Dryspec D20 Motorcycle Saddlebags- The Best Affordable Motorcycle Luggage Solution
It seems like adventure motorcycle riding has become increasingly popular in recent years, much like overlanding, “tacticool” shooting, and gravel cycling. In a sea of wildly expensive gear from brands like Mosko Moto or Touratech, it is refreshing to see brands like Dryspec offering a waterproof solution that is nearly universal and under $200! We have had a couple of years with the Dryspec D20 drybags and we wanted to give a comprehensive review of our time with the D20.
Subtle and Simple Appearance
When choosing luggage, we wanted luggage that looks good and doesn’t distract from the looks of the motorcycle. The Dryspec D20 drybags are subtle and simple and is available in black, orange, and silver although the orange has been out of stock for quite some time. The Dryspec logo is subtle and reflective for extra visitbilty on the road. The attachment points are simple and uncomplicated and there aren’t a lot of straps to flop in the wind. The inside of the D20 is bright orange and makes finding objects easy with the high contract background. The inside netted pocket is handy for storing odds and ends that bounce around.
100% Waterproof Construction
The Dryspec D20s are completely submersible, yes, completely submersible. The roll-top closure makes these bags extremely useful in heavy rain and even as a carry-around dry bag on a kayak or boat when not riding your bike. While I haven’t ridden much in the rain with this setup, I have trailered to a few events with the D20s mounted and everything inside was dry as a bone after sustained rains at 75 miles per hour.
The biggest difference between the Dryspec D20 and similarly priced luggage like the Tusk panniers is that the D20 offers a rigid internal liner/frame that allows the bags to keep their shape even when empty. The bags are easy to clean and you can even spray them out without fear of damage or mold.
Simple Mounting System
The mounting system is simple. It’s so simple that the Dryspec D20 can fit almost any bike. The mounting system is designed to be rackless, but with some help from my father-in-law Vic, we were able to mount them to the stock BMW F800GS rear luggage rack. The bags fit equally as solid on Rachael’s F650GS without a rack, but may require a heat shield for the “dual exhaust”. Keep track of all of the straps that come with the bags, you’ll never know when you want to change things up.
You have options for mounting including a velcro option for quick adjustments and detachment and a more rugged strap option that can handle harsher conditions. It might take a few adjustments, but once in place, the bags are stable and secure.
For $200, a set of Dryspec D20 panniers is hard to beat. They are confirmed 100% waterproof, easy enough to install, and offer protection for a ton of gear. The D20s are a challenge to mount the very first time, but after that, they should outlast your motorcycle.
Word on the street (and the fact that the D20 is marked down on the Dryspec site) is that there is a redesign in the works for this luggage system. Time will tell if the new Dryspec luggage system will be as robust as the first generation.
