PRODUCT REVIEW
CUSTOM METALWORK
I got on the phone to Ventura and got to speak
to the lead designer who, to my relief, said it
shouldn’t be too much of an issue to create a
one-off support bracket that would make it all
work. I took some detailed photos and within
three days I received a modified support bracket
in the post.
Can I just point out that this level of service
is above and beyond what anyone could
reasonably expect from any company. I had
a new, custom made bracket in my mail box
within three days. Outstanding.
The modified support bracket fitted straight on,
nice and easy. Next up was the interesting job of
removing the pillion foot pegs. Having been tight
as buggery since the date of manufacture and
sealed with some kind of Loctite. They required
soaking in lubricant for a few hours, and a good
quality hex key attached to a breaker bar.
Once removed, the bolts were swapped
out for the longer ones supplied, and the
J-brackets of the Ventura kit were bolted
in place under the pillion foot pegs.
With the bulk of the Ventura system now
installed, it was time to assemble the Evo rack,
which was easy enough with the step by step
instructions supplied. The design of the Evo rack
means that with a couple of adjustments you can
have four different location options depending
on where you want the weight of the pack on
your bike, making this one of the most versatile
rack options I have ever seen.
READY TO COMMUTE
Being an NZ-based company, the guys and gals
are definitely punching above their weight with
quality and service. The wide range of pack and
rack options means they have a solution for
almost any bike and rider. All installed, this rack
definitely scores highly for ease of installation.
The fact Ventura was able to knock me up a
custom bracket is above and beyond.
The install and design is reasonably stealthy,
I can remove the pack and keep the rack for
a more low profile look.
As a bike owner, I’m very happy with the
Ventura Evo rack and I’m looking forward
to my next road trip when I can put it to
proper use. Once I have some decent
kilometres on the rack and bag setup I’ll
let you know my thoughts.
62 KIWI RIDER