SW-Motech luggage for hipsters

The increasing popularity of touring on naked retro bikes seems unstoppable. If it was good enough for Ted Simon… SW-Motech have decided to cater for the new wave of cool retro roadsters like Triumph’s Street Twin and the Ducati Scrambler by mixing vintage looks and modern materials in a versatile and sturdy luggage system.

The Legend Gear luggage is a combination of waxed canvas and robust Napalon synthetic leather which gives a proper vintage look, as well as the toughness needed for everyday use. Of course they’ll fit any bike and the PU coatings on the inside, waterproof inner bags and rain covers – made from 210D polyamide – keep contents well-protected from the weather too. Or at least that is the idea. Overland hasn’t actually tried a pair yet so can’t verify the waterproof claim.

The range uses a military-style attachment system, with tough webbing loops and alloy hooks, so bags can be quickly and easily attached and detached from the bike and each other. The number and variation of bags in the range is remarkable. Both the 17.5-litre LR1 and 48-litre LR2 Tail Packs and matching 9.8-litre LS1 and 13.5-litre LS2 panniers can be fixed to almost any bike, using the universal saddle strap– the 0.8 and 1.2-litre LA1 and LA2 Accessory Bags and LA3 Smart Phone Holder can be hooked onto the larger bags, so the rider can tailor the system to their needs. A matching Shoulder Strap can be clipped onto either panniers or tail packs, for easy carrying off the bike, and the LR1 Tail Bag also features rucksack straps.

The fixing system allows quick and easy height adjustment to compensate for varying loads and allowing clearance for high-level exhausts and suspension units. Side and saddle bags are all available separately so they can be mixed and matched to suit the bike’s design.

The LC1 & LC2 Side Bags (9.8/13.5-litres) fix using discrete pannier rails and a quick-lock system. Bike-specific kits for the BMW R nineT, Triumph Scrambler, Thruxton 900, Bonneville T100, Moto Guzzi V7 and the Ducati Scrambler are available now. Kits for the new generation Triumphs and Yamaha’s XSR are coming soon.

Up front, there are two compact Tank Bags: the expandable, magnetic LT1, which offers a handy 3 – 5.5-litres capacity; and the 5.5-litre LT2, which attaches using the Legend Gear SLA Tank Strap.

Retail prices including VAT

• Legend Gear Tail Bag LR1 £140.99
• Legend Gear Tail Bag LR2 £224.99
• Legend Gear Saddle Strap SLS £43.99
• Legend Gear Motorcycle Saddle Bag LS1 £106.99 (each side)
• Legend Gear Motorcycle Saddle Bag LS2 £119.99 (each side)
• Legend Gear Side Bags LC1 £124.00 (each side)
• Legend Gear Side Bag LC2 £133.00 (each side)
• Legend Gear Tank Bag LT1 £70.00
• Legend Gear Tank Bag LT2 £110.99

To view the full range visit SW Motech’s UK distributors, Motohaus, at www.motohaus.com.