The SW-Motech SysBag WP L/L system, which includes quick disconnect carrier racks and SysBag WP L bags, is a rugged, waterproof luggage set that works great and looks perfect on the Ultimate Motorcycling Yamaha Ténéré 700 Project Bike. Each SysBag WP L soft bag carries 40 liters of cargo, and quickly connects and disconnects from the sturdy, steel Pro side carriers. The carriers, in turn, also fully disconnect from the bike if you want to ride naked.
The WP L designation for the SysBags means waterproof (WP) and large (L) size. While SW-Motech also offers small- and medium-sized SysBags, only the large is rated for off-road use—essential for the Ténéré 700 Project Bike. However, all sizes of the SysBags are waterproof TPU and use the roll top method to keep water and dust out.
The SysBag WP L bags are nearly airtight. So, when closing them up, I push down and in on the bag before rolling down three turns and fastening the buckle. Otherwise, I end up with a bubble of air that requires time to leak out while riding, causing the cinch straps to loosen.
The installation instructions for the SW-Motech SysBag WP L/L system are visually descriptive. There is nothing difficult about adding the locking adapters to the adapter plate, attaching the adapter plate to the SysBag, or mounting the rack on the bike. Still, it will take a few hours to complete the first time when following the instructions.
During installation, I realized I mistook my left from my right, and installed the quick-release locks in the wrong places. To remedy that, I had to disassemble the adapter plates from the SysBags and re-assemble them with the quick-release locks to the front of the bike, rather than the rear. I also had to move the special socket screw and countersunk fitting for the quick-release locks on both side carriers. That is how I know it goes faster the “second” time.
Installing the side carriers onto the bike is straightforward, except for the attachment of the rear crossbar. I called SW-Motech support in Portland, Oregon, for a consultation. I was told that if I have not modified the original license plate holder, I can connect the left and right racks at the rear with the crossbar. If I had an aftermarket plate holder, I should attach the crossbar to the holder, if possible, and the left and right sides to the crossbar for additional support.
The extra special feature of the SysBag WP L/L system’s carriers is that they are attached with quick-disconnect fasteners that hold the carriers secure with the SysBags installed. The SysBag system goes from adventure bagger to naked with just a blade screwdriver.
If you are not going to use the bags, you can remove the 13-pound carriers in less than two minutes. The only pieces left on the bike after a quick quarter-turn of four spring fasteners are their attach points, which are barely noticeable.
SW-Motech has a $40 keyed lock set that replaces one of the quick disconnects on each side to protect your carrier from someone wanting to borrow it without your permission.
To mount the 9.4-pound SysBag WP L onto the side carrier, you line up the slotted openings of the three mounting blocks and the trigger locking unit on the adapter plate with the four lugs on the carrier. You will see a red bar on the locking unit if you haven’t pushed it deep enough onto the lug. It all goes together easily if they are all lined up. Double-check to ensure all four mounting blocks are slotted onto the lugs, or the SysBag might fall off when jostled.
The SysBag pannier system is designed to be easy on and easy off. There is no supplied way to permanently secure the adapter plate and SysBag to the Pro side carrier. However, a third-party cable lock threaded through the six red eyelets and the carrier will undoubtedly slow a thief down.
The SysBag has a handy front side flap that can hold quick-grab items, such as a water bottle, umbrella (yes, I carry one), sealed snack, or crushable hat. The items will be exposed to the elements, but will be very handy.
The inside of the flap/lid has a 9-by-12-inch flat zipper waterproof pocket that I use for paper, pencil, and an occasional paper map. The side flap is held securely by two adjustable straps, with easily lined up and clicked side-squeeze plastic buckles.
Hypalon MOLLE covers the outside of the side flap. I wouldn’t put anything on the MOLLE there because it would make the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Project Bike even wider and could catch on a branch, bush, or sports car mirror when lane-splitting in California. The large SysBag was designed with the cinch buckles on top to avoid being snagged when off-road.
The inside of the cover flap that secures the waterproof 40-liter central compartment also has a waterproof zippered 4-by-12-inch flat pocket for thin items, including maps, a small diameter flashlight, tire gauge, and extra power cables.
The cover flap is held in place by a large Velcro patch and the cinch straps that hold the open side flap tight to the side of the SysBag. To enter the main compartment, you unlock the buckle that holds the rolled closure in place, unroll the three turns of the 210 Ripstop TPU material, and separate the stiff lips holding it closed. Once open, you are looking into the large, open mouth of the 18.9-by-8.7-by-16.1-inch 40-liter central compartment.
The SysBag WP L has a full length, width, and height, stiff-sided, lift-out basket with two adjustable dividers. I fill my right SysBag basket with all the small items I will hopefully only need once per day, or not at all—tools, spares, and the like. The adjustable compartments make it easy to find what I am looking for because my 25 items are not knocking around in one large hole.
I use the left side SysBag for bulky items—wearable gear and anything I want quicker access to than walking around to the other side of the bike. I am always happy to have remembered to put a quick grab item in the outside flap.
The SysBag is easy to carry off the bike with its reinforced handle. When you put it down, it sits on four plastic feet that keep the TPU elevated from contact with the ground.
The only issue I have with soft luggage in general is that there is no quick way to get at the central compartment without going through the same procedure every time—unclip two buckles, lift the lid/flap, unbuckle the rolled top, unroll three rolls, and open the closure. Reverse the procedure to close it up. The large SysBag side flap storage area mitigates that issue, if I plan ahead.
The Sysbag WP L cinch straps have extra length for when you over-stuff the bag. When the bag is less full, the extra length of the straps is securely held in a tight bundle by sewn-in Velcro tabs.
Should you want to lash the SysBag to your bike rather than mount it, SW-Motech supplies four 31-inch webbing straps that you can use for four-point attachment to an alternate pannier rack. Alternatively, you can secure it as a tail bag.
If you happen to end up on the ground with your leg under your pannier, it is pretty obvious that it is safer to be pinned under a soft-sided case than a hard one. The SysBag WP L holds its shape regardless of how much is packed in it. The Hypalon MOLLE outer layer is a synthetic rubber and will hold up well to the abuse that adventure biking brings.
SW-Motech has created a more elegant way to carry tools than at the bottom of your SysBag panniers. The SW-Motech Trax toolbox, made of 1.5 mm aluminum and weighing about 2.4 pounds, holds 3.3 liters of tools, a first-aid kit, or other smaller items. The splashproof aluminum container has a secure-fitting plastic lid that can also be fitted with a $16 key lock set. It is bolted in the otherwise wasted space between the Pro side carrier and the rear tire. The $180 kit is easier to install behind the carrier while installing the mounting lugs for the adapter plate; it uses the same or supplied longer attachment bolts. I mounted the Trax toolbox afterward, so I had to undo my original mounting-lug installation on both adapter plates. The provided nuts are Nylock, so I didn’t have to keep breaking or applying thread locker.
To recap, with the SW-Motech SysBag WP L/L System, you have waterproof 40-liter rugged panniers when you want them. Your tools or first-aid kit are secure and protected in the Trax toolbox. Each SysBag WP L comes with a robust, lift-out basket organizer; you can pull the SysBags off to bring them into a hotel or tent with the click of a button. The steel pannier racks can come off in minutes with a blade screwdriver. The outside flap is an excellent quick-access feature that keeps desired handy items at the ready. I like that the roll-down top does not have Velcro holding it closed, as it takes enough effort to get inside soft luggage anyway. The SW-Motech SysBag WP L/L System with the Trax toolbox is a complete solution for adventure bike luggage.
