Baggage claim... Not just for summer, it turns out
Waterproof, capacious, easy to mount and strong. No problem...
Givi 40-litre rollbag £55
givi.co.uk º Waterproof rolltop bags are great. With only four clip fittings and some velcro they’re simple and tough, and are perfect for chaotic packers. Just open the bag throw things in, seal it up, then bungee to pillion seat/rack. 40 litres is enough to take crash helmets or compact camping kit. I’ve had this one for years and it’s been all over Europe in all sorts of weather. Givi also make good tank bags – a roll bag/ tank bag combination gives a versatile touring luggage solution.
SW Motech Drybag 700 £120
º If your favoured packing technique is to stuff everything in you’ll love this. It is, essentially, a massive tailpack that droops over the pillion seat to form panniers as well. And because the pannier bits naturally clamp to the tail section, it’s remarkably stable – four clips are enough to make it rock solid. I’ve used it for multiple foreign trips (it swallows everything, even the tent and chair) and the rubberised tarpaulin material has never leaked.
Oxford Q15R tank bag £99.99
º Oxford tank bags tend to be bombproof and this one is no different. It’s racked up big miles on Euro trips since 2015 and is still like new. It’s a good size, too – big enough for trainers and essentials, but not so tall as to get in the way. The best bit is its quick release system, so no fiddly headstock straps and clips to worry about.
Its horseshoe-shaped base plate screws into the fuel cap surround, so it’s machine-specific, but if you change bike you can buy a new plate.
Kriega US-30 Drypack £145
º This rugged holdall has endured 50,000 miles strapped to the back of at least ten different bikes over seven years. Through all of this the Kriega has remained sturdy and waterproof. The only torn seam is near the top shoulder strap loop, ripped due to optimistic overfilling. It’s not the easiest bag to get into quickly due to the rolltop opening, and yes it’s pricey, but I believe it’ll continue to work for the next seven years.
Klim Carlsbad summer textile suit Usedfor: 2500 miles Price: £534.99 (jacket), £382.41 (trousers) Info: klim.co.uk
º As you can see from the price this is high-end kit – there’s Gore-tex, fancy abrasion-resistant material, top quality armour and build quality that feels indestructible. There’s no insulation though, because it’s designed for road riders who will regularly work up a sweat tackling serious chunks of off-road. Consequently, the quantity and quality of venting options is boggling. The diagonal zips on the wrists, for example, are inspired – undo them and the zip covers become ducts which funnel wind up your arms. Open all the vents and it’s only your shins that are left without a breeze. I also used it through winter with heated clothing underneath and the waterproofing was flawless. My only gripe is that the fit is loose on me.
Dad, can I go on the back of your bike please?’ Says my youngest son Oli as I pull up on the BMW FXR. ‘Of course little man, I’d love that.’ His face lights up with happiness, mum’s face fills with daggers and mine is a blank expression. Is he allowed?
The law
There is no minimum age for a pillion so long as they can reach the footpegs, wear a road legal helmet that fits properly and have the permission of parent or guardian if they are under . Dad says he can, mum doesn’t say a word to dad for hours.
The kit
Obviously Oli is very precious to me so I find a company called The Key Collection (thekeycollection.co.uk) who have a youth section which can protect my little lump of loveliness in CEapproved kit. Oli is decked out in a full Duchinni ensemble which is well priced and great quality.
Hold on
The final piece of the puzzle is Oxford’s Rider Grips (oxfordproducts.com) – a fully adjustable, double belted system
with handles on each side so Oli doesn’t have to try and wrap his little arms around my belly. Easier to hold on and helps with both acceleration and braking.
The ride
At first I’m nervous but the secret is to relax, ride smoothly and get your passenger to lean with you through the corners. My observations are even more important and are heightened throughout our maiden voyage because of my precious cargo. The biggest problem is Oli, not for being an awful pillion but the utter joy and pure euphoria being bellowed from his helmet. It’s, ‘GO ON DADDY!’ every time he sees a straight and knows his old man is about to pull the pin. I have a little devil over my left shoulder, that’s for sure.
The future
We are out for an hour and to say the bug bites is definitely an understatement – Oli loves it and so do I. It feels good sharing my love for bikes with my boy. Biking needs the younger generation to grow the passion for two wheels and it’s up to all us bikers to encourage this. Wheelie-ing past chip shops to impress the sixth form girls needs to continue. Mum still isn’t talking to me.