The Aerostich Messenger Bag is spacious and secure for carrying your stuff while riding. (Photos by Kevin Wing)
In the immortal words of George Carlin, “That’s the meaning of life: trying to find a place to keep your stuff.” I consider myself a tidy person, but really I’ve just developed Tetris-like efficiency when it comes to cramming stuff in my closet, my desk drawers, and – to my wife’s eternal chagrin – our garage. Surrounding her adorable blue Mini Cooper is a rabbit’s warren of shelves filled with bins (each one labeled, of course), boxes, motorcycle gear, and enough helmets for a small army.
When I travel by motorcycle, I bring stuff in saddlebags or a top trunk if possible, or perhaps in a tankbag or tailbag. But if I need to pick up a few things at the store or bring my laptop or camera equipment with me, the best option is a backpack or shoulder bag. Of the latter, one of the most practical and versatile is a Messenger Bag made by the folks at Aerostich in Duluth, Minnesota.
Messenger Bags come in four sizes: Letter (9 inches tall, 3.75 inches wide, 9 inches long at the bottom/12 inches long at the top; $107), Dispatch (12×7×12/18 inches; $137), Courier (12×7×18/23 inches; $147), and Parcel (14×9×18/26 inches; $157). Wanting maximum carrying capacity, I opted for the Parcel size, which is large enough to hold a full-face helmet and four bottles of wine, for example.
The bag’s outer flap is designed to accommodate bulky items like wide helmets and tall wine bottles. It is secured by a panel of hook-and-loop that runs the length of the flap – a 2-inch-wide panel of hook on the underside of the flap attaches to a 4-inch-wide panel of loop on the bag. There are also two adjustable closure straps with quick-release buckles.
Messenger Bags are made of 1000-denier polyurethane-backed Cordura, and they have a triangular cross-section with a seamless flat bottom. Inside is a yellow reinforced PVC waterproof lining, an organizer pocket (the Parcel has two), and a clip-on key loop.
The shoulder strap is made of 2-inch mil-spec nylon webbing, and a cam lock makes it easy to adjust the strap’s length. A removable 3.5×11.5-inch shoulder pad covered in Ultrasuede provides comfort when carrying heavy loads. The bag also has a carry handle at the top and a 2-inch panel of reflective 3M Scotchlite that runs the length of the outer flap.
Depending on how full the bag is and the rigidity of the contents, it usually stays in place while riding. Adjusting the shoulder strap so the bag hugs the body closely helps keep it secure, and Aerostich sells a stabilizer strap for $10.
All in all, the Messenger Bag is a great place to keep my stuff when I’m on the go. Multiple color options are available.
Cold temperatures and unexpected weather changes are the reality in the northern latitudes where many of us ride. Even though I’ve lived in Minnesota for decades, I’ve never used heated apparel before. As I prepared for a multi‑day tour of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula last October, I decided to remedy that situation by ordering an Aerostich Kanetsu Wind Blocker heated motorcycle vest to add some comfort to my late‑season ride. This electric vest gave me the feeling of the warm sun beating down on my back, especially on cold 35‑degree mornings on and off the road.
The Aerostich Kanetsu heated vest, which is made at the company’s factory in Duluth, Minnesota, and uses top‑quality stitching and zippers, proved to be hassle‑free. When ordering the vest, you specify size and the type of connection you need to hook it up to your motorcycle: BMW, SAE, or QuiConnect 2 (coaxial, which has a male‑and‑female connection). The vest’s power draw is 45 watts / 3.3 amps.
A size Large suits my 6‑foot‑2, 175‑lb frame perfectly (a detailed size chart is available on the Aerostich website), and the vest fits well underneath a jacket. It has a longer tail in the back to provide lower‑back coverage when seated in a crouched position. The vest has two pockets: one for storing the power cord and a larger one that the entire vest folds into for convenient stowage or a handy pillow for a roadside nap. Also available are optional zip-off sleeves ($97), which I added to the vest for additional insulation and to transform the vest into a jacket that can be worn off the bike.
