A few days ago, I received my new Nelson-Rigg Touring Series GWS-450, mini seat pack that I won in the ST-Owners.com/Motorcyclegear.com Giveaway.
My first impression upon opening the box was that the word “mini” does not apply. This thing has tons of space. The interior measures 8” deep, 12” wide, and 15” in height. The construction is very good, and the material feels very durable. The pack has two expandable pockets, one on each side that measure 7” x 7” and expand to a depth of 4”. Additionally, the pack has shoulder straps to convert it to a back pack. The shoulder straps store away out of sight when not in use. I thought this was a neat feature.
This pack is designed to be used in the upright position filling the spot of your passenger-less rear seat. The pack is held in place by four adjustable straps. The two lower straps are designed to fasten around each of the passenger grab rails, and the top two are designed to fasten around the luggage rack on your top box. For an application without a luggage rack, Nelson-Rigg has supplied two male connectors that have metal reinforced mounting holes. These two male connectors are designed to be used, per the installation instructions, on Honda GL-1500 & 1800 with or without a luggage rack. The two pieces would be installed on each of the hinges for the top box, with the male end remaining outside the box when the lid is closed. I am using the Bestem top box, and do not have a luggage rack, and the hinge for the lid of the box will not accommodate the installation of the two male connectors. With that being said, I installed the two male connectors on the two forward mounting bolts that secure the Bestem mounting plate.
Once these are in place, it is a simple matter of setting the pack on the seat and installing the four hold down straps. The two top mounting straps connect to the hard mounted connectors, and the two front straps are secured on each of the grab handles, or you could also use the handles of the side cases, whichever you feel will provide the best support. Adjust the straps as needed for a secure fit.
The hardest part about installing the pack is getting the straps adjusted for proper tension. Once this is done the first time, future use will only require minor changes to adjust for that particular load. The straps, with quick release connectors, make it very easy to remove and remount the pack.
Also included with this pack, is a very nicely fitting rain cover. With such a custom fit of the rain cover, I would recommend you install this cover prior to actually needing it. It is not something you can throw on quickly while on the side of the road when the rain starts.
All-in-all, I think this is a quality piece of motorcycle luggage. The functionality of the pack and the quick installation and removal from the bike, make this a perfect pack for carrying those items that you may need with you, or want to keep with you anytime you leave the bike to grab a bite to eat, bed down for the night, or with the integrated shoulder straps, go for a quick hike at your favorite National Park. Now I just wish I had the time to go on a trip and really try it out.
My first impression upon opening the box was that the word “mini” does not apply. This thing has tons of space. The interior measures 8” deep, 12” wide, and 15” in height. The construction is very good, and the material feels very durable. The pack has two expandable pockets, one on each side that measure 7” x 7” and expand to a depth of 4”. Additionally, the pack has shoulder straps to convert it to a back pack. The shoulder straps store away out of sight when not in use. I thought this was a neat feature.
This pack is designed to be used in the upright position filling the spot of your passenger-less rear seat. The pack is held in place by four adjustable straps. The two lower straps are designed to fasten around each of the passenger grab rails, and the top two are designed to fasten around the luggage rack on your top box. For an application without a luggage rack, Nelson-Rigg has supplied two male connectors that have metal reinforced mounting holes. These two male connectors are designed to be used, per the installation instructions, on Honda GL-1500 & 1800 with or without a luggage rack. The two pieces would be installed on each of the hinges for the top box, with the male end remaining outside the box when the lid is closed. I am using the Bestem top box, and do not have a luggage rack, and the hinge for the lid of the box will not accommodate the installation of the two male connectors. With that being said, I installed the two male connectors on the two forward mounting bolts that secure the Bestem mounting plate.
Once these are in place, it is a simple matter of setting the pack on the seat and installing the four hold down straps. The two top mounting straps connect to the hard mounted connectors, and the two front straps are secured on each of the grab handles, or you could also use the handles of the side cases, whichever you feel will provide the best support. Adjust the straps as needed for a secure fit.
The hardest part about installing the pack is getting the straps adjusted for proper tension. Once this is done the first time, future use will only require minor changes to adjust for that particular load. The straps, with quick release connectors, make it very easy to remove and remount the pack.
Also included with this pack, is a very nicely fitting rain cover. With such a custom fit of the rain cover, I would recommend you install this cover prior to actually needing it. It is not something you can throw on quickly while on the side of the road when the rain starts.
All-in-all, I think this is a quality piece of motorcycle luggage. The functionality of the pack and the quick installation and removal from the bike, make this a perfect pack for carrying those items that you may need with you, or want to keep with you anytime you leave the bike to grab a bite to eat, bed down for the night, or with the integrated shoulder straps, go for a quick hike at your favorite National Park. Now I just wish I had the time to go on a trip and really try it out.