A deeper look at the Mosko Moto 40L storage system
A few months ago, I wrote a first impressions piece on the Mosko Moto Reckless 40-liter luggage system. As I indicated then, I was impressed with the durability, versatility and the evidence it showed of the hands-on testing and design that has become typical of Mosko Moto gear. After using the storage solution this summer on- and off-road, I’ve found little that would keep me from recommending it for ADV riders.
“Bulletproof” may be an over-used adjective by moto writers, but in the case of the Reckless, it certainly applies. The “Bomber Hypalon” the harness and storage pockets are made of appears indestructible, and I would now judge the components good for the life of the user. The tough fabric used for the side sleeves was very stiff at first, but became more pliable with use over a couple months. The many buckles and straps are also quite brawny, and stainless bolts with nylock nuts hold the sections together. If the twin pairs of storage sleeves on the “legs” of the system were not protective enough, the two largest pockets come with heavy vinyl dry bags that slide in and offer even more security for your stuff, besides being completely water proof. The two sleeve dry bags do make it easier to consolidate your gear and carry it to the tent or motel room and feature a see-through window, so you can remind yourself what you’ve packed in there, a nice touch for someone with a poor excuse for a memory like me.
The Mosko Moto system includes an eight-liter, heavy vinyl stuff sack/tail bag called the Stinger. At first, I regarded it as kind of an afterthought, but after seeing how adaptable it is to different configurations, I use it all the time. The Stinger can be buckled under the Reckless’s Beaver Tail and doubly secured with big hook and loop patches or attached in other spots using Mosko Moto’s ubiquitous MOLLE panels and straps. When not on camping expeditions, I used the Stinger for short hops to hold jackets, rain gear or other essentials I would want to access easily, and as an added bonus the Stinger stows straps in a pocket that turn it into a backpack. That Beaver Tail worked as an ideal home for my Redverz Atacama tent, and it has an extension flap for buckling it in with a bedroll or pad.
The Reckless luggage was easy to attach to a BMW 310 and a Kawasaki Versys and fits nicely on the rear of the seat or luggage rack; I leave mine on all the time. I think it would work on just about any ADV bike, but Mosko Moto does make the Reckless also in an 80 liter size for longer treks, and it’s probably more suited to a 1250 GS. Heavy 3/8” padding is layered on inside all three sections of the Reckless harness to protect your bike’s seat and metal parts from any chafing, and since there are quite a few straps to secure gear on the Reckless, Mosko Moto has thoughtfully provided hook and loop “keepers” to keep them from flapping around.
One of the reasons I favored the Mosko Moto Reckless setup for carrying my gear was that no rack is needed. If you do drop the bike, the soft luggage just crushes in, nothing to get bent. Though the Reckless system runs more than $500 ($630 for the 40-liter version), to buy soft bags or hard bags with racks would cost you even more. For my uses, weekend camping outings or day trips, the 40L Reckless system held just about everything I needed. I’d recommend any rider shopping for luggage to take a look, and I have a feeling Noraly “Itchy Boots” Schoenmaker would agree!
