The Armourain Harness that I found seems to be out of stock. However, I just found a Rhinowalk Harness that does the same thing. Use this link to find it: amzn.to/3TCVVnU
Another great video and idea. I really wish I would have done that, I never knew that you could buy a harness to hold bags and equipment. Thanks for posting!
Same! I have the tusk excursion but the side bags are really small/constricting. Trying to get my setup ready for spring and wishing I had did what Matt did and put together my own system.
Excellent. I do something similiar and use the same wood stove. On my DRZs, I put a task rack on the back that lets me mount the bags further back and away from the muffler.
Good deal, this is great information. There are so many people who need to see what you have done here. That is one thing that isn't mentioned a lot. ADV riding gear is, or can be, very expensive.
The cost of gear has sored way more than inflation. Without a lot of research it feels like there is no choice but to spend the big bucks. Thanks for commenting.
@@advmatt you are so right. Now that i have a T7 I’m looking for luggage and I don’t want racks. I have a 1290 SA-R with the Mosko Backcountry 35, so I’m either going to do what you did or sell my other set up and get one setup for both bikes. They are proud of their gear for sure.
It looks like I just snagged the last harness that is in stock. Hopefully more will eventually be listed. Thanks for finding this company, had been trying to find a harness and had given up and made a alternative system that I wasn't really happy with.
Great job of coming up with an alternative DIY luggage solution. As with any solution DIY or otherwise, time will tell how good or bad it is and how to fix it or make it better. My initial thought was how well the netting will hold up in a slide or brushing up against bushes, branches or anything else for that matter. As far as keeping those bags from bouncing and flapping around, I haven’t found greatest of success with cam buckles for various reasons. Voile Straps became my go to straps (I believe Giant Loop uses the same ones that are rebranded in their own name) they snug the bags up tight just where you want them and the belt loop buckle system keeps them secure. ✌🏾
Good to know about the straps. We will see how well it holds up. At least it won't cost much to replace the different pieces if needed. It will get thoroughly tested.
Good ideas Matt. Ive been using various Rhinowalk bags and have really liked the materials, build, and design. Cheap but good bags IMHO. Not as waterproof zippers as some others but i use bag liners anyway so not a deal breaker.
Yeah, I am planning to use my own water proof bag inside so its easy to take stuff into a hotel room. I have been really impressed considering the price.
I literally just installed the tusk excursion set on my klr. I would have considered giving your set up a try! It looks like it should do the trick. Will look forward to your update video soon. I figured I can swap out the tusk to my ktm450 if ever need be. By the way a great video wish I would have watched it a day sooner.
The Rhinowalk bags are working great, but one is coming apart at the seem and I can't get warranty support. I just picked up some Wild Heart bags to try out in replacement of the Rhinowalks, mounting them the same way. Overall, it is very cost effective. Glad you found this helpful.
Great video Matt, especially the harness! I've had the Rhinowalk for couple of years now, excllent bag especially for the value. I was thought the webbing part was the back of the bag, as they show in their video.
You need to look at the guy from Motorcycle Adventures and consider why you need so much stuff. We ride two up and I bought a set of over the saddle pannier bags at 300 baht or $15 and added some extra straps. I made a couple of struts to prevent the bags entering the rear wheel and we normally carry around 6-7kg for both of us and that will do for a 2 week trip. The MA guy travels around the world with 15kg including parts and tools. He also rides a Terrere, so your choice of bike is good, but loading it up will mean bad handling, especially a top box. I am getting on in years and am now less adventurous, so ride a Royal Enfield 350 Meteor., a great bike for me, but still I look at everything I carry, no extra tools or parts...it's a new bike. Nice to see you take on this subject, so thanks.
Thanks for commenting and sharing your perspective. I am very familiar with Pavlin and his channel. My travel is very different from Pavlin's. I typically ride out into the wilderness hours from civilization and sleep in a tent and make my own food. This is what I like to do so my requirements for gear are very different. When I do travel and only stay in hotels and eat out I travel much differently, but this is not very common for me. The best way I could save weight is to stop taking camera gear. We all have to travel in a way that best suits our style. Mine is getting away from everything and everyone. Ride on and ride safe.
