acmemoto
2
As a founder of a motorcycle accessories company, I am
very critical of products I purchase. I required a set of
practical, strong and lockable panniers with a universal
fit for an upcoming 5,000 kilometre ride starting from my
home on the Coal Coast of New South Wales, Australia and
finishing in Darwin in the Northern Territory. We would
be riding some long
days in remote areas
with the potential for
weather ranging from
four seasons in one day
to tropical.
Using the proven
research method of
opening 42 internet
browser tabs whilst
having a few cold beers,
I narrowed down the
options and made the
decision to go with
Acmemoto2. Meeting
all of my requirements,
I was convinced.
I contacted Scott
Olofson at Acmemoto
2 to discuss freight to
Australia and after a few
emails back and forth I
paid the man and was excited to have my new panniers
on the way. A week later, the securely boxed luggage was
on my door step. Opening the box I was impressed with
the fit and finish of the panniers. A hand-written thank
you note the icing on the cake. I couldn’t wait to begin
installation.
Within 15 minutes I had them mounted to my universal
20mm steel side racks made by Barrett Australia.
Seeking a central weight distribution for my solo ride,
I placed them forward on the rack using the adjustability
of the mounting plate. The panniers simply slide on to
the plate using fixed pucks and a large hand-tightened bolt
internal to the pannier.
It gives me confidence that for someone to steal the
panniers the locks must be defeated first to get to the
securing bolt.
The
securing brackets are
robust and the nyloc
nuts supplied didn’t
loosen during the long
ride North. I even forgot
to properly tighten the
pannier securing bolt
for a stretch of road and
the pucks kept the fully
loaded pannier on the
bike without throwing
it down the road.
The 33 litre panniers
are a good compromise
between width and
capacity.
With dual
locks on each pannier
that are keyed alike, I
wasn’t worried about
parking in some of the
less favourable areas we
traversed. The top loading function was a game-changer
after my two previous bikes had persistently irritating
clamshell designs. I lined them with 22 litre dry bags
placing wet weather and warm gear in one and everyday
clothes in the other. With tools and spares kept separate to
my clothes it was convenient at night to leave unnecessary
items in the panniers. I do however intend on making a
future purchase of the Acmemoto2 waxed canvas liners
so that I can maximise the use of space. I’ll be able to
TRAVERSE 120