Go Light. Go Fast.

Giant Loop riders: Nevada Dual Sport Adventure - Locating Crashed WWII B24 Bomber

2012-05-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

These guys from eastern Washington were some of Giant Loop's earliest customers - and they're still rocking our original bolt-on saddlebags. Riding Through History - DualSport NV 2011. Locating the Crashed WWII B24 Bomber "Two KTM 530s adventure riding through Northern Nevada, locating the crash site of a WWII B24 Liberator Bomber, following the Applegate Trail, exploring abandoned mines . . . . Great Ride! See the Ride Report at PNWDS.COM"

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Giant Loop preview: Kodiak Panniers Showcased in Adventure Motorcycle & Dual Sport News Magazine

2012-05-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

ADVMoto magazine's May/June issue features "Adventure Innovation at the 2012 Indy Dealer Expo," a round-up of the editors' and writers' picks. Hats off to Adventure Motorcycle & Dual Sport News for showcasing Giant Loop's prototype Kodiak Panniers on CJ Designs' AWD KTM 950 Adventure. Can't wait to get a closer look? Stay tuned — and sign up for our email list, so you'll be the first to know when Giant Loop's alternative to hard panniers is ready to ship. -Ride light. Ride fast. "Giant Loop (top left) had an interesting pannier prototype on display at Indy. While their horseshoe-shaped luggage is usually used for short-term trips, the new 30-liter [per side] soft bags have been designed with long-term travel in mind. Like Giant Loop's other bags, they're made to work without a rear rack and will have a heat shield included to keep them from burning on your exhaust."

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Giant Loop Tip: Simple Quick Disconnect for Saddlebags

2012-05-18T11:08:00.002-07:00

Whitney Koeberle - rider, racer and Giant Loop Ambassador - illustrates the concept with parts from his garage. We recommend using a heavy-duty climbing-rated carabiner or stainless steel marine-grade hardware. To facilitate quicker mounting and dismounting of Giant Loop's Great Basin Saddlebag, Coyote Saddlebag and MoJavi Saddlebag, Whitney Koeberle - rider, racer and Giant Loop Ambassador - illustrates a simple quick-release system. We recommend using a heavy-duty climbing-rated carabiner or stainless steel marine-grade hardware. And we always recommend double and triple checking all straps and mount points every time before jumping on your bike. Whitney in action! "Instead of the key split-ring (what I had laying around) use a carabiner." "I used heavy duty zip ties around the frame, and only had one break due to interfering with the kick starter. Maybe a good use of your metal zip ties!" "Another tip is to put the strap through small diameter bicycle tube to protect the strap...

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Giant Loop riders: "Africa- The Return" Cape Town to Nairobi on Honda CRF450X

2012-05-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

Just got this email from Giant Loop rider Wayne, mid-journey in Africa on his Honda CRF450X rally bike with Buckin' Roll Tank Bag, Great Basin Saddlebag, Great Basin Dry Bag. "Hey kind folks, if you have time head on over to my blog to see your product working it’s way through Africa Big thumbs up to a brilliant product… Best Regards, Wayne" Follow his ride report on ADV Rider forum: Africa - The Return

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Giant Loop Review: Dirt Bike Magazine features MoJavi Saddlebag in Indy Dealer Expo Picks

2012-05-16T11:47:00.001-07:00

Dirt Bike Magazine's May issue features hot product picks from the Indy Dealer Expo show in February. "Great idea. Giant Loop has soft saddlebags that are made to go on dirt bikes. The MoJavi Saddlebag shown below was featured on CJ Designs custom AWD KTM 950 Adventure. Thanks Dirt Bike - and CJ Designs!

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Giant Loop customer question: Great Basin Saddlebag fitment on Yamaha Tenere XT660Z

2012-05-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebag on Yamaha Tenere XT660Z Australian Giant Loop rider Andrew recently asked us about saddlebag fitment on Yamaha's excellent thumper Tenere XT660Z, a bike not imported in the USA: "Hello, I am considering purchasing the great basin saddle bag, but would like to know if there are any fitting issues you are aware of when fitting to a 2011 Yamaha Tenere XT660Z, does it fit well, are they easy to take off and on in case I want to use it as a suitcase, can you give me a rough clothing article count that will fit in it? I already have the tank bag, it fits the bike well. Thanks" Lacking much direct experience fitting the Tenere XT660, we asked Giant Loop dealer Steve Smith of Adventure Moto in Australia to weigh in. Here's his reply: Hi Andrew, The Giant Loop is a great luggage solution for the XT660Z. Clubby from Trailzone has been riding with this setup on his XT660Z and XT1200Z for a couple of years now. On the last Tenere Tragics ride there were...

