Kriega USA Luggage Q&A

[windquest]

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

Racks. I don't want to deal with racks.

Racks........Can't blame you there....

[amanlikemike]

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

Will this "frameless kit" work for those of us that already have Kriega bags? Can we just buy the kit? Also, the documentation makes it look like you need to drill holes in plastic bodywork. Is there a set up for those of us on more street oriented dual sports? I love the Kriega bags, but would prefer they be mounted like the overlander.

Hi Jim,

The Overlander gear was designed primarily for hardcore off-road use and the 30 is aimed squarely at Enduro / dirt bikes, which all have pretty much the same basic design, enabling bags to be mounted without frames. Adventure Touring type bikes generally require racks to mount side bags because these machines vary quite dramatically in layout (particularly in the placement of exhaust pipes).

Obviously there are exceptions to the rule, such as the KTM 990 Adventure, where the Overlander 30 - and an alternative mounting to drilling holes for the Rack Loops - could be an option. But in general, as windquest said, the Overlander 60 is going to be the best soft pannier system on these kind of bikes.

Kriega US bags were designed specifically as universal fit tail packs with an option to tank-mount, so using them as the basis of a side-mounted system would have been - at best - a major compromise. Which is, thankfully, something the Kriega lads don't really go in for.

Overlander is a completely new product line and, due to the differences in functionality between tail packs and panniers, bags purely for this application needed to be developed. Therefore, the 15L Overlander Drypacks are significantly different to the US packs, being made from heavy duty 1000D Cordura with reinforced backs (to maintain their shape) and stainless steel eyelets for the alloy attachment hardware.

I do hear what you're saying about racks / frames though. Personally, I was never a big fan of panniers either, and was completely happy with my rear rack and seat-mounted UScombos. But after experiencing how little this system affects 'ridability' and how well it works, I'll definitely be fitting a Overlander 60 for long hauls, so I can free up the rear seat in case I need to haul more gear, or maybe even take the wife on that trip I've been promising her. But if racks / frames really aren't your thing seat-mounted bags are the only real option.

The frameless fit kit will be available separately to the full systems, but this is really only so that folks who own the 60 have the option to use two of the bags from that in a different way, or as a replacement part in case of loss etc.

Hope that helps.


Cheers,



Michael

[jimmydeanh]

Hey Michael - thanks for posting this along with pics of the Overlander and the rest of the kits, because the website doesn't seem to show these pics. Everything looks awesome. You commented on a "]post of mine a while back about this new system coming out soon. I just finished putting a light kit and a more rugged fender on the back of my 350 SX-F so I'm ready for the Overlander - Just say the word and I'll send the money....they look Scweet
Two questions though: 1) what's the max size bag you recommend I could throw on top? Like I said before I'm doing some 5 day offroad trips and I want to put my compressed bag and pad on top; 2) once the side bags are full of gear is there any danger of melting on the muffler side?

Thanks- JimmyDean

PS: need to order a 5 and a Cube pocket for my Hydro-3 and recv it before and event on April14th....what's the fastest way? (ie- thru Kriega, or another distributor?)

[amanlikemike]

Originally Posted by jimmydeanh

Hey Michael - thanks for posting this along with pics of the Overlander and the rest of the kits, because the website doesn't seem to show these pics. Everything looks awesome. You commented on a "]post of mine a while back about this new system coming out soon. I just finished putting a light kit and a more rugged fender on the back of my 350 SX-F so I'm ready for the Overlander - Just say the word and I'll send the money....they look Scweet
Two questions though: 1) what's the max size bag you recommend I could throw on top? Like I said before I'm doing some 5 day offroad trips and I want to put my compressed bag and pad on top; 2) once the side bags are full of gear is there any danger of melting on the muffler side?

Thanks- JimmyDean

PS: need to order a 5 and a Cube pocket for my Hydro-3 and recv it before and event on April14th....what's the fastest way? (ie- thru Kriega, or another distributor?)

Hey Jimmy,

All of the catalog images are on the site (click on the large image on each page to open up a new window with various photos), except for the Overlander stuff, which will be added shortly.

To answer your questions:

1. You can mount any of our US Drypacks (or pretty much anything else that mounts using 2 x 1" straps) as a tail pack in-between the Overlander 30, using the included Rack Loops. So, you could have anywhere from 5 to 30 liters on top. They'll all work. It just depends on how much gear you want to carry and what its measurements are. Your sleeping bag will fit in a US-20, but I can't say whether the mat / pad will fit into a US-30 without knowing the rolled-up dimensions.

2. Nope! No danger of the bags making contact with your cans. They mount at an angle and the lower ends fix securely to your frame, so they can't slip out of position. Plus, the bags are reinforced at the back so that they don't 'bulge' out or flap, and, even if they did come into contact with something hot, they would remain fully functional.

As for picking up those bolt-ons for your trip, BritKit (kriega.us) is the sole US Distributor and orders placed before approx. 2pm EST generally ship the same business day (next one at the latest) and take two business days to MD. Unfortunately, right now we don't have a dealer in your area who could get it to you much quicker. But that's something I'm working on at the moment! But either way, 14 April would be no problem at all.


