In the past nine years, I’ve done four major cross-country motorcycle trips, all of which have covered more than 11,000 miles. (Read about one of them here: “One Ride, 47 National Parks”.) I am always looking for an easier, more efficient packaging system to improve storage and accessibility on the bike. After researching the different options, I noticed Pakit Rak and the Bag give me Honda Gold Wing.
My requirements are simple: 1) the bag needs to be waterproof through downpours; 2) it must not affect the bicycle control; 3) it should be easy to put on and take off; and 4) it must be secured so that I can leave the bag unattended. On my most recent 15,000-mile, 75-day trip (“The Great American Deli Schlep” in December 2021 release of Rider), Pakit Rak and Bag checked all four boxes.
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The storage rack is behind the rear tire of the Gold Wing, just below the trunk, the shelf and bags are designed to be narrower than the built-in saddle bags, so it does not create additional wind resistance. Rates are rated at a maximum of 25 pounds, including bags. The weight limit was never an issue as I store my heavy gears, tools, etc in the side tray. The Pakit Rak bag is my hotel bag, so it holds my clothes, CPAP machine, cleaning kit, and other overnight essentials.
The bag measures 21 inches (W) by 12 inches (H) by 11 inches (D), providing 13 gallons (49.2 liters) of storage in the main compartment, with an interior pocket. There’s extra storage in the expandable zippered side pockets, and the bag includes a shoulder strap and a rain cover. When riding a bike, I always use a rain cover to protect it from the elements, dirt, and road dust.
The Pakit Rak can be mounted in two ways: 1) a receiver mount that attaches directly to the bike’s frame, or 2) a rack. The stand is less expensive than the receiver stand; See company website for pricing based on Gold Wing model/year (GL1200, GL1500, GL1800) and hitch type. For my 2018 Honda Gold Wing, I used the stand option ($575). The holder is made of 18-guage sheet metal and is tubular steel hardened, and the attachment tube is made of 1 x 1 inch structural tubular steel. Everything is powder coated black, and once the hidden bracket bracket is installed, you’ll never see it.
The mounting point is located behind the number plate. When the bag is placed on a rack, it can be secured by a metal rod that runs through the bag and locks in place. For the receiver mount version, a cotter pin secures the stand to the holder; An optional locking cotter latch provides additional security.
For more information, visit pakitrak.com.
