Project V-Strom: head for the hills in style.

Publication: Rider

Publication Date: 01-MAY-04

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COPYRIGHT 2004 Ehlert Publishing Group

If you're heading out past the end of the road you'll want to bring extra gear, and tools, and spare parts, and you'll want to pack it all in the most rugged saddlebags you can find--sorry, panniers, not saddlebags. Happy Trails makes nearly indestructible aluminum panniers for most adventure-tourers and dual-sports, and if you don't recognize the name right off it's probably because every set of them you've ever seen was splattered with enough mud to hide the decals.

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The ones Happy Trails sent for my bike were custom-designed for the V-Strom, with extensions under the high-mounted mufflers, and came with the Golden Gate Bridge of mounting racks. The powdercoated panniers have hinged lids that have proven themselves to be absolutely watertight--they also make great tabletops for roadside picnics. There are metal footman loops on each lid for tying down duffel bags or a tent. Inside each pannier are two large threaded knobs that screw into the rack. Spin them off and the panniers can be removed in a minute for easier chain maintenance.

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I've yet to notice any objectionable handling as a result of the...

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