Michael

[Kainic]

Will the platforms fit happy trail racks?

[amanlikemike]

Originally Posted by Kainic

Will the platforms fit happy trail racks?

I'm still waiting for confirmation on exactly which frames the platforms will fit. So far, I've only seen it on 18mm Touratech jobs, but I understand that cam lever gear for other popular brands is in the pipeline. I should hopefully have an answer for you soon.


Cheers,


Michael

[jimmydeanh]

Thanks for the response Michael. I'm really interested in the Overlander 30 for my ride- I plan on buying as son as it comes out

[amanlikemike]

Originally Posted by jimmydeanh

Thanks for the response Michael. I'm really interested in the Overlander 30 for my ride- I plan on buying as son as it comes out

De nada, bro! I'll let you know as soon as it reaches our shores.


Michael

[jimmydeanh]

Michael- 2 more questions: Do you have an idea of price for the Overlander60? And what does it come with, 2 or 4 15L packs, or choice of rotopax? I've got a buddy that is interested.

Sorry one last thought: Wander if one could rig up an 18mm system on a dirtbike (like mine) and use the 60? Saw someone on here make their own for their 500 EXC (pic below). Would be nice to carry them rotopax too=)

[amanlikemike]

Originally Posted by jimmydeanh

Michael- 2 more questions: Do you have an idea of price for the Overlander60? And what does it come with, 2 or 4 15L packs, or choice of rotopax? I've got a buddy that is interested.

Sorry one last thought: Wander if one could rig up an 18mm system on a dirtbike (like mine) and use the 60? Saw someone on here make their own for their 500 EXC (pic below). Would be nice to carry them rotopax too=)

Hey Jimmy,

The Overlander 60 will come in at $795. That gets you 2 x LDPE (pretty much indestructible, lightweight resin) platforms, all mounting hardware including cam levers and Rack Loops, plus 4 x 15L bags. Rotopax canisters will also be an option.

It will indeed work on your bike and any machine that has compatible pannier frames. The only information I have at the moment, is that it will fit 18mm Touratech frames (and possibly some other brands tbc), but I believe fixing gear to fit other popular makes of frame with different configurations is being worked on.


Cheers,


Michael

[Happycamper]

For those of us who might be interested in running an Overlander 60 on one side and a hard pannier on the other (using the Overlander to carry fuel/water) are you going to offer the ability to purchase one side only?

Originally Posted by amanlikemike

Hey Jimmy,

The Overlander 60 will come in at $795. That gets you 2 x LDPE (pretty much indestructible, lightweight resin) platforms, all mounting hardware including cam levers and Rack Loops and 4 x 15L bags. Rotopax canisters will also be an option.

It will indeed work on your bike and any machine that has compatible pannier frames. The only information I have at the moment, is that it will fit 18mm Touratech frames (and possibly some other brands tbc), but I believe fixing gear to fit other popular makes of frame with different configurations is being worked on.


Cheers,


Michael

[amanlikemike]

Originally Posted by Happycamper

For those of us who might be interested in running an Overlander 60 on one side and a hard pannier on the other (using the Overlander to carry fuel/water) are you going to offer the ability to purchase one side only?

Short answer: yes!

For that scenario, you could purchase 1 x Overlander platform + 2 x Overlander 15L bags (or anything from one to four Rotopax canisters instead of one or both of the bags) as separate items. And if you wanted to upgrade your hard pannier fixing system, you could even purchase 1 x ALP platform to enable easy removal of your tin (for overcoming obstacles / narrow spaces, or taking off the bike for joy rides out of base camp / at stops) without tools and without having to empty it first.

The platforms (including all mounting gear) will be $225 each and the bags come in at $99 a pop.

Hope that works for you!



Michael

[Happycamper]

Thanks for the speedy reply! Cannot wait to check this system out in person

Originally Posted by amanlikemike

Short answer: yes!

For that scenario, you could purchase 1 x Overlander platform + 2 x Overlander 15L bags (or anything from one to four Rotopax canisters instead of one or both of the bags) as separate items. And if you wanted to upgrade your hard pannier fixing system, you could even purchase 1 x ALP platform to enable easy removal of your tin (for overcoming obstacles / narrow spaces, or taking off the bike for joy rides out of base camp / at stops) without tools and without having to empty it first.

The platforms (including all mounting gear) will be $225 each and the bags come in at $99 a pop.

Hope that works for you!



Michael

[amanlikemike]

Originally Posted by Happycamper

Thanks for the speedy reply! Cannot wait to check this system out in person

Any time, mate! Thanks for your interest.

[ballisticexchris]

Hey there Michael, Now I see!! Those rack loops are way cool! Thanks for posting pics of those. When I take delivery of my Beta( about a month and a half) I'm going to set it up with a US 5 on each side. I really did not like the idea of using "footman loops" for mounting small soft bags. I am thinking the rack loops would make it doable.

I have been looking for something that does not go across my seat when doing hardcore single track. I like the modular setup. I could use the US 10 as a tailbag and simply strap it to a R15 backpack when the going gets rough.

I will post lots of pics when I get it setup!

Here is the basic bike:



And with a rear enduro rack:


Thanks again for all the detailed pics of your products!