Soft Luggage Comparison

Just a quick update on comparing the specifications of the ADV Spec Magadan Bags (the ones I have been using) and the Mosko Moto bags I have just received.  I was overly optimistic about the weight difference . . .

The Magadan Bags weigh in at a little over 9 pounds per set, and the Mosko Moto bags are a hair over double that.  So I am giving away ten pounds of load to the luggage itself.  As you recall, since this luggage is on a BMW G650GS, I try to keep my load below 150 pounds, and ideally at around 100 pounds.  The increased weight of the luggage is going to be a significant percentage of either number.  On my Adventure, the weight difference is meaningless.  On the 650, it is something to which I must pay attention.

The internal volume of the Mosko bags is significantly greater that that of the Magadan bags, 35 liters versus 25 liters.  Given the greater flexibility of the Backcountry Duffle and the increased capacity of the panniers, I think I will be able to put all the gear from my "house" duffle inside the panniers and Backcountry duffle, thereby decreasing the number of bags on the bike by one.  I will also shift weight to the tank panniers (Wolfman Medium Rolie waterproof bags) to move more weight to the center of the bike (forward of the rider) and that should help with balance, steering, and suspension loads.  (The "house" duffle is a Wolfman Renegade waterproof duffle into which I stuff my tent, groundcloth, sleeping bag and air mattress - everything for my house and bedroom.  Since its volume is 21 liters, the swap seems just right.  The tent poles, the awkward length item, will either go in the Backcountry duffle or under the beavertail.  Probably side so I don't lose it!).

Moving that 20 - 21 liters from the seat to the panniers means a weight transfer to the rear sub-frame. Rear subframes on the G650GS can be a trouble area, so attention will have to be paid to assure that any cracks are discovered as soon as possible, and addressed.  If I move the tools to the tank panniers, that will help a lot.

I believe this is a good move.  I went over the new bags, and they are really well made.  I don't remember if I wrote that the first time I tried to take something out of one of the Magadan Bags' external pockets, the stitching holding the pocket to the bag ripped about two inches along the seam.  The external pockets on the Magadan bags will only retain contents if you really cinch down the nylon straps that compress the sides of the pockets.  The straps get very hard after being exposed to the weather and water, and to release them to extract the contents can be a real struggle.  Thayt should not be problem with the Mosko bags given their design features.