Wolfman Saddlebags & Side Racks

[Maxacceleration]

Ok, I am caught up in the purchase before fully studying my gear before the purchase... Not like me usually.
I have the Expedition Dry Saddlebags and Side Racks for my F650GS.
I went to them after finding that Moto-Sport panniers soft panniers are no more.

First of all my side rack fitment is less than optimal and the right side frame rubs against my body work next to my fuel filler. I have a rubber pad in between to minimize bodywork damage.
I have any slotted holes aligned to mount the rack at its most outward position (makes no difference).
Anyone else having poor rack fitment?

Second, is there no way of quick releasing these bags off the side racks???
Do I have to thread each loop through the side rack frame loops (pictured below) on and off? Each time?
To me that make it impossible to pull off the bags (with any kind of speed) when a destination base camp has come and you/I want to ride without saddlebags.
No fastex buckle or otherwise.
I like my saddlebags in my vestibule at night.
Am I missing something?

People have spoke highly (I thought) of this system and it seems quite the compromise to me.
Thoughts?
TIA

[dr..jones]

It's hard to tell exactly from the picture, but it sure looks like your bags are missing the metal tabs on the end of each loop. The way it's supposed to work...
Unbuckled the front buckles to release the tension, feed the metal tab through the rack loops, then buckle the front buckles and tighten.

I have the same wolfman bags and I can't say enough good things about them. Easy on, easy off, and are very tough.

As far as the fit of the rack itself, seems to me that you got a poorly fitting rack and I would contact Wolfman. I have dealt with them directly and found their service to be top notch. They would be surprised to hear that the rack is touching the bike. They are good guys. Give them a call.

I'll try to upload a picture of the metal tab I'm talking about from my bike. Hope that helps.

[YamWOW!]

Did you watch this? http://www.wolfmanluggage.com/Video/...onSaddleV.html

[Maxacceleration]

Ah YamWOW, very helpful! Now I get it.
Yes I have the metal tabs...
Now to get a proper fitting side rack from them.
Thanks!

[Ronin ADV]

I am using the Wolfman expedition bags also. I have the SW Motech EVO racks. I use the Trax panniers for road based trips but wanted something tighter for more dirt based trips so I got the Wolfman bags. The nice thing about this combo is that the racks are quick release and allow for taking each side off with the bag attached. As has been pointed out the EVO racks are a bit wide but with my Wolfman bags fully loaded they measure 38", roughly the same as the bars. I also have fitted a pair of tool tubes inside the right rack which balances nicely the left sided exhaust. I also have found that this combo works great with the Trax top box. My top box is fitted with eye loops on the side that allow me to attach a Kreiga 10 to each side and with a Rotopax mount on the front that lets me carry 2 one gallon containers of gas or water. All told this system has about 96 liters of luggage capacity plus two gallons of gas, is all quick release, well centered and narrow enough for off road, and has a locking top box (also wired for power so I can recharge my electronics while I ride).

Dan

PS : If I ever get off my ass and set up a smug mug account I'll post pics.

[The Griz]

Originally Posted by Maxacceleration

First of all my side rack fitment is less than optimal and the right side frame rubs against my body work next to my fuel filler. I have a rubber pad in between to minimize bodywork damage.
I have any slotted holes aligned to mount the rack at its most outward position (makes no difference).
Anyone else having poor rack fitment?

I was having the same fitment issue you are. However, I called Berg Briggs at Back Roads Moto (the guy who makes the racks for Wolfman), and told him about the fitment issue. He then proceeded to fabricate a new set of racks with 4mm more room in the conflicting spot (shown in your picture). He sent them to me, and they fit perfect. Ample space between the bars and my bike. So, you may want to call Berg and ask him if you can get the new revised version instead:

Berg Briggs
Back Roads Moto
307-690-0452

http://www.backroadsmoto.com/page.php?page_ID=31

[The Griz]

As you can see, the new updated version has some additional mount points. It apparently creates the possibility of mounting some other types of bags besides the Wolfman Expedition Dry Bags:



Ass view:



Total clearance on left side:


Total clearance on right side:


I can get my finger in between the plastic and the tubing:

[johngil]

Nice scooter, dude.

[The Griz]

Originally Posted by johngil

Nice scooter, dude.

Just kidding, it's a neighbor's, I swear.

[johngil]

Yep

[The Griz]

Originally Posted by johngil

Yep

Ok, I admit, I have a secret love for Vespa Piaggios.........

[Maxacceleration]

Thanks Griz. Not that much clearance on my bike, and I hope for a simple properly bent right rack. I don't need all the extra fasten points really.
Simple is good.
Doing the Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route in three weeks. Narrow & light as I can keep my 658.

[lm002e]

I am using the Wolfman expedition bags also. I have the SW Motech EVO racks. I use the Trax panniers for road based trips but wanted something tighter for more dirt based trips so I got the Wolfman bags. The nice thing about this combo is that the racks are quick release and allow for taking each side off with the bag attached

I have the very same set up on my 800. Commuting and pavement excursions I use the trax boxes and in the dirt I use the Wolfman. I love the versatility and the Wolfman gear seems to be top notch build quality.

[Maxacceleration]

I've talked to Berg. My replacement racks will be sent. In the new style.
He's a stand up guy.
They are always brainstorming on new ideas.

[Desert Dave]

This is the first I've seen of the new rack style and didn't find any new information on Wolfmans site. Do you guys know if the new mount points fit any sort of adapter plate or are they generic mounting holes to make it easier for do it yourself applications?