Anyone who spends any sort of time whatsoever on a motorcycle will very quickly come to appreciate the value of a good dry and sealed luggage bag. The very nature of motorcycle touring in South Africa ensures that a rider will either be exposed to dusty conditions, rain or a combination of both.
It makes sense then to ensure that you arrive with your important gear intact particularly if it comprises expensive and sensitive electronic items . Dry clothing is also an equally important imperative.
Even on short day trips, a dry bag should always be used to store such essentials as your wallet , laptop , camera and your car keys (which often have car alarm devices attached).
The range of Bags Connection waterproof bags have been designed in Germany specifically for rugged motorcycle applications . Made from superior TPU (vs. cheaper grade PVC) each product has a full IP 66 rating and has many biker specific features not found on off the shelf derivatives.
The waterpoof range of luggage includes:
(click on the visuals for more info)
DRYBAG DOLPHIN 17" LAPTOP BARRACUDA BACKPACK
HIP BAG NEMO
What is an IP 66 Rating?
The IP Code (or Ingress Protection Rating) consists of the letters IP followed by two digits . The first digit refers to the protection against SOLIDS while the second digit refers to protection against LIQUIDS.
All Bags Connection waterproof luggage systems fully fulfill IP 66 criteria:
- For SOLIDS (the first number) the rating of 6 (the highest possible under this classification) ensures the bags contents are protected completely from dust
- For LIQUIDS (the 2nd number) the rating of 6 ensures the bags contents are protected completely from powerful water jets.
Powerful water jets are defined in the code as : Water projected in powerful jets (12.5mm nozzle) against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.
What are the benefits of TPU(Thermoplastic polyurethane ) vs. PVC?
- excellent abrasion resistance
- outstanding low-temperature performance
- excellent mechanical properties, combined with a rubber-like elasticity
- high shear strength
- high elasticity
- good oil and grease resistance
- more environmentally friendly than PVC
Because of the combination of chemical resistance, toughness, abrasion and low temperature flexibility, design engineers and processors choose TPUs for their applications in severe or harsh environments, such as outdoor military equipment. Strong enough for the military and adventure bike touring.
Abrasion resistance
The abrasion resistance of materials is usually determined by measuring the weight loss of a specimen in a standardized wear test. Comparative results of such a test as depicted in the figure above, clearly show the superior abrasion resistance of TPU when compared to other materials, such as PVC.
TPUs outperform any other thermoplastic material available today.
Puncture and tear resistance
The strength and toughness of TPUs (Thermoplastic polyurethane ) result in extremely high puncture and tear resistance.
TPUs offer a long-term protection in the most demanding applications.
UV Resistance
Aliphatic TPUs show a superior stability to ultraviolet radiation and thus superior colour stability, while maintaining good mechanical properties.
Environment
PVC is dangerous when it's manufactured and when it burns. Large amounts of chlorine (66 percent of the world's chlorine supply) are required to manufacture PVC, with dioxin produced as a bi-product. There is currently no successful method of recycling PVC, a known carcinogen since 1966.