@@advmatt Actually you have less than many I have seen, on my travels and on UA-cam and given your method have it about right. I am 72 so do a little touring on the bikes, a couple of bikes in Thailand, where we winter and a Vespa in Portugal. But most of my travel is in Europe in a home made campervan. The wife cooks and like you we mostly wild camp, but even then we travel light. My favourite is to camp at the top of a mountain, such a great place to wake up with the sun. Not so much wilderness, more "far from the madding crowd". Bonne Voyage and bonne chance.
the mesh pocket should go facing the bike btw. Also, i used this setup with 2 rhinowalk bags (20Lts each) on Rhinowalk brand base, i just add a center strap to help with the vertical Load, works pretty good
Nice video man. When you talked about the sizes of the bags. There is a 20 liter comparison between then Kriega and Rhinowalk and the Rhinowalk I considerably bigger. She also threw a 30 liter Kriega into comparison and the 20 liter RW was right in between. Guess what I’m trying to say is the liter amount the manufacturer is giving does not say it all… 👌🏻
You could create a MOSKO moto rackless type system with the Rhinowalks. I was thinking of trying the Rhinowalk rackless saddle bags first, and then upgrade into those dry bags you have there or their other newer 8L/15L/30L bags, and modify the rackless bags to carry the dry bags, basically using the saddle bags like a non removable harness and fit inside some other bag. It would give me an extra layer of protection. Something like the MOSKO system. Don't know if it'll work but I might give it a try. The cons I see with the rackless saddle bags is removing them, there's a lot of straps. So you could just use them like a harness, and use some other type of thinner drybag to fit inside, like Mosko. But I like the idea of using something more rugged inside the saddle bags. Anyway it's just an idea that I'll have to work out and try out.
Great video thanks for all the links! New Sub! The harness is back in stock as of March 2024. I am trying to find a DIY budget solution to a system with a removable dry bag so I can order some durable dry bags that can easily slide in and out of the pouches on the bike. I got the harness and might make my own Cordura saddlebags.
Yep, I was looking at the straps pretty closely. I will need to see if they wear through and also come loose. It will be part of my evaluation. Thanks for highlighting this concern.
super helpful looks AMZN has changed harness links to a tank application? Is there a trade name for the Armourain tail harness? Could you put these on 390 adventure or would exhaust be an issue? Kind thx
The brand is Armourain, but it appears this harness is gone. Rhinowalk now has a similar harness. I need to update the link to this new harness. I am working to fit this setup onto my 390. I think it will work really well, it just has to move forward a bit so that it rests on the plastics and doesn't dangle near the wheel. I am modifying my tail rack to make it work.
i have the Kriege, universal kit i bought for my last bike. Never mounted. sold that bike. New/old bike, trying to make it work. Not very universal. The forward mounting tether/loops aren't super adjustable. and don't cinch down. Only cinches from the back. To make matters worse, the forward tethers don't even reach my mounting loops. what a pain. Still trying to make it work, since i paid for it a year ago.
If you had to choose....which bike to keep.... 390 ADV or T700? Currently have the 390, but looking to "upgrade". My only reservation with the T700 is weight and height.
Tough question. I think it depends on how you ride. For very long distance trips the T700 is a better choice. I find it a bit more comfortable. For mostly offroad riding and BDRs I choose the 390 for the weight advantage.
I love your ideas and ingenuity, I will buy usa made high quality stuff and replace less. Screw all these big brands and knock stuff using your template. Thank you!
I have made a few modifications to my original setup but keeping the theme of spend less. The original setup works really well after traveling with it. Cheers.
I'm not understanding the this seemingly great desire/idea to get away from metal racks, alum or steel. Their top mounting and weight carrying is further rear than regular saddle bags. Your idea and trial doesn't use what I call sausage bags..long dry bags..that aren't easily accessed. Sausage concept might be good for a weekend but is very limiting. Whatever gear you decide to haul...the more weight you can put on the sides and lower, the better. Most sausage bags ride high-ish, imo. Racks simply keep bags off the bike and the bags secure, and many don't weigh very much in the over all scheme. Those mesh outer pockets will be toast when it goes down, but will probably still work for your purpose. A small mesh poly laundry bag is cheap and your wet stuff will dry bungeed on the back. For some personal reason, unexplained, I don't like those 'plate' mounting on soft bags, promising quick detach. That's probably great for outside motel stays, though. I travel full time on a small moto and rarely need to remove the bags...in south america now..but do carry a pack of big ass zip ties I use for a couple of mounting points than can be easily redone. For me, it's secure mounting with reasonable(subjective, yes) access and keeping weight low. Spitting and city traffic isn't a problem with soft bags. Hard bags are a no-go? I like this project you're doing...really. it's trying new ideas, not just buying into what's marketed. Thumbs 👍
Thanks for sharing. The stuff I carry on the top weighs very little. Total is around than than five pounds. I have weighed it. The heaviest stuff sits in the lowest point of the bags. The tail bag only has a drone and rain coat. Not much weight. I hear where you are coming from. The longest I have traveled is a few weeks. I wish I could get away longer. Enjoy the travels.
