Getting to know this Explorer, a few needs became readily apparent in preparing it for the Pacific Northwest Tour – I needed more packing space than what I have on the Tiger 800Xc.
The first addition were the GIVI Trekker Outback 47ltr panniers fitted to the bike’s existing GIVI rack system. Both the panniers and the Explorer arrived the same day, so the easiest and most costly modification was done in the time it took to take them out of the shipping boxes.
The second addition was initially a tank bag that would take the usual items I keep on hand up front, but after a test fitting of a 25ltr Givi UT810 Tanklock bag and a 15ltr Givi XStream Tanklock bag, I realized the tank slop and the close handlebar turn in over the tank wouldn’t allow for anything of width, let alone a tank lock set-up like I have on the 800Xc. So, I ended up with Givi’s 6ltr EA106B Easy-T Tank Bag supplemented by a pair of Givi T513 Waterproof Engine Guard Bags. I ordered everything through RevZilla and they were great to work with in all the exchanges. Kudos to their customer service and quick turn-around.
The EA106B is a magnetic narrow bag that fits in the footprint of the top of the tank, yielding space on either side for complete handlebar turn in without disrupting the bag. It has two compartments, one large enough to hold gloves, glasses, a small first aid kit and a Goal Zero Sherpa and the other, smaller compartment for keys and other EDC that I’d rather go in the bag while riding. It has a map/iPhone pocket on top and the bag comes with a rain cover.
While it has two stout magnets in the wings that grip the tank, it’s secured to the bike with a strap that fits around the triple clamp. This makes it handy and much quicker that a tank lock set up when refueling. I really like this bag, though I’m not sure why both zippers aren’t of the weatherproof variety – only the smaller pocket zipper.
To supplement the displaced storage of the smaller tank bag, I attached a pair of 5ltr engine guard bags. These store extra gloves (I travel with five pair: snowmobile, winter, rain, standard and summer mesh gloves), a down layering jacket, wool layering and rain gear. These eliminated the need of an extra bag mounted atop one of the panniers used for rain gear.
The bags are a dry-bag design with a rolling, hook-and-loop opening that is secured with two buckles on each side of the bag. They’re made from black TPU nylon with heat welded seams.
There have been complaints that the welded seams don’t hold up. I guess we’ll find out in the weather extremes on the PNW ride.
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