With the vest on and powered up, I found the heat to be distributed evenly around my core as well as my neck thanks to the high collar. The power is switched on/off with a large, glove‑friendly lighted pushbutton that can be clipped onto the outside of your riding jacket. The vest provided plenty of warmth, and as the ambient temperature approached 50 degrees, I simply turned off the vest’s heat. Given the ongoing comfort, I found myself experiencing momentary guilt as my riding buddies went through the hassle of layering up and down throughout the changing riding conditions. They got tired of hearing me brag about how warm I was.
The Aerostich Kanetsu heated motorcycle vest with optional zip-off sleeves.
There are three versions of the Aerostich Kanetsu heated motorcycle vest: Airvantage ($247), which has an air‑adjustable fit and an outer shell made of Windstopper fabric; Windstopper ($197), also with a Windstopper outer shell; and Wind Blocker ($187), the version I tested, which has an outer shell made of windblocking TLTec fleece. Sizes range from S‑2XL. With this heated vest as a permanent addition to my saddlebag, I now look forward to rides on cold, blustery days.
If you need a comfortable long-sleeved shirt for any type of riding, Aerostich’s Off-Road Motorcycle Jersey will become a favorite in your gear closet.
Aero Design & Mfg. Co. Inc. started in 1983 with the goal of developing “a completely new type of textile-based gear for motorcyclists.” The efforts of that goal resulted in the Roadcrafter suit, which is still available as the Roadcrafter Classic. Aerostich’s popular R-3 suit is the third generation of the Roadcrafter, and the R-3 can now be custom-tailored for an exact fit.
The Off-Road Jersey is another iteration of Aerostich’s commitment to rider comfort and safety, and it’s made in Aerostich’s factory in Duluth, Minnesota, right alongside the Roadcrafter and R-3 suits.
Made of heavy-duty polyester, this knit motorcycle jersey is more substantial than most jerseys, and it maintains a comfortable feel even when wet. Lightly padded elbows and Lycra collar and cuffs ensure durability and a good fit, and it self-stores in a hidden pocket. The jersey is easy to pack, takes up minimal room, and adds comfort to your ride.
The Off-Road Jersey is available in Black, Green, or Grey in sizes M-2XL for $97.
The Very Boring Rally 5 by Aerostich is here, and with it comes guest speakers, storytellers, a bike night, a Rider of the Month meet-up, and more. It all starts July 7 and runs through the month of August.
The Aerostich factory and store are located in Duluth, MN.
Aero Design & Mfg. Co. Inc. started in 1983 with the goal of developing “a completely new type of textile-based gear for motorcyclists.” The efforts of that goal resulted in the Roadcrafter suit, which is still available as the Roadcrafter Classic. Aerostich’s popular R-3 suit is the third generation of the Roadcrafter, and the R-3 can now be custom-tailored for an exact fit.
Since those early days, Aerostich has increased its product offerings, now including jackets, pants, gloves, boots, and other gear in its catalog. The Aerostich factory and store are located in Duluth, Minnesota.
The Aerostich store offers gloves, boots, suits, jackets, pants, and more.
Friday, July 7, is the first day of the Very Boring Rally, which runs through August. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. with guest speaker Thomas Day, who writes the Geezer with a Grudge blog and is a Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly columnist.
Thursday, July 13, is Bike Night starting at 5 p.m. Bike Night includes a ride over Bong Bridge and through Billings Park and ends at the Superior Porchfest for free live outdoor music and a food truck.
On Friday, July 28, guest speaker Dr. Gregory W. Frazier will discuss “Motorcycle Sex and Adventure – Secrets, Tips, and Tricks” at 2 p.m.
Aerostich suits and gear are made in its Duluth, MN, factory.
Plenty more guest speakers are scheduled to visit Aerostich during July and August, including Duane “Digger” Carey, Paul Pelland, Pat Hahn, Robert Higdon, and Voni and Paul Glaves. The Aerostich founder and owner will be featured as a guest speaker to end the two-month-long event on Saturday, Aug. 26. The full schedule can be found on the Very Boring Rally’s website.
Also included in the rally is the Rider of the Month Meet-Up on Aug. 11, during which visitors can chat with Aerostich Riders of the Month.
