Product Review: Ventura Aero-Spada & Suki-Moto luggage

There are many companies producing accessory luggage systems for motorcycles, one of which is Ventura, and even though they live on the other side of the ditch there’s no arguing that they do produce gear that fits well, looks good and lasts for years.

The Ventura Aero-Spada bag

I recently brought an older VFR800 and even though it had a Ventura rack already fitted it was as old as the bike and the top half of the rack itself was fairly scratched. It needed to be replaced, so after contacting the Australian distributor Kenma Australia, a decision was made to not only fit a new PF30 top rack but also kit the bike out with a few extras. This included a Ventura Aero-Spada Bike-Pack Bag plus a matching Ventura 9L Suki-Moto Tank bag.

The Aero-Spada Touring bag is a 51L bag, with a rear zip that allows all Aero bags to be zipped together, with PVC laminated ballistic fabric, and a shoulder strap as standard. Three external pockets ensure plenty of room for easily accessed extras, with polypropylene supports integrated into the design to keep the bag in shape. Quick release buckles allow the Aero-Spada to be easily held in place.

The Suki-Moto tank bag features waterproof fabric, a clear top map/phone pocket, as well as an external pocket for smaller items. Four suction pads allow easy fitment to basically any motorcycle tank. A 9L capacity gives plenty of storage capacity.

Some anti-seize is a good idea if you’re planning on removing the rack from the Ventura L-brackets

Fitting the PF30 rack wasn’t a problem but removing the old one from the L-bracket mounting points was! You see, whoever fitted it to begin with didn’t lubricate the posts that slot into main part of the mount, and they didn’t do the locking screws either but with a bit of persistence and a rubber mallet all eventually came apart.

Once the old rack was removed it was time for the Never-Seez into the fitting points

If you’re going to be removing the rack when you don’t need it, this is particularly important, and it’s worth noting that the new PF30 rack is different from the older single-piece racks, with two additional pieces (the mounting plates, legs and optional spacers) that can be swiveled and connect into the L-brackets. These make for easier fitment and flexibility.

The Pack-Rack legs and optional spacers, combined with the mounting plates for the perfect fit

As mentioned fitting the new PF30 top rack wasn’t a problem and was simple enough but being blokes we don’t like to read instructions! Do we!

The PF30 Pack-Rack replaced the older rack that was showing plenty of wear

But if you learn anything about this editorial please make sure you Lubricate any bolts and fitting joints. In this case I used Nicol Anti Seize and its great stuff but can use other stuff, read the directions and that will tell you.

The new Pack-Rack fitted into place, with the tightening adjusters cleaned up and in place

Oh yea, one other thing, in the fitting kit it comes with two round spacers so the rack can be a little higher if needed however if you don’t need to use them then don’t as you need to keep everything as low as possible.

The bag slips into place and gets clipped down ensuring it won’t go anywhere, the rear zip visible is for zipping a second bag into place for extra capacity

Once the rack was on it was a simple case of slipping the bag over and strapping it down with two straps located near the bottom of the bag. The Suki-Moto tank bag is great, it’s a 9L with a decent size clear area for viewing a map or a phone.

The Ventura Suki-Moto bag can be attached to the tank thanks to suction cups, making it ideal for metal or plastic tanks

The RRP price of the Aero-Spada PF30 Rack is $149.00 and the Aero-Spada Bike-Pack Bag $189.00, Ventura also have a storm cover for the Bike-Pack Bag for $39.00. The Suki-Moto 9Lt Tank Bag is $119.00.

Made of waterproof material the Suki-Moto features a clear upper pocket for a map, GPS or mobile.

Now the VFR is all kitted out and ready for our next Rally, with 60L of easy storage between the Aero-Spada bag and Suki-Moto tank bag, with even more expand-ability by adding another Aero Ventura bag if you’re not carrying a pillion.

For more information regarding the Ventura range and lots more visit www.kenma.com.au, or ask at your local motorcycle store.