GEAR REVIEW
HAPPY TRAILS PANNIERS today ’ s market , where many
IN manufacturers are going overseas to get products built by others copying American-made , it is refreshing to find someone who is still making products right here in the USA . It is refreshing to find someone who is still making the product right here in the USA . If you can find a place like that , then you should check them out . That is why we are looking at Happy-Trail . com for our adventure bike luggage needs . https :// www . happytrail . com /
If you are a regular reader of the
HeartBeat , then you know I am a big fan . Not only is the owner a CMA ' er , but he also builds the best panniers on the market if you want strong , waterproof , and functional gear . For those new to the adventure ( ADV ) motorcycling segment , you may want to know what I mean by " pannier ." That ' s ADV talk for saddlebags . Now , let ' s get into the details . These boxes are TIG welded 0.080 aluminum with a unique slotted hinge design that allows you to open the lid wide and easily pack the bags . On the other hand , if you need to look through the boxes , the lids open up flat enough to lay items in the lid while you dig for that item you ' re not sure you packed . Some prefer to have the lid removable , and you can do that by simply taking two bolts out .
The panniers come standard with Happy Trail loops allowing you to carry additional items on top of the lid . Each pannier comes with a lid lock , so you can easily lock the box to keep your items safe . For overnight , where you might want additional security , the lid latch system allows for a padlock to be used . Rest assured , these boxes are strong . To make sure of that , you can find additional stitch welds on the inside . I have never had a box split at a weld in over 100,000 miles that I have used Happy Trail panniers . I have 100,000 miles on one pair . In comparison , I have seen other panniers that have split in a simple drop of the bike at a walking pace .
I have a photo of a man in Mexico that dropped his bike , and it slid on pavement for 100 yards , and the Happy Trails pannier was just scuffed up . For the record , these are the only panniers I have used that are absolutely waterproof . Having used multiple other panniers , I have been let down by all of them , except for the Happy Trails ones . What you see in the pictures is a new design pannier that the team has been working on . They have an angled front and rear panel that allows more room for the passenger ' s feet and works to add even more strength to the design , and they look nice to boot . Anytime you can add function and looks , you have accomplished a difficult task .
I have had a lot of compliments on this luggage system that I have installed on the Yamaha Super Ténéré . The powder coat is nice and thick , sure to stand up to the abuse of an adventure . This particular set has an additional rack on the lid where you can strap larger items
21⎪June 2021⎪www . cmausa . org