Visiting the Aerostich factory or store in Dutuh, Minnesota, during the rally gets you a free “Very Boring Rally 5” T-shirt and collectible event pin, and you’ll have the chance to take advantage of the VBR sale on the Roadcrafter Classic suit. Visitors can save 5-15% on a Roadcrafter Classic one-piece suit, two-piece suit, jacket, or pants.
The Roadcrafter was Aerostich’s first suit, and it’s still available as the Roadcrafter Classic. Visitors to the Aerostich factory and store during July and August can get up to 15% off a Roadcrafter Classic.
Each Friday with a guest speaker will have a light lunch served at noon, and Saturday mornings with speakers will have a continental breakfast. The Very Boring Rally will also include contests and door prizes, tech sessions, factory tours, a souvenir booklet, and more.
Being visible, which includes wearing bright apparel and a light-colored helmet, is an important part of motorcycle safety while commuting. (Photos by Kevin Wing)
Whether you only occasionally commute to work on two wheels or make it a regular habit, be sure to set aside Monday, June 19, to take your motorcycle or scooter to your job for the 32nd annual International Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day.
According to the Ride to Work Day website, the idea for the event was inspired by “Work to Ride – Ride to Work” marketing materials created between 1989 and 1991 by the Aero Design and Manufacturing Company, the Minnesota based manufacturer of motorcycle riders clothing now more familiar to our readers as Aerostich.
The first Ride to Work Day was July 22, 1992, and for several years, the third Thursday in July was informally recognized and promoted by businesses as the day for two-wheeled commuting. In 2000, the 501(c)(4) nonprofit Ride to Work was formed to officially organize and promote the event.
In 2008, the day was changed to the third Monday in June to accommodate more riders worldwide, and starting next year and going forward, Ride to Work Day will be changed to the second Tuesday in June to avoid conflicting with the Juneteenth United States federal holiday. Event organizers say this particular day was chosen because it breaks up the workweek better than a Monday event, and because it is considered a demonstration event, they believed a midweek day is more likely to receive media coverage than a Monday or Friday.
Along the lines of demonstration, the purpose of Ride to Work Day is to illustrate the following:
The number of motorcyclists to the general public and politicians
Motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life
Motorcyclists can reduce traffic congestion in large cities
Motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation
At Rider, we fully support Ride to Work’s mission to get more people riding, make our roads safer for riders, and push local governments to add motorcycle parking and other moto-friendly ordinances.
SW-Motech Pro Blaze Saddlebags, Tail Bag, and Tank Bag on a BMW S 1000 XR.
In Rider’s February issue, we shared the results of a survey that offered a fascinating deep dive into our readers’ habits and preferences. One telling statistic was that three-quarters of our readers – yep, we’re looking at you – ride their motorcycles at least 3,000 miles per year, with nearly half of those polled saying they travel at least double that. Along these lines, the top three most popular types of motorcycles our readers own are touring, sport-touring, and adventure bikes. Ergo, we created this motorcycle luggage buyers guide.
With the riding season kicking into high gear, many of you are thinking about your next motorcycle trip. Maybe it will be on paved roads, or maybe you’ll be tackling rougher terrain. Regardless, if you’re already planning your next overnight – or longer – excursion, or even if you’re fortunate enough to be able to drop everything at the last minute and take off for a weekend getaway, how much you can pack and how you will carry it is an important consideration.
With that in mind, this luggage buyers guide provides a variety of great options, from tank bags to panniers to top boxes, to help you take what you need on your next adventure.
The Aerostich Tank Panniers are semi-rigid bags made in the U.S. and constructed of sturdy, water-resistant urethane-coated 1000-denier Cordura nylon with an adjustable mounting system: two padded, 2-inch-wide hook-and-loop closed webbing straps plus two adjustable bungee shock cords. Neoprene tank pads protect your paint and eliminate slippage, and removable plastic inserts shape the bags. The panniers also feature two exterior pockets. Available in Black or Hi-Viz for $197. Standard: 12 × 9 × 5 in./8.8 liters each, or Competition: 12 × 7.5 × 4.5 in./6.6 liters each.
