We’re starting the New Year with a big resolution: New designs for new models!
We are working on a new mounting system for the Triumph Tiger800/800XC to fit the slim Micatech V-Pilots. The V-Pilots come in 8” and 10” widths.
Also look for the Micatech Pilot luggage for the Yamaha Super Tenere XT1200Z this season. Additionally, we’re working on a rear Pack Rack for the Super Tenere so you can complete your adventure touring setup with aMicatech top case.
Resolve to end your search this year for the best aluminum panniers — at Micatech.
Like us on FACEBOOK for more details.
The chipmunks are packing it in and you can, too! Get 15% savings on a Micatech Pack Rack and carry all your extra gear this fall. This versatile accessory is a rugged, aluminum luggage rack with multiple tie-down points for packing. The Pack Rack can be used as a stand-alone rack or as the platform to mount a Micatech Top Case.
Pack Racks include all mounting hardware and four quarter-turn receptacles for quick installation/removal of a Micatech Top Case – if you are looking for a little extra carrying capacity this season.
Triumph Tiger 800 Pack Rack
All Pack Racks are finished with a black industrial powder coat that is tough, durable and attractive. Special sale price of $79.95 (regularly$95). Use Code PACKRACK when you order online and the savings will be deducted from your order. Offer valid now through Thanksgiving. Only available for these models:
- BMW F800GS ’08-
- BMW F650GS ’08-
- Kawasaki KLR650E ’08-
- Kawasaki KLR650A ’87-’07
- Suzuki DL650 V-Strom ’04
- Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom ’02-
- Triumph Tiger 800 & 800XC ’11-
John writes to us with a question regarding the Micatech Pilot Cases on his BMW R1200GS:
I love the Cases I bought from you this spring for my R1200GS. Unfortunately, a friend ran into the back of me and marred the back and side of my right Pilot Case. Is there any unusual touch up paint I should look for or will any gloss black spray can type such as Rust-oleum work. It is amazing to me that the luggage wasn’t hurt because he hit me pretty hard only contacting only the right side case. I think I did a back flip from the collision but was not hurt. The case was not bent.
Yikes! Glad to hear he’s OK. This is a good question that we hear from time to time. The cases are rugged and that powdercoat finish is tough, but sometimes you have a friend crash into you… Hey, it happens.
To repair a simple scratch, we suggest Rust-OLeum. Match the Rust-OLeum cap to best match the color of your cases. [Insider's Tip: For vein colored cases, look for the "Hammered" finish Rust-Oleum]. Instead of spraying it directly onto the case, spray it on to a scrap piece of cardboard and then dab it on with a paintbrush.
Looking for a more exact match? Try an auto parts stores. They typically have touch up paint for sale in small bottles.
For large areas of damage, we recommend you send us your cases. We will professionally grind down the surface and apply a fresh powdercoat finish.
Do you have a question about your Micatech Motorcycle Luggage? Contact us and let us know what’s on your mind!
Micatech is proud to announce that Pack Racks are now available for the Kawasaki KLR650E (’08-) and Triumph Tiger 800 & 800XC (’11-).
Last spring we offered a significant savings on V2 cases to celebrate the release of the new Triumph Tiger. The response was fantastic and many of you asked about adding a top case. At the time, we didn’t have a Pack Rack, the critical connection piece to attach a Micatech Top Case to the motorcycle. However, thanks to a local Tiger rider, we got our hands on one of the new bikes and starting designing a new Pack Rack.
Motorcycle manufacturers don’t always make it easy to design accessories. Fortunately, the folks and Triumph left the tail of the new Tiger accessible. After a few iterations we came to a design that’s functional, durable and stylish. The Pack Rack compliments the sleek and rugged lines of the Tiger while adding a sturdy platform for extra storage capacity with a Micatech Top Case. The Top Case is back far enough to allow two-up riding and doubles as a backrest for your passenger! By the same token, we keep it as far forward as possible in order to keep the weight towards the center of the bike.
Not only did we add in plenty of places to attach bungee straps, we made them big enough for plastic tip models and ROK straps. And if you’re headed out far off the beaten path, we’ve included an option to mount RotopaX containers for extra fuel/water storage.
