Happy Trails SU Rack Review: Luggage Mounting System
For the past two years, I have been using Happy Trails’ SU rack to mount the Idaho company’s Sahara pannier bags to my 2011 Kawasaki KLR650.
Although Happy Trails no longer sells the Sahara bags, the SU (Structurally Unique) rack is designed to use with a variety of soft or hard luggage sets.
I bought these racks primarily for commuting duty, and they have easily fulfilled this role along with the occasional overnight trips. To date, the Happy Trails SU racks have remained stable and in place. Apart from the collection of road grime, they look brand new, despite benign neglect on my part.
Additionally, the racks improve the motorcycle’s rear subframe’s structural integrity by adding protection in case of tip-overs. Yes, unfortunately, I have tested this added support and happy to state this added feature has kept my KLR650 intact.
Mounting the Happy Trails SU racks to the KRL650 is a rather straightforward task. It does not involve disconnecting the blinkers’ electrical connectors, though the turn indicators do need to be removed to remount on the installed racks.
The rack’s rigid, one-piece construction makes installation easy—a nice side benefit to the design. When it comes time to mount luggage, you may have to purchase some additional adaptive hardware depending on the luggage brand.
One feature that I have yet to take advantage of is the inner tool plate with mounting slots on the left rack. The slots allow strapping on Happy Trails’ Cap-It! top bag, a small tool bag, or a PVC pipe section to carry basic tire tools and a spare tube.
Overall, the Happy Trails SU rack has proven to be a solid, reliable accessory, and I do plan to take advantage of the mounting feature next year.
Happy Trails SU Rack Fast Facts
- Weight: 11-12 pounds, including hardware, depending on the application
- Typical W x H x L dimensions: 10.5 x 18.5 x 13”
- Finish: Black powder coating
- Happy Trails SU Rack Price: $269 MSRP, including mounting hardware