Ventura Pack System

pdonnell · 08-13-2001, 02:57 PM

I'm looking into 2-up motorcycle camping on the S and did some searching on the faq area but was not able to find the info I wanted. What kinda weight tolerance does the Venture Rack system offer if putting items facing rearward. I can see putting two sleeping bages on the system cases, but am curious about tent, bed pad's etc.. on the ventura rack facing rearward. (i.e. to be able to carry pillion) Thank's for any feedback you camper's can give.!!
.

rd250lc · 08-13-2001, 03:21 PM

check out http://www.ventura-bike.co.nz/

I think I recall they are rated to something like 7kg. Now zipping two 44L Bags together would me a load of loosely packed down would overload it

If you ride solo, make sure you face the bag forward as pictured (aerodynamics of sorts). And make sure you tighten the two grip screws enough.

cheers,
Al, Australia.

pdonnell · 08-13-2001, 03:30 PM

I got the pick from the Ventura Pack website. But they have no info as to weight capacity. (yes, I've e-mailed them) But was looking for "real world" experiences of how much rear-facing loading has been done for two-up camping. (or even alternatives) Thank's

Rattus · Rattus's Garage

Hi Patrick hope you're doing well. I have used ventura racks since time immemorial here in Australia. When the bag is facing rearward, you have to be mindful of the weight, because if its very heavy you'll get a bit of flex happening in the rack, and eventually work-hardening could cause a crack. The instructions say to mount heavy stuff forward. If I was in your situation I'd use the BMW side panniers in conjunction with the rear mounted ventura to distribute the load. Recently I purchased an amazing little 2 person tent which assembles in 30 seconds. http://www.oztent.com/

pdonnell · 08-13-2001, 08:46 PM

Thank's for the info Patrick. Ventura got back to me. Said the recommended max weight is 24 pounds (11.3 kg) at 80 mph. Like the tent though. Gotta look into more.

rd250lc · 08-13-2001, 09:41 PM

Having said what it is Recommended, I have had A full 44L Bag (chock-o-block), A medium backpack, 2 Bed Rolls, and 2 Fold-up chairs at once. Add to that I towed a 1975 900SS Ducati about 30km at a good rate of knots. I guess that would have voided my warranty. (This was on another bike fitted with a Ventutra system).

Cheers
Al, Australia.

motoman · motoman's Garage

Hey Pdonnell, 2 words for you: Gold Wing.

Or that tow hitch idea sounds pretty good!

Rattus · Rattus's Garage

"2 Words : Gold Wing"
1 Word : SUX
3 Words : NOT A BMW

Bails · Bails's Garage

[B/]"And make sure you tighten the two grip screws enough." cheers,
Al, Australia.[/B][/QUOTE]
I lost one of those suckers and it cost me $7.00 AUS. I make sure they are tight now.

Rapt · 08-14-2001, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoman:
Hey Pdonnell, 2 words for you: Gold Wing.

Or that tow hitch idea sounds pretty good!

I've pulled a trailer on my S. I have a prototype hitch made but I've been procrastinating on getting the real McCoy made up. Its very nice allowing cruising at speed up to 100mph without problems (didn't try any faster) and still handles like a bike. Instead of car like a sidecar makes it do.

Been thinking about working on that soon.

JustAnotherSquid · 08-14-2001, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rattus:
[B3 Words : NOT A BMW[/B]

LOL! Let me let you in on part of a little secret:

[whisper]
BMW isn't the best motorcycle brand in the world.
[/whipser]

JAS

Rapt · 08-14-2001, 05:06 AM

I have a problem with saying any brand of motorcycle is best...

Best at what?

You MIGHT be able to argue a certain model is best in a particular niche at any given moment, but thats about it.

JustAnotherSquid · 08-14-2001, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rapt:
I have a problem with saying any brand of motorcycle is best...

And therein lies the other part of the little secret - there is no best brand. I thought you were saying that since the Gold Wing wasn't a BMW, it wasn't worth owning or riding.

Blind brand loyalty is a pet peeve of mine.

Glad that we see eye-to-eye on that issue.

JAS

pdonnell · 08-14-2001, 05:45 AM

..."Hey Pdonnell, 2 words for you: Gold Wing"

Motoman,
.
Spoken like a true consultant...buy a bike for every purpose? Obviously, your at the heigth of your career.

[This message has been edited by pdonnell (edited 08-14-2001).]

