Rack vs. Rackless ADV Motorcycle Luggage Systems | Mosko Moto

Mosko Pete discusses the factors to consider when choosing between rack-mounted soft luggage or rackless soft luggage. If you're unsure of which system to go with that best fits your bike and riding style, here is a quick side-by-side comparison:

Our Reckless Systems are designed for off-road riding on bikes that don't have side pannier racks, saving significant weight and cost. They expand and contract to accommodate a wide variety of loads, making them extraordinarily 'livable' luggage systems. If you're seeking a lighter luggage system or riding through tighter trails, this is the system for you.

Our Backcountry Panniers require side racks for mounting and are designed for long-distance adventure touring, enduro-style riding, and camping from your bike. Our quick-mount wedge system makes it really easy to take the panniers on/off the bike so you can store them in your tent or carry them into your hotel. Panniers are heavier than the reckless system, what you get for that weight is bomb-proof construction and materials, a completely stable mounting system, and lots of stash spots.
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[BigRockMoto]

My solution - have both! But I'm spoiled for choices. My advice - reckless for smaller bikes (690cc and below) and rack mounted for larger bikes (700cc and up). More road - rack mounted. More off road - reckless. I also really like having rear racks to protect the bike, to add grab and attachment points, and to keep the load secure.

[AliEhttisham]

It's important to figure out your riding style and need and then choose what suits the best, thanks Pete for explaining and helping to choose the right system.

Been using Reckless 40 and 80 both, off and on depending on the trip, and man i'm impressed with the overall design, utility and everything else it has to offer. The whole idea of a luggage system looks redefined with adding a lot of style along with catering to every trip's need. Yet to use the pannier system but i'm sure that would offer no less!

[MOTOTREK]

I just switched from the Reckless 80 system (which I've had on the 790 for two years) to the Backcountry 35's v2 which I had on my old bike. The rackless system has been great and keeps the 790 feeling as light and nimble as possible, but the two rack-mounted 35-liter bags PLUS four 4-liter pockets PLUS a duffle on the passenger seat offers a LOT more storage even if I don't use it all. I've tried to reduce the size of my moto camera kit to fit the rackless panniers but the storage compromises aren't worth it to me. My camera gear is bulkier than most since I carry big lenses, a real gimbal, and some redundancy, so the extra space is worth it to me. If I wasn't carrying camera gear I'd stick with the Reckless 80.
- Tim

[xdream_life]

I have been using the Backcountry 35 on my KTM 790 Adventure R for more than 3 years now and I brought them on my winter trip to Northcape at -30 Degrees and crossed dunes in the Sahara at +40 Degrees. They are simply amazing. Most of my trips are longer trips so I love the convenience and the storing capacity of the BC35. What I love most compared to the reckless system: Taking them off every night, carrying them and remounting them the next day is easypeasy. I just love them compared to the reckless. Stuff is easy to pack and unpack. The mount is bombproof. Everything stays in its place. Nothing wobbling around or loosens up even after a day of 500k+ washobard road. No abrasion on the straps or on the bike from the bags moving around. I can also take a passenger if I want to.

Shure they are a bit wider than the Reckless (specially on the right side of my KTM). The left side seems pretty the same with BC or Rackless. Right side looks crazy wide and not appealing to the eye. And lanesplitting gets scary for everybody involved 🙂. So thats one downside. But I dont go through crowded cities very often anyways. So just a minor downside.

Weight is a factor for sure. But with a good suspension setup, clever weight distribution and a proper riding technique you can compensate a lot. But on the harder stuff like crossing dunes in the Sahara, slippery muddy trails, riding on snow or when you get tired you defenitely feel the difference of the weight in the back.

Still I would love to have the Reckless as I also want to tackle some gnarly offroad when you get to the places you travel. I used a rackless Bag on my trip through Sibiria and loved it for riding, but it was a pain to get it on and off the bike dayli after a few weeks of riding, or undoing the bags for filling up the gas (had another bike with rear tank at that time, so I had to lift the bag to fill up gas). Thats just some stuff to consider as well. So it will always be some compromise no matter which solution you choose.