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Giant Loop Riders: Transiberica 2012 "Sardinia Extreme" Tour

2012-05-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

Inspiring photos and video from our friends in Spain. Sardinia looks simply amazing! Transiberica 2012 "Sardegna Extreme" is complete, and it looks like it lived up to its promise: Español: "Transiberica 2012. Más de 2.000 km off-road, un track RAID Off/Road rodeando toda la isla... esto promete emociones fuertes." English: "Transiberica 2012. More than 2,000 km off-road, track RAID Off Road encircling the entire island... This promises thrills." Rocky roads, high speed dirt, huge views, ancient ruins - all enjoyed on big adventure touring machines (BMW R1200GS, Yamaha Super Tenere). Thanks for embracing Giant Loop's "go light, go fast" style! For more, check out the Transiberica website and Facebook page.

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Giant Loop Riders: "Chasing Summer" Ep. 9 Video - Kendall Norman, Quinn Cody on Baja Adventure

2012-05-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

Quinn, Kendall and their MoJavi Saddlebags get lost in Baja fog in this episode of "Chasing Summer." "4X Baja champions Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody are now 2,000 miles into their trip through Baja. After waking up in the gorgeous Scorpian Bay with some relaxing stand-up paddle boarding, the boys head through the salt flats to the lush oasis of San Ignacio and then into the deep fog of Guerrero Negro."

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video: Dirt Illustrated's IMS Utah Adventure with Coyote Saddlebag on Kawasaki KLX250

2012-05-09T09:50:00.002-07:00

This is the companion video to the Dirt Illustrated magazine inaugural digital issue article "Dual Sport Adventures - On and Off the Road Again in St.George, Utah" feature. IMS outfitted the Kawasaki KLX250 with the Giant Loop Coyote Saddlebag to help make the light entry-level dual-sport bike more capable for longer and more demanding Adventure riding. For the whole story, see Dirt Illustrated magazines inaugural digital issue here. Also, check here for Giant Loop's previous review of the Dirt Illustrated feature. -Ride while you can-

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Giant Loop Earns "Best of the Northwest Award" from Sound Rider

2012-05-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

Sound Rider recently announced its "2012 Top Shop - Best of the Northwest Awards," and Giant Loop received a "Best of the Northwest" award for "Outstanding Customer Service, Innovation & Rider Inspiration." Thanks Giant Loop dealers and friends — many of them also landed "Top Shop" awards in both the "Dealer" and "Service" categories. You inspire us every day! Ride while you can! Ride West BMW in Seattle, Washington, is just one of several Giant Loop dealers to earn an award. From Sound Rider: "When Sound RIDER! began in 1999, there was little going on in the way of recognizing dealers in the Northwest. Local print motorcycle magazines were struggling, and outer media, such as weeklies and TV, were just getting on board with 'vote for us programs.'In response, we developed our Dealer Survey Awards program which ran all the way to 2010. That survey was much more meticulous, requiring riders to spend about five minutes on the questionnaire, covering everything...

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Giant Loop Ambassador Jeff Simpson Rides BMW GS Challenge on BMW G650GS Sertao

2012-05-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Giant Loop Ambassador Jeff Simpson recently rode to Gateway BMW & Husqvarna Motorcycle's 2012 GS Challenge at the Rouge Creek Adventure Camp in Pitosi, Missouri. A fun time for sure with social, group rides and skills/challenge course. Here's Jeff's report on the event: "What an awesome time and lots of interest for Giant Loop from customers/participants, media, and Rawhyde instructors! "Gateway's GS event was really great. It definitely helped having the bags on display in that environment so people could actually try them on their bikes. Adam from their parts dept said they've been selling alot of the bigger tank bags (Fandango Tank Bag), but hadn't really seen the need for Buck 'N Roll or Mojavi bags until this weekend, when customers wanted to order them after seeing them in person." "I spent quite a bit of time with the instructors from Rawhyde Adventures, and they were all very impressed with...

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Giant Loop - Adventure Life: RawHyde BMW Motorcycle Dealership Events Schedule

2012-05-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

If you're new to adventure riding - or if you're still young enough to learn new tricks - then check out one of RawHyde Adventure's ADV Life events at your local BMW motorcycle dealer. ADV Life is a new program designed to help adventure riders outfit their bikes, connect with simpatico folks to ride with and participate in fun riding events. RawHyde takes the Adventure Life on the road, with events at 17 BMW Motorcycle dealers this year. RawHyde Adventures Dealership Events 2012 Dealership Date Event BMW of Birmingham Friday, April 27, 2012 GS Lifestyle Presentations Carolina BMW Saturday, April 28, 2012 GS Lifestyle Presentations BMW of Asheville Tuesday, May 01, 2012 GS Lifestyle Presentations BMW of Charlotte Wednesday, May 02, 2012 GS Lifestyle Presentations Lone Star BMW Saturday, May 05, 2012 GS Lifestyle Clinics Gulf Coast BMW Sunday, May 06, 2012 GS Lifestyle Clinics Team Mancuso Powersports ...

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Giant Loop Riders: "Chasing Summer" Ep. 7 & 8 Videos - Kendall Norman, Quinn Cody on Baja Adventure

2012-05-02T08:23:00.002-07:00

For the past two years, Baja 1000 champs Quinn Cody and Kendall Norman have pre-ridden Baja with Giant Loop's MoJavi Saddlebag on their Honda CRF450Xs.Episode 7 starts off in sunny La Paz, Mexico as Baja 1000 champions Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody head off to the halfway point of their journey, Cabo San Lucas, guided by locals through the trails, trees and pristine white beaches. Continuing their ride into Episode 8, Quinn and Kendall battle horrific heat, make an appearance at a local school and head out for a long day of riding north, where they arrive just in time for an evening surf session. ‪Chasing Summer ‬: ‪Lands End - Episode 7‬"We start off in sunny La Paz, Mexico as Baja 1000 champions Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody head off to the halfway point — Cabo San Lucas guided by the locals through the trails, trees, and pristine white sand beaches. There cliff diving, partying, and fun times await them." ‪Chasing Summer : El Hombre - Episode 8 ‬ "In this episode of...

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Giant Loop Rider: Scotty Breauxman's Honda XR650R Media Bike - Mexican 1000

2012-05-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

The NORRA MEXICAN 1000, dubbed the "Happiest Race on Earth," is a unique, four-day on- and off-road rally through Baja - happening right now, April 28 - May 2, 2012. Scotty Breauxman's RDC had this 2002 HONDA XR650R purpose built by C&D Cycle Center in San Diego. Prepped specifically as a media rally bike for the General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000. Featuring Giant Loop's Buckin' Roll Tank Bag and MoJavi Saddlebag.Dubbed the "Happiest Race on Earth," the unique off-road rally was co-created be promoter Mike Pearlman in 2010. The one-of-a-kind, once-a-year, three-day rally includes vintage off-road vehicles and motorcycles, rally cars, a limited number of modern desert race cars and classes for prerunner trucks and buggies. Pearlmans late father Ed and others established the first running of the NORRA Mexican 1000 off-road rally in November of 1967, which eventually became internationally recognezed and evolved into the Baja 1000 in the mid-1970's. For 2012, the NORRA Mecican...

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Giant Loop Rider: Matt tackles Baja on Honda XR650 with Coyote Saddlebag

2012-04-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

Giant Loop rider Matt with some great photos and comments on the Coyote Saddlebag from his thousand mile Baja ride. Thanks Matt. Ride while you can. "I just did 1000.3 Baja miles over Easter weekend with the Coyote bag. The thing worked way better than I ever thought it would. It was so solid that I was riding almost as fast as I do without the bag. I really didn’t feel it behind me at all. I had a tent, sleeping bag, rope, clothes, 4 tubes, radio for my IPod, shoes and a bunch of other stuff and it all fit like a glove. "We are real riders too. We took 1st in the sportsman class for the Baja 1000 last year and 1st in the championship. The bag was worth every cent! I gave that bag a run for its money for sure…" "Here is one of me towing this big KLR off the beach with the coyote bag on the back 8 miles to town." "Thanks for making such a bad ass bag. I even pressure washed it when I got home and it was completely dry inside"

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Giant Loop Riders: "Chasing Summer, Ep. 6" Video - Kendall Norman,Quinn Cody on Baja Adventure

2012-04-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

On this section of Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody's 2800 mile journey through Baja with MoJavi Saddlebags the boys siphon some gas to make it to their home away from home - La Paz. There they are able to relax, hit the beach, and replace bald knobbies before heading off to the party capital. Round trip from California and Cabo San Lucas is 2,800 miles (4,506K) of dirt, sand, rugged terrain and unrestricted adventure. To catch up on Kendall and Quinn's adventure head over to YouTube/Redbull for more seriously fun videos.

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Giant Loop Rider: Steve Luker and friends in Tanzania with Giant Loop Saddlebags

2012-04-25T17:24:00.001-07:00

Steve, one of our original bolt-on Giant Loop Saddlebag customers, sharing some words about his recent riding adventure in Tanzania. Make sure to check out his post at ADVrider with great pic's and videos of riding through thorny bush tunnels in 90-degree heat and 100% humidity. Hi, A recent trip we did over Easter in central Tanzania. Four bikes, four GL bags of various vintage. My XR400 with 1st gen bag, two KTM's with 2nd gen and the KTM 450 with newest orange version.We have found on our many trips around Tanzania, the GL saddlebag is absolutely the best packing option. The bags fit snug, keep weight low down and don't slow us down on highspeed sections through the bush. They are so comfortable that the rider adapts very quickly and can keep up stupid speeds without wondering what his luggage is doing.We all use them because they work! Just need to upgrade mine as the openings are really small and fiddly to load through. Otherwise "Safi Kabisa" Steve Tanzania

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Austin Vince Roasts Adventure Touring at Giant Loop

2012-04-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Austin "The Real Way Round" Vince held court last night in the vacant space next to ours, sharing laughs, lessons from the road and his unique do-it-yourself spirit of adventure. About 65 of our local friends and customers joined - and I will not be surprised to hear that at least one of them was inspired by Austin to do an international motorcycle trip. If you get the chance to see him on tour, do it! He's making several more stops in the US, including Overland Expo.

FOR THE REST OF THE STORY, CLICK THE HEADLINE LINK. GiantLoopMoto.com.

Giant Loop riders: Men's Journal Discovers Adventure Motorcycle Touring in Colombia

2012-04-20T07:37:00.001-07:00

Men's Journal reporter Matthew Power takes a ride through Colombia on a BMW F800GS highlighting the countries beautiful landscape, friendly people and rich history. Tour operator Motolombia provides bikes, routes — and Giant Loop bags, of course. In the photos, a Giant Loop Fandango Tank Bag and a Great Basin Dry Bag. "In a country filled with two-wheelers, the BMW is a show-stopper, and friendly Colombians strike up conversations everywhere we go. Even the soldiers at checkpoints flash thumbs-up and wave us by. It's clear that a motorcycle is the key that unlocks Colombia for the traveler; the ideal conveyance to connect with the landscape and the culture." — Men's Journal, May 2012, "Adventure 2012" Yep, that's a yellow Giant Loop Great Basin Dry Bag strap on there, and a yellow Fandango Tank Bag.

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video: Giant Loop Rider Terry's Fandango Tank Bag fitted to BMW R1200GS

2012-04-19T12:50:00.002-07:00

Check out Terry's Fandango Tank Bag video, fitting it on his BMW F1200GS. His video shows well the Fandango's flip-to-fill feature and bomber Tank Bag Harness. Thanks Terry! Post some riding video when you get the chance! Giant Loop Fandango Tank Bag from Terry MacVey on Vimeo.

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Giant Loop Rider: More of Troy's trip from Texas to Tierrra Del Fuego on Suzuki DR650 with Great Basin Saddlebag + Dry Bag.

2012-04-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

A little more about Troy's great trip from Texas to Tierra Del Fuego using Giant Loop's Great Basin Saddlebag and Great Basin Dry Bag. Thanks go out to Troy for his testimonial to the durability of Giant Loop gear. Hi Harold, Dave and the Giant Loop Team, I just wanted to give you an update on my little adventure called Texas A La Tierra. In September I set out on my Suzuki DR650 from Austin, Texas, USA with the objective of riding to the end of the world Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina. I chose a Giant Loop Great Basin Saddlebag and Drybag as part of my kit. It is six months later and you will be happy to know that I made it and the Giant Loop kit made it too. Along the 13,000 miles I rode through sun, heat, cold, wind and rain over asphalt, gravel, dirt and sand passing mountains, deserts, beaches and cities. I hate to say that I laid my bike down once on asphalt and once on gravel. The good news is that my bike was barely scratched... and the Giant Loop...

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video: Giant Loop Rider Kim Trout with Great Basin Saddlebag and Fandango Tank Bag on BMW F800GS

2012-04-17T13:37:00.002-07:00

Join Kim Trout and Bill Whitacre as they ride into beautiful Leslie Gulch in eastern Oregon, about an hour-and-a-half from Boise, Idaho. Kim rocks the Great Basin Saddlebag and Fandango Tank Bag on his BMW F800GS. Also, check out Kim's great photos from the RawHyde's 2011 Continental Divide Ride.

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Giant Loop Rider: Colin Hammers 2k Baja Miles with MoJavi Saddlebag on Honda CRF450X

2012-04-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

Giant Loop rider Colin recently sent us this feedback about the MoJavi Saddlebag. Thanks Colin and friends for putting on the miles. Ride light. Ride fast. I want to thank you for producing such an outstanding product. I've used your Giant Loop on my CRF450X this year and have ridden about 2000 Baja miles with it and I am simply amazed at how well it is built and how well it performs. When riding, I can't even tell it is on the bike! All the weight that used to be on my shoulders is now securely stored in your product. My two riding partners also use your system and are as pleased as I am. Thanks again, Colin P.S. I don't like to "sticker up" my bike. However, I am proud to have your decal affixed to my front number plate. That's how impressed I am.

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4/24 Event: Giant Loop Presents UK Motorcycle Adventure Filmmaker Austin Vince

2012-04-12T17:16:00.001-07:00

UK filmmaker, motorcycle adventurer and world traveler Austin Vince is mad about his trusty Suzuki DR350Giant Loop presents "A Big Fat Thank You" featuring Austin Vince live in Bend Tuesday, April 24, 20127:30 pm GL Shop 63025 OB Riley Rd, #17 Space is limited, and we need a headcount pronto, so please sign up now. Please join us for a toast to celebrate you, our excellent Central Oregon friends, customers and supporters! Just $10, including tasty local microbrew! (Note: Proceeds go to Austin to help pay his travel costs.) Check out what Touratech USA has to say about Austin Vince's 2012 visit: "WARNING - Austin Vince is returning to Seattle. Hold on to your seats and brace yourself for an experience that can only be described as Austin. Part shock jock, part wild man, part DR 350 explorer, Austin will stun, humor, embarrass and insult you while your eyes tear up with laughter." "THIS SHOW IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. LEAVE YOUR KIDS AND MOTHER AT HOME FOR...

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Giant Loop Review: Dirt Illustrated Magazine features Coyote Saddlebag in "Dual Sport Adventures"

2012-04-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

Dirt Illustrated, Volume 1, Issue 1 - March 2012 Thanks to Dirt Illustrated magazine for including Giant Loop in its first digital issue's "Dual Sport Adventures - On and Off the Road Again in St. George, Utah" feature. Dirt Illustrated's editors asked IMS Products to outfit a Kawasaki KLX250 and Yamaha WR250 with "everything that they would recommend for anyone looking to make these entry-level dual sport bikes more capable for longer and more demanding Adventure riding." "IMS outfitted an easy to install Coyote Saddlebag by Giant Loop that made for great affordable storage." "The KLX250 had a set of Giant Loop Coyote Saddlebags ($329) for extra gear storage and carrying capacity on your dual sport bike, which are easy to install and don't require additional mounting hardware modifications." For the whole story, see Dirt Illustrated magazine's inaugural digital issue here.

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