AltRider: The AltRider Garage - Hooked: How We Developed Our Luggage Racks

Hooked: How We Developed Our Luggage Racks

Aug 24, 2010 // The AltRider Garage // Christina Olson

When you find yourself daydreaming about your epic ride, what do you see?

Perhaps you’re navigating the tricky Dempster Highway on your way to Alaska. Maybe you’re attempting a round the world trip like good ol’ Ewan and Charlie (or Tormod and Klaus, if you’re into traveling The Dumb Way Round). Or you might just be having fun on your own turf.

In any of those scenarios, I bet luggage was not a big part of the dream. Let’s face it – that’s not what you want to worry about, but it is something you’ll need to consider. Whether you’re doing a day trip or something a little longer, it’s always good to bring a few things along.

Luggage racks have long been in product development at AltRider. One of the first things we prototyped, we have just now started manufacturing them for the Ducati Multistrada 1200 and the BMW F 800 GS. Why? Because we wanted to make sure we had a good solution that went a little beyond what’s already available.

We started with hook studies.

We know from past experience that luggage that looked easy to attach proved difficult once the full load was on. Sure, there might have been holes in which to put the hook, but the result was not a secure engagement. Often the hook couldn’t fully seat into the hole because of interference or the angle of approach.. We collected many differing hooks -- from tie downs to bungees -- to develop the hole pattern in the side flanges of the luggage rack. We went through a lot of variations and a lot of prototypes before we were happy with the result: an easy, consistent engagement of a variety of hooks, even when strapping down a full load.

When we finally settled on a design that allowed for different types of hooks in varied configurations, we asked what we could do to make it a little better. First, we wanted to create an interface for the popular GIVI Monokey top cases – a great top case solution for the price. Check! Second, we decided it would be a good idea to incorporate an interface for Rotopax, which is a system that allows you to easily attach gas packs, water packs, and extra tools. Rotopax are practically indestructible, and they never leak at the cap like so many gas packs do.

We put in a lot of research and thought into our products, trying to make each one as useful and well-designed as possible. The new luggage racks are more versatile than many currently available, so no matter the situation, you’ll already have the solution. Hopefully, that means one of our luggage racks will join you on your next epic ride!

comments

17 and counting...

charles // Sep 15, 2010
You really should include a link to the product you're promoting, in your promotions.

Erik Seymour // Sep 15, 2010
Charles I believe this is what you are looking for. http://www.altrider.com/luggage-options/cid/15

Tim Baker // Oct 03, 2010
Just met the guys at Maxx BMW's rally at Hunter mtn, NY, got the oil cooler guard, and they installed it, it looks great, nice item, great guys. Thanks Tim (2010 R1200GS Adventurer 30th edtion). PS. guys you have my info. I have a great idea for a part get in touch, lets talk.

Jon // Dec 24, 2010
I have most of the Alt Rider F800GS gear...but I had to send this back, it does not fit when you have the BMW Vario case supports on your bike. please fix the design and get revision 2 out there. Thanks

David Sherwood // Apr 17, 2011
I have ordered a 1200 Tenere and will be gearing up for a trip (Halifax to southern tip of Argentina)wintwer of 2013. So here is one for you. I am A diabectic and will have to carry six months supply of refrigerated medication. My current choice of panniers and top box are Pelican. Pelican indicated they would look into a ac/dc 12 volt secured cooler unit in the top box, but no promise. I can't be the only one here and there are the beer cooler crowd to consider. What can your company do for reseach, development and sales. David S.

Rene Izaguirre // May 23, 2011
Is there a rack for the R1200GS??

DWolvin // Jul 02, 2011
Any possibility of getting one of you racks drilled to mount on a K1200r? I move computer towers around often and could really use one of those- I like the strapping flexibility.

Mark // Jun 02, 2014
Any word on the estimated availability for the Honda NC700X rear rack in development?

Mitch Pederson // Jun 02, 2014
Mark, the NC700X is next up on the list of bikes we're working on this year. It's still very early in the development process, but we expect parts to be available towards the end of summer.

Tim // Jun 27, 2015
Pillion Rack for Super Tenere. Had the rear rack on my 2012 and loved it. Always had it in the raised position. Never had to be concerned. I have purchased the Rear Rack for my 2015 ES and will be using it in the raised position. Was wondering if you have considered raising the Pillion Rack to match the raised Rear Rack? If not, is there a reason? Stability? Thanks.

Frank // Oct 01, 2015
Since I have a 26 year old BMW R100 GS, I am well aware of your site. I also own a BMW R nine T and have thought of turning it into a GS-inspired bike. I already modified a 1989 R100GS wind-shield to fit - it is painted and looks OEM! Luggage is a must and so I bought your BMW F800 luggage rack to put in place of the R nine T rear-seat. All it took was a few new holes and longer screws and spacers (I filed them to have an angle for flush fitment). It looks and works great! Now I am in the process of further modifying the luggage rack so that the back-seat can be mounted on it, and be as quickly and easily removable as it originally was. While your main focus is the Adventure bike world, perhaps you may want to consider adding a R nine T luggage rack to your product line. Not everyone is turning that bike into a shortened showpiece - some of us want to take luggage with us - and the BMW tail-bag is ridiculous and expensive! Do a search and you will find that only Wunderlich has a tail-rack available. You could sell it on a different page to not taint your adventure image... 8o) If you want some (free) help/pictures to replicate something similar to my setup, no problem. Cheers, Frank P.S. My next project is to modify a GIVI pannier-rack so I can carry their Trekker side cases...

Somea // Dec 19, 2015
Now why does it not surprise me that you and I would be canyrirg the same duffle bag (which is quite heavy may I add)?? And you are right you are loved because of all that you are (I know this because I'm one of the people who loves you). In fact, my hunch is that people find perfection a little over-rated for those who try to be perfect are typically insufferable. So there's the paradox we think we have to be perfect, with the additional insecurity of knowing that we will never be nor would really want to be. You're spot on Lori we have got to put that one over on the side of the road. There's too much light you carry into this world for you to be holding on to this too.

fleck 5600sxt for sale // Apr 05, 2020
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fleck 5600sxt where to buy // Apr 13, 2020
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I'm looking to design my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. thanks a lot

Blanca // Apr 17, 2021
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This post posted at this web site is in fact nice.

http://tinyurl.com/ // Mar 26, 2022
I love what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and reporting! Keep up the very good works guys I've included you guys to blogroll.

Rick // Nov 23, 2022
2022 Ktm 890 adv r rear rack. I’m wanting to eliminate the passenger grab handles. Does yours come with rubber grommets?

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