanks for putting so much work into it so we can have a good time on the road (or specially off the road)

[@MoskoMoto]

Thank you for the detailed response on why you prefer our Backcountry Panniers! They were designed to withstand the rigors of long-term travel that it sounds like you're putting them through.

[@georgesolomon5696]

I a KTM 890 Adv R and currently have the reckless 80. I am seriously thinking of getting the back country panniers because it seems easier to pack. I plan on doing some BDRs and often do camping. No extreme or hardcore stuff. My concern is will the panniers dramatically change the balance. I like the reckless 80 but its a little involved to install and pack.. Looking for any advise.. Thanks

[@MoskoMoto]

The Reckless 80L does help keep the weight closer to the center line of the bike so that's a big positive but the Backcountry Panniers are easier to pack/live out of for longer periods. If you're not going to do anything hardcore the Backcountry Panniers are likely a good way to go but they are stout enough in case things get weird!

[@georgesolomon5696]

@@MoskoMoto Thanks, I just received the BC35L panniers, Motortek Rack, and 35L duffle. It is VERY robust, well built! For me, although a little heavier, it seems better balanced than my Reckless 80 maybe because it sits lower; I like it. I took all of the items out of my Reckless 80 and packed it in the BC panniers and duffle and went for a test ride and it was great!! Looking forward to my next camping trip and BDR. Now I have the best of both (Reckless 80 and BC35....Thanks

[@MoskoMoto]

Sounds like you'll be covered for any adventures you might have coming up!@@georgesolomon5696

[@evgeniysir4220]

I'm just racking my brains over this choice. I would like to see a more detailed comparison than this video

[@MoskoMoto]

Is there anything in particular you'd want to get more information about in a more detailed comparison?

[@evgeniysir4220]

@@MoskoMoto Yeah, of course. I'm opting for the Husqvarna Norden 901, for long distance travelling. On the one hand I like Reckless, as it is more compact, but I understand that it is not very convenient to remove it when entering the guest house after a day's ride, and also taking into account that it is attached directly to the seat, I think there will be additional wear of the seat and side plastic covers and possible contact with the exhaust pipe. On the other hand, I like the Backcountry, but I don't understand how wide the bike will be with the side bags installed. In addition, it would be good to see the option of installation with both symmetrical 35/35 and asymmetrical 35/25 and understand what width is obtained, as well as joint installation with Backcountry 30L Duffle/pack (already available).

[@MoskoMoto]

We'll for sure pass this feedback along for incorporation into future videos. The other question we would ask is how often will the luggage be used for non-trip functions? Commuting or groceries. The Backcountry Panniers are easier to use for day-to-day functions. The 25L Backcountry Pannier is only 2 inches slimmer than the 35L Pannier. So there isn't a massive difference between the two and it will largely impact how it looks visually on the bike. @@evgeniysir4220

[@christofonobrown3659]

As a multiple reckless 80 owner, I definitely hear your concerns. When I put the system on the back of my H2SX for a lap of the country, I put a thin pad on the back to protect the paint. My loaded reckless 80 setup is only about 35lbs in total for trips like this, so the seat will wear much less than with any passenger. I mix hotel and family/friend stays and it takes about 5-10 minutes to dismount and similar to remount even when groggy. So no big deal, but side bags do just “click” in and out. Personally, I think the choice comes down to how much stuff you want to pack by volume and weight. As mentioned in the video, once you add a structural rack (vs one being used primarily as a tie down point) you can just carry so much more. While I am going to get a set of back country panniers to try out, I hate how far out they are from the side of the bike. Truly the reckless 80 has worked very well for me on many different Motos, I just want to see what the dark side is like.

[@piercec6912]

Struggling with this now, just got my hands on an 890 rally and not sure which route to go. No current racks. My old 950 had racks and I have the reckless 40 on my 350 husky. Think I’m gonna go racks and get the backcountry panniers….decisions decisions decisions

[@MoskoMoto]

We think it will come down to the types of trips you plan on doing on your KTM 890. If you are expecting to ride harder terrain and want to travel lighter the Reckless bags are great. However, if a longer distance and duration trips are your thing the Backcountry Panniers are hard to beat!

[@brianErickson-bx9hp]

Racks make everything easier and two BC35’s is virtually the same volumn as an r80 which frees up the top of the rack negating the top heavy feeling of a 35l duffle up there.

[@Frosteness]

Are there plans to release the 35L Panniers in Stargazer?

[@MoskoMoto]

Sorry to say we have discontinued the Stargazer color and don't have any current plans for new Stargazer luggage.

[@brianErickson-bx9hp]

Along with the ease of use, not having the top duffle for the same volume makes me like my BC’s.

[@MoskoMoto]

Running the Backcountry Panniers without a top duffle is a great way to go!

[@zerobucks9]

buy once, cry once. I am on my 3rd set of bags in 2 years. My buddy for the moskomoto rack less and I got envy.

[@MoskoMoto]

Sounds like you have great taste in friends!

[@Moto_Yelt]

do you actually need a rear top rack on a tenere 700 for the rackless system?

[@MoskoMoto]

If your T700 doesn't have an OEM rear rack or grab handles you will need something for the rear mounting straps to strap too. Additionally, a rear rack will help with fitment but isn't required.

[@1NickyFan69]

Looking for suggestions to fit Honda Rally 300. Thanks

[@MoskoMoto]

Any of our tank bags or Reckless systems will work depending on how much storage space you need. We'd recommend starting by looking into the Gnome and Reckless 80l for your 300 Rally.

[@shawnmack1782]

I would love to support this company but unfortunately you don’t make a side rack for the R1150GS BMW

[@MoskoMoto]

Outback Motortek produces the racks we sell and you're right, unfortunately, they don't make a rack for the R1150GS. It does look like Bumot and a couple of other companies do make pannier racks for that bike though, which could be paired with our panniers. Give us a call if you'd like assistance and we'd be happy to help!

[@dimitarvivanov]

I just got the BC35 while preparing for a 10 days trip around Romania. I was really surprised with the weight of those and to be honest a bit disappointed. Even if I knew the weight figures I was still surprised when I lifted them away from their box. Seriously considering to return the BCs and get the rackless 80 hence all comments here are much appreciated to make a decision. Even if I am with a big bike like the new tiger 1200, weight is of much consideration as I like going off-road if I have the option. So my major concern reading all comments for the rackless - does it really affect the comfort of a passenger? And also does it feel heavy more up on the bike compared to the BCs?

[@MoskoMoto]

The Rackless series isn't the best option if you frequently ride two because the harness can interfere with the passenger's riding position. The Rackless is chosen by many Customers due to the weight difference when adding in the panniers and the pannier racks required to mount them. However, the Backcountry Panniers are great for traveling and living out of!