In addition to the Triumph Tiger, we took a look at one of the greatest adventure bikes of all time – the Kawasaki KLR650. We have a few of the first generation (A) models around the shop but it wasn’t until our friendly local KLR rider, Skip, let us borrow his new (E) model. In 2008 Kawasaki revamped their dual sport and it quickly became the bike of choice for many adventure riders. You emailed, called, and posted on our ADVrider thread that you wanted the ability to mount a Micatech Top Case onto your KLR650E. We listened and got to work.
The simple and rugged design replaces the standard KLR rear rack and adds extra tide down points, quarter-turn connectors to quickly mount a Micatech Top Case, and an option to mount Rotopax containers for extra fuel/water storage.
All Pack Racks are finished with a black colored industrial powder coat that we do right in house. Go to the Micatech Online Shop to order your Pack Rack today.
SUMMER RALLY SPECIAL!
$50 off side cases + $50 off top case + free rally delivery (normally $75) = $175 in savings!
Order your Micatech luggage in advance of the rally and we’ll deliver it to you at the rally for free!
BONUS OFFER: We’ll provide technical assistance and loan our tools to help you install your new Micatech luggage!
The Fine Print:
For pick up at the BMW RA Rally in Chippewa Falls, WI orders must be placed by Friday June 17th.
For pick up at the BMW MOA Rally in Bloomsburg, PA orders must be placed by Friday July 8th.
Enter the the appropriate coupon code “RA” or “MOA” to instantly save:
- $50 on a set of V2 Cases
- $50 on a set of Pilot Cases
- $50 on a Top Case
- FREE delivery to the rally
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are my savings if I’m ordering a set of side cases and a top case?
$100 + FREE rally delivery
What are my savings if I’m only ordering side cases?
$50 + FREE rally delivery
What are my savings if I’m only ordering a top case?
$50 + FREE rally delivery
I’ve never been to a rally. What’s it like?
Thousands of motorcyclists from all around the country come to celebrate the motorcycle lifestyle! Start your morning with a cup of coffee before and then head out for a solo ride or join a group ride through the spectacular countryside. Head back to the rally grounds for some lunch and a stroll through “Vendor Alley” where you’ll see all the latest high quality motorcycle gear and accessories from hundreds of vendors. After you’ve done your shopping, sit in one of the many amazing presentations before eating some delicious BBQ with your new friends. After the sun goes down, enjoy a cold beer while listening to live music. Finish off with some chit-chat around the campfire and the rest up for another fun day tomorrow! Click these links to learn more about the RA rally and the MOA rally.
Do I need to ride a BMW to attend the BMW RA and MOA rallies?
No! All bikes are welcome! Whether you ride a street bike, a dual sport, a tourer, or even a moped, you’ll have fun at the rally.
Will you install the product for me?
We’re a 2 person team and although we’d love to install it for you we simply won’t have the time at the rally. However, since we’ve done hundreds of installs we know a thing or two about making it go smoothly. We’ll provide you with printed installation instructions, lend you our tools and will be close by to help answer any questions you might have.
Our friend Kevin has made a custom camping table from his Micatech Pilot Cases. Plenty of cup holders with those Roof Racks!
Have you found any alternative uses for your Micatechs? Send us an email and we’ll share the photos on the blog.
A few days ago we had the pleasure of dinner and beers with Pete Johnson. Pete is from Manchester, England and is visiting every Manchester in the USA by motorbike. He conjured this plan a few years back and when an English insurance company promoted a contest – What’s your dream ride? – Pete jumped at the opportunity. There were over 4,000 entries and Pete came out victorious! They have graciously sponsored his motorcycle journey around the USA (and one Manchester in Canada).
Pete is just starting out on his adventure. He flew into Boston and visited Manchester-by-the-sea in Massachusetts before we showed him around our Manchester in New Hampshire. His first few days have been clouded with rain (thankfully he’s used to that kind of thing) but he’s looking forward to brighter days.
After leaving us in New Hampshire he was off to Manchester, Maine and then Manchester, Vermont. Hmmmmm… This could get repetitive.