Roger Justus · 08-14-2001, 06:03 AM

Hi Patrick:
Some suggestions for camping with Ventura. Keep the real weight low and as far forward and balanced as possible. Helps in low speed turns (top heavy) and keeps the front steering from getting light. Crank up rear preload too. Try to find a tent with short poles, preferable 18 inch max so they can fit inside Ventura bags or in System Cases so they don't stick out too much. Roll top tubular bags for tent, sleeping bags, therma-rest strapped onto pannier frame and ventura rack. One on top of each System case. Strap it all back so it doesn't slip forward. Enjoy the open road!

pdonnell · 08-14-2001, 06:08 AM

Roger,
Thank's for the info. That's how I envisioned the set-up. But now that wife wants to come camping I need to evaluate add'l storage off the rear of the bike. With one person I just use the cases and rear portion of the seat and I'm off. (I sense those days may be numbered though! )

motoman · motoman's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by pdonnell:
..."Hey Pdonnell, 2 words for you: Gold Wing"

Motoman,
.
Spoken like a true consultant...buy a bike for every purpose? Obviously, your at the heigth of your career.

Hey PD: I love discussions about 1 bike that can do it all! I don't believe there is one.

I just think 2 people going camping on your S to be ridiculous without a trailer, (which I also think would be ridiculous). I'm not saying you should go out and buy a new Wing for $20K, but maybe a 1996 Wing for $12K, an ST1100 for $10K or a Valkyrie for $8K. You could always sell one of these after the trip. Hell, you could always rent a Harley for a week! There's a place near you called Dubbelju which rents lots of bikes.

I think when you are two-up, things like top speed and handling go out the window in exchange for comfort and convenience. If you have to spend an hour each day carefully packing and securing all your gear, it will detract from the ride. Plus if you want to get a woman interested in riding, I guarantee you comfort is Number One, and you won't find that 2-up on the S.

And Yes I Am at the *height* of my career!

Rattus · Rattus's Garage

Greetings JAS

Allow me clarify and expand upon my point of view pertaining to Goldwings. I dislike them not merely by virtue of the fact they are not BMW - the bike stands on its own attributes just fine for me to reach an opinion on it. I do like Hondas like the VFR - but I think of the goldwing as an old fogey mobile thats more car than bike. I do regard BMW bikes as the best - best for me for what I want to do - if I didnt then I wouldnt own an S. I base my opinion on numerous factors. Gotta say, if Brand Loyalty is a pet peeve of yours conversations with most bike riders could be frustrating to you. Virtually all the bikers I know, regardless of the brand they ride, are extremely brand aware and loyal to the point of fanatisism. However admittedly I do get a bit peeved at their brand loyalty (hypocritically perhaps hehehe) and inability to at least contemplate the BMW advantages of telelever, driveshaft, the panniers, EVO brakes and ABS.

Now, more target practice on the nearest goldwing:

pdonnell · 08-14-2001, 01:38 PM

Motoman,
Thank-you for your clarification. But you are lacking in many facts behind my Ventura Pack inquiry. I reside 120 miles from S.F. and some of the best camping north of this city up the Mendocino Coast. As well as the same distance to Yosemite and less distance to the Tahoe basin. Suffice it to say there are many camping sites to be had within a VERY short ride. Historically, my pillion and I have been to MANY of these spots on my S and just hotel'd it. Now, someone wants to try camping. Your perspective is all screwed up as we're not speaking about an all day ride to a camp site for one night. Just maybe 3 hours with many breaks to a site to spend 2-3 nights at. Maybe your S is different but I know that my spouse and I could hang with a loaded S for less than 3 hours of touring to some of the best areas in Northern California.
.
Many things go out the window when riding two up. But my wife enjoys riding with me and will not accept any bike I've offered her. I can live with this and know it is pointless to have top speed and handling when touring.
.
When my S stops being my "only" means of transportation 24/7/365 then I might consider a Gold Wing. But I better be in a coffin first.
.
Your last comment is also misplaced. My pillion is very comfortable on the S. For someone who never wants to ride any bike solo she has stated that she's just as comfortable on my corbin with back rest than on my RT with rear lugguage bag. No amount of comfort would entice her to ride solo unless it had air conditioning, 4 tires and 3000lbs of sheet metal to protect her.

[This message has been edited by pdonnell (edited 08-14-2001).]

Chris Canning · 08-14-2001, 02:01 PM

Hi PD

I have to say it took me some time to come to terms on how little can be carried on a S,most of our traveling is in Europe and we hotel it,and if we can't get it in a tank bag(bagster) or a roll bag strapped on the ventura rack then it doesn't go!!,one of the oddest!! and best tips i've ever had,travel you first couple of days in old clothes or things bought you that you hate and dump them each day when you change!!to give you the extra space,as for handling i got round that by fitting just the rear shock of the sport to my standard S which gives sharp handling one up but superb two up,nearly all of my rideing on the S is done two up,the strange thing is it doesn't have the power to compete with B/B,Busa's or ZX12's but is more than able to cruise at high speed were their passengers struggle for wind protection my wife has no problems cruising around the 110 mark thats MPH!!!it's funny i wanted a Busa my wife wanted the S she was right of course as usuall!!!!.