@@advmatt Anything other than the bike that is in contact with the bags is a rack. The bags can be secured to it just like a full size rack. I use that set up myself since I didn't want a full size rack.
The Armourain Harness that I found seems to be out of stock. However, I just found a Rhinowalk Harness that does the same thing. Use this link to find it: amzn.to/3TCVVnU
Another great video and idea. I really wish I would have done that, I never knew that you could buy a harness to hold bags and equipment. Thanks for posting!
It took a long time to find this harness. Hopefully this will provide options for everyone out there. Cheers.
Same! I have the tusk excursion but the side bags are really small/constricting. Trying to get my setup ready for spring and wishing I had did what Matt did and put together my own system.
@@asmradogslife8 it's not too late.....
This is awesome! Thank you for putting together this video. I used your links to purchase a few of the items to add to my system.
Glad it was useful. Thanks for the feedback.
Excellent. I do something similiar and use the same wood stove. On my DRZs, I put a task rack on the back that lets me mount the bags further back and away from the muffler.
I will be trying out this system in a few weeks. It's good to keep the overall luggage weight down.
Good deal, this is great information. There are so many people who need to see what you have done here. That is one thing that isn't mentioned a lot. ADV riding gear is, or can be, very expensive.
The cost of gear has sored way more than inflation. Without a lot of research it feels like there is no choice but to spend the big bucks. Thanks for commenting.
@@advmatt you are so right. Now that i have a T7 I’m looking for luggage and I don’t want racks. I have a 1290 SA-R with the Mosko Backcountry 35, so I’m either going to do what you did or sell my other set up and get one setup for both bikes. They are proud of their gear for sure.
Great video. I always enjoy the enthusiasm. Inspires me to ride more.
Thanks. I was really excited about this video. Now get out and ride, if its not snowing there.
It looks like I just snagged the last harness that is in stock. Hopefully more will eventually be listed. Thanks for finding this company, had been trying to find a harness and had given up and made a alternative system that I wasn't really happy with.
Glad you found this useful. For the price, the harness is pretty good.
Great job of coming up with an alternative DIY luggage solution. As with any solution DIY or otherwise, time will tell how good or bad it is and how to fix it or make it better. My initial thought was how well the netting will hold up in a slide or brushing up against bushes, branches or anything else for that matter. As far as keeping those bags from bouncing and flapping around, I haven’t found greatest of success with cam buckles for various reasons. Voile Straps became my go to straps (I believe Giant Loop uses the same ones that are rebranded in their own name) they snug the bags up tight just where you want them and the belt loop buckle system keeps them secure. ✌🏾
Good to know about the straps. We will see how well it holds up. At least it won't cost much to replace the different pieces if needed. It will get thoroughly tested.
Try fitting the rhinowalk bag the other way around (mesh to the back) it will be alot more secure and can be compressed with the straps.
The straps definitely go on better but I like having the mesh pocket for trash and stuff. I did have to get creative mounting the bags
@advmatt I do like the bags from rhinowalk, as you say they are great value
Just as clever as "Frankentent" Matt, put a reminder in your calender to show us how it's holding up at the six month mark. - Frank
Yep, planning a review this fall. I should have thousands of miles on it.
Great video Matt!
I'm all about the budget options on my channel and I honestly think this setup is a winner!!!!✌️
Thanks. I am really pleased with how it came out.
Good ideas Matt. Ive been using various Rhinowalk bags and have really liked the materials, build, and design. Cheap but good bags IMHO. Not as waterproof zippers as some others but i use bag liners anyway so not a deal breaker.
Rhinowalk is certainly an excellent solution for the frugal. It's what I use in my 790 Adventure. - Frank
Yeah, I am planning to use my own water proof bag inside so its easy to take stuff into a hotel room. I have been really impressed considering the price.
I literally just installed the tusk excursion set on my klr. I would have considered giving your set up a try! It looks like it should do the trick. Will look forward to your update video soon. I figured I can swap out the tusk to my ktm450 if ever need be. By the way a great video wish I would have watched it a day sooner.
