Rahgear Unrack Tour Rackless Motorcycle Saddle Bag System Review: On the Bike

How Much Can It Carry?

The Tour setup of the Unrack Rackless series includes two 15-litre bags and one 25-litre bag. These are waterproof and double up as backpacks.

I found that one 15-litre bag is all I need on my daily commute. It comfortably holds my laptop, charging cables, lunch bento box, and a change of clothes. I use it as a tail bag instead of throwing it into one of the holsters for balance and symmetry. However, if I need to carry a pair of shoes, toolbox, or a puncture repair kit and a tyre inflator, I press the other 15-litre bag into service. Now, I use the holsters to carry the bags like saddle bags instead of using them as tail bags.

The 25-litre bag, meanwhile, can only be used as a tail bag because it doesn’t fit into the side holsters. It is also an overkill for daily use, so I use it exclusively on road trips. I have packed five days' worth of clothing – T-shirts, shorts, and a linen trouser mainly. Additionally, it swallowed my portable coffee machine, a pair of slippers, toiletry bag, and the paraphernalia that are my chargers, wires, and a Kindle. As you can tell, 25 litres is a lot of storage. The fact that the Rahgear bag has a wide opening makes packing - or stuffing the bag - an easy affair.

If you’re wondering, I also used the side holsters and the 15-litre bags on the trip as well to carry the toolkit, puncture repair kit, tyre inflator, coffee tumbler, some spares, and a garage cover. And I still had plenty of room to spare.

What’s more, the Unrack series accommodates other brands. I managed to strap my 30-litre Kriega US30 on the Himalayan using the Unrack base plate; another reason to leave the system on the bike.

Can it Replace Traditional Saddle Bags?

If I had to take the 25-litre tail bag out of the picture and evaluate the Unrack Tour setup solely as a saddle bag system, I would say it’s a mixed bag. The Tour can only accommodate two 15-litre bags, limiting its carrying capacity, whereas traditional soft saddle bags offer twice the storage.

Plus, the base plate sits on the pillion seat. Compared to regular saddle bags, which only have two straps running across the seat, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the thick base plate is nowhere near as comfortable to sit on as a seat with two thin straps running across.

The Unrack scores well on flexibility and usability, nonetheless. For starters, it is easier and quicker to unstrap the luggage off the Unrack system compared to a traditional saddle bag. Additionally, the shoulder straps on the bags make them convenient and less of a hassle to carry off the motorcycle. And when you are not touring - which would be most of the time for most of us - a regular saddle bag would stick out, making filtering through traffic while commuting a challenge. Not so with the Unrack.

With the Unrack, the bags stay at home. All that remains on the bike is the framework of holsters and the base plate. Thanks to the velcro closure at the bottom and compression straps at the top, the holsters remain flush with the motorcycle's rear panel. And if you need to carry back groceries or similar items, the holsters open up to become large carry pouches for stuffing things in.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

The Rahgear Unrack Tour Rackless saddle bag system is a fantastic option for those who love to travel solo and use the same motorcycle daily. The system doesn't add bulk or unnecessary weight while remaining handier than traditional saddle bags for daily use. The fact that you get three bags that are equally usable off the motorcycle eliminates the need to invest in additional backpacks for off-motorcycle travel. Plus, the system is waterproof, and given the number of elements you’re getting and their versatility, the Unrack offers good value. It is certainly worth buying in our book.

However, if you travel with a pillion more often than not, the Unrack will be uncomfortable for your passenger. While one can sit on the base plate for shorter commutes, anything close to an hour would be asking too much of your pillion.

As for the reason we got the Unrack Rackless system - to blend with our rally/raid tail-equipped Himalayan 450, it has passed with flying colours. It hasn’t taken anything away from the motorcycle’s looks, making it look even more purposeful in the bargain. It also fits seamlessly into my daily commute. Plus, I haven’t felt the need to take it off the motorcycle either.

Sure, the Missus isn’t the happiest to get picked up on the Himalayan with that base plate robbing her of seating comfort. But our trips are short, and she’s an accommodating person.

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi