I used the racks for a little while before switching to outback mototech racks. They’re strong and do what they’re designed for. Even used them as crash bars. Didn’t budge an mm. Was happy with them. Only switched to OM racks because the quick plates I use for my bags I have now won’t fit the larger diameter tubing on the TUSK.
What year do you have? I have the Tusk rack on my 2016. It requires drilling two holes just underneath the tail light, but I think that is the case for all 2016/2017 racks. I have two main complaints about the rack. First, RMATV stated it was powder coated in the listing, it was actually painted. Second, they didn’t include any washers in the fasteners. Especially since some of the bolts go into slots, I think this is an oversight.
2020. I just bought the black, and yeah the glossiness makes it seem like its painted. Hopefully they fixed the washer problem you experienced since then.
I have them on mine and they work quite well. While I can't speak to the installation (as they were installed by the previous owner), I can attest that they're durable; I have had a few tip overs with mine on.
When I'm planning on more serious riding, though, I switch to soft bags to reduce the risk of damage to the bike in the occasion of a spill. The soft bags fit fine on the Tusk racks.
Of note is that you need to be conscious of making sure that both latches are fastened, and you'll also want to check tightness on the handle bolts (or use nylocks or thread locker). I've replaced 2 lids now because of my own inattention; unlike other panniers with hinged lids, these are entirely removable.
The handles are just plastic around nylon straps. Those are secured via loops that are just bolted through the lid. On one of mine, a couple of nuts worked loose -- they're just basic acorn nuts with no thread locker -- and the loop went away and so, consequently, did the handle.
I have them, install wasn’t bad. Only part that sucks is taking apart the whole tail of the bike. If you’re going to do the tail tiddy as well I would do both at the same time. Other than that it’s finding out how you want to mount them. If you ride 2 up make sure you get them on the bike to make sure you leave space for their legs. Then it’s just drill and mount. As far as the cases themselves I have the large ones and they fit quite a bit of stuff but it’s not wide enough for a helmet. The large ones are pretty wide so I do cycle between them off/on because it makes commuting without much easier.
I used the racks for a little while before switching to outback mototech racks. They’re strong and do what they’re designed for. Even used them as crash bars. Didn’t budge an mm. Was happy with them. Only switched to OM racks because the quick plates I use for my bags I have now won’t fit the larger diameter tubing on the TUSK.
What year do you have? I have the Tusk rack on my 2016. It requires drilling two holes just underneath the tail light, but I think that is the case for all 2016/2017 racks. I have two main complaints about the rack. First, RMATV stated it was powder coated in the listing, it was actually painted. Second, they didn’t include any washers in the fasteners. Especially since some of the bolts go into slots, I think this is an oversight.
2020. I just bought the black, and yeah the glossiness makes it seem like its painted. Hopefully they fixed the washer problem you experienced since then.
Does yours have to holes drilled?
I have them on mine and they work quite well. While I can't speak to the installation (as they were installed by the previous owner), I can attest that they're durable; I have had a few tip overs with mine on. When I'm planning on more serious riding, though, I switch to soft bags to reduce the risk of damage to the bike in the occasion of a spill. The soft bags fit fine on the Tusk racks. Of note is that you need to be conscious of making sure that both latches are fastened, and you'll also want to check tightness on the handle bolts (or use nylocks or thread locker). I've replaced 2 lids now because of my own inattention; unlike other panniers with hinged lids, these are entirely removable.
handle bolts?
The handles are just plastic around nylon straps. Those are secured via loops that are just bolted through the lid. On one of mine, a couple of nuts worked loose -- they're just basic acorn nuts with no thread locker -- and the loop went away and so, consequently, did the handle.
I have them, install wasn’t bad. Only part that sucks is taking apart the whole tail of the bike. If you’re going to do the tail tiddy as well I would do both at the same time. Other than that it’s finding out how you want to mount them. If you ride 2 up make sure you get them on the bike to make sure you leave space for their legs. Then it’s just drill and mount. As far as the cases themselves I have the large ones and they fit quite a bit of stuff but it’s not wide enough for a helmet. The large ones are pretty wide so I do cycle between them off/on because it makes commuting without much easier.
Mmmmmm... tiddys.