I'm considering getting a Pakit Rak for 2 up travel.
A few ?s
When not in use what needs to be done and what do you cover up?
Also there is no hardware visible when not in use, correct?
Does the bag hold appx the same as the trunk or one of the saddlebags?
Any likes/dislikes
This seems the ideal solution for somebody who does not want a trailer and the $$
Does anybody know it they go to Rally's and do onsite installs?
In the southeast?
Thanks,
Steve
Steve,
I've done a lot of traveling with my Pakit Rak and I loved it. I use it for things that are lightweight but take up a lot of room, for example, riding gear or tennis shoes. I've never had a problem or noticed any difference in the handling of the bike, but then again, I've always been careful not to load the Pakit-Rak any more than about 15 to 17 pounds, although the owners manual says you can go a little heavier than that.
The Pakit-Rak is made by Dixon-Y Machine in Dixon, CA - great company run by great people. They are very helpful and supportive. Here's their website:
http://www.dixonymachine.com/ and
http://www.pakitrak.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=6
The Pakit-Rak has a reciever assembly that replaces the rear portion of your subframe behind the reflector inside the rear fender. A square hole is cut into through the fender that the Pakit-Rak slides in and out of, it locks into the receiver with a removable steel pin. When the Pakit-Rak is removed, the reflector covers the hole in the fender, held in place with heavy-duty velcro. It also comes with a nice rain cover, which I use all the time as it also keeps the road dust off.
The bag measures 21” (W) x 12” (H) x 11”(D). That works out to 2772 cu. in. (without stretching), which is equivlent to 45.5 liters. Plus there are two zippered expandable side compartments and a front zippered compartment, so you probably get a little over 3000 cu. in., or about 49 to 50 liters. It's provides a hair more space than one of the saddle bags, and a little less than the trunk. For sake of comparison (found this on the internet),
The Gold Wing trunk provides 60 liters of storage capacity with an additional 5 liters of storage available if the optional CD changer is not installed. Two full-face helmets fit easily in the trunk. The saddlebags provide 40-plus liters of storage each, resulting in a total of 147 liters of storage space.
Again, always try to keep your heavier gear in the trunk or saddlebags for the least impact on the bike's center of gravity. Use the Pakit-Rak for the lightweight bulky stuff.
I had mine installed at one of the big Goldwing rallies in Fort Wayne, IN a few years back. If you call Dixon-Y, I'm sure they could tell you about any rallies they are planning to be at. Their phone is (707) 678-2375.
If you get the pakit-rak, I suggest also getting the Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers also made by Dixon-Y, these are litle rubber spacers that install between your trunk lid and trunk body, they will stop that annoying chafing of the paint on the inside of the lid, plus it makes the lid close a lot nicer.
Good luck!
Helmetdance