I do not think it is a coincidence that Itchy Boots (Noraly Schoemaker) decided to ride a classic Yamaha XT600Z Tenere in season 8 of her YouTube adventure touring season.  In my opinion she was tapping into a vibe seeking a simpler way in a complex world.  Noraly would have motorcycle brands lining up to supply her with their latest machines, but she chose a motorcycle nearly as old as herself.  The motorcycle is also probably fondly remembered by her greying and appreciative audience.  I think she is on point with the vibe shift to simpler, lighter motorcycles and knowing her audience.

A question that is often asked on the various motorcycle forums and Facebook group pages is where to find luggage for classic motorcycles.  It is difficult to find racks from the larger accessory manufacturers like Givi and SW Motech as understandably, they cater for the most modern motorcycles.  Consequently, classic motorcycle enthusiasts must search on Ebay or online shopping sites in the hope of finding used racks and cases – it is not easy, and you must be lucky.  Then there is the possibility that when the cases and racks arrive you discover that they are damaged beyond repair.  There is a reason they are no longer fitted to a motorcycle.  However, if your bike was made after 1970 then typically here at Caribou can help you.

We usually sell Caribou’s cases to fit the racks made by SW Motech and Givi but we also make kits to fit Hepco Becker racks, and fortunately for the classic motorcycle rider they offer a range of racks to fit bikes from 1970 onwards.  

I have been riding classic bikes ever since I was a teenager as my father was an enthusiastic British motorcycle rider.  When I was a kid there was always Nortons, BSAs and Vincents in the garage and fortunately, my father’s old Sunbeam now proudly sits in my own garage.  I keep up to date with developments in the classic motorcycle world and one growing trend I have noticed is the interest in the bigger trail bikes from the 1970s to 1990s such as the Yamaha XT500, Super Tenere and the Honda RD03 Africa Twin.  Here is France the enthusiasm for the Paris Dakar race is amazing and riders are now seeking out bikes from their youth.  Hepco Becker racks work well with these big trail bikes, and we can supply luggage to suit your needs.  

There is something uniquely challenging about riding a classic.  These bikes are old and frankly, there is always the possibility that you are going to encounter an unscheduled interruption in your journey because of a breakdown.  Consequently, classic motorcycle owners tend to possess intimate knowledge of their machines.  There used to be a saying that British motorcycles turned riders into mechanics and I can confirm that statement from personal experience.  Fortunately, the younger classics are better built and far more reliable.  You stand a much better probability of completing a tour on an 80s BMW GS than an old British twin.  It is no coincidence that Ted Simons did not ride a Triumph 500 for his second circumnavigation of the globe – BMW R80GS if you are interested.

If you are thinking of getting a Caribou luggage system for your classic, please contact us and we will arrange for a rack and case setup to suit your bike.