I am going to flog this thing to see how it does. Review will come in the fall. Timing is everything. Cheers.
Matt, Thanks for this great solution! Im sending back the Kriegas I just bought..
The Rhinowalk bags are working great, but one is coming apart at the seem and I can't get warranty support. I just picked up some Wild Heart bags to try out in replacement of the Rhinowalks, mounting them the same way. Overall, it is very cost effective. Glad you found this helpful.
Great video Matt, especially the harness! I've had the Rhinowalk for couple of years now, excllent bag especially for the value. I was thought the webbing part was the back of the bag, as they show in their video.
Thanks. I think it can either way. I like the webbing out for a pocket.
Nice work!👍
You need to look at the guy from Motorcycle Adventures and consider why you need so much stuff. We ride two up and I bought a set of over the saddle pannier bags at 300 baht or $15 and added some extra straps. I made a couple of struts to prevent the bags entering the rear wheel and we normally carry around 6-7kg for both of us and that will do for a 2 week trip. The MA guy travels around the world with 15kg including parts and tools. He also rides a Terrere, so your choice of bike is good, but loading it up will mean bad handling, especially a top box. I am getting on in years and am now less adventurous, so ride a Royal Enfield 350 Meteor., a great bike for me, but still I look at everything I carry, no extra tools or parts...it's a new bike.
Nice to see you take on this subject, so thanks.
Thanks for commenting and sharing your perspective. I am very familiar with Pavlin and his channel. My travel is very different from Pavlin's. I typically ride out into the wilderness hours from civilization and sleep in a tent and make my own food. This is what I like to do so my requirements for gear are very different. When I do travel and only stay in hotels and eat out I travel much differently, but this is not very common for me. The best way I could save weight is to stop taking camera gear. We all have to travel in a way that best suits our style. Mine is getting away from everything and everyone. Ride on and ride safe.
@@advmatt Actually you have less than many I have seen, on my travels and on UA-cam and given your method have it about right. I am 72 so do a little touring on the bikes, a couple of bikes in Thailand, where we winter and a Vespa in Portugal. But most of my travel is in Europe in a home made campervan. The wife cooks and like you we mostly wild camp, but even then we travel light. My favourite is to camp at the top of a mountain, such a great place to wake up with the sun. Not so much wilderness, more "far from the madding crowd". Bonne Voyage and bonne chance.
the mesh pocket should go facing the bike btw.
Also, i used this setup with 2 rhinowalk bags (20Lts each) on Rhinowalk brand base, i just add a center strap to help with the vertical Load, works pretty good
Nah, the mesh should go to the outside to be usable. I am also using a strap to hold the bags up. Great tip with the vertical strap.
Nice video man. When you talked about the sizes of the bags. There is a 20 liter comparison between then Kriega and Rhinowalk and the Rhinowalk I considerably bigger. She also threw a 30 liter Kriega into comparison and the 20 liter RW was right in between. Guess what I’m trying to say is the liter amount the manufacturer is giving does not say it all… 👌🏻
You are absolutely correct. The sizing between manufacturers never seem to equate.
Great info I'm getting my first "adv" bike versys 650 more touring but this is great info
I will have an update coming buy keeping it affordable is always the top of the list.
You could create a MOSKO moto rackless type system with the Rhinowalks. I was thinking of trying the Rhinowalk rackless saddle bags first, and then upgrade into those dry bags you have there or their other newer 8L/15L/30L bags, and modify the rackless bags to carry the dry bags, basically using the saddle bags like a non removable harness and fit inside some other bag. It would give me an extra layer of protection. Something like the MOSKO system. Don't know if it'll work but I might give it a try.
The cons I see with the rackless saddle bags is removing them, there's a lot of straps. So you could just use them like a harness, and use some other type of thinner drybag to fit inside, like Mosko.
But I like the idea of using something more rugged inside the saddle bags.
Anyway it's just an idea that I'll have to work out and try out.
All good ideas worth trying. There are benefits to having a rugged outer shell for sure.
Great video thanks for all the links! New Sub! The harness is back in stock as of March 2024. I am trying to find a DIY budget solution to a system with a removable dry bag so I can order some durable dry bags that can easily slide in and out of the pouches on the bike. I got the harness and might make my own Cordura saddlebags.
Nice, let me know how it goes if you make your own. I am still tweaking my setup, but so far I am overall pleased with how it works.