So where are you going? Manchester. Oh, and where are you coming from? Manchester…
We wish Pete well on his amazing adventure. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and his blog (United States of AManchester) or on one of the hundreds of local TV/radio/newspaper gigs he’ll be doing along the way. So, what is your dream ride?
Ray gives Dual Sport a whole new meaning with his bike bike touring setup. Ray writes:
In the past whenever I would go to a Rally or take a cross country trip I would always wish I had my Mt Bike when I arrived a my destination. Now I no longer have to wish. The 2x2cycles Rack works well with the Micatech Panniers. The spaciousness of Micatech Panniers gives me plenty of room to safely store my boots and riding suit when stoping for a Mt Bike ride. Plenty of room for my Ortlieb bag (or bags depending on how I configure) on top.
We love what you’ve done ray. Keep on riding (and riding)!
Recently we left the northern cold and headed for the warmth of the south to attend the BMW Georgia Mountain Rally. It’s one of our favorite rallies of the year and 2011 proved to be another success. The riding was great, the people were friendly, the weather (post tornado) was spectacular, and the food was delicious. All in all about 600 people from all over the south came out for a wonderful long weekend.
Three of us (Bob, Sue and Ben) loaded up the Micatech trailer and trucked south for 2 days. After back to back 10 hour days in the truck we were very happy to pull into the campground in Hiawassee, Georgia. Ben found an isolated lakeside campsite and set up his NEMO tent while Bob and Sue opted for the nearby Ramada Inn.
Powerful winds, heavy rain, and continuous lightning filled the sky all night as the tornadoes ripped through. In the morning it was terrible to learn that many local communities had been destroyed by the powerful tornadoes. Fortunately, Ben survived the night (but didn’t get much sleep). The next morning was the calm after the storm.
We set up the booth and by the afternoon we were on the bikes and enjoying the beautiful roads of northern Georgia. Sweeping curves blanket this area and we really enjoyed the absence of frost heaves. Ben had his GoPro camera rolling and snapped these photos.
Being chased by a pitbull!
Tornado damage.
The rally began the next morning with hundreds of motorcycles rolling into the campground. Rally goers put in their bids for some of the dozens of door prizes and strolled through vendor alley. Rather than a large warehouse building, each vendor had their own little wooden cabin. It’s a great setup and the tall trees provided shelter from the sun while still allowing a cool breeze to blow through.
For two days we talked with hundreds of riders any said hello to many of our existing customers. Saturday night closed with a tasty grill-your-own steak BBQ and live blue grass music. Again the weather was perfect.
After packing up the trailer and enjoying a cold Yuengling (It’s a shame these aren’t sold in NH) we were absolutely exhausted from a long and enjoyable day of work and promptly retreated for the night.
The Roof Racks hard at work.
Early the next morning we packed up the bikes and hit the pavement. This time we headed north into North Carolina and explored some new and exciting roads. Shortly after setting off we stopped for gas and treated ourselves to a delicacy of the south – Boiled Peanuts! There’s no better place to sample this gem than from a gas station in the middle of the backcountry. If you haven’t yet sampled these, you’re truly missing out. As we held our breath we struggled to stomach the moist and mushy peanuts. We all had a good chuckle watching the others make funny faces.
After a few more miles we split up – Bob and Sue riding the Charahala and Ben riding The Dragon at Deals Gap (dragging centerstand on every curve…)
With so many beautiful roads and friendly folks, we’re sure to be back next year for another round of curvy roads and boiled peanuts.
Our next rally is the BMW RA Firecracker Rally in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin starting on June 30th. We’re looking forward to another great rally and hope to see you all there!
Thanks to everyone who has purchased a set of Micatech V2 Cases and SW-Motech Racks for the new Triumph Tiger 800 and 800XC. We know you have luggage options and we thank you for choosing Micatech Motorcycle Luggage!
In these first few days of May we’ve received several emails and phone calls from riders asking if they can still get in on the Triumph Tiger 800(XC) Promotion. We were happy to oblige and decided to extend the promotion through the month of May. If you’re still on the fence about luggage for your new Tiger, here’s your chance to save $75 on a set of top notch panniers!
Full details here.