sawystertrance

So Wayne, sorry to hear. To a biker it's like losing a part of you. Keep lots of photos.

Got to admit, I also find my top box very handy - especially on runs to the supermarket. And for the same reasons as you. Just on long trips the possibility of it breaking is something I want to avoid and it also is a bit high for me. Plus, of course the bouncing around of contents as you mention. I'm trying to figure out my ideal combination and think it is going to be some combination of pannier bags, a soft top bag (probably both from P.K) and then a tank bag. I also wear a CamelBak so that has to be factored in too. I agree with you about tying them down. As Andrew has mentioned above, straps are important and while I have used cam buckle straps so far for fastening and they work loose so perhaps Rokstraps are the best option. I agree that the Anakees are great. It's still early days for me but so far they have performed well and inspire confidence in me - which is important. Good to her you have had no wobble problems. WildDogs is full of stories of guys who have. Cheers to all for your input.

All good and sensible, thanks. My problems then seem to be: I don't want to carry my top box because it's high, heavy and I fear for its integrity when bumping along on corrugated dirt roads. I have a fair bit of camera kit, including mini-tripods, which I need to access regularly. I don't have either pannier bags or a tankbag. It seems to me that those would resolve my issues. At some point I want to be able to take some supplies for an outdoor overnight and to do some self-catering so I need to be able to cater for that. I agree with your point about soft luggage. Seems to be the way to go. Pete, the guy Andrew_Smith has bought stuff from, seems to be a regular guy who makes good quality, basic kit and will make to customer requirements so I need to figure out exactly what I wan and then decide to ask him or something like ATG or Badger bags which Chris at Flying Brick carries. One last question: Any problems with stability or speed wobbles when loaded? Cheers and thanks for your input.

@ Andrew Smith. I see you are buying stuff from P.K on Wilddog. It's something I have to plan. If you look at my photos you'll see I used a plain old duffel bag with straps and that just doesn't work. They work loose, take ages to load and unload and with the 3 types of luggage I carry I need more access on the road. My 3 luggage types are 1. Clothing. 2. Tools 3. Camera kit. With them all packed in one duffel bag it is a mission for me to stop and access a different camera, battery or piece of camera kit. And even with very limited clothing I'm at max packing capacity. I'm wondering if I need pannier bags or just a more efficient way of fastening a bigger bag or even more bags. Putting different luggage into different bags is surely the answer. Spokey, you are the dust devil here. What do you do? Anybody else have suggestions on luggage and packing? It seems to be an artform.

Yes, Early days yet but I have found that on tar they have changed the handling characteristics of my bike completely. And highlighted my dodgy riding style. The bike now falls progressively into corners rather than having to be manhandled and the steering tracks straight as opposed to turning in bends. I'm not sure if that was my style or due to the triangular wear on the tyre but either way it's far more stable now. Just painfully pricy. On the Cedarberg trip they were superb and going into Stadsaal caves I even rode sand without too much fuss other than a head shake here and there. Both you r tyres are highly regard but I hear good things about the Dunlop TrailMax too. 505/50 tyre I think so perhaps they are a consideration for you too. Hoping to post a video link here soon of my trip. Cheers

Haha. ChristiaanSt, thanks very much. I will send you a DM to arrange a meetup later this week to check things out. It may have to be around Thursday if that's OK. Thanks again. By the way, is that you selling helmet hangers like a bomb on Wilddog? If so, good for you.

Huh?

Just got back after an overnighter to cedarberg. Going to try to post some photos here but size may be a problem.

It was finally time to replace my trusty Anakee 3s. Got these last week and I'm planning a Cedarberg trip soon to see how they go. I hope to have some photos to show soon.

Hi Christiaan, Nice to hear from you. Just before you do it, how much do you think it will be? It may be too expensive for you to do and also needs to be flexible so I don't know if your plastic will be suitable. My apologies - I should have been clearer when mentioning it.

OK, let's see. I want to copy this as far as possible: https://www.proshotcam.com/ And have found a copy, also on the portal Steven Knoetze mentioned: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1734401 Let's see if he could do it and how much it would cost. It may work out too expensive.

Hairy, Do you think it would be possible for me to jump on this bandwagon and ask your mate to print me a GoPro chin mount? For a fee of course.

I was just reading the thread about threads being closed down and all the views expressed there and got to thinking about this thread. Weirdly, for bikers, it's a haven of peace and tranquility and a great source of photos and info. Do we leave all our aggressions out on the road? .

Can't you 3D print straight to Aluminium? Or does it have to be titanium?

Lovely photos which to me represent a lifestyle into which I want to submege myself.With regrd to plugs: I have Nakaee 3s on my bike and had a mushroom plug put into my rear tyre well over a year ago. No problems. I think they are fine under all conditions. It's the gluey worm plugs you use on the road which give me a bit of concern althugh may people vouch for them having put them in and never had any problems with them. Even Ryan fortnine did a video on them. I am about to replace my Anakee 3s and think I am about to go with Anakee adventures. I don't ride gravel as much as you do so at 80/20 they seem to be the best fit and come highly recommended. Those Motoz Tractionators are very highly regarded but seem a bit over the top for your use or do you do more gnarly stuff? One of my mates swears by Mitas E07s and, if you can get them, Shinkos also get good ratings. Whatever the tyres, it seems like you're doing just fine and are ejoying life - just as it should be.

Ja, that's the problem with bikes and bike gear. Always n+1. Here's a look at more photos http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=261737.0

Anybody? You all know who I'm looking at here..

Me too. I must make a plant to get up to that area.

Thanks. your setup does loook comfortable but I have another question and some observations: Having looked at the setup of the ATG bags I note they have straps which extend over the seat. Is that not a hassle and will it not damage the seat? Can they attach directly to pannier racks? I have decided not to ride dirt with my top box. Not only does it place the weight high as you said but also I fear for the mountings on bumpy gravel roads especially those with corrugations. Have you seen this guy called Pete? based in George and close to you. I am thinking of buying one of his tailpacks which look very practical and will suit your requirements. Also can take luggage on top so very practical. And it's local of course with a good price. He will customise if required. https://nomadbikebags.co.za/products/ He has many recommendations on Wilddogs and I don't think his website does him justice. Just thought...

Spokey, What pannier bags do you have?

You're in good company. Itchy rode up there a while ago.

Hairy, just for you. Yosemite is the most beautiful place I've ever been. On a bike it must be mind blowing

Yoh. Dakar awaits..

Interesting point. My old 360 Yammie 2 stroke also had it up and out of the way. Wonder why that has changed?