Happy trails to you. Let us know where in California that you go.
Thanks. I will visiting a friend in the Bay area so lots of miles back and forth.
Keep an eye on those straps! I just made a video about my Tusk Highlander X2 system that I burned through on the CABDR🤦🏻♂️
Yep, I was looking at the straps pretty closely. I will need to see if they wear through and also come loose. It will be part of my evaluation. Thanks for highlighting this concern.
@@advmatt Cover your heat exposed strap in heat-reflective tape.
@@rgh622 great tip, thanks.
super helpful looks AMZN has changed harness links to a tank application? Is there a trade name for the Armourain tail harness? Could you put these on 390 adventure or would exhaust be an issue? Kind thx
The brand is Armourain, but it appears this harness is gone. Rhinowalk now has a similar harness. I need to update the link to this new harness. I am working to fit this setup onto my 390. I think it will work really well, it just has to move forward a bit so that it rests on the plastics and doesn't dangle near the wheel. I am modifying my tail rack to make it work.
i have the Kriege, universal kit i bought for my last bike. Never mounted. sold that bike. New/old bike, trying to make it work. Not very universal. The forward mounting tether/loops aren't super adjustable. and don't cinch down. Only cinches from the back. To make matters worse, the forward tethers don't even reach my mounting loops. what a pain. Still trying to make it work, since i paid for it a year ago.
I get wanting to make it work after spending the money. That doesn't sound universal at all.
If you had to choose....which bike to keep.... 390 ADV or T700?
Currently have the 390, but looking to "upgrade".
My only reservation with the T700 is weight and height.
Tough question. I think it depends on how you ride. For very long distance trips the T700 is a better choice. I find it a bit more comfortable. For mostly offroad riding and BDRs I choose the 390 for the weight advantage.
I love your ideas and ingenuity, I will buy usa made high quality stuff and replace less. Screw all these big brands and knock stuff using your template. Thank you!
I have made a few modifications to my original setup but keeping the theme of spend less. The original setup works really well after traveling with it. Cheers.
Or you can buy the tusk rackless system they are about 200 dollars
Yeah, the smaller base system with 15 liters each side and no extra bags starts at $200. I looked at these.
I'm not understanding the this seemingly great desire/idea to get away from metal racks, alum or steel.
Their top mounting and weight carrying is further rear than regular saddle bags.
Your idea and trial doesn't use what I call sausage bags..long dry bags..that aren't easily accessed.
Sausage concept might be good for a weekend but is very limiting.
Whatever gear you decide to haul...the more weight you can put on the sides and lower, the better.
Most sausage bags ride high-ish, imo.
Racks simply keep bags off the bike and the bags secure, and many don't weigh very much in the over all scheme.
Those mesh outer pockets will be toast when it goes down, but will probably still work for your purpose.
A small mesh poly laundry bag is cheap and your wet stuff will dry bungeed on the back.
For some personal reason, unexplained, I don't like those 'plate' mounting on soft bags, promising quick detach. That's probably great for outside motel stays, though.
I travel full time on a small moto and rarely need to remove the bags...in south america now..but do carry a pack of big ass zip ties I use for a couple of mounting points than can be easily redone.
For me, it's secure mounting with reasonable(subjective, yes) access and keeping weight low.
Spitting and city traffic isn't a problem with soft bags. Hard bags are a no-go?
I like this project you're doing...really. it's trying new ideas, not just buying into what's marketed.
Thumbs 👍
Thanks for sharing. The stuff I carry on the top weighs very little. Total is around than than five pounds. I have weighed it. The heaviest stuff sits in the lowest point of the bags. The tail bag only has a drone and rain coat. Not much weight. I hear where you are coming from. The longest I have traveled is a few weeks. I wish I could get away longer. Enjoy the travels.
You do have a rack on your bike. Your title is misleading
@@elieakel3801 it's not traditional pannier rack. It's really just a plastics guard.
@advmatt but just like a rack it keeps the bags from flopping
@elieakel3801 I used the harness on my Tuareg with no rack, worked perfectly. Video comes out next Wednesday on DIY 2.0. Rack not necessary.
@@advmatt Anything other than the bike that is in contact with the bags is a rack. The bags can be secured to it just like a full size rack. I use that set up myself since I didn't want a full size rack.
Fantastic info, great vid.
Pm'd you on FB
Thanks. I will need to take a look at FB. I am not good at checking it.