Anyways, both amazing products and thanks for putting so much work into it so we can have a good time on the road (or specially off the road)

[georgesolomon]

I a KTM 890 Adv R and currently have the reckless 80. I am seriously thinking of getting the back country panniers because it seems easier to pack. I plan on doing some BDRs and often do camping. No extreme or hardcore stuff. My concern is will the panniers dramatically change the balance. I like the reckless 80 but its a little involved to install and pack.. Looking for any advise.. Thanks

[geoffreykrueger]

I have both. BC35 for my Africa Twin and R80 for my 701. BC35 is much easier to get in and out of. You have to be a little more deliberate in the way you pack the R80 but I like that it fits closer to the bike for lane splitting (I'm in CA).

[Zerotys_ADV]

For the last 2 years I have been using rack system. I found having a rack system to be pretty good. They were easy to remove from the bike for over night stays and depending on the type of trip I would choose a different size duffle for my luggage plate. The one thing I did not like about my rack system was it really made rear end of the bike wide - using symmetrical panniers. Asymmetrical panniers would have been a much better choice.

Now that I am setting up a different bike, DDX, I am going to try the R80. I am not some off road whiz, but I want the bags closer to the frame and the versatility of R80 seems worth a try. I just wish Mosko had their Gnoblin in stock for more than 5 minutes at a time!

I'll be giving up some extra protection the panniers afford though. If I was strictly a street rider the pannier rack system would be the way to go.

You learn quickly that this sport forces you to deal with a lot of compromises as it pertains to equipment.

[evgeniysir]

I'm just racking my brains over this choice. I would like to see a more detailed comparison than this video

[Kyrodan]

Love all the gear..and it is real hard to choose..as they are all great..

[Brett-wb]

I used to prefer a rack system with either soft or hard bags attached to the rack. That was until I had a catastrophic failure of one side of the rack on a dirt road, while on a week long trip a few years ago. The welds on the rack failed in two places and the rack came apart, getting jammed in the rear tire and sprocket. Luckily there was no damage to the tire or bike but it did take some time to unmangle the broken rack and it was too damaged to have repaired. It effectively ended the trip as I had to remove the side bag and strap it on top of the top case and the entire load was unbalanced. I was able to nurse the bike and jerry-rigged load 2 days to get home, cutting my trip short.
Since then I have either used the Reckless 40 or 80, depending on length of trip and feel much more secure in the decreased likelihood of suffering another major luggage failure. I also appreciate the decreased weight of the load along with the narrower profile. No more racked luggage for me.

[Frosteness]

Are there plans to release the 35L Panniers in Stargazer?

[Mark]

It all depends...if we're going two up for a couple of days the BC 35's with the duffel are great! Just me and more technical the BC 35's stick out too far on the right side of the Twin. Perhaps a 25 on that side. Next time I'm going with the R80, I just feel having the weight close to the bike will help the handling and maneuverability in tight spots...it all depends. Either way with Mosko you can't lose.

[zerobucks]

buy once, cry once. I am on my 3rd set of bags in 2 years. My buddy for the moskomoto rack less and I got envy.

[Moto_Yelt]

do you actually need a rear top rack on a tenere 700 for the rackless system?

[brianErickson-bxhp]

Along with the ease of use, not having the top duffle for the same volume makes me like my BC’s.

[piercec]

Struggling with this now, just got my hands on an 890 rally and not sure which route to go. No current racks. My old 950 had racks and I have the reckless 40 on my 350 husky. Think I’m gonna go racks and get the backcountry panniers….decisions decisions decisions

[dimitarvivanov]

I just got the BC35 while preparing for a 10 days trip around Romania.
I was really surprised with the weight of those and to be honest a bit disappointed. Even if I knew the weight figures I was still surprised when I lifted them away from their box. Seriously considering to return the BCs and get the rackless 80 hence all comments here are much appreciated to make a decision.
Even if I am with a big bike like the new tiger 1200, weight is of much consideration as I like going off-road if I have the option.
So my major concern reading all comments for the rackless - does it really affect the comfort of a passenger? And also does it feel heavy more up on the bike compared to the BCs?

[NickyFan]

Looking for suggestions to fit Honda Rally 300. Thanks

[Overlandmacklife]

I would love to support this company but unfortunately you don’t make a side rack for the R1150GS BMW

[venkateshs.m]

What you suggest for royal Enfield himalaya 450