The Cortech Super 2.0 12L Tank Bag is made of 1680-denier ballistic polyester and 1800-denier three-lined twill jacquard. It fits most modern sportbikes and sport-tourers with sloped gas tanks, and it has a single zipper on the main compartment, a removable map pocket, and two built-in sip tube/headphone exit ports. The bag also comes with a rain cover, a shield pouch, a water bladder holder, and hideaway backpack straps. The 12-liter tankbag measures 20 x 7.5 x 11 inches and is priced at $109.99 (strap mount) or $129.99 (magnet mount).
Made of abrasion-resistant material with reinforced stitches, Shad TR40 Terra Adventure Saddlebags have 64 total liters of capacity and hold up to 22 lb in each side, with six Duraflex cam buckles and eight reinforced tiedowns per bag. The Double Locking System locks the bag to the 4P System Side Case Racks (sold separately) and prevents unwanted access to the inside of the bag, while roll closures on the outer and inner bags ensure they’re waterproof. The TR40s include a dry bag, a bag holder, and a bottle harness, and each bag is 15.75 x 9.8 x 14.9 inches. Priced at $578.99.
The 44-liter Monokey Alaska Case from Givi holds the equivalent of one modular helmet and features the Monokey attachment system, which uses a single lock and key to open the case and release it from the plate. Inside is a series of built-in grips, so loads can be secured to both the lid and the bottom of the case. The waterproof case has rivets fitted with gaskets and sealed using silicone. It measures 13 x 16.6 x 18.3 inches and has four belt-strap loops integrated into the lid. Available in natural or black finish for $464.
The Nelson-Rigg Hurricane Dual Sport Saddlebags are made from heavy duty, UV-treated PVC tarpaulin material. All seams are electronically heat welded. Approximately 14 liters per side, the saddlebags have internal support panels and a removable stiffener to hold the shape when empty. They mount using hook-and-loop straps and tension buckles – no rack needed. They feature quick-release buckles on top and bottom to secure additional gear and an air purge valve for easy compression. Main compartment measures 17 x 7 x 9 inches. Priced at $179.95 with a lifetime warranty.
The Joe Rocket Manta II XL Tank Bag is made of improved structural foam and UltraMax fabric with SBS zippers and is resistant to wind, water, and fading. The newly resized phone pocket has mesh backing for better breathability, and an outer side pocket provides additional access to the main pocket. Inside the tankbag is an adjustable divider to keep contents from shifting, as well as a charge cord and headphone port. The bag comes with a rain cover, and it mounts using either magnets or supplied straps. It measures 16 x 10 x 6 inches and is priced at $124.99.
Offering an innovative way to mount soft saddlebags on sportbikes, the SW-Motech Pro Blaze Saddlebags feature mounting arms that quickly attach and detach, leaving minimally visible mounting brackets when the arms are removed. The Pro Blaze bags are made of durable, UV-resistant 1680-denier ballistic nylon material, and the expanding zipper increases volume from 14 to 21 liters. The main compartment is top loading, and the bags have a zippered outside pocket and a carrying handle. Dimensions are 5.5 x 11.8 x 17.3 inches. Priced at $499.95.
Giant Loop’s MotoTrekk Panniers are dry bag-inspired panniers made of welded 500-denier waterproof fabric and a double-reinforced top and bottom. They feature a roll-top closure that keeps contents dry and dirt free. The integrated mounting system enables them to strap to virtually any side luggage racks. Lash loops provide expanded storage capacity, and quick-connect magnetic buckles facilitate easy mounting and removal. Each bag holds 25 liters, measures 12 x 15 x 7 inches, and includes two shoulder straps for backpack-style carrying. Priced at $479.
The Sedici 20-liter Dry Bag Saddlebags’ three-fold roll-top closures and dual-layer 500-denier tarpaulin material with sonic HF-welded seams ensure your gear stays dry. A quick-release air valve and quick-release speed buckles on each side facilitate easy packing and unpacking. External MOLLE loops, pockets, and D-rings, plus included accessory mounting straps, provide a variety of options for mounting and adding additional storage. Removable internal support loops help keep the bags in shape. They measure 17 x 11 x 6 inches and are priced at $149.99.
Wolfman Luggage redesigned its popular Enduro Tank Bag WP for a more usable shape that fits almost every dual-sport and dirtbike. Made of custom 840-denier nylon TPU laminate with waterproof RF-welded seams, the bag is kept in place by a four-point quick-release mounting system that doesn’t interfere with the gas cap or the vent hose. With a 4-liter capacity, the Enduro Tank Bag has a removable clear pocket, a removable waist belt pouch, and a YKK AquaGuard water-repellant main zipper. The bag is 9 x 6 x 5.5 inches (height in the front). Priced at $151.99.
The Aerostich R-3 one-piece motorcycle suit is made of mil-spec 500D Cordura TLTex fabric and slips on easily over street clothes. It’s waterproof for all-weather riding yet unlined to keep it lightweight.
In addition to the Codura TLTex fabric, the R-3 has a 1000D abrasion-resistant layers in the elbow, shoulder, and knee areas, as well as as TF impact armor in those areas.
It also has full-length waterproof zipper entry system, a fold-down dual-height collar, nine pockets, ventilation, and fit-adjustable tabs for the ankle, wrist, and waist.
Every suit is made by experts in Aerostich’s factory in Duluth, Minnesota. There are more than 60 graded sizes for men and women, but if you can’t find the right fit, Aerostich will alter the R-3 to your exact measurements or make a custom-tailored suit. An R-3 in one of the standard sizes starts at $1,527, alterations start at an extra $20, and a made-to-measure R-3 is $2,397.
For more information on the R-3 one-piece suit, visit the Aerostich website.
Wet hands can make a motorcycle ride not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. Aerostich’s Triple Digit Rain Glove Covers will keep your hands dry even in heavy rain.
They’re made of three layers of breathable and waterproof ripstop nylon and pack down small so you can always have them handy when needed. These gauntlets slide on over crash-protective gloves, and an elastic drawcord with a tethered cordlock keeps them in place.
The gloves also have Scotchlite reflective strips for hand signaling and a left thumb visor squeegee.
The Aerostich Triple Digit Rain Glove Covers are available in sizes M-XL in Black or Orange for $57 at the Aerostich website.
What better way to ring in the next riding season than with some new perfectly fitted Aerostich gear? This year, there will be three Aerostich Pop-Up events in Pleasanton, California, each lasting five days. The first starts Tuesday, March 21, and lasts through Saturday, March 25, open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 4515 Rosewood Dr. in Pleasanton.
At an Aerostich Pop-Up Event, you’ll be able to test out a wide variety of American-made Aerostich gear. With over 60 men’s and women’s graded sizes and hundreds of models and colors, you’ll have no shortage of options to find the gear that’s just right.
Attendees can browse through the event and try on whatever they see or schedule an appointment with a fitting expert. To schedule a fitting appointment, contact Rod Hafner at (715) 781-0939 or email [email protected].
Aside from high-quality jackets, pants, gloves, and boots, there will also be messenger bags, tank panniers, fleece layers, electric liners, and more motorcycle-related products to see.
Many products will be available for a cash-and-carry sale, in which Aerostich fitting experts will help you find the perfect fit and arrange custom alterations and colors.
There will also be prize drawings and in-store deals.
The next two Aerostich Pop-Up Events take place April 18-22 and May 16-20.
The Cousin Jeremy One Piece Motorcycle Suit from Aerostitch is made of 10-ounce waterproof waxed cotton that is breathable, protective, and comfortable. The fabric requires no break-in and forms to your body from first use.
Removable TF3 or TF6 armor is included in the shoulders, elbows, and knees, with an extra layer of waxed cotton in those areas for abrasion protection. A two-zipper entry system allows you to step into the suit and be ready to ride quickly, and the black nylon inner lining slips easily over your street clothes.
The suit includes 10 pockets (nine outer and one inner), underarm and back vents, an Ultrasuede collar, and adjustable tabs and zippers for a fine-tuned fit.
Available for $1,347 in Black or Brown in men’s sizes 34-54 short, regular, or long and women’s sizes 2-20 short, regular, or long. For more information, visit the Aerostich website.
