Motorcycle Rack and Bag and Cover Replacement

April 8, 2025

NOTE: ✽ I'm not using brand-names in this discussion intentionally. 

Ten years ago this month, my wife and I really stopped towing a motorcycle trailer during our tours in favor of a hitch-mounted rack and bag.

Prior to getting this configuration, and even earlier prior to getting a trailer, I had the original 'rear bag frame mounted' version. This original variant is no longer available; mainly due to the reconfiguration of the rear of a Goldwing back in 2012. It was just enough additional space (along with the bike's saddlebags and trunk space) to have enough for two of us for weeks-long adventures, without the hassle of dealing with a trailer.

It was five years ago when I queried the manufacturer on the availability to only replace the cover.  Since the bag itself is stored when not in use, it's managed to hold up well.  The cover, after tens of thousands of miles, had seen better days.  One ride in particular - everything got wet; it was quite the frog-strangler of rain, but there was nothing to do but to get to our destination.

Something has to be done to remedy that problem.

Shortly after discovering that there was no replacement covers from the vendor available, we took some measurements, and my wife, with her level of using sewing equipment being vastly better than my capabilities, created a second cover.  This worked better; the original still had some water-resistant properties that the initial prototype didn't have.  But, now, there's *two* that have to be dealt with, not just one. It worked, but...

"Nope, gotta come up with something different."

A month ago, my wife wanted to revisit this situation. Between the two of us, we found some material on-line that looked promising. This is a waterproof 200 denier polyurethane coated polyester ripstop.  The original fabric used for the cover had an interior waterproofing coating on a much lighter base. Seams may still need to be sufficiently water sealed on this prototype, but the fabric itself, if maintained, should provide for years of waterproofing.

There was yet one more problem with the initial design of the bag - and the cover.  Attached to the cover was some elastic band, sewn in place on both ends. This is probably when the original equipment manufacturer doesn't offer only a replacement cover, as it comes as a set.

"This can be fixed!"

The design isn't quite set in stone, but it's pretty close.

Rear view with vertical reflective fabric tape panels

Bag Cover has elastic cord sewn in at the bottom of the bag, using a cord lock end toggle

The last item was the vertical reflective fabric tape panels sewn on as a visual aid when riding in the dark. I think it'll help, specifically while moving during those dawn and dusk hours.

I need to execute a test ride for a few hours to confirm durability. Once that is completed...there's going to be a couple of additional items to accomplish.

April 9, 2025

After a reasonably short test ride, no defects were noted. I then positioned the motorcycle to soak the bag cover with rain. Okay, a garden hose had to substitute for a rain shower. Five minutes of a moderate spray; the inside of the bag cover and the outside of the bag itself was dry. I'd call the test a success.

I did sort out a name for this: R****✽ Rack Bag Replacement Rain Cover (or, RRBRRC).

There's enough material on-hand to do three more of these. I need to write the instructions, as there is one puzzle that you, the buyer, have to sort out.

Interested? Leave a comment below to contact me.