This thread concentrates on the user feed back of two models of Saddle bags which I have used in the past, pre dominantly on the Karizmas and Pulsars.
1. The work Horse Cramster Colt
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2. The new boy Viaterra Rapide
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Cramster as we all know has been a standout name when it comes to motorcycle soft luggage system for few years now. Personally have been using the Colt model for about 6-7 years on the Go. Simple, no nonsense, affordable luggage, which could be used on almost all motorcycles till a few years back.
The construction on the Cramster was more than Adequate with the 600D fabric, which was water resistant. It comes with two large compartments, one on either sides, with a bottle holder on one side and a small pouch on the other. The carrying Capacity was roughly 37 ltrs. Also it had an elder brother from the same stable, the stallion for Straight Exhausts.
Pros for Cramster:
Very simple, straight out of the text book design.
Mounting and removing the saddlebags is Childs Play.
The connecting fabric between the two sides of the bag is fixed, so no misalignment.
Cons for Cramster Colt:
Fabric can be improved. Currently using a 600D as against the lastest 1680D of viaterra.
Doesn't come with a Waterproof Cover.
The reflectors don't last longer.
Quality seem to be diminishing across the brand of Cramster.
Colt on the ZMA:
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Fast forward 2012 Viaterra gear comes into the Picture with the Claw, Leh, Velox and the latest Rapide. Claw was an instant hit amongst Dukes and CBRs. Got a chance to try the Claw(Courtesy a friend) on the Zma. Build Quality was very impressive. almost matched the Nelson Rigg in construction. One more advantage on the claw was the impressive Rain cover which didn't let a drop of water to seep in even during the peak of monsoons. Everything said and done. Wasn't as comfortable as my old Colt when riding came into Picture, ON THE ZMA.
Claw on the Zma, Misfit
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Got an opportunity to Check the Rapide(prototype) on the Ladakh and Spiti ride, and these are the First Impression as soon as I open the Package. :
1. Bag looks very small.
2. Construction, Stitching Quality, Zipper Quality looks top notch. The bag felt very sturdy.
3. No dedicated handle to hold the bags while loading/unloading. This has been rectified in the production model is what I heard from Viaterra.
4. The straps are sturdy to hold the luggage, but its also strong enough to damage your seat. (Which apparently didn't happen, it was just my presumption)
5. Most importantly, Where are the covering Flaps ?????? Rapide comes with an exposed Zipper. This came as a shocker to me, as the cramster had spoilt me in this regard. Half of my regularly stuffs used to be under the flaps :p To be very Frank I was expecting a smaller version of the Leh saddle bags, which i always loved for the quality.
6. Cushioning was impressive, in case you had plans to carry a Netbook/Tab in it.
7. The bags are aerodynamic in shape.
Few pics of the Rapide:
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After a month of usage of the Rapide, these are the things i would like to put across:
1. Bags are slightly bigger in capacity than what meets the eye. As mentioned earlier, because of the absence of the flaps, had me searching for space to accommodate my stuffs.
2. The projection of the Bag, when Fully loaded extends a lot laterally. Need to be a Tad careful when Squeezing through bumper to bumper traffic
3. The long Zipper pockets comes in handy for keeping smaller stuffs.
4. Rain covers are effective but its a tedious process to fit it when its completely loaded.
5. The two connective straps tend to loosen up upon riding through rough roads for long stretches. (P.S: This has been rectified in the production model, with incorporation of a Velcro Strip.)
6. If you are Photographer, who regularly carry tri pods or if you are a guy who wishes to take those ultra light Sleeping bags strapped on the bag, this is not for you.
7. As they say, the saddle bags can hold whatever one needs, not generally what he wants. This hold good here. These bags are ideal for a week or 10 days (If you travel light) ride but not that Suitable for a 20-30 days ride( Even if you use a tank bag and a Small Backpack)
8. Since the design is more triangular than trapezoidal/Rectangular, one needs to be careful while dumping the stuffs into the Bag.
9. The fastening Joints are very close to the bag, so a bit tedious to get it strapped.
10. The water bottle holder and tightening straps work like a charm. You can easily fit 4, 1ltr water bottle in them or on one side you can fit a can of Engine oil and a bottle of colin or a pet bottle of Coke/ Pepsi.
11. The cushioning on the inside of the saddle bag is very good to avoid damaging the body Panels.
12. The corners are covered by a rubber piping, which is a actually good, because the stress is more around the corners and the plastic piping tends to give way.
13. The reflective Strips works very good. Its a matter of time, to see how long the reflective surface stays.
14. The straps can be helpful on bikes with conical rear seats. (Eg: the new ZMA/ZMR).
15. It takes about 3 to 4 minutes to fasten the straps on the bike.
Will Put forth more inputs with images, as and when I find time.............
1. The work Horse Cramster Colt
2. The new boy Viaterra Rapide
Cramster as we all know has been a standout name when it comes to motorcycle soft luggage system for few years now. Personally have been using the Colt model for about 6-7 years on the Go. Simple, no nonsense, affordable luggage, which could be used on almost all motorcycles till a few years back.
The construction on the Cramster was more than Adequate with the 600D fabric, which was water resistant. It comes with two large compartments, one on either sides, with a bottle holder on one side and a small pouch on the other. The carrying Capacity was roughly 37 ltrs. Also it had an elder brother from the same stable, the stallion for Straight Exhausts.
Pros for Cramster:
Very simple, straight out of the text book design.
Mounting and removing the saddlebags is Childs Play.
The connecting fabric between the two sides of the bag is fixed, so no misalignment.
Cons for Cramster Colt:
Fabric can be improved. Currently using a 600D as against the lastest 1680D of viaterra.
Doesn't come with a Waterproof Cover.
The reflectors don't last longer.
Quality seem to be diminishing across the brand of Cramster.
Colt on the ZMA:
Fast forward 2012 Viaterra gear comes into the Picture with the Claw, Leh, Velox and the latest Rapide. Claw was an instant hit amongst Dukes and CBRs. Got a chance to try the Claw(Courtesy a friend) on the Zma. Build Quality was very impressive. almost matched the Nelson Rigg in construction. One more advantage on the claw was the impressive Rain cover which didn't let a drop of water to seep in even during the peak of monsoons. Everything said and done. Wasn't as comfortable as my old Colt when riding came into Picture, ON THE ZMA.
Claw on the Zma, Misfit
Got an opportunity to Check the Rapide(prototype) on the Ladakh and Spiti ride, and these are the First Impression as soon as I open the Package. :
1. Bag looks very small.
2. Construction, Stitching Quality, Zipper Quality looks top notch. The bag felt very sturdy.
3. No dedicated handle to hold the bags while loading/unloading. This has been rectified in the production model is what I heard from Viaterra.
4. The straps are sturdy to hold the luggage, but its also strong enough to damage your seat. (Which apparently didn't happen, it was just my presumption)
5. Most importantly, Where are the covering Flaps ?????? Rapide comes with an exposed Zipper. This came as a shocker to me, as the cramster had spoilt me in this regard. Half of my regularly stuffs used to be under the flaps :p To be very Frank I was expecting a smaller version of the Leh saddle bags, which i always loved for the quality.
6. Cushioning was impressive, in case you had plans to carry a Netbook/Tab in it.
7. The bags are aerodynamic in shape.
Few pics of the Rapide:
After a month of usage of the Rapide, these are the things i would like to put across:
1. Bags are slightly bigger in capacity than what meets the eye. As mentioned earlier, because of the absence of the flaps, had me searching for space to accommodate my stuffs.
2. The projection of the Bag, when Fully loaded extends a lot laterally. Need to be a Tad careful when Squeezing through bumper to bumper traffic
3. The long Zipper pockets comes in handy for keeping smaller stuffs.
4. Rain covers are effective but its a tedious process to fit it when its completely loaded.
5. The two connective straps tend to loosen up upon riding through rough roads for long stretches. (P.S: This has been rectified in the production model, with incorporation of a Velcro Strip.)
6. If you are Photographer, who regularly carry tri pods or if you are a guy who wishes to take those ultra light Sleeping bags strapped on the bag, this is not for you.
7. As they say, the saddle bags can hold whatever one needs, not generally what he wants. This hold good here. These bags are ideal for a week or 10 days (If you travel light) ride but not that Suitable for a 20-30 days ride( Even if you use a tank bag and a Small Backpack)
8. Since the design is more triangular than trapezoidal/Rectangular, one needs to be careful while dumping the stuffs into the Bag.
9. The fastening Joints are very close to the bag, so a bit tedious to get it strapped.
10. The water bottle holder and tightening straps work like a charm. You can easily fit 4, 1ltr water bottle in them or on one side you can fit a can of Engine oil and a bottle of colin or a pet bottle of Coke/ Pepsi.
11. The cushioning on the inside of the saddle bag is very good to avoid damaging the body Panels.
12. The corners are covered by a rubber piping, which is a actually good, because the stress is more around the corners and the plastic piping tends to give way.
13. The reflective Strips works very good. Its a matter of time, to see how long the reflective surface stays.
14. The straps can be helpful on bikes with conical rear seats. (Eg: the new ZMA/ZMR).
15. It takes about 3 to 4 minutes to fasten the straps on the bike.
Will Put forth more inputs with images